Charlotte Hornets Opened Training Camp

The Hornets held media day in Charlotte before traveling to Charleston for the start of training camp.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Basketball

Expressive sports illustration of a Charlotte Hornets player dribbling a basketball on a court, capturing dynamic movement in team teal and white. — The Charlotte Hornets have begun their annual training camp in Charleston, focusing on roster integration and physical conditioning for the upcoming NBA season. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Charlotte Hornets held their annual media day at Spectrum Center to prepare for the upcoming season. The team has since moved to Charleston to begin their official training camp schedule.

Why it matters

Media day and training camp serve as critical periods for roster integration and physical conditioning ahead of the preseason. These events allow the team to finalize strategies and build chemistry with new acquisitions.

A group of 11 or 12 players participated in organized off-season workouts in Miami during the summer. Kon Knueppel is currently working through physical rehabilitation and basketball drills following his hamstring injury.

The players

Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets are a professional basketball team that competes in the National Basketball Association.

Kon Knueppel

Kon Knueppel is a player for the Charlotte Hornets currently recovering from a hamstring injury.

Naz Reid

Naz Reid is a professional basketball player who joined the Charlotte Hornets via trade during the 2026 offseason.

The details

Kon Knueppel sustained a hamstring injury on September 9, 2026, and is actively progressing through his recovery plan. The team also integrated new addition Naz Reid, who joined the organization via trade this past summer.

September 9, 2026: Kon Knueppel suffered a hamstring injury.
September 28, 2026: The Charlotte Hornets held media day.
September 29 to October 2, 2026: Training camp took place in Charleston.
October 6, 2026: The team begins preseason play.

Season Trajectory

The transition to training camp follows a pattern set by the NBA preseason calendar. This period is vital for establishing the rotation and evaluating players like Kon Knueppel before the first regular season game against the Brooklyn Nets on October 21.

The team's performance throughout training camp will dictate the rotation heading into the October 6 preseason opener. Fans should monitor injury reports for Kon Knueppel, as his availability impacts the team's depth and versatility on the court.

The takeaway

Successful training camps are defined by the health of key roster members and the ability to integrate new trade acquisitions. Players and staff use this time to establish the baseline performance levels required for a successful season.

What happens next

The Charlotte Hornets are scheduled to begin preseason play on October 6, 2026, and will face the Brooklyn Nets in their first regular season game on October 21, 2026.