After falling just one game short of the postseason last year, the Charlotte Hornets still hold the longest current playoff drought in the NBA, which spans back to the 2015-16 season. However, in four offseason trades, the Hornets added plenty of playoff experience.
Between the trio of Pat Connaughton, Grant Williams and Coby White, they've combined for 152 games of playoff experience. That said, four of their main additions have an abundance of playoff minutes as well. Charlotte's most recent addition, Dennis Schroder, has appeared in 91 career playoff games. Veteran wing Royce O'Neale has played in 52 playoff games. Naz Reid has played in 48 playoff contests while Grayson Allen has suited up in 28. Lastly, 3-and-D wing Dorian Finney-Smith has played in 44 postseason matchups as well.
Not only will this added experience aid the Hornets in pursuit of the postseason, but these veterans will also be able to mentor Charlotte's young core headlined by Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel that has yet to reach the playoffs.
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#playoff #basketbaltes #well

The Golden State Warriors finally moved on from Jonathan **** inga at last February's trade deadline, sending him and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porzingis. Unfortunately for the Warriors, Porzingis wasn't very healthy during his first season with the team. However, in 15 appearances, he did average 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 **** ists, 1.1 blocks and 0.6 steals. This summer, the Latvian big man agreed to a two-year extension to remain in the Bay Area.
With Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody injured to begin the 2026-27 season, Golden State fans will be hopeful for Porzingis to step up as a secondary scorer along with Brandin Podziemski and recent No. 11 overall pick Yaxel Lendeborg. Having averaged 18 points per game or more in eight of his 10 NBA seasons, Porzingis is a more than capable scorer when healthy.
Prior to his first full season with the Warriors, take a look at his highlights from last year.
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#last #healthy #first

Recent Hornets trade acquisition Dennis Schroder spoke about joining Charlotte this offseason as the 2026-27 season approaches. Although the Cavaliers and Hornets just finalized the deal last week, it had been in the works for a long time, as Cleveland had been aiming to free up cap ******* e.
Officially, Schroder was dealt to the Hornets along with $4 million for Tre Mann, Charlotte's backup point guard. For Schroder, the move continues what has been a well-traveled career for the German international. ******* uming he suits up with the Hornets, Schroder will have played for 12 different franchises in 14 NBA seasons. Additionally, Schroder is the second-most traded player in NBA history, having been dealt nine times.
Following the move, Schroder opened up about his new fit and his time with the Cavaliers, saying, "I've known for a month (about the trade). I think it's a better situation for me because I can play the way I normally play. (Behind James Harden and Donovan Mitchell) you somehow have to be effective in a different way, an extremely difficult role."
Behind Coby White, Schroder will provide plenty of experience as a backup. He'll also be able to continue mentoring two of his current German national teammates, rookies Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson Jr.
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#schroder #cavaliers #dealt #move

After playing just six games a season ago, De'Anthony Melton had a much healthier campaign during the 2025-26 season, making 49 appearances. In those games, Melton posted a career-high 12.3 points per game to go along with 3.2 rebounds, 2.6 ****** ists, 1.6 steals and 0.4 blocks. However, Melton's 3-point shooting numbers were uncharacteristically low, converting on less than 30% of his attempts despite a career average of more than 35%.
Even still, Melton's defensive impact is what made him special, causing opposing teams havoc on the perimeter. So much so that Melton was recognized by NBA 2K27 for being one of the league's best pickpockets. With Stephen Curry fully healthy and back in the fold, Golden State will rely on Melton off the bench for defense, 3-point shooting and secondary shot creation.
Check out his highlights from the 2025-26 season.
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#check #Career

Jabari Smith Jr. was once again an important piece for the Houston Rockets in his fourth NBA season, becoming a formidable rotation piece alongside the trio of Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson. Last season, the former Auburn Tiger averaged a career-high mark of 15.8 points to go along with 6.9 rebounds, 1.9 ******* ists, 0.7 steals and 0.9 blocks. Smith Jr. remained efficient from 3-point range once again, tying a career-best 36.3% mark from long range. Smith Jr. knocked down 177 triples in total, a career-high, and 79 more than he converted on a season ago.
Ahead of the 2026-27 season, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka will hope to rely on Smith Jr. for more of the same. With Fred VanVleet back into the fold along with free agent addition Marcus Smart, Smith Jr. should have no shortage of open looks from the perimeter.
Take a look at every made 3-pointer for Smith Jr. during the 2025-26 season.
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#mark