In this episode of Locked On Hornets, Walker and Doug tackle the Hornets' increasingly complex draft strategy just one week out from the big night. Could Charlotte move up to secure a star like Dylan Harper? Could they slide back to grab a wing/creator like Kon Knueppel or Kasparas Jakucionis? The guys break down reports from Jake Fischer and FanDuel odds that continue to tie VJ Edgecombe to Charlotte—but also suggest Philly could snag him first. If that happens, all bets are off.

We also get into Jonathan Wasserman’s latest mock, which drops a surprise: the Hornets taking big man Khaman Maluach at #4. Doug reacts with disbelief—could this regime really prioritize fit and character that much over skill and spacing?

Then, it’s time to “Get Serious.” Doug draws inspiration from the Pacers and Thunder to issue a cultural challenge to Charlotte’s young roster. What does a winning team feel like? Who on this roster brings that edge, that grit, that composure? From LaMelo Ball’s growth to Grant Williams’ weight room leadership, this segment sets the tone for what’s expected moving forward.

The Hornets have a type—but how far are they willing to go to land him? Tune in as we break it all down.

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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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Doug Branson and Walker Mehl dive into the latest draft buzz surrounding the Charlotte Hornets, sparked by Matt Moore’s intel that VJ Edgecombe could go to Philadelphia at #3. If that happens, the Hornets might trade back from #4—potentially with Washington—and find themselves choosing between Kon Knueppel, Tre Johnson, or even Kasparas Jakucionis. The hosts dissect mock drafts, evaluate rising and falling stock (including Ace Bailey’s), and highlight what options might offer the most long-term upside.

Matt Moore article: https://hardwoodparoxysm.substack.com/p/nba-drafttrade-rumors-hearsay-hints

Then, the focus shifts to a workout video of 2024 first-round pick Tidjane Salaun training with head coach Charles Lee. Doug and Walker break down the footage, comparing it to a basketball Zapruder film, and discuss what it reveals about Lee’s player-first coaching style. Salaun’s effort, paired with organizational support, might be the key to unlocking his raw potential and accelerating the Hornets’ rebuild.

The guys also tackle which realistic draft-night scenarios would most enrage Hornets fans—trading back and taking Kasaparas? Drafting a slow-footed big? They round things out with thoughts on combine data and comparisons to past draft whiffs and wins. Packed with sharp opinions and informed speculation, this episode is essential for any Hornets fan tracking the franchise’s next big move.

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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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Locked On’s five episode NBA Mock Draft is here. For every episode of the 2025 Locked On NBA Mock Draft search Locked On NBA Draft wherever you get your podcasts.

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On this episode of Locked On Hornets, Walker and Doug break down the stunning trade that sent Desmond Bane to Orlando for a massive haul — four unprotected first-round picks and a swap. Is this just the going rate for fringe stars now? And what does it mean for the Charlotte Hornets, a team still searching for an identity and direction? The guys discuss whether the Hornets could or should have made a similar offer and what kind of risk is actually worth taking at this stage of the rebuild.

They also get into the shifting 2025 NBA Draft landscape, including a revealing report by Jeremias Engelmann casting serious doubt on Tre Johnson's defensive commitment and statistical indicators. Could Johnson really be this year’s biggest bust? With VJ Edgecombe’s stock possibly rising to No. 3, and whispers of Kon Kneuppel gaining steam, the Hornets’ board could look a lot different in the final weeks before the draft.

Englemann article: https://www.roycewebb.com/p/the-case-against-tre-johnson-why

Plus: how playoff defense is shaping draft philosophy, why Walker is sick (literally and metaphorically) over the Hornets’ options at 4, and a quick rundown of two new mock drafts with surprising scenarios.

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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 are zeroed in on one thing heading into the NBA Draft: character. According to new reporting from Rafael Barlowe, the front office is “dead set” on drafting players with strong intel and professionalism—like VJ Edgecombe and Kon Knueppel. But is this focus on character coming at the expense of top-tier talent?

Walker and Doug dissect how Edgecombe’s draft stock is skyrocketing—he even had dinner with Tyrese Maxey and Daryl Morey in Philly. If the Sixers take him at #3, should the Hornets trade up? Or stay put at #4 and choose between high-IQ shotmaker Kon Knueppel or star upside in Tre Johnson?

Doug leans Johnson, citing his ability to create and defend with room to grow. Walker praises Knueppel’s elite shooting, vision, and composure—but questions his defensive viability alongside LaMelo Ball. It’s a deep dive into how the Hornets are balancing character, fit, and upside in a pivotal draft.

Plus, the show reacts to a new rumor tying Jalen Green to Charlotte if he’s rerouted in a potential KD deal. Is it a real option, or just ghost-of-Mitch-Kupchak fanfic?

With mock drafts flying and opinions flaring, this is your draft-week must-listen for Hornets fans.

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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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Is LaMelo Ball's future with the Charlotte Hornets finally set in stone? On today’s episode of Locked On Hornets, Walker and Doug dive into the sudden silence around LaMelo trade speculation and what that means for the Hornets’ offseason direction. With top point guards like Darius Garland, Jrue Holiday, and Trae Young circulating in trade rumors—and LaMelo not among them—are the Hornets finally hitting the straightaway with their franchise star?

Then, the guys pivot to Cleveland and ask: should the Hornets pursue Jarrett Allen if the Cavaliers look to shake things up? Doug makes the case for why Allen could immediately elevate the Hornets' defense, while Walker weighs the playoff risks versus the regular-season rewards of acquiring the 27-year-old center.

Plus, we’ve got not one, but TWO fresh mock drafts to dissect. ESPN and The Ringer both updated their boards—what does it mean if VJ Edgecombe is off the board by pick 3?

If you missed yesterday’s mock, don’t worry—today’s double-mock segment will get you caught up.

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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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Matt Moore dropped more draft nuggets and we’re all in on the chaos. Could VJ Edgecombe really go top three? If so, that might leave the Hornets staring directly at Ace Bailey, and that’s where the debate gets real. We break down why the Sixers could shake everything up at pick No. 3 — and how Daryl Morey’s preferences might push Charlotte into a wild choice.

Read Matt: https://hardwoodparoxysm.substack.com

We explore why Tre Johnson could be more of a Philly fit and whether his Malik Monk comp actually holds weight. Then it's on to Ace Bailey, whose shot profile and midrange obsession raise major concerns about fit next to Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball. We get deep into Ace’s game, from midrange dominance to rim reluctance, and why his irrational confidence could either be a blessing or a problem depending on where he lands.

Doug tries to rationalize the pick, even if he doesn’t love it, and we float a fascinating “investment pick” theory for Ace. Could the Hornets draft him now just to flip him later for a better system fit? Plus, we run through which current Hornets have secure roles going into next season — and who could be on the outs depending on how the draft shakes out.

All that and more, including some classic Malik Monk sidebars and a reminder that the Mark Williams conversation is far from over.

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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

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The Charlotte Hornets' offseason is officially underway, and the vibes are...complicated. In this episode of Locked On Hornets, we react to The Ringer’s latest Top 100 NBA players list, where LaMelo Ball drops to 49th—a steep fall from his midseason high of 25. We break down Danny Chau’s brutally honest write-up on LaMelo, which praises his talent but questions whether he can ever rise above the “good stats, bad team” label. Is the franchise doing enough to support him—or are the injuries just too much?

We also dive into our latest Locked On Network mock draft and reveal our pick for the Hornets at #4. What does the pick say about the team’s current trajectory, and why does the fanbase seem more cynical than ever? From draft strategy to past hits and misses, we reflect on years of Hornets scouting and how the front office’s hesitancy has paralyzed the franchise. We discuss a “Worst Franchise in America Sports” YouTube video making the rounds—and why the Hornets can’t even be recognized for being the worst.

Plus, Doug revisits his LaMelo Ball scouting victory lap, Walker confesses his Ziaire Williams miss, and we go deep into Charlotte’s identity crisis. You don’t want to miss this brutally honest yet hopeful look at where the Hornets stand going into a critical summer.

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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

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The NBA Finals have arrived, and small markets are making big statements — but not Charlotte. On today’s episode of Locked On Hornets, we react to the Pacers’ wild Game 1 win and draw clear parallels between their playoff breakthrough and what the Hornets could be building toward — if they learn the right lessons.

Doug Branson and Walker Mehl debate the role of continuity, identity, and how small-to-mid-market teams like Indiana and OKC are proving it’s not about stacking stars — it’s about building smart. Could the Hornets follow suit? Or is there still too much dysfunction at the top?

We also explore the draft-day implications of Charlotte's current trajectory. Should the Hornets target a two-way wing like VJ Edgecombe to help define the team's identity? Or take a risk on Ace Bailey — assuming he even drops to No. 4? Plus, a listener-submitted trade idea gets us thinking: would moving back to 8 and picking up Cam Johnson make sense?

Oh, and someone brought an “Adam Silver Hates the Hornets” sign to The Pat McAfee Show in North Carolina. We discuss whether it’s valid frustration or misdirected blame.

All that plus a little love for Courtney Lee’s unforgettable 2016 shot — and why it still haunts Charlotte fans.

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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

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Doug Branson https://twitter.com/DougBransonLOH

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The Hornets front office is playing it close to the vest AND there is a lot of uncertainty about what the Spurs and Sixers will do above them. That's making things spicy. Doug and Walker dig into the latest report from Krysten Peek that has the Hornets silently eyeing Casper Yakubonis. Is the Illinois guard a real draft target, or a smokescreen for a potential trade-down strategy? Meanwhile, there's mounting buzz around VJ Edgecombe as a perfect cultural and on-court fit between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller—if he's available at No. 4.

Doug lays out his dream scenario: trading up for Dylan Harper, whom he calls the true prize of the draft. But what would it cost the Hornets to make that move? And would it contradict GM Jeff Peterson’s “step-by-step” rebuild philosophy? The guys also react to chatter that San Antonio could pair Khaman Maluach with Wemby—raising big red flags for Charlotte fans who remember Bismack Biyombo all too well.

Plus: What would a trade-down to the 7–9 range signal about Charlotte’s priorities? Can you count on Edgecombe’s shot? And which guard prospect is really the best ball handler outside of Tre Johnson?

Don’t miss this episode filled with deep draft analysis and commentary from the sickos in the YouTube comments.

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

Betterhelp

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Monarch Money

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

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED 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)