Locked On Hornets - Daily Podcast On The Charlotte Hornets

With the first preseason game against the Oklahoma City Thunder right around the corner, we are taking a look at the roster and predicting who will perform better and who might perform worse this upcoming season. After a 19-win campaign where nearly every key player was offensively inefficient, there is massive room for improvement across the board. We explore how players like LaMelo Ball and Collin Sexton could become more impactful by trading a bit of their elite offensive production for much-needed defensive improvement, and why Miles Bridges' "blue-collar" contributions are so valuable to this team. We also identify players like the injured Grant Williams and Josh Green, along with rookie Tidjane Salaun, who could face challenges this year.

Blue Collar Stat Tweet: https://x.com/dlee4three/status/1974246457063391737

XRAPM: https://xrapm.com

Weblink to Watch Hornets/Thunder preseason: https://www.nba.com/hornets/news/hornets-vs-thunder-livestream-10-05-5pm

Next, we lay out the most pressing questions that need answers during this preseason campaign. What will Tidjane Salaun's role be? What will the guard and center rotations look like? And most importantly, will the team show a true commitment to playing with the fast pace they've been talking about all offseason? Finally, we give a full preview of Sunday's game against the defending champion Thunder, including where to watch and what to look for in the Hornets' first game action of the year

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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

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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

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

Top 35 Hornets of All-Time According to Walker Mehl: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-players-in-hornets-history

📲 Follow Locked On Hornets on Twitter

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On today's show, we are at "peak uncertainty" as we try to solve the biggest question of the Hornets' preseason: who will be the starting center? We explore the case for all three candidates in the running for the job. Is it the veteran Mason Plumlee, whose experience, positional size, and playmaking make him the safe choice? Is it the energetic Moussa Diabaté, whose physicality and speed fit the team's new identity? Or is it the rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner, whose elite size and shot-blocking are already earning him reps with the first team in training camp? We look at why a compelling argument can be made for each player.

Then, we have an in-depth conversation about Tre Mann, featuring exclusive clips from his recent interview. Tre opens up about how the new coaching staff has embraced his personality and "swagger," allowing him to feel more at home in Charlotte. He also addresses the popular "Tre-II" nickname, explaining his respect for Allen Iverson while making it clear he's focused on being his own player. Finally, we examine Tre's evolving role on the team and his willingness to adapt to a more catch-and-shoot-oriented style to help the team win.

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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

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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

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

Top 35 Hornets of All-Time According to Walker Mehl: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-players-in-hornets-history

📲 Follow Locked On Hornets on Twitter

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Doug Branson https://twitter.com/DougBransonLOH

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On today's show, we start by examining the Hornets' offseason strategy. After Coach Charles Lee's media day comments focused heavily on adding offensive creators and playing with more tempo, we ask the question: did the team forget about defense? We conclude that it's less about forgetting and more a "level of acceptance," with the front office choosing to lean into the roster's offensive strengths while still expecting maximum effort on the other end of the floor.

With Josh Green injured, we then try to identify the M.I.G. "Most Important Guy" on defense for this team. While stats show Green was one of the league's most tasked defenders last season, his absence opens the door for players like Brandon Miller and Mousa Diabaté to take on bigger roles. We look at surprising numbers that suggest Diabaté is a more effective rim protector than many believe. Finally, we open the Sicko Satchel to explore how league scandals, like the ongoing investigation into Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers, impact the legitimacy of the league and put small-market teams like the Hornets at a significant disadvantage.

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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

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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

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

Top 35 Hornets of All-Time According to Walker Mehl: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-players-in-hornets-history

📲 Follow Locked On Hornets on Twitter

Locked On Hornets https://twitter.com/LockedOnHornets

Walker Mehl https://twitter.com/WalkerMehl

Doug Branson https://twitter.com/DougBransonLOH

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Walker goes solo to breakdown the best soundbites from his interviews on Wes and Walker. What did Charles Lee hope to accomplish this offseason? Walker gives his thoughts on Lee's comments about identity, pace, player development and more. Finally, you'll hear from Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, and Tre Mann on the upcoming season.

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Get more Walker on Wes and Walker 12-3pm on WFNZ 92.7 FM

📲 Follow Locked On Hornets on Twitter

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#Hornets #LaMelo #LaMeloBall #CharlotteHornets

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Charlotte Hornets Media Day has concluded, and the overwhelming takeaway is a palpable shift in the team's culture and commitment. On today's hodgepodge recap, we explore all the key comments and themes from the event. The biggest story surrounds LaMelo Ball, with Coach Charles Lee and others noting a "different commitment level" from him in the weight room this offseason, resulting in added strength to both his upper and lower body. This newfound seriousness appears to be infectious. GM Jeff Peterson stated he's never seen a team with 100% offseason participation like the Hornets had this summer, with the entire roster in Charlotte working out together.

This collective buy-in is translating to a new on-court identity. The message from the top down was clear: this team wants to play with pace, physicality, and competitiveness. Players like Miles Bridges have focused on conditioning, while Collin Sexton has been building off-court trust with LaMelo to ensure their chemistry translates to the floor. While we've been hopeful before, this year feels different, with a clear alignment from the front office, coaching staff, and a roster that finally seems ready to meet expectations

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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

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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

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

Top 35 Hornets of All-Time According to Walker Mehl: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-players-in-hornets-history

📲 Follow Locked On Hornets on Twitter

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Walker Mehl https://twitter.com/WalkerMehl

Doug Branson https://twitter.com/DougBransonLOH

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Monarch Money

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Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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It's time for another episode of the NBA Squad! Today we are breaking down the Houston Rockets' nightmare Fred VanVleet injury, what we want to see from NBA Media Days, whether or not the Oklahoma City Thunder can take another step up and more!

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With Charlotte Hornets Media Day arriving on Monday, we are looking ahead to the official start of the new season and the questions we want answered. For the first time in several years, the event is refreshingly free of off-court controversy, allowing the focus to be entirely on basketball. We discuss the key questions for the team's leadership, including asking Coach Charles Lee about his philosophy for building a starting five and his vision for a successful season for LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. For GM Jeff Peterson, we want to know how close he believes the team is to making a significant, "all-in" move to become a true contender.

We also touch on important player storylines, from Brandon Miller's health status to what Collin Sexton hopes to accomplish in a contract year on a team with renewed expectations. Finally, we open up the Sicko Satchel for a couple of fantastic listener questions. First, we have some fun assigning each of the four Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to a current Hornets player. Then, we examine which player on the current roster, from Brandon Miller to Collin Sexton, is most likely to face a contentious contract negotiation in the future.

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🎧 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

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

Top 35 Hornets of All-Time According to Walker Mehl: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-players-in-hornets-history

📲 Follow Locked On Hornets on Twitter

Locked On Hornets https://twitter.com/LockedOnHornets

Walker Mehl https://twitter.com/WalkerMehl

Doug Branson https://twitter.com/DougBransonLOH

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

OpenPhone

Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnba

Hungryroot

With Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one. For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use code LOCKEDONNBA.

Monarch Money

Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first year

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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 show, we start with the breaking news that the Charlotte Hornets have waived guard Nick Smith Jr. While the move was widely expected due to a crowded backcourt, we take a moment to look back on his tenure. We acknowledge that he was a consummate professional who was given a fair opportunity to prove himself, but ultimately became a victim of the team's shift toward a veteran-heavy guard rotation.

This decision officially closes the book on what we consider to be one of the worst cases of franchise malpractice of the Michael Jordan/Mitch Kupchak era: the 2022 draft-day trade of Jalen Duren. We revisit the details of that infamous move, where the Hornets traded the 13th overall pick for a future late first-rounder (which became Smith) in a blatant effort to save money. We explain why the flawed process behind that trade was even more frustrating than other draft misses from that time. Finally, with only one roster spot left to trim, we look ahead and debate which veteran guard, Pat Connaughton or Spencer Dinwiddie, will be the next and final cut before the season begins.

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🎧 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

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

Top 35 Hornets of All-Time According to Walker Mehl: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-players-in-hornets-history

📲 Follow Locked On Hornets on Twitter

Locked On Hornets https://twitter.com/LockedOnHornets

Walker Mehl https://twitter.com/WalkerMehl

Doug Branson https://twitter.com/DougBransonLOH

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

OpenPhone

Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnba

Hungryroot

With Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one. For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use code LOCKEDONNBA.

Monarch Money

Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first year

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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 show, we start with a fascinating question prompted by a recent article from Brett Siegel over at Clutch Points: could the Charlotte Hornets be sneaky buyers at this year's trade deadline? We examine the specific scenario—a strong, better-than-expected start to the season—that would need to happen for the front office to consider making a move. We also discuss what kind of buyers they might be, likely targeting a center or wing defender in a smaller deal rather than making a massive, landscape-altering splash.

Next, we address recent comments from former Hornets center Mark Williams. During his Phoenix Suns media day, Williams stated it's "nice to be somewhere where I'm wanted" and that he plans to make Charlotte "regret that decision." We offer a balanced perspective on his departure, acknowledging his feelings while also looking at the on-court issues of fit and consistency that led to the trade. Finally, we open the Sicko Satchel to explore a listener's blockbuster trade idea for Utah's Lauri Markkanen. We analyze the pros and cons, from his offensive firepower to the massive financial commitment and defensive questions that ultimately make the move a difficult proposition.

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Get Doug's gamenotes, special articles and a podcast on Hornets history at the Every Hornets Boxscore substack: everyhornetsboxscore.com

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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

Top 35 Hornets of All-Time According to Walker Mehl: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-players-in-hornets-history

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With Hornets Media Day just around the corner, we are playing a game of "What If" to explore the range of possibilities for the upcoming season. We map out three distinct scenarios based on potential win totals and examine what would have to happen for each to become a reality.

First, we look at the floor: a 20-win season. This grim outcome would likely be caused by another year of devastating injuries to key players and would almost certainly trigger a full roster overhaul, including trading LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. Next, we explore the middle ground: a 35-win season. This would signify a successful step forward, likely fueled by a healthy 70+ game season from LaMelo and a major contribution from a Sixth Man of the Year candidate off the bench. Finally, we outline the path to the ceiling: an incredible 40-win season. For this to happen, LaMelo would need to have an undeniable All-Star year, Brandon Miller would have to make a near All-Star leap, and the team would need to make all the right moves at the trade deadline. We also debate the magic number of wins Coach Charles Lee needs to avoid the hot seat.

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

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

Top 35 Hornets of All-Time According to Walker Mehl: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-players-in-hornets-history

📲 Follow Locked On Hornets on Twitter

Locked On Hornets https://twitter.com/LockedOnHornets

Walker Mehl https://twitter.com/WalkerMehl

Doug Branson https://twitter.com/DougBransonLOH

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

OpenPhone

Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnba

Hungryroot

With Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one. For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use code LOCKEDONNBA.

Monarch Money

Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first year

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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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