Buzz Beat: A Charlotte Hornets Pod

Richie , Brian , and James return to discuss the chain reactions from all the recent Hornets moves. The three cover the latest trade involving Dorian Finney-Smith, whether this offseason is leading to a Brandon Miller extension, and which players are likely to miss the final roster. The episode ends with a brief segment on the NBA Summer League roster.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus fo...

Gordon Hayward joins Richie for a two-part interview. In Part 2 , Hayward discusses his recruitment to Butler, the Jazz matching Charlotte’s offer sheet in 2014, rehabbing major injuries, his career with the Charlotte Hornets (2020-2024), and shares his thoughts on Kon Knueppel’s potential.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Subst...

Gordon Hayward joins Richie for a two-part interview. In Part 1 , Hayward shares about his upbringing, his parents’ influence on his success as a student and athlete, the importance of his relationship with Joe Mazzulla, and his conversion to the Catholic church. Special Offer [EXPIRES AT 11:59 PM] 20% off an Annual Subscription to Buzz Beat Plus Contact the Catholic Speakers Organization to book...

Richie, Matt, and James analyze the trade that sent Miles Bridges to Phoenix. The three look at the on-court ramifications, the unprotected 2033 first-round pick returning to Charlotte, and how the roster is taking shape.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Substack chat, written content, and much more. We have Buzz Beat apparel, i...

Richie and James return to break down the re-signing of Coby White and put a bow on the trading of LaMelo Ball. The two look at these interconnected transactions and how they will affect the Hornets' future dealings as we head into free agency.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Substack chat, written content, and much more. We ha...

🚨 EMERGENCY POD | LaMelo Ball is traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Richie, Matt, and James break down the trade and the pros and cons of the return. The three also look at how this affects the team moving forward.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Substack chat, written content, and much more. We have Buzz Beat apparel, incl...

The crew analyzes the selection of Hannes Steinbach from the University of Washington and Christian Anderson Jr. from Texas Tech University. James, Brian, Matt, and Darian debate Steinbach’s true position and if he will see rotational minutes come October. They are also cautiously optimistic about the Anderson Jr. pick and offer pros and cons of his selection. Live Reaction Podcast   Be sure...

NBA.com and Hoops HQ’s Krysten Peek joins the show to discuss the Hornets’ draft outlook, including Charlotte’s evolving reputation across the league, the age debate in prospect evaluation, potential trade-up scenarios, and which top prospect could fall to No. 14. We also revisit the early Tidjane Salaün connection and share our final predictions for picks 14 and 18.   Be sure to check out Bu...

Brian and Matt step into the Hornets’ front office, while James takes on the roles of the league’s other 29 teams and player agents throughout the negotiation process. The trio works through every stage of the offseason, including the NBA Draft, free agency, trade discussions, and veteran extension negotiations, to shape Charlotte’s path forward for 2026.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus...

Brian and Darian break down five NBA prospects at the center position. The two discuss the strengths, weaknesses, and team fit, while also revealing how strongly they’d covet each prospect. The players discussed on this episode are Chris Cenac, Hannes Steinbach, Jayden Quaintance, Aday Mara, and Morez Johnson.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A s...

Richie moderates a debate between Brian, Matt, and James on some polarizing topics concerning the Hornets’ upcoming draft. The three share their thoughts on consolidating picks, avoiding guards in the draft, Morez Johnson Jr., and much more.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Substack chat, written content, and much more. We have...

James and Darian break down three NBA prospects at the guard position. The two discuss the strengths, weaknesses, and team fit, while also revealing how strongly they’d covet each prospect. The players discussed on this episode are Labaron Philon Jr., Ebuka Okorie, and Bennett Stirtz.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Substack ch...

Richie and Brian return to grade Brandon Miller and Tidjane Salaün’s seasons. They look at their strengths on both ends of the court, their drawbacks, and hand out a letter grade. Special Offer: Buzz  Beat Plus ($12 off an annual subscription)   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Substack chat, written content, and much more. We hav...

Matt and James break down four NBA prospects at the wing position. The two discuss the strengths, weaknesses, and team fit, while also revealing how strongly they’d covet each prospect. The players discussed on this episode are Brayden Burries, Dailyn Swain, and Cameron Carr.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Substack chat, writt...

Brian and James break down four NBA prospects at the forward position. The two discuss the strengths, weaknesses, and team fit, while also revealing how strongly they’d covet each prospect. The players discussed on this episode are Yaxel Lendeborg, Nate Ament, Karim López, and Koa Peat.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Substack...

Matt and James recap the NBA Combine with their final thoughts on some of the prospects in Charlotte’s range, including Koa Peat, Cam Carr, and Morez Johnson. The two talk about how much sway the results of these workouts have on their overall big board. Finally, they pit two prospects against each other and debate their preferred selection.     Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free...

Brian and James recap the NBA Lottery and how the results could affect the Hornets. The two also review the NBA Combine measurements, both positive and negative. To wrap up, James participates in a mock draft leading up to the Hornets’ 14th pick.       Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Substack chat, written content, and much more....

Richie reflects on the 2025-26 season and hands out grades to Ryan Kalkbrenner, Josh Green, and Coby White. He considers the strengths, weaknesses, preseason expectations, and role when evaluating the player’s impact.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Substack chat, written content, and much more. We have Buzz Beat apparel, inclu...

Brian and James return to kick off the NBA Draft season. The two chat about the lottery and its implications, a consensus “big board” among the hosts, and the qualities that Charlotte’s front office values in prospects.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Substack chat, written content, and much more. We have Buzz Beat apparel, inc...

Richie, Brian, and Matt reflect and hand out awards for the 2025-26 season. After compiling votes from all the co-hosts, this episode reveals the top-3 nominees and winners in the following categories: Win of the Year Loss of the Year MVP Worst Take Offensive Play Defensive Play Dunk of the Year   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the...

Matt invites Jeremy Grandison to reflect on the end of the Hornets’ season. The two look back on the blowout loss to the Magic, the key questions heading into the offseason, and the strategic moves Jeff Peterson needs to make moving forward.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Substack chat, written content, and much more. We have...

James discusses the win over the Miami Heat, highlighting key performances and the controversial moment between Ball and Adebayo. In the final segment, Philip Rossman-Reich joins to preview the Orlando Magic. The senior writer at Orlando Magic Daily shares his thoughts on the Magic’s recent play, a potential coaching change, and a prediction for Friday night’s game.   Be sure to check out Buz...

Richie , Brian , and Darian react to the thrilling overtime win over the Heat in the first play-in game. The three discuss the cold three-point shooting, the rebounding battle, and playing against Miami's pace. They also highlight individual performances and debate if Charlotte would rather face Orlando or Philadelphia in Friday’s game.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and ex...

James invites Wes Goldberg of the Locked On Heat to preview the 9 vs. 10 matchup. Wes provides insight into the opposing team, one the Hornets have struggled to beat in postseason basketball. Will the Hornets move on in the Play-In Tournament?     Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Substack chat, written content, and much more. We h...

Richie , Brian , and Matt return for the final regular season episode of 2025-26. The three spotlight Charlotte’s 4-0 week, dissect Coby White’s importance, Miles Bridges’ post-ups, and LaMelo’s hot play. It ends with a discussion on whether the Hornets would prefer Boston or Detroit in a potential first-round matchup.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes,...