On this episode of Locked On Hornets, we react to the breaking news that LaMelo Ball is officially out for the season after undergoing ankle and wrist procedures. With his injury history piling up, the crew asks a tough question: have we seen LaMelo’s last game in a Hornets uniform? Doug and Walker revisit LaMelo’s up-and-down fifth NBA season, from his All-Star caliber start to his efficiency issues and the growing concerns about his ability to be a true No. 1 option. They also draw historical parallels to other Hornets legends like Larry Johnson and Kemba Walker whose careers in Charlotte were also defined by injuries and pivotal decisions.

Beyond LaMelo, the conversation shifts to the Hornets’ current tank race position and how they stack up against other teams in the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes. Doug unveils his latest mock draft projection, with a simulated lottery landing the Hornets the No. 2 pick and a shot at Rutgers’ Dylan Harper. Could Harper and LaMelo coexist in the backcourt?

Plus, a surprising moment from the Raptors game: Mark Williams uncorks his inner Dirk Nowitzki with a pair of sweet fadeaways. Could we be seeing the birth of a new offensive weapon? All that and more in today’s episode.

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Top 35 Hornets Nicknames of All-Time According to Doug Branson: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-nicknames-in-hornets-franchise

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