Buzz Beat: A Charlotte Hornets Pod

Brian, James, and Matt discuss some of the lesser-discussed prospects. While they aren't projected to go fourth overall, the crew discusses Collin Murray-Boyles of South Carolina, Jeremiah Fears of Oklahoma, and Duke's Khaman Maluach.Richie also spends 10 minutes sharing his thoughts on Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

PREVIEW SNIPPET | James, Brian, Darian, and Matt use a random wheel to begin their discussion on prospects. When it landed on a specific number, the co-hosts were required to use their personal “Big Board” to talk about that player ranked at that position. The numbers generated for this exercise were 10, 12, 14, 20, 21, 25, 27, and 33.For the full episode, please visit Buzz Beat Plus.

Brian, James, and Darian try to separate fact from fiction with the latest draft pick intel. A lot hinges on what Philadelphia will do with the third selection. We analyze the scenarios and how each has a ripple effect on the Hornets. We share our current thoughts on the top prospects expected to be available with the fourth pick.

Richie joins Mac and T-Bone on WFNZ to share his thoughts on the Hornets' offseason. They discuss several prospects available with the 4th overall pick and the road to success as a small-market team.

Tate Frazier of The Ringer joins James for an all-encompassing conversation about the Charlotte Hornets. The two chat about Tate's fandom, dissect the choices for the number 4 overall pick, and look at Bridges and Ball's future in Charlotte.

Richie and Matt are joined by Jeremy Grandison to discuss how the NBA Playoffs can shape the Hornets' future. The three talk about double-big lineups, versatile players, and how there are multiple ways to build a competitive roster.

Brian, Darian, and Matt analyze two prospects projected as options for the Hornets with the No. 4 overall pick. They examine the offensive and defensive play of V.J. Edgecombe (Baylor) and Kon Knueppel (Duke).

Brian, Matt, and James recap the NBA Combine and share their thoughts on Tre Johnson. The three share the most noteworthy takeaways from the tests and interviews out in Chicago, while also diving deep into the talented shooter from Texas.

Spencer, James, Brian, and Darian react to the news that the Hornets secured the 4th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The crew expresses their disappointment and discusses how this will influence the team's future.Lottery Sale: Please visit this site to get Buzz Beat Plus at a 20% discount for an annual subscription. Offer ends 5/15/25.

Matt and James return to chat about two prospects from the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers. The two discuss Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, both projected to go in the top five of the NBA Draft. They look at their strengths, weaknesses, and potential fit in Charlotte.

Brian, James, and Darian break down Cooper Flagg's game. There is much to highlight with the consensus first overall pick, but very little to nitpick. Listen to the crew's analysis and what he could bring to the Hornets if they land the top overall selection.

Matt, Brian, Darian, and James reveal their top 7 prospects in the upcoming NBA Draft. They discuss the biggest discrepancies and what went into the evaluation process in creating their “Big Boards.”

Richie goes solo to briefly recap the Heat-Bulls game and explain why the results matter to Charlotte. He also details the incoming draft picks for Charlotte and how they will manage them moving forward.Be sure to subscribe to our Substack: Buzz Beat Plus

Following the Hornets' end-of-season media availability, we react to the notable talking points from the day. We dissect quotes from Jeff Peterson, Charles Lee, and the players.

Brian and Darian select five players from the Sweet 16 to create a balanced team. They discuss their drafting strategies and how their players enhance one another's performance on the basketball court. Additionally, they choose a coach from the remaining 16 teams.

Brian and Darian assess players competing in the upcoming NCAA men's tournament. The following prospects are reviewed (in order):Jase Richardson, Kam Jones, Danny Wolf, VJ Edgecombe, Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, Walter Clayton Jr., Derik Queen, Nique Clifford, Kasparas Jakučionis, Chaz Lanier, Tre Johnson.

Richie brings on Matt Alquiza to discuss the intel from Michael Scotto's recent piece about a potential LaMelo Ball move. The two discuss the package type required to send Ball to another team. The final segment puts percentages on the likelihood of Ball, Bridges, Green, Okogie, and Williams returning to Charlotte in 2025-26.

Richie and Brian react to Adam Silver's recent comments and answer a listener's question about the future of the Hornets. The two discuss Mark Williams and if anything can be done to fix future trade failures in the NBA. They also set priorities for a multi-year plan for the Hornets to become a playoff winner by 2028.

Brian, Darian, Spencer, and Div recap the busy day for the Hornets as they made multiple trades. The four break down the Mark Williams deal that landed Charlotte Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2030 first-round pick swap, and a 2031 unprotected first-round pick. They discuss how this affects the offseason and future outlook of the team. They finish by evaluating the transaction with Phoenix that sent Cody Martin and Vasilije Micić out the door for Jusuf Nurkić and a 2026 first-round pick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Richie answers a listener's question about retaining a handful of Hornets. He ranks Cody Martin, Josh Green, Grant Williams, Josh Okogie, Tre Mann, and Moussa Diabaté in terms of his preference for keeping players heading into next season.

Brian and Darian evaluate Nick Smith Jr. and Tidjane Salaün midway through the 2024-25 season. The two highlight Smith's recent play and Salaün's assignment to Greensboro. The two also discuss the promising signs and concerns for both of these young players as they progress through their rookie contracts. The episode also has discussions on Brandon Miller's injury to begin the episode and the implications of that moving forward. LIVE Video Version Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian and Darian return to chat about Charles Lee's first season as head coach for the Charlotte Hornets. The two discuss promising and worrisome aspects of his 7-25 start to the season. How much blame can be placed on Lee?

Brian and Darian return to discuss Brandon Miller's ankle injury and Mark Williams's recent play. The two discuss the depressing stat that Ball, Miller, and Williams have played just over 150 minutes in their tenure together and the outlook for the remainder of the season.

Brian and Darian return to chat about LaMelo's All-Star case and Moussa Diabaté making the most of his opportunities. The two also talk about Brandon Miller's disappointing start to the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian and Spencer discuss some of the good and bad aspects of the season's first three games. The two highlight LaMelo Ball's fast start, Nick Richards's underrated play, and Charles Lee's defensive intricacies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian, Darian, and Spencer return to discuss the results and observations of the Hornets' first two preseason games. The three talk about LaMelo's performances, the outlook for Tidjane Salaün, and the overall positivity surrounding Charles Lee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Richie gives a life update on the Buzz Beat podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian and Darian field listener questions as we slowly approach the opening of the NBA season. The two answer questions about closing lineups, the center depth, and the toughest part of Charlotte's schedule. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Richie, Brian, and Darian take all the rostered players on the Hornets and tier them into 6 different categories. The three also answer a listener's question about the most likely outcome after 20 games. If you'd like to tier the roster, please visit our TierMaker link. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Richie invites Will Eudy and Gil McGregor to partake in a draft of Hornets players from different eras. The three also discuss the offseason moves and the new “DNA” that exists within the organization.

Richie brings on Lauren Gunn to discuss the three Hornets players who have previously played for Dallas. She shares the background and scouting report on these players. Richie finishes the episode by outlining Moussa Diabaté signing the final two-way contract. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian and Darian recap the 7-1 Summer League Hornets. They spend some time discussing Zavier Simpson, Jake Stephens, Nick Smith Jr., Brandon Miller, and Tidjane Salaün. The two also talk over the final two-way contract and answer a listener's question about the logjam at the guard positions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Richie answers some listener questions concerning the roster construction. He chats about previous rebuilds, recaps the Taj Gibson signing, and ranks the guards on the roster that need to be getting the most minutes. Get involved in the Buzz Beat Substack Chat with questions and conversations with fellow Hornets fans: Join Chat! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Richie joins Mac on WFNZ to chat about the Hornets' offseason, Summer League, and what has him most excited about Charles Lee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Richie, Brian, and Darian discuss the first two wins in the California Classic. The three highlight some of the bigger talking points in the wins over Spurs and the Chinese National Team. The crew finishes the episode by outlining the flurry of moves the front office has made to round up the roster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Richie recaps the deal that landed Charlotte Josh Green. He highlights Green's play on both ends of the court and what this deal means for the roster construction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Richie and Brian recap the selection of KJ Simpson and the trade for Reggie Jackson. The two profile Simpson's strengths and weaknesses and outline the cause of the trade with Denver. The two also share more thoughts on Tidjane Salaün. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Richie, Darian, Brian, Spencer, and Dylan react to the selection of Tidjane Salaün at the 6th spot. The crew discusses the talking points, rumors, and prospects leading up to the pick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Richie reacts to the introductory press conference of Charles Lee. Lee emphasizes his past coaches, the need for competitiveness, and a focus on the process. ✍