Locked On Hornets - Daily Podcast On The Charlotte Hornets

On today's show, we ring in the New Year with a special "Buzz Level" prediction game for the Charlotte Hornets in 2026. We start with "Barely Buzzed" high-confidence takes, discussing why Brandon Miller signing a rookie max extension feels inevitable after his recent star performances. We also evaluate the chances of multiple Hornets rookies, including Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner, making All...

On today's show, we recap a tough loss to the Milwaukee Bucks that saw Brandon Miller shine with 31 points while LaMelo Ball struggled with turnovers. The biggest story, however, was Miles Bridges leaving the game with an ankle injury. We provide the latest updates on his status and share some unexpectedly good news regarding Kon Knueppel's potential return to the lineup. Later, we explore why the...

We are breathing a massive sigh of relief regarding Kon Knueppel's health status. Doug Branson is joined by Evan Hale of Hail Storm Sports to discuss why Kon Knueppel's ankle injury might not be the disaster we all feared, despite him missing the game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Then, we ask the simple question: Are the Charlotte Hornets actually a good basketball team?. With a recent win over th...

The Charlotte Hornets put up a fight but fell short in a defensive struggle against the Cleveland Cavaliers, losing 139-130. Host Doug Branson recaps a game defined by high effort but low execution, where Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell proved too much for Charlotte's perimeter defense. We analyze the defensive shortcomings and ask the hard questions about whether a core of LaMelo Ball, Brando...

It is a festive edition of the Locked On Hornets podcast as Walker Mehl goes solo to deliver the "12 Gifts of Christmas" straight from the Spectrum Center. The holiday special begins with a deep look at rookie sensation Kon Knueppel, who is not just sniping from deep but dominating as the team's most efficient driver. We examine how his passing out of drives and record-breaking three-point pace ar...

We return to ask the big question: Was the victory over the Atlanta Hawks the most significant win of the season? While the Raptors game might have been the defensive peak, the guys argue that this performance offered the first true "proof of concept" for the new era of Hornets basketball. LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Kon Knueppel finally shared the floor in a way that showcased the team's exp...

The Charlotte Hornets stay in the win column after a thrilling 133-126 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Walker Mehl and Doug Branson react live to LaMelo Ball’s electric return to the court. LaMelo looked like his All-Star self, pouring in 28 points and closing out the game with a personal 7-0 run. But he wasn't alone—Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel also flirted with 30-point nights, showcasing the...

We return to discuss the latest NBA Rookie Ladder. Kon Knueppel remains firmly at the number two spot, trailing only Cooper Flagg. We compare the impact of empty stats versus winning plays, noting Knueppel’s role in the recent overtime victory against Cleveland compared to Flagg's big scoring night in a loss. The guys also look at the numbers, stacking Knueppel’s rookie campaign up against LaMelo...

Walker Mehl goes solo to discuss all of the takes flying around about LaMelo Ball come the NBA Trade Deadline. Does LaMelo actually want out of Charlotte? Walker tells you the biggest difference between LaMelo and Ja Morant/Trae Young. Is it clear LaMelo has more value than the other point guards? Finally, Walker goes through the ESPN NBA Power Rankings.   Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platfor...

Walker Mehl and Doug Branson recap a wild weekend for the Hornets. Kon Knueppel is turning heads, dropping 33 against the Bulls and following it up with a masterful performance in an overtime win over the Cavaliers. The guys discuss Michael Scotto's report that Charlotte already views the rookie as the face of the franchise. Is it too early for that label, or has his play forced the conversation?...

Kon Knueppel looked every bit the star the Hornets hoped for, dropping a career-high 33 points and showcasing an offensive arsenal that kept Charlotte in the game until the final buzzer. But the headline isn't just the rookie's breakout performance—it is the controversial no-call on his potential game-tying three-pointer. We examine the officiating decision regarding Zach Collins' landing zone and...

Today on Locked On Hornets, we open up the notebook for "Stray Observations." Kon Knueppel has been riding an efficiency roller coaster lately. We look at the numbers and identify the missing ingredient in his game compared to other top rookies like Cooper Flagg—specifically his ability to get to the free-throw line. Then, we turn our attention to Collin Sexton. The data shows he is elite in catch...

Kon Knueppel has officially been passed in the NBA Rookie Ladder race by Cooper Flagg, and we examine if this is a temporary dip or a sign of things to come. We look at the statistical arguments for both players, noting how Knueppel's efficiency remains high despite defenses adjusting to him, while Flagg's recent scoring outbursts have propelled him to the top spot. With Derik Queen also making no...

Walker Mehl goes solo to discuss the recent poll conducted by The Athletic discussing the best front offices in the NBA. Where did the Hornets rank? How many times have you disagreed with a Jeff Peterson decision? If you disagreed with the Tidjane Salaun draft selection, are you starting to change your mind? Walker goes into detail on the Salaun experience and whether you should be buying stock. F...

LaMelo Ball is back on the injury report with a left ankle bone bruise following a slip against the Raptors, and the frustration is mounting. We discuss the reality of his recurring ankle issues and ask the uncomfortable question: Is it time for the Charlotte Hornets to consider moving on from their franchise star? With Tre Mann, Collin Sexton, and Moussa Diabate also sidelined, the team's depth i...

Walker Mehl flies solo to celebrate Kon Knueppel being named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for October and November. The rookie sensation isn't just winning awards; he is hitting the late-night circuit with an appearance on Jimmy Fallon, cementing his status as a potential star. Walker examines if Knueppel can actually hold off Cooper Flagg for Rookie of the Year honors or if he is de...

The Charlotte Hornets fell to the New York Knicks again, but this loss offered a different narrative: LaMelo Ball looked like a superstar. We open the show analyzing LaMelo's season-high 34-point performance, his command of the offense in the fourth quarter, and whether this vintage display changes the conversation around his future in Charlotte. With the team sitting at a crossroads, we confront...

The Charlotte Hornets took a major step backward with a frustrating loss to the Brooklyn Nets, handing one of the league's struggling teams their first home win. We open the show exploring how a team that looked so promising against Toronto and Chicago completely fell flat against Brooklyn. Rookie sensation Kon Knueppel didn't mince words postgame, calling the performance "unacceptable," and we di...

The Charlotte Hornets are finding ways to win, securing an overtime victory against the Toronto Raptors thanks to some rookie heroics. We examine Kon Knueppel’s cold-blooded corner three that sent the game to overtime and discuss how he is quickly becoming a fan favorite—and apparently a guest on Jimmy Fallon. Miles Bridges also deserves credit for a dominant overtime performance, helping the team...

On this episode of Locked On Hornets, Doug opens up the "Sicko Satchel" to answer your most pressing questions. First, we look at Kon Knueppel. After an electric start to the season, the rookie sharpshooter has struggled from deep in recent games against the Bulls and Knicks. Is he hitting the rookie wall? We compare his current workload to his college schedule at Duke and explain why a mid-season...

The Charlotte Hornets have finally returned to the win column, defeating the Chicago Bulls 123-116 to snap a seven-game skid. On this episode of Locked On Hornets, we examine how Brandon Miller put the team on his back, scoring 27 points on efficient shooting while adding three blocks. We discuss the return of the team's offensive rhythm and why this performance was crucial for avoiding a disastro...

Walker goes solo to discuss the cornucopia of compliments Kon Knueppel has received from some of his teammates and even one of the best shooters of all time. How crazy is “too crazy” when complimenting Kon Knueppel? Can Kon help turn around the Hornets like some of the players on Detroit’s roster have for the Pistons? Walker explores the Pistons blueprint further and finishes with a conversation o...

We unpack a whirlwind weekend of news starting with the conflicting reports surrounding LaMelo Ball. After a report surfaced claiming LaMelo was "increasingly frustrated" and open to a trade, the star point guard shut it down with a "clown" emoji and a direct denial to the media. We discuss the validity of the rumors, the team's stance on listening to offers, and why we believe LaMelo wants to sta...

Emergency podcast time. A report from Yahoo Sports’ Kelly Iko has sent shockwaves through Buzz City, claiming LaMelo Ball is "open to a trade" and the organization is hesitant about his future as a foundational piece. Walker Mehl and Doug Branson react immediately to the news, dissecting the validity of the "league sources" cited and discussing whether this is actual fire or just smoke from a frus...

The Charlotte Hornets continue their frustrating trend of being the "get right" team for struggling opponents, this time handing the Indiana Pacers just their second win of the season. Walker Mehl and Doug Branson open the autopsy on a 127-118 loss where the defense vanished, and the offense sputtered outside of a few bright spots. The biggest conversation centers on LaMelo Ball. In what might be...