Locked On Hornets - Daily Podcast On The Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets are HEADED TO THE SUMMER LEAGUE PLAYOFFS for the first time ever—and Kon Knueppel’s poise and playmaking are a big reason why. Doug Branson welcomes David Walker back to recap a dominant win over the Spurs and spotlight Knueppel’s breakout performance, including a jaw-dropping behind-the-head pass that had fans wishing upon a star player. Is Knueppel already showing signs of...

On this episode of Locked On Hornets , Doug Branson flies solo and cracks open the Sicko Satchel to answer your most irrational Hornets questions. He kicks things off by picking the eight players he would protect in a hypothetical expansion draft, breaking down who’s untouchable, who’s cost-controlled, and who just barely makes the cut. From LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller to surprises like Grant W...

The culture in Charlotte is shifting—and Charles Lee is at the center of it. In a wide-ranging interview with the Charlotte Observer , Lee praises LaMelo Ball’s offseason work in the weight room and his vocal leadership growth.  Read the full interview: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/charlotte-hornets/article310476730.html We break down why LaMelo’s physical development could help him fi...

Kon Knueppel finally gave Hornets fans something to cheer about in Vegas. After a quiet and shaky Summer League debut, the No. 4 overall pick found his rhythm—highlighted by a dominant third quarter that showcased not just scoring, but true feel for the game. His court vision, defensive disruption, and decisive play silenced concerns and validated Charlotte’s faith in his potential. We break down...

It’s time for the return of Stang’n or Clang’n ! Doug and Walker break down everything from the Charlotte Hornets’ first two Summer League games, starting with the surprise standout: Liam McNeeley. The 29th overall pick played with poise and confidence, showing off shot-making, rebounding, and leadership that wasn’t on many scouting reports. But not everyone was stang’n. Fourth overall pick Kon Kn...

Zach Lowe has officially entered the chat—and he's just as puzzled and fascinated by the Charlotte Hornets’ roster as the rest of us. On today’s episode of Locked On Hornets , we unpack Lowe’s comments about the Hornets’ guard-heavy, center-light construction and explore whether Jeff Peterson’s rebuild is quietly genius or just noisy chaos. The conversation then shifts to sophomore forward Tidjane...

Big changes could be coming to Hornets broadcasts as Dell Curry is reportedly joining Amazon’s NBA coverage team. What does that mean for his future with the Hornets—and could it eventually lure Steph Curry into the national spotlight post-retirement? We break down how this might impact the most underrated broadcast duo in the league: Eric Collins and Dell Curry. Meanwhile, Doug and Walker tackle...

The Hornets’ win total is out — and Locked On Hornets is ready to make the call. Doug and Walker react to Charlotte's 25.5 over/under line and whether this new-look squad has what it takes to surpass expectations. Can Collin Sexton, Tre Mann, and Kon Knueppel bring the steady guard play LaMelo Ball needs? Is Brandon Miller ready to be a legit No. 2 option? And what should we expect if LaMelo doesn...

As Summer League tips off, we're looking back at the Charlotte Hornets’ pivotal offseason. From shrewd veteran trades to a draft that may define the franchise’s future, we rank the best and worst moves—starting with a clear winner: the Collin Sexton trade. Doug argues that Sexton gives Charlotte a legitimate scoring punch, bench stability, and signals a new level of seriousness in team-building. B...

The Hornets had a BUSY post-holiday stretch, signing veteran guard Spencer Dinwiddie and locking in all four of their 2024 NBA Draft picks—putting the roster well over the legal limit. Doug and Walker look at the impact of Dinwiddie’s one-year deal, praise the front office for handing out guaranteed contracts to second-round picks Sion James and Ryan Kalkbrenner, and try to predict who’s on the ch...

NBA free agency shakeups have reshaped the league landscape. But which moves will actually impact the standings? Nick Angstadt and a panel of NBA analysts break down the Houston Rockets' offseason spending spree, the Los Angeles Lakers landing DeAndre Ayton, and the Denver Nuggets' path to 60 wins. They debate which teams might sink to the bottom of the East and critique the New Orleans Pelicans'...

NOTE: This was taped live Tuesday night, details may have changed.  The Charlotte Hornets have officially signed Tre Mann to a three‑year, $24 million deal as the 2025 NBA free agency kicked off.  After averaging a career‑high 14.1 points, 3.0 assists and 2.9 rebounds over 13 games last season—before a herniated disc sidelined him—Mann is back in the Hornets’ backcourt alongside new addition Colli...

The Charlotte Hornets brought back Mason Plumlee on a one-year, $3 million deal—and fans are split on whether it’s a savvy depth move or another step backward. Doug and Walker dive into all the layers of the signing, from the nostalgia factor to the very real concerns about Plumlee's age and effectiveness. Is this front office serious about moving forward, or just treading familiar water? The cent...

Hornets fans are still buzzing after the team acquired Collin Sexton, and we’re here to unpack every angle of the deal. In this episode, we explore why this might be the most exciting “build-up” trade Charlotte has made in over a decade—and how it fits into Jeff Peterson’s new vision for the franchise. We weigh the pros and cons of starting Sexton next to LaMelo Ball and discuss whether Charles Le...

The Hornets did something—finally—and it was good. In this emergency episode, we break down Charlotte’s trade for Collin Sexton and a 2030 second-round pick in exchange for Yusuf Nurkic. Sexton brings juice to the backup point guard spot and a skillset the team hasn’t had since the Jeremy Lin days. But what does it mean for Tre Mann, who Jeff Peterson just called a “priority,” or for K.J. Simpson...

We dig into one of the smartest, most cohesive drafts we’ve seen from Charlotte in a long time. Kon Knueppel, Sion James, Ryan Kalkbrenner, Liam McNeely—it’s a group that actually makes sense together and fits what LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller need to take the next step. We break down how Knueppel’s IQ, passing, and shooting gravity could unlock the offense, why Sion James already looks like an...

The Charlotte Hornets' draft night was anything but quiet — and we've got all the reaction. Jeff Peterson was working the phones, but with no deal materializing to trade down, the Hornets locked in Kon Knueppel at #4. Hosts Walker Mehl, Doug Branson, and guest Nata Edwards debate whether Knueppel's high-IQ, footwork-heavy, two-way skill set justifies the pick, especially with more explosive player...

The 2025 NBA Draft is here and the Charlotte Hornets are the most mysterious team in the top 10. In this episode of Locked On Hornets, Walker and Doug lay out every possible scenario facing the Hornets at pick #4. Will Charlotte take VJ Edgecombe, the versatile two-way wing who fits their future, or gamble on upside with Kon Knueppel or Tre Johnson? And what if Philly shocks everyone by taking Edg...

The Charlotte Hornets are at the center of a growing NBA Draft storm. Reports suggest multiple top-5 prospects—including Ace Bailey, Tre Johnson, and VJ Edgecombe—have not worked out for the team, and rumors are swirling about Charlotte selecting Ace Bailey not to keep him, but to flip him in a post-draft deal. But is that strategy savvy... or straight-up reckless? Walker and Doug break down the l...

With the NBA Draft just days away, the rumors are reaching a boiling point—and this Locked On Hornets episode dives into one of the wildest yet: ESPN linking Jeremiah Fears to Charlotte at #4. Doug and Walker weigh the shocking possibility and debate how much smoke versus fire is coming from this late draft buzz. Could Fears really be the pick, or is this just a strategic smokescreen? The guys als...

After last year’s surprise selection of Tidjane Salaun, the Locked On Hornets crew is making sure they don’t miss another rising prospect. Doug and Walker dive deep into the Hornets’ draft “blind spots,” spotlighting under-discussed players like Carter Bryant, Collin Murray-Boyles, and Thomas Satoor. They explore how these names fit into a potential trade-back scenario that could land Charlotte mu...

NBA mock draft madness! Who's the top pick and where will they land? Nick Angstadt and the Locked On NBA Squad dive into a thrilling mock draft, exploring potential picks and blockbuster trades. From the 76ers eyeing Ace Bailey to the Heat chasing Kevin Durant, every move is dissected. The hosts debate Bradley Beal's impact on the Phoenix Suns and analyze the Magic's bold trade for Desmond Bane. W...

Why does Nata think Knueppel is a pair of Christmas socks on draft morning? And what makes Maluach a massive overreach at center when better options like Thomas Sorber are available later? Doug and Walker debate the Hornets’ direction — whether they need cornerstone players or connective tissue to support Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball. But the real drama? Ace Bailey’s draft stock is getting cloud...

In this episode of Locked On Hornets , Walker and Doug tackle the Hornets' increasingly complex draft strategy just one week out from the big night. Could Charlotte move up to secure a star like Dylan Harper? Could they slide back to grab a wing/creator like Kon Knueppel or Kasparas Jakucionis? The guys break down reports from Jake Fischer and FanDuel odds that continue to tie VJ Edgecombe to Char...

Doug Branson and Walker Mehl dive into the latest draft buzz surrounding the Charlotte Hornets, sparked by Matt Moore’s intel that VJ Edgecombe could go to Philadelphia at #3. If that happens, the Hornets might trade back from #4—potentially with Washington—and find themselves choosing between Kon Knueppel, Tre Johnson, or even Kasparas Jakucionis. The hosts dissect mock drafts, evaluate rising an...