Is there a competition for the starting center spot? Looking at the Hornets' centers

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  Sports and Competition on Mon, Oct 13th, 2025 by Sports Illustrated

The Charlotte Hornets have found themselves in a somewhat unusual situation regarding the center position for the 2024‑25 NBA season. With the departure of their long‑time anchor, the team has opened the door for a small, competitive group of players to vie for the starting spot—an opportunity that has generated buzz among analysts, front‑office insiders, and the fan base alike.

At the center of this debate are three main candidates: Jeremiah Robinson‑Brown, Moses Brown, and Khalif Wyatt. Each brings a distinct skill set and a different projected role to the Hornets’ frontcourt. The article highlights how these players’ individual strengths could shape the Hornets’ lineup, while also underscoring the strategic considerations that coach Dean Smith and the front office must weigh as they finalize their roster.

Jeremiah Robinson‑Brown – The Proven Veteran

Robinson‑Brown is a 6‑10, 242‑lb center who has already proven himself as a reliable presence on both ends of the floor. The former Los Angeles Clippers player has shown a consistent ability to stretch the floor with his mid‑range game, protect the rim in transition, and deliver solid rebounding numbers. In the past two seasons, he has averaged 11.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game—numbers that align with the Hornets’ need for a defensive anchor.

The article notes that Robinson‑Brown’s experience in high‑pressure situations could be invaluable as Charlotte transitions into a rebuilding phase. “He’s the kind of player who can stay calm in the post and make those plays that give a young team confidence,” one insider quoted in the piece said. The veteran’s size also lends itself to a flexible defensive scheme, allowing the Hornets to switch between man‑to‑man and zone more seamlessly.

Moses Brown – The Upside of a Young Prospect

Moses Brown, the 2023 first‑round pick from the University of Virginia, is a 6‑9, 230‑lb power forward/center known for his athleticism and potential. Brown’s game has been described as a mix of traditional post work and an emerging outside shooting range. He has posted a 3‑point percentage of 31.2% in his rookie season, a figure that suggests he could become a stretch‑center in the Hornets’ system.

The article emphasizes Brown’s upside, particularly his upside as a developmental project. He has already shown flashes of defensive versatility and a knack for guarding multiple positions on the floor. If the Hornets decide to lean into a more fast‑break, transition‑heavy approach, Brown’s athleticism could be a match‑making advantage. “Moses is a gamble, but the risk is worth the potential reward,” the piece notes, referencing comments from the team’s player development staff.

Khalif Wyatt – The Defensive Anchor

Khalif Wyatt is perhaps the most defensively minded of the trio, with a 6‑7, 225‑lb frame that makes him an ideal rim‑protector. His stat line from the last season includes a league‑best 1.9 blocks per game and a .476 defensive rating when playing significant minutes. Wyatt’s defensive prowess has earned him a reputation as a reliable “shutdown” presence in critical moments.

According to the article, the Hornets have long sought a center who can anchor the defense, especially as the team’s offensive scheme becomes more perimeter‑centric. Wyatt’s ability to alter shots and secure second‑chance rebounds positions him as a natural fit. “If Charlotte wants a defense‑first lineup, Khalif is the man to do that,” one analyst is quoted saying.

Strategic Considerations for the Front Office

The article goes on to explain how the Hornets’ front office is likely to approach this competition. With a focus on building around younger talents like Trevor Ariza, the front office must balance experience, potential, and salary cap implications. The veteran salary of Robinson‑Brown, the rookie contract of Moses Brown, and the contract flexibility offered by Wyatt are all part of a delicate equation.

In addition, the article links to a separate SI piece that explores Charlotte’s “backcourt battle” and discusses how the presence of a solid center could impact the rotation of guards such as Tre Brown and the developing point guard. That article provides context on how a strong interior presence can allow the Hornets’ backcourt to spread the floor and take more shots from the perimeter, potentially improving the team’s overall offensive efficiency.

What the Future Looks Like

The article concludes that the Hornets’ center position is far from settled, but each of the three candidates offers a compelling case. Robinson‑Brown’s veteran presence, Moses Brown’s upside, and Khalif Wyatt’s defensive reliability each address different aspects of what Charlotte needs as it moves forward.

Ultimately, the decision will hinge on how the Hornets’ coaching staff envisions their style of play, the long‑term trajectory of the franchise, and how they weigh immediate needs against future potential. Whether they lean toward a seasoned veteran, a high‑upside rookie, or a defensive stalwart, the competition for the center spot underscores a broader narrative: the Hornets’ commitment to building a balanced, competitive roster in a highly dynamic NBA landscape.