Locked On Hornets - Daily Podcast On The Charlotte Hornets

Locked On Podcast Network
Locked On Podcast Network
  • 4.6 (269)
  • Basketball
  • Updated Daily

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. Walker Mehl from WFNZ and Doug Branson, a writer at EveryHornetsBoxscore.com, provide expert, local analysis and intelligent takes on the Charlotte Hornets. Locked On Hornets takes you beyond the scoreboard for the inside scoops on the biggest stories from within the Hornets locker room and all over the NBA. The Locked On Hornets podcast is part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

  1. 1d ago

    Top 3 REASONS to Watch Preseason | MAILBAG Episode | What is a SUCCESSFUL Season?

    Preseason basketball is back and the Charlotte Hornets are stirring up excitement and speculation. Host Doug Branson shares the top three reasons to watch the upcoming preseason games, placing the spotlight on Naz Reid’s transition from sixth man to potential starter, Brandon Miller’s offseason muscle gains, and the challenge of making the Hornets’ offense function smoothly without LaMelo Ball on the floor. Find out whether Reid’s offense can keep pace with his new responsibilities and if Miller’s reported 10-pound weight gain translates to a more assertive style of play. The episode also opens the famed “Sicko Satchel,” addressing devoted listener questions from the Sicko Brigade. Doug Branson explores how to measure a Hornets season—ranging from disaster to outright success—and specifies the benchmarks for calling 2024-25 a step forward. Hear discussion about the mysterious $40+ million trade exception, how the team might leverage it, and if the current roster truly feels complete. The veteran presence of Grant Williams and Pat Connaughton is examined, as tough decisions loom at the trade deadline. As always, community voices come through with questions about G League development and Greensboro Swarm coverage, and Doug Branson teases how the Hornets’ young stars like Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller can shift fan focus from potential trades to on-court results. Join the conversation as the Hornets set their sights on playoff dreams and lasting progress. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Top 3 REASONS to Watch Preseason | MAILBAG Episode | What is a SUCCESSFUL Season?

  2. 2d ago

    Who NEEDS the Preseason? | Is Royce O'Neal getting TRADED? | Coach Talk

    The Charlotte Hornets are gearing up for a preseason packed with intrigue, as players across the roster battle for standing and new leadership sets the tone. On today’s episode, the spotlight shines brightly on Brandon Miller: can last year’s highly-touted pick make a standout statement and establish himself as “the dude” with Kon Knueppel sidelined? We discuss why this preseason isn’t just about fringe roster hopefuls, but about Miller’s potential leap and how players like Ceylon James face pivotal moments after a rocky Summer League showing. Versatility is the Hornets’ new mantra, but is that enough for players like James to carve out a lasting role? We debate what the coaching staff and front office might be looking for as rotations start to crystallize, and what it means for hopefuls like Liam McNeeley. Meanwhile, Royce O’Neal finds himself at the center of swirling trade rumors—how real are these reports, and how valuable does the veteran need to be for Charlotte versus as a trade asset? We separate fact from speculation, drawing from the team’s recent history and newfound roster flexibility under Jeff Peterson. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Who NEEDS the Preseason? | Is Royce O'Neal getting TRADED? | Coach Talk

  3. 2d ago

    Training Camp BATTLES | Who WINS the Big Battles? | Which WINGS Win?

    Charlotte Hornets training camp has kicked off in Charleston, and the competition is already at a fever pitch. This episode explores the most fascinating camp battles across the roster, focusing on standout skirmishes at the center spot with Moussa Diabate, Hannes Steinbach, and Ryan Kalkbrenner each fighting for meaningful minutes. Attention shifts to the wings, where the rapid progression of Liam McNeeley and the defensive grit of Seon James are forcing tough decisions for Coach Charles Lee. Listeners get detailed insight into how player development, offensive skill sets, and perimeter defense are shaping the team’s new identity. The episode also highlights rookie expectations versus returning veterans, with side-by-side comparisons touching on everything from three-point shooting to rebounding and on-ball defense. Off the court, Coby White shares what surprised him most after arriving from Chicago, praising the Hornets’ player-first approach and culture improvements—and how that’s begun to change the team’s leaguewide reputation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Training Camp BATTLES | Who WINS the Big Battles? | Which WINGS Win?

  4. 4d ago

    Can COBY be Coby? | Remembering the DILLY Era | Training Camp BEGINS

    Charlotte Hornets Media Day delivered intriguing storylines, and this episode covers all the buzz. Walker Mehl and Doug Branson weigh in on Coby White’s ascension to starting point guard after LaMelo Ball's departure, highlighting how White’s honest remarks reveal a player energized by new responsibility and the challenge of orchestrating a deep, versatile roster. Listeners will gain perspective on how White’s new role, unique compared to his previous stints in Chicago and Charlotte, could shape the Hornets’ offensive identity this season. The episode doesn’t sidestep front office moves either, with sharp analysis of the Rob Dillingham saga—why the Hornets waived the rookie guard within hours amid a roster crunch and what this means for future GM strategy. Walker Mehl and Doug Branson also debate fan reactions to missed opportunities with trade acquisitions and lay out why this front office doesn’t prioritize sentimental “local hero” signings over NBA talent. On the player development front, the rookie buzz is real: Michael Ajayi’s early impact in camp, validated by veteran endorsements, signals a new level of competitiveness. The show previews intriguing training camp battles, particularly among frontcourt prospects like Hannes Steinbach, Ryan Kalkbrenner, and PJ Hall, and what lineup flexibility means for Coach Charles Lee’s first season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  5. 5d ago

    Hornets Media Day MOMENTS | MAJOR Injury Updates | Naz Reid WELCOMED

    Hornets Media Day was packed with updates and big revelations as Charlotte gears up for the new season. Brandon Miller headlines the news, sharing that he’s been cleared for full contact for three weeks, bringing an end to any lingering concerns about his shoulder. His candidness about last year’s pain—pain he refused to use as an excuse—gives fans a new appreciation for his toughness and dedication. Kon Knueppel adds important context to his hamstring injury, explaining that it happened three weeks ago and sharing optimism about his regular season availability. The Hornets medical staff is keeping caution at the forefront, ensuring Knueppel’s long-term health is prioritized over preseason play. The spotlight also shines on new addition Naz Reid, who opens up about trading Minnesota loyalty for a fresh start—and a new city—in Charlotte. Reid’s honest reflections on leaving the Timberwolves, coupled with praise from teammates for his unique skillset and relentless effort, have many believing he’ll quickly become a fan favorite. The episode unpacks how chemistry is developing among returning players and newcomers, with discussions on the Hornets’ commitment to physicality and a team-driven offense under Charles Lee. You’ll also hear quick highlights about other key players, the team’s focus on improving strength and conditioning, and thoughtful reflections on how injury management has shifted around the league. Don’t miss this comprehensive Media Day recap loaded with player updates, locker room insight, and optimism for the season ahead. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Hornets Media Day MOMENTS | MAJOR Injury Updates | Naz Reid WELCOMED

  6. Sep 25

    ERIC & DELL ARE BACK!! | Reputation CHANGE | Opinions on BRANDON MILLER CONTRACT

    Walker Mehl goes solo to discuss Eric Collins, Dell Curry, and Shannon Spake returning as your Charlotte Hornets broadcast team! Why was it important to bring back such an important group? Walker goes through the importance of how we consume Hornets basketball and more importantly, how the organization recognizes that. Finally, Walker dissects all of the varying opinions over Brandon Miller’s potential contract extension. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    ERIC & DELL ARE BACK!! | Reputation CHANGE | Opinions on BRANDON MILLER CONTRACT

  7. Sep 23

    Hornets Trade AFTERMATH | No Room for NEMBHARD? | Big BROADCAST News

    It’s another wild day for Hornets basketball fans as the Charlotte Hornets shake up their roster and make headlines with sweeping moves, all while rolling out fan-first broadcasting news. Host Walker Mehl and Doug Branson react to reports of Buddy Hield and Ryan Nembhard being waived shortly after the team acquired them in a trade for Dorian Finney-Smith, explaining what these moves mean for the team’s roster flexibility, future draft capital, and trade exceptions. The conversation unpacks why the Hornets appear laser-focused on creating options for bigger future moves rather than immediate roster upgrades, with a humorous lens on the deal-making tendencies of Charlotte’s front office. The episode also zeroes in on which players are truly fighting for the final active roster spots, with compelling arguments about the value of veterans like Pat Connaughton against the promise of young prospects like Tidjane Salaun. Walker Mayo and Doug Branson highlight how the team’s draft success and off-season trades have created a positive problem of depth and competition, raising fascinating questions about the Hornets’ developmental priorities. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Hornets Trade AFTERMATH | No Room for NEMBHARD? | Big BROADCAST News

  8. Sep 22

    BREAKING Hornets TRADE | What does this mean for the HORNETS? | Who gets CUT?

    The Charlotte Hornets just shook up their roster again, finalizing a headline-grabbing swap with the Atlanta Hawks that brings veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield and playmaking youngster Ryan Nembhard to the Queen City in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith—and a little extra cash. Doug Branson examines how this late-offseason trade fits into the Hornets’ clear strategy to assemble not just more depth, but NBA-ready talent 1 through 15 on the roster. What does the addition of Hield actually mean, given his age and skill set, and how could Nembhard’s pure point guard style complement the current mix behind Coby White and Dennis Schroder? Roster construction questions loom large, as the Hornets’ camp will feature 19 names—many of them legitimate threats to stick—raising all kinds of intrigue about possible next steps and whether another blockbuster could materialize, maybe targeting a name like Domantas Sabonis. Doug Branson highlights Charlotte’s new rotational versatility, examines the team’s shifting philosophy under Jeff Peterson, and investigates what Buddy Hield’s contract situation could mean for future moves. He also explores whether the Hornets are signaling a shift away from relying on “cheerleader” veterans and instead betting on a new generation, with pressure mounting on every roster spot to deliver meaningful contributions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    BREAKING Hornets TRADE | What does this mean for the HORNETS? | Who gets CUT?
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4.6
out of 5
269 Ratings

About

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. Walker Mehl from WFNZ and Doug Branson, a writer at EveryHornetsBoxscore.com, provide expert, local analysis and intelligent takes on the Charlotte Hornets. Locked On Hornets takes you beyond the scoreboard for the inside scoops on the biggest stories from within the Hornets locker room and all over the NBA. The Locked On Hornets podcast is part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

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