The Hornets’ season is officially over, and that means it’s time for exit interviews—and they didn’t disappoint. On today’s episode of Locked On Hornets, Walker and Doug analyze Executive VP Jeff Peterson’s comments about the future of the franchise, including his strategic but cautious approach to building a “sustainable” winner. Doug doesn’t hold back, calling out the disconnect between the team's messaging and what long-suffering Hornets fans are craving: risk-taking and results.

We also hear directly from LaMelo Ball, who stated clearly that he wants to stay in Charlotte. But does staying mean settling? Walker and Doug explore the nuance behind LaMelo’s comments, his injury-plagued seasons, and whether the Hornets are truly all-in on him as the future of the team.

Finally, we dive into the latest NBA mock draft and look at potential fits like Ace Bailey, Dylan Harper, and VJ Edgecombe. Which of these young stars best matches Charlotte’s “Hornets DNA,” and could one of them shift the team’s trajectory?

Plus, we discuss how Charles Lee’s culture of discipline could shape rookie development and what Brandon Miller’s “rigged” lottery joke might mean for fans holding out hope for Cooper Flagg. Subscribe, like, and share for full offseason coverage of your Charlotte Hornets.

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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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