Buzz Beat: A Charlotte Hornets Pod

In the latest, James invites Jeremy Grandison to reflect on some lessons learned in this 5-2 homestand. They break down the critical need for situational awareness, discipline in fouling, and the importance of managing expectations. The two end the conversation about tanking measures that the NBA is trying to put in place.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episod...

In this episode, we chat with Tosan Evbuomwan of the Greensboro Swarm. Evbuomwan shares his journey from Newcastle to professional basketball, details his development focus, and offers insights into his team's culture and the growing sport in the UK.   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, Brian, Matt, and James focus on LaMelo Ball’s recent performance, defensive improvements, and offensive evolution this season. They analyze his season and whether he’s worthy of an All-NBA Third Team selection. The four also spotlight the recent success of Coby White and Ryan Kalkbrenner. Lastly, they discuss some of the remaining prospects in the NCAA Tournament.   Be sure to check o...

On the night Dell Curry’s number 30 is retired, Richie recaps the convincing win by the Hornets over Orlando. He highlights the lack of offensive punch from the Magic while looking at the top performers from the Hornets. He ends the episode on a listener question about team needs in the offseason.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in th...

In this episode, James discusses recent Hornets games, standings, injuries, and the Rookie of the Year race. He makes the case that Kon Knueppel should be the clear-cut favorite to win the award.     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, including hats, shirts, a...

Matt goes solo to tie a bow on the Terry Rozier trade saga and recap the recent loss to the Phoenix Suns. To conclude, we are posting a snippet of a Buzz Beat+ episode from last week where XJ joined Richie to discuss LaMelo’s overriding impact despite inefficient shooting.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Substack chat, written...

Richie, Brian, and James discuss Coby White’s early impact in a Hornets uniform. The three chat about White’s downhill pressure, his ability to run a second unit, and where he can improve in the coming weeks. In the final segment, the crew looks at where opponents can exploit Charlotte’s weaknesses as the team approaches the end of the season.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free...

In this postgame edition, Richie recaps the convincing win by the Hornets against the Pacers. He looks at the three-point shooting onslaught, key player performances, and pinpoints team trends from this game.   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, including hats...

James, Brian, and Matt break down what the Hornets learned during the recent suspension stretch and whether it revealed hidden strengths or exposed deeper concerns. The crew dives into where they think Charlotte realistically finishes, which matchups look favorable, and which teams they should hope to avoid.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A ses...

Richie and Matt answer questions about the Hornets as they head into the final third of the season. The two debate the advantages of having a guaranteed playoff spot or obtaining a top-3 pick. Plus, they dissect the defensive leap, predict the playoff rotation, and identify if it makes sense to look at buyout options.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q...

Richie recaps the emotionally charged game between the Hornets and Pistons. He covers the brawl, the impending suspensions of four players, the game’s highlights, and how the team will respond. Ending on a high note, he shares some storylines from Charlotte’s last 10 games.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Substack chat, written...

James and Matt recap all the dealings that went down for the Hornets in the trade deadline period. The two discuss the newcomers, the team’s direction, and how the Hornets will finish down the stretch of the season. Read Richie's written piece about the newcomers    Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Substack chat, written content,...

🚨 EMERGENCY POD | Richie and Darian react to the Hornets acquiring Coby White from the Bulls. The two discuss the implications of the trade, what you will get from White on the court, and the push for the playoffs. The two also chat about the departure of Collin Sexton.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Substack chat, written co...

Richie, Brian, James, and Matt celebrate the Hornets’ recent success, focusing on their seven-game winning streak. They power rank the reasons that have led to this success. These include the impact of Moussa Diabaté, the maturity of the roster, and the offensive synergy and gravity of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Kon Knueppel.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusi...

Richie and James dive into the impressive victory over the 76ers and the approaching trade deadline. They share valuable insights into team dynamics and the shifting strategies the organization will use to navigate trade talks before February 5. Latest Film Findings Video: Kalkbrenner's Corner Threat     Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions...

Richie discusses the recent games against Cleveland and Orlando. He emphasizes the importance of managing LaMelo Ball's minutes and the debate on back-to-back rotations. Richie also recaps the bounce-back win over the Magic, highlighting key strategies and player contributions.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Substack chat, wri...

Richie, Brian, and Matt recap the 3-2 West Coast trip and highlight the positive performances. The three discuss the defensive strategy vs. Curry, the impressive play of Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball, and spotlight the team's offensive firepower in recent games. The episode ends on a segment where they rank the top three most likely Hornets to be traded.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus...

Jaylen Sims of the Greensboro Swarm joins James for an interview. Sims reflects on his basketball journey, his work ethic, the importance of film study, and the growth of the Swarm organization.   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, including hats, shirts, and...

Richie, Brian, and James discuss the Charlotte Hornets’ recent up-and-down performances and the return of Grant Williams. The conversation culminates in a fun segment where they draft micro-skills from the Hornets roster.   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...

Join us for an interview with Charlotte Hornets' new big man, PJ Hall. PJ shares insights from his first five games with the Hornets, his experiences guarding NBA stars like Giannis, and his journey from Summer League to the NBA.   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 ap...

Brian and James return to discuss Charlotte’s defense and who’s most to blame. The two examine the personnel, coaching, and luck, then evaluate where responsibility falls in each category. READ: Volume 3 of The Hive Five   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, in...

Richie provides a detailed recap of the Hornets game against the Bucks. He highlights key moments, Charlotte’s second-half struggles, and individual player evaluations. The final segment hands out New Year's resolutions for Hornets players, aiming for realistic improvements in their game.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Substac...

Richie dives into the Hornets' impressive 120-105 victory over the Orlando Magic. Charlotte got good performances from Knueppel, Salaün, and Diabaté. Richie also discusses Kon Knueppel’s unfortunate ankle injury and its potential impact on the team.   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 and Matt recap the back-and-forth game between the Hornets and the Cavaliers on Peacock. The two dissect the team’s turnovers and highlight the play of several Hornets’ players, including Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball, Tidjane Salaün, and Moussa Diabaté. They finish on a listener's question about consolidating draft picks.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive e...

Brian and Matt break down the Hornets’ recent play and discuss the unofficial start of the NBA trade season. They discuss Brandon Miller’s development, his fit alongside Kon Knueppel, and whether any early concerns are worth monitoring. The conversation shifts to how the Hornets may approach the market and which names could surface in trade talks.   Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-...