Locked On Hornets - Daily Podcast On The Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets opened their season with an impressive 110-103 road win against the Brooklyn Nets, overcoming injuries and silencing doubters with energetic team play. On this episode, the focus is set squarely on Brandon Miller’s explosive first half and how a slow start turned into a momentum-shifting stretch thanks to his tough finishes and confidence, even as he cooled off in the second half. Naz Reid’s emergence as a facilitator, scorer, and gritty presence in the paint also commands attention, with his near triple-double performance providing a crucial anchor for the offense. The conversation also highlights Doug Branson's observations about Moussa Diabate’s relentless rebounding, Dennis Schroder’s rim pressure, and Grayson Allen’s timely shooting and surprising defensive impact.

Attention shifts to rotation changes, with early takes on Sion James filling in for Kon Knueppel and Coby White, as well as how the lack of LaMelo Ball was felt in both organization and shot creation. Expect sharp insights on rookie struggles—especially Christian Anderson’s tough second half—and the challenges of integrating new faces in a new system under coach Charles Lee. The duo celebrates the Hornets’ hard-nosed defense becoming a foundational identity, while also touching on role players like Ryan Kalkbrenner and Royce O’Neale, who could become critical as the season progresses. It’s a spirited, analytically rich look at what might be in store for this reshaped Charlotte squad.

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The season couldn’t start with more intrigue for the Charlotte Hornets: injuries have sidelined Coby White and rookie Kon Knueppel for the opener against Brooklyn, forcing head coach Charles Lee to get creative with rotations and rely on new faces. With two potential starters out, who steps up to drive the offense, and how might this impact the Hornets’ hunt for a play-in spot or more in the East? The discussion digs into what fans should expect as Dennis Schroder, Christian Anderson, and especially Sion James and Naz Reid are thrust into larger roles, with Grayson Allen’s health proving a crucial X-factor.

Attention also shifts to Brandon Miller’s $209 million rookie extension—the structure, fan reaction, and why much of Hornets Nation is still linking the move to the recent LaMelo Ball trade. Hear a clear-headed take on the logic of the new contract in the context of the NBA’s current economics, role player deals, and why this agreement could age well regardless of heated social media debate.

Finally, join in as we run the numbers, revisit rookie extension history, and size up where the Hornets stand in the East. Are expectations of 37+ wins realistic with the current roster? Can this patchwork lineup keep pace and provide hope, or are the early injuries a sign of things to come?

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Who are the BEST and WORST teams in the NBA heading into the 2026-27 season? With opening night just around the corner, Locked On NBA Daily reveals its official 30-team NBA Power Rankings, organized into S-through-F tiers! Wes Goldberg, Matt Moore and Haize unveil rankings voted on by hosts from all 30 Locked On NBA team podcasts, debating the biggest surprises, overrated contenders and underrated playoff hopefuls. The Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs and defending champion New York Knicks headline the exclusive S Tier. But do Victor Wembanyama's Spurs belong alongside the NBA's elite? Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and Boston Celtics are among the teams trying to break into that top group. And why are Giannis Antetokounmpo's Miami Heat only in the B Tier? Are the Golden State Warriors really a C-tier team? Have the Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings hit rock bottom?

Plus, reactions from Locked On team hosts and predictions for which teams will rise or fall. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

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It came down to the buzzer, but the Charlotte Hornets got it done. Brandon Miller agreed to a five-year, $209 million rookie scale extension less than an hour before Monday's deadline, and Doug Branson and Walker Mehl are here to explain what it means. The number lands $1 million above Amen Thompson's deal in Houston, and that matters. It tells you the Hornets see Miller as a first or second option, a future All-NBA talent, and a pillar of this roster. He's been a model citizen, he's averaged 20 points in each of the last two seasons, and the only real question left is health.

Then the radio voice of the Hornets, Sam Farber, joins the show for two segments recorded just before the news broke. Sam explains why Miller is vital to this team's ceiling, what Kon Knueppel's bigger role will look like, and why the Hornets' defense could be the biggest early surprise of the season. He also singles out Tidjane Salaun's offseason work on his body and the summer chemistry that has newcomers like Coby White raving.

With the opener Wednesday in Brooklyn, Sam previews a Nets team built around Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr., and talks about how rookies Christian Anderson Jr. and Hannes Steinbach can earn minutes while Knueppel and White are out. Plus, a trip through Sam's minor league baseball days, the story behind "goodbye baseball," and a pitch for "goodbye basketball" on the first big blocked shot of the year.

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Walker is back and flying solo! Good news: Hornets preseason is over! Bad news: They lost to Memphis 117-98 to end the session. What were the positives? Walker goes over the performances from the rookies and why they nailed their dress rehearsal, even if the team played poorly overall. Plus, why did the Hornets decide to cut Pat Connaughton over Tidjane Salaun? Was it the right decision?

Anderson gets a closer look too. His pick-and-roll reads, low dribbles, and quick passes are why he's being compared to a quarterback, and one of his turnovers says more about Liam McNeeley's missed slip than about Anderson's decision. Charles Lee is coaching McNeeley hard, and that tells you something about where the young wing stands.

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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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The Charlotte Hornets got a real measuring stick in Boston, and the 114-93 loss showed exactly where this roster stands before opening night. Doug Branson walks through what this week taught us, starting with a problem that won't go away: real size. Mitchell Robinson and Neemias Queta controlled the paint, Boston won the points in the paint 56-20, and thirty turnovers made a tough night worse. Moussa Diabate is stronger, but the center spot is still the biggest weakness on this roster, and in a playoff series it's an easy one for opponents to attack.

Then it's on to Brandon Miller, with the extension deadline arriving Monday. Miller had Paul George on roller skates at times and got to his spots, but a 1-for-11 start is a reminder that being the number one option is easier said than done. Does he deserve max money before he's had a fully healthy season to prove it? Jeff Peterson has a tough call to make.

Doug also looks at Charles Lee's postgame comments on rookie Hannes Steinbach, who mentioned competitiveness and details, and asks whether Christian Anderson Jr. could earn a rotation spot first. Plus, the annual NBA GM survey is out. The Hornets finished third for best offseason moves, Naz Reid placed third for most underrated acquisition, and Kon Knueppel picked up votes for best pure shooter behind Steph Curry. A Sicko Satchel question wraps up the show: is it too early to worry about this team?

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Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.
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The Charlotte Hornets took their first road trip of the preseason, and the Boston Celtics sent them home with a 114-93 loss. Preseason caveats apply. Injuries are piling up, and Coby White and Kon Knueppel weren't available. But this one raised real questions.

Charlotte turned the ball over 30 times, and Boston scored 27 points off those mistakes. The Celtics won the paint 56 to 20. Defensive miscommunication left Jayson Tatum wide open from three, and Derrick White got to the rim almost whenever he wanted. Without a reliable way to score inside, the Hornets leaned on the three-point line to stay in it. Tidjane Salaun's shooting off the bench was a big part of that.

Brandon Miller's night tells two stories. He opened 1 of 11 from the field, then rallied for 12 points in the third quarter. That comes with his extension deadline on Monday and reports that he wants a max deal. A matchup with Paul George, the player Miller modeled his game after, showed the gap that's still there in finishing inside with strength and body control.

There's good news too. Christian Anderson Jr. scored 10 points in his debut, with two steals and a clean shooting stroke that puts a rough summer league behind him. Meanwhile, Hannes Steinbach didn't check in until 6:10 left in the fourth, which raises fair questions about where the rookie stands. Plus, Dennis Schroder passing up an open Sion James in the corner, Naz Reid's frustration against Boston's pressure, and what Charlotte has to clean up before opening night.

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://linktr.ee/lockedonhornets 
Become an official member of the Locked On Hornets Sicko Brigade and get Hornets news, rumors and pictures of Byron Mullens sent directly to your phone via Subtext (14 Day Free Trial): https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonhornets
Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA 
Get Doug's gamenotes, special articles and a podcast on Hornets history at the Every Hornets Boxscore substack: everyhornetsboxscore.com 
Get more Walker on Wes and Walker 12-3pm on WFNZ 92.7 FM 
📲 Follow Locked On Hornets on Twitter 
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Walker Mehl https://twitter.com/WalkerMehl 
Doug Branson https://twitter.com/DougBransonLOH 
Everydayer Club  
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub 
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Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. 
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. 
DoorDash
From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash. 
Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door. 
DoorDash. In your bag all season long.
PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA
Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.
Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist.  Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. 
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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On today's episode of Locked On Hornets, hosts Doug Branson and Nata Edwards tackle the burning question every Charlotte Hornets fan is asking: should the front office offer Brandon Miller an extension that could rival or even surpass Amen Thompson's deal? With contract rumors swirling, and experts split on Miller’s worth, the guys dissect the biggest risk factors, performance updates, and financial implications facing the franchise ahead of the looming deadline.

But the off-court drama isn't the only headline. Doug and Nata check in on the injury front—especially the potential returns for Kon Knueppel and Coby White—gauging how those timelines could shape the season opener and Charlotte’s playoff hopes. They play their classic “Chance, Not a Chance” game to predict if the Hornets can deliver a winning record or surprise anyone in the postseason.

There's more: the episode covers rookie Hannes Steinbach’s NBA readiness, Tidjane Salaun and Sion James battling for rotation minutes, and the critical importance of functional strength, basketball IQ, and depth during the grueling NBA calendar. Plus, in the Hornets X-Files segment, the spotlight shifts to LaMelo Ball’s fit in Minnesota and what his success (or failure) might mean for Charlotte’s rebuild.

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Brandon Miller is back in the lineup, and the Charlotte Hornets wasted no time putting him front and center in their second preseason matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. Host Doug Branson spotlights Miller’s confident return following a shin injury and shoulder surgery, noting his impressive 18-point performance and leadership on the floor despite a limited offseason. The show highlights how Miller’s shot creation and passing spark optimism for his Most Improved Player odds, and discusses the improvements in his physical play and defensive presence.

The Hornets’ depth takes center stage as Doug Branson outlines key performances from the bench, including standout games from Seon James, Royce O’Neale, Ron Ball, and promising minutes from rookie Hannes Steinbach. Listeners get insights on how the Hornets’ aggressiveness on the offensive glass led to a massive second-chance points advantage, and how a committee approach to playmaking made Charlotte’s attack more dynamic in the absence of LaMelo Ball.

Naz Reid’s efficient night is spotlighted along with updates on other young talents such as Liam McNeely, Tijane Salaun, and Ryan Kalkbrenner. The episode also sets the stage for crucial preseason battles for rotation spots and questions what the Hornets’ evolving depth might mean once regular season play begins. All this plus analysis of game tempo, defensive energy, and the road ahead for a retooled Hornets roster that’s determined to outwork and outlast the competition.

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This episode recaps everything Charlotte Hornets fans learned from the opening of preseason, focusing on how experience and new additions are reshaping expectations. The conversation highlights the importance Hornets leadership places on the playoff-tested veterans added via trade, and how their presence brought needed calm in early preseason play—despite a lopsided loss and a long injury list including Brandon Miller, Grant Williams, Coby White, and Kon Knueppel. Attention shifts to Naz Reid, whose debut signaled that he's ready to thrive as a starter and bring toughness this franchise needs, even as social media buzzed about his demeanor.

An unusually large influx of new faces sparked debate about continuity and identity, with the front office’s strategy to surround budding stars Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel with experienced role players leaving the door open for bigger future moves.

The show tackles the social media furor around Grayson Allen, questioning whether Tar Heels fans should root for a former Duke villain now wearing purple and teal. Hosts weigh in on Allen’s growth—and his need to keep shooting well to earn forgiveness—in a segment blending humor and real talk.

Finally, the rotation is scrutinized as rookie Hannes Steinbach’s late-game introduction is explored. What will it take for him to secure real minutes?

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