Locked On Hornets - Daily Podcast On The Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets have their next head coach and it's Charles Lee, Associate Head Coach of the Boston Celtics. We discuss the terms, the process and the future of the team under his leadership.Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

Do the Charlotte Hornets already have their next head coach? Walker and Doug discuss Rick Schnall's latest comments on the search for Charlotte's next head coach. Do the hints lean Charles Lee or JJ Redick? Doug reveals some Summer League details and the guys close it out with a segment searching through the Sicko Satchel. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

In this episode of Locked On Hornets, Walker Mehl and Doug Branson, along with guest David Walker, tackle the Charlotte Hornets' pressing issue of not having a head coach. They discuss the impact of this vacancy on the team's performance and playoff chances. The hosts share stories from fans, including one who traveled to see another team's playoff game out of frustration with the Hornets. They also debate potential moves the Hornets could make to improve, like trades and strategic signings, stressing the need for the team to take bold actions to end their playoff drought.Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

In this episode of Locked On Hornets, hosts Doug Branson and Walker Mehl discuss Mark Williams' challenging season marked by limited play due to injuries, his potential impact on the team's defense, and what his future might hold.We're also opening the Sicko Satchel, answering listener questions about reasonable expectations for the next season, potential coaching candidates from former Hornets players, and chickens vs. orangutansFollow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

In this episode of Locked On Hornets, we focus on the Charlotte Hornets' ongoing challenge to fill their head coaching vacancy. With attractive coaching opportunities opening up with teams like the Lakers and Suns, the Hornets are finding it increasingly difficult to lock down a top candidate. We discuss why Charles Lee and JJ Redick might be reluctant to commit to Charlotte and how recent developments around the league are impacting the team's search. Additionally, we analyze the front office's approach to the hiring process and speculate on potential fallback options if their preferred candidates pass on the job. Join us as we break down what these coaching uncertainties mean for the Hornets' future and how the new ownership is navigating these turbulent waters.Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

What are the chances the Charlotte Hornets could catch a falling star? Walker and Doug look at teams who lost in the first round of the playoffs to see what players could be made available in a blow-up situation. Do the Hornets have enough "win now" pieces to entice some teams? Finally, the guys discuss whether they've already "given up" on Mark Williams in the Sicko Sound-Off. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

Who are the first round prospects in the NBA Draft that make sense for the Charlotte Hornets? Nata Edwards joins the show to discuss why the center position shouldn't be ignored in the draft despite having Mark Williams on the roster. Who are the late first round guys you're targeting? Finally, the guys finish up with JJ Redick v. Charles Lee talk. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

What went right for Miles Bridges? David Walker joins the show to go through Miles Bridges' season and discuss some of the positives in 2023/2024. Do you trust Miles getting back to the same level of play he displayed in 2021/2022? The guys transition into discussing the latest hire for the Hornets in the analytics department. Have you liked Charlotte's hiring practices this offseason? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

Do the Charlotte Hornets have a continuity problem? Walker and Doug discuss Rod Boone's article on The Charlotte Observer reporting injury conflict within the organization and what it means for the franchise. Can they all get on the same page? Plus the guys repurpose Charles Lee audio from Friday for Doug to share his opinion. Finally, the guys rummage through the Sicko Satchel. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

Does the Charlotte Hornets HC decision really come down to JJ Redick and Charles Lee? Walker goes over the most likely candidates after a report from Shams Charania on Charlotte's "serious" consideration between the lead guys. Does JJ want *this* job, or just any job in the NBA? What is Charles Lee's coaching identity?  Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

Nata Edwards, producer of the Eye on College Basketball podcast, joins Doug to give scouting notes on Stephon Castle, Donovan Clingan, Cody Williams and Rob Dillingham. PLUS! Nata thinks the Hornets coaching search has been a disaster.Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

Locked On Hornets continues the player profile series with Brandon Miller up next. The guys talk about everything that went right for the rookie including his impressive shooting and competitive mentality. Did anything go wrong? Doug also manages to squeeze in another mock draft and let the sickos sound off. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

The Charlotte Hornets reportedly interviewed JJ Redick for its head coaching vacancy as they continue to cast a wide net. How much should he be considered for the job? David Walker joins the show to discuss his thoughts on the interview process, draft lottery odds, and Michael Jordan's win on the race track. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

Locked On Hornets podcast is your daily ticket to stay ahead of the game and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info for the Charlotte Hornets and the NBA

The offseason is here, which means it's time for player profiles and mock drafts. The guys start with LaMelo Ball taking a look at the positives in a tough season. What areas did he show improvement? What went wrong? Also, as promised, Doug brought the mock drafts to bring in or new recurring segment: Mock Draft Mondays. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

Is Brandon Miller already considered a leader for the Hornets? Walker goes solo to comb through more audio from his interviews on Wes and Walker with Brandon Miller and Grant Williams. What were some of the main takeaways? Will Grant be a beloved Hornet by the end of his tenure? Walker closes it out with a conversation on the potential differences between Steve Clifford and the next head coach. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

Bobby Marks of ESPN dropped an article on every eliminated team's offseason needs previewing the offseason ahead. What is on the Hornets' "to-do" list? Is the Miles Bridges decision the top priority? What are the team's biggest draft needs? The guys close it out with Zach Lowe's praise of Brandon Miller. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

Walker and Doug continue going through exit day comments after the team hosted media availability on Monday. Does Miles Bridges still want to be in Charlotte? Do the Hornets want to pay him? The guys transition into a conversation about Steve Clifford's role and whether they feel comfortable with him being a part of the coaching search.  Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

What were the biggest takeaways from Charlotte Hornets exit day? David Walker joins the pod to share his thoughts on what he heard from Steve Clifford, LaMelo Ball, and Brandon Miller. How much did we learn about the team's injuries? Do you want to hear more from LaMelo Ball? Finally, the guys finish up with funny comments they heard all throughout the day. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

Thanks to the Miles Bridges go ahead layup, the Charlotte Hornets beat the Atlanta Hawks and win the season series as the year comes to an end. Who were the stars of the game? How many "moments" have we had this year? Walker and Doug close it out with a discussion on the latest ESPN rookie power rankings. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

The Charlotte Hornets lose the last home game of the season to the Dallas Mavericks before hitting the road for the last three games overall. How will you remember Steve Clifford's 2nd tenure? What did you think of the tribute videos? The guys transition into a conversation about Dan Staley HC candidacy and finish with a tribute of their own to the Hornets broadcast crew. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

Doug Branson is back after his trip to Charlotte to share stories and takeaways from his experience at the Spectrum Center. What's a difference between in-person and TV viewing? The guys share their thoughts on Lindsey Harding's HC interview with the Hornets, and finish with a four step process on how to show up on the jumbotron. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

Walker Mehl goes solo to discuss the Hornets offensive performances over the weekend after a 1-1 split in games against Orlando and Oklahoma City. How impressive was Brandon Miller in the first half against the Magic? Finally, Walker transitions into the haymakers exchanged between Charlotte and OKC, before asking if Gordon Hayward really needed a tribute video. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

Walker and Doug comb through the top Charlotte Hornets coaching candidates and try to figure out who might be a good fit with the team. Would you rather an offensive or defensive mind?  Would you consider hiring a college coach? Finally, the guys get to Lavar Ball's comments on LaMelo Ball and discuss Bill Simmons' "Worst Owner" pyramid. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

Walker and Doug go over Steve Clifford's comments at his press conference yesterday in light of his decision to step down as the Charlotte Hornets HC and move to a front office role. Why did he decide to make the change? What responsibilities will he have in the front office? Finally the guys talk about the Brandon Miller vs. Scoot Henderson matchup. Who took away the win? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

Steve Clifford is stepping down as head coach of the Charlotte Hornets. Why now? What's next? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED RIGHT BEFORE WOJ BROKE THE NEWS THAT CLIFFORD IS STEPPING DOWNThe Charlotte Hornets injury report against Portland is extensive, including Brandon Miller who's listed as questionable. How do all of the injuries this year affect Steve Clifford's job status next season? The guys transition into Brandon Miller's 3rd straight Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month award and how that could translate into an All-Star appearance next year. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

The Charlotte Hornets lose again to the Boston Celtics, but who are the guys trending up as the season goes on? Walker and Doug break down the recent play of Miles Bridges and Brandon Miller. Why is their efficiency going up? Finally, Locked On Hornets talks about the influx of opposing fans in attendance at the Spectrum Center. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

The Charlotte Hornets go 0-2 over the weekend, but Brandon Miller steps up against his favorite player in Paul George along the way. What are the chances Brandon Miller ends up being the next Paul George? The guys break down other takeaways over the weekend including Davis Bertans' role long term and an appreciation for Grant Williams. Finally, Walker and Doug are inspired by DJ Burns, so they stroll down memory lane and say hi to chubby Hornets basketball players. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

Walker and Doug share more thoughts on LaMelo Ball's second straight season mired in injury. What does it mean for LaMelo? Should the Hornets spend top dollar on high quality PG depth in free agency? The guys transition into a conversation about Mark Williams back injury, like what is it exactly? Finally, how much have the Hornets been impacted because of the absence of Seth Curry and Cody Martin? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

Shams breaks the news in the middle of our recording that LaMelo Ball will miss the remainder of the season. What does this mean for him and the Charlotte Hornets. Doug and Walker also discuss Brandon Miller's incredible performance in a big and sneaky important win against the Cleveland Cavaliers.Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams continue to sit out every game, yet aren't listed out for the rest of the season. Is there really a chance they return this season? Is there any point to bringing them back? Walker and Doug transition into questioning whether they jinxed Vasa Micic on his quest to EC Rookie of the Month. Finally, the guys share their thoughts on the Jontay Porter situation. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

Brandon Miller got his scoring going on all 3 levels but the Hornets offense still wasn't good enough to compete with a good NBA team. The Charlotte Hornets are very tired of sleeping in hotels. Is Miles Bridges "very crucial" to the Hornets future success?Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

The Charlotte Hornets suffer another bad loss, this time to the Atlanta Hawks over the weekend. Brandon Miller continues to struggle over the last few weeks of play which has the guys wondering what's wrong. Do you expect the Hornets to pick it up within the last month of basketball despite a brutal schedule? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

With the Charlotte Hornets season coming to an end, Walker and Doug are asking how we got back to a dark place with this team? How bad has Hornets basketball been lately? What do the guys want to see from the Hornets over the weekend? Finally Doug brings up some YouTube comments from the "Trading LaMelo" episode. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

David Walker makes his weekly appearance to discuss the players Charlotte Hornets fans should keep an eye out for in the NCAA Tournament. What are the Hornets' needs? Can they go with another backcourt player? Walker and David also go through some of the stars in College Basketball and predict how they'll translate to the NBA. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

Walker and Doug recap a painful no good loss by the Charlotte Hornets to the Orlando Magic. What went wrong in the first half? The guys transition into a case for Vasa Micic to win EC Rookie of the Month while in competition with his very own teammate. Finally, Doug takes over to discuss the change in NBA officiating. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

In one of the latest episodes of the Bill Simmons Podcast, Simmons selected LaMelo Ball as having one of the worst contracts in the NBA at the moment. Does he have a point? Should Jeff Peterson consider trading him within the first year on the job? Walker and Doug break down the status of LaMelo Ball within the Hornets organization before finally transitioning into the Hornets upcoming schedule. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

The Charlotte Hornets go 0-2 over the weekend, but is the team actually playing better? Walker and Doug recap a weekend that saw Kevin Durant get juked twice and Brandon Miller get wrongfully ejected. How much did Miller's ejection impact the Hornets' chances at beating Philadelphia? Finally, the guys play their own version of, "You might be a redneck if...".Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

The Locked On Hornets podcast dives into the intriguing situation surrounding Vasa Micic. With LaMelo Ball sidelined, the 30-year-old rookie has seized his opportunity as the starting point guard, posting career highs and impressive playmaking. But what role will Micic accept when Ball returns next season? Host Doug Branson examines if Micic sees himself as a future star lead guard or if he'd be content as a high-level sixth man for the Hornets. Doug also breaks down the Hornets' struggles on offense and their reliance on transition baskets to manufacture points with their current depleted roster. He shares insight from fans on Brandon Miller's potential rookie wall affecting his outside shooting, the significance of finally getting a double-digit win, and strong reactions to the trade deadline acquisitions like Micic and Poku. The show closes with updates on former Hornet Kai Jones getting a chance with the 76ers and the latest on Charlotte's arena renovations.Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

Vasa Micic posted a career high in a bunch of different categories to help the Charlotte Hornets beat the Memphis Grizzlies. How important is Micic to the Hornets long term? Would you look to trade Micic or Tre Mann? The guys transition into some Brandon Miller trends and finish with conversation surrounding Steve Clifford's future with the team. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…