The Charlotte Hornets played their final preseason game Friday night in Memphis against the Grizzlies, looking to improve to 2-2. Unfortunately for Hornets fans, that wouldn't be the case, as the Grizzlies took advantage of Charlotte's mistakes, capitalizing to earn a 19-point victory (117-98).
Recent No. 14 overall pick Hannes Steinbach led the Hornets in scoring off the bench, finishing with 19 points, 10 rebounds and three steals on 7-for-9 shooting from the field. Only three more Hornets players finished in double figures, those being Brandon Miller, Naz Reid and another rookie, Christian Anderson Jr. For Memphis, it was Ty Jerome and Cameron Boozer who set the pace, combining for 36 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. With Charlotte's preseason now complete, here are three takeaways to take note of as the 2026-27 season nears.
3. Tidjane Salaun is here to stay
Prior to the game, the Hornets trimmed their roster to 15 players, officially waiving former NBA champion Pat Connaughton. While many believed the final roster spot was a toss-up between Connaughton and Tidjane Salaun, the Frenchman ultimately remained. Still 21 years old, the former No. 4 overall pick has time to prove Charlotte right in their original investment.
2. Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers
With 24 more turnovers Friday against the Grizzlies, the Hornets have now committed 93 in a span of four preseason games. While it is true that Charlotte has been without multiple starters (Coby White and Kon Knueppel), these numbers are concerning to say the least. Against Memphis, the Hornets' starting lineup accounted for 14 of 24 turnovers, with Naz Reid leading the team with five giveaways.
1. Fans should prepare themselves for a slow start
After four preseason games, it feels as though the Hornets still have some things to figure out. Apart from turnovers, chemistry may be the biggest factor. Not only did the Hornets bring in six new players (Reid, Allen, O'Neale, Schroder, Steinbach and Anderson Jr.), but Charlotte has also been without Coby White, Kon Knueppel and Grant Williams for the entire preseason. Considering these factors, it's reasonable to assume that this group will need some time to sync up once the roster becomes fully healthy.
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This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: 3 things from Charlotte's preseason defeat against Memphis