Locked On Hornets - Daily Podcast On The Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets’ front office has collected one of the NBA’s most tradable payrolls, gaining recognition for assembling a roster built for flexible deals—so who truly holds the top spot for most tradeable contract value? Hosts Walker Mehl and Doug Branson weigh the merits of contracts like Grayson Allen, Grant Williams, Dorian Finney-Smith, Trey Mann, and more, highlighting how Jeff Peterson’s strategy could prime the franchise for blockbuster opportunities. Shifting gears, the duo reacts to NBA 2K’s latest ratings, where rookie sensation Kon Knueppel lands a jaw-dropping 94 in 3-point shooting—second only to Steph Curry and arguably deserving the top spot. Hear why Knueppel’s rookie shooting season has made statistical history and how his success puts him in the conversation for best young shooter in the league.

The conversation doesn’t stop with stats; the “Who Wore It Best” segment revisits every Hornet to ever don the #0 jersey, sparking a passionate debate between Miles Bridges’ controversial legacy and a “safe pick” in Bismack Biyombo. Along the way: quirky NBA anecdotes, a can’t-miss Ryan Lochte gaming story, and speculation on which Hornet could earn a 90+ rating next year.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Charlotte Hornets were rumored to be actively pursuing a move up the NBA Draft, reportedly dangling the 14th pick and a future pick to climb as high as No. 11. Walker Mail and Doug Branson explore the latest report from Anthony Slater, including insights into why the Hornets were so driven to move up and which prospects—namely Hannes Steinbach, Aday Mara, and Yaxel Lendeborg—were in their crosshairs. Discussion follows how Jeff Peterson’s bold approach signals a sharp contrast to previous management's quieter tactics. With LaMelo Ball now in Minnesota, attention turns to how key Hornets like Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller will adjust. The hosts analyze which player will be most impacted by Ball’s absence by comparing offensive creation, passing, and shot profiles, sprinkling in plenty of stats and historical context. As the Hornets’ offense faces a new era, can Coby White, Knueppel, and Miller thrive with greater creation responsibilities, or will last year’s successes prove hard to replicate? Rounding out the show, Walker and Doug put a fun twist on Hornets history with a “Who Wore It Best” segment, focusing on players who've sported the double-zero jersey—highlighting legends like Robert Parish and quirky roster trivia.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Charlotte Hornets fans, get ready for another action-packed episode! Walker Mehl and Doug Branson spotlight the team's latest moves, beginning with revealed jersey numbers for newcomers Naz Reid, Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale, and Dorian Finney-Smith. But the bigger question lingers: what is the true direction of the Hornets’ offseason plan, especially in light of swirling Steph Curry trade chatter?

Walker Mehl challenges the common narrative that acquiring Curry contradicts Charlotte’s objectives, while Doug Branson weighs in with thoughts on how the front office has shifted gears since the LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges trades. Together, they break down how Charlotte’s recent deals signal a willingness to pay for talent and stay opportunistic—whether that means landing a disgruntled superstar or capitalizing on rookie-scale contracts like Kon Knueppel’s.

Listeners also get the latest on why the Hornets have delayed media introductions for new additions and what this means for Dorian Finney-Smith’s future. Plus, hear what’s brewing on the broadcast front: will games soon be more accessible with potential DAZN and over-the-air partnerships? The guys wrap up with a nod to mascot loyalty, thoughts on Eric Collins’ tease for Hornets fans, and why you shouldn’t read too much into social media posts about player futures.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Charlotte Hornets fans have plenty to react to after NBA.com’s latest Eastern Conference power rankings place the team just outside the play-in picture at 11th. The verdict has triggered plenty of conversation, especially with the Hornets’ lineup shifting in the post-LaMelo Ball era and Coby White expected to take on a lead role. On this episode, we highlight Charlotte’s struggle when LaMelo isn’t on the court, with eye-opening stats backing up just how critical his playmaking was last season. Is Coby White capable of bridging that gap, or will offensive issues persist even with the new depth pieces such as Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and Naz Reid? The show also spotlights rookie Kon Knueppel, whose Olympic stock has taken a hit after a rough finish to his first NBA campaign. Despite a promising start, Knueppel’s late-season shooting woes and injury concerns have led some analysts to cool on his trajectory for Team USA, but the hosts aren’t sounding any alarms just yet. Plus, the discussion turns to whether the Hornets’ front office is ahead of the curve with their power forward strategy and how identity-shifting players like Naz Reid could shape next season.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Charlotte Hornets fans light up the debate after talk heats up around a possible Steph Curry trade to his hometown team. Is this the bold move that transforms the franchise, or pure fantasy? With Golden State mired in its messiest offseason yet and the Hornets accumulating draft assets, the stage may be set for dramatic change. The conversation focused on the true value of Steph Curry at age 38, potential trade packages, and whether Charlotte should cash in its treasure trove for an NBA icon. The discussion explored Hornets DNA, core pieces like Brandon Miller, Coby White, and Kon Knuepple, plus fan reactions split between all-in enthusiasm and skepticism. Hot takes abounded over Bill Simmons’ dismissal of Charlotte, Kevin O’Connor’s proposed trade ideas, and how playoff experience might shape the young roster. Key questions remain: How much is Steph Curry really worth—and can the Charlotte Hornets finally seize their moment?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Could the Charlotte Hornets really trade for Steph Curry? Walker Mehl goes solo to discuss why the chances of Steph ending up in the purple and teal is more real than it's ever been. What would it cost the Hornets to trade for Steph Curry? Would you be willing to go after a local legend? Finally, Walker looks at the recent NBA trade exception usage after the Hornets created a 40 million dollar trade exception following the LaMelo Ball deal. 

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

For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

BetterHelp

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.

eBay Motors

From brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.

Gametime

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

FanDuel

Now through September 22nd, ALL FanDuel customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get a THREE WEEK free trial of NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube and YouTube TV. Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.

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)

#Hornets #LaMelo #LaMeloBall #CharlotteHornets

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

LeBron James is heading to Philadelphia, and while the Hornets aren't in the championship conversation, his decision still reshapes their offseason math. The show opens by unpacking how the East's newest superteam affects Charlotte's path back to the play-in, and why this outcome might actually be the best-case scenario for the front office as they weigh backup point guard options like Dennis Schröder.

From there, the focus shifts to the trade that's defined the Hornets' summer: LaMelo Ball heading out of Charlotte. A front-office executive's quote — "when you trade someone as good and as popular as LaMelo Ball, you have to get it right" — becomes the launching point for a deeper look at why the organization felt this was the right move at the right time, from Kobe White's ascension to full-time point guard to Nasreddine Nabil's fit up front.

Kon Knueppel also gets the spotlight, both for his glowing praise of his former teammate on a recent Milwaukee podcast appearance and for a quote about his own relentless improvement mindset — one that echoes a familiar Kevin Durant story from Steve Clifford's coaching days. What could Knueppel add to his game next season to become the star Charlotte needs him to be?

Finally, a viral photo has Hornets fans buzzing: did Tre Mann pack on serious muscle this offseason? The show closes with a look ahead at what's shaping up to be one of the most competitive training camps in recent memory.

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

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

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

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. 

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

Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp.Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

FanDuel

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The backup point guard search may finally be nearing an end. According to Hoops Hype's Michael Scotto, the Hornets have been connected to Dennis Schroder, Cleveland's veteran combo guard — and the ties run deep. Jeff Peterson's longstanding relationship with Schroder dates back to their years together in Atlanta, and a web of German national team connections through Christian Andersen and Pontus Steinbach only adds to the case. The hosts examine what Schroder brings on the floor, how his shot selection has evolved in Cleveland, and lay out a realistic trade framework built around Dorian Finney-Smith and draft compensation.

From there, it's time for a new summer segment. With Days of Thunder 2 reportedly filming in early 2027, the guys kick off a primer matching iconic characters from the original film to current Hornets — starting with Cole Trickle and the search for his modern-day equivalent on the roster.

To close things out, the show turns to Miles Bridges, who held his introductory press conference with the Phoenix Suns this week. Bridges and Suns decision-maker Brian Gregory both addressed his 2022 no-contest plea to felony domestic violence, and Bridges spoke about his relationship with Hornets fans during his time in Charlotte. The hosts weigh those comments against what actually took place during his tenure with the team, and debate just how strong that fan connection really was.

Trade rumors, a new silly season tradition, and a candid look back — all in one episode.

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

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

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

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

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

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Get an in-depth look at the Charlotte Hornets’ headline-making offseason as head coach Charles Lee sits down for a candid interview following the stunning LaMelo Ball trade. Walker Mehl and Doug Branson unpack Lee’s reaction to being “not caught off guard” by the move, highlighting the Hornets’ emphasis on organizational alignment and communication under Jeff Peterson’s leadership. The show spotlights rising expectations for Coby White, exploring why both Lee and the front office believe he’s ready to step into the starting point guard role—an endorsement that fans haven’t seen from the Bulls or national media.

Hear why Naz Reid became the essential piece in the deal with Minnesota, and how his fit alongside new arrivals like Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale promises to boost the Hornets’ depth and physicality. The hosts debate whether the Hornets have quietly become one of the East’s deepest rosters and what that could mean for young players including Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller, Moussa Diabate, and Hannes Steinbach.

They also share their win total predictions, analyze how the new-look lineup could outperform expectations, and discuss roster versatility as the Hornets eye a playoff return. Listeners will walk away with insider insights on the real impact of Charlotte’s bold changes and what to expect from this year’s squad.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Charlotte Hornets may have wrapped up a busy offseason, but their roster remains far from settled. On today’s episode, Walker Mehl and Doug Branson tackle the burning question: are the Hornets truly finished making moves, or will another surprise deal reshape the team before training camp? The hosts react to Sam Vecenie’s comments about Charlotte’s logjam of guaranteed contracts and speculate which veterans—Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, or Dorian Finney-Smith—are most likely to be on the move.

With possible trades in the air, the conversation shifts to evaluating the value each of these vets brings and the possibility of leveraging second-round picks for future assets. Walker Mehl and Doug Branson debate which young prospects and recent draft picks, like Liam McNeely and Hannes Steinbach, have earned their spot on the roster after an eye-opening Summer League. The hosts also consider the backup point guard dilemma, weighing the readiness of Christian Anderson and the value of keeping Tre Mann or bringing in new leadership.

Plus: Who are the “roster imposters” most at risk of being cut or traded, and how do recent Summer League performances shape those tough decisions? Finally, the hosts share their takes on national media attention—like CBS Sports handing the Hornets an A for their offseason—and why flying under the radar just might be the best thing for this evolving squad.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.