In this episode of Locked On Hornets, Walker Mehl and Doug Branson dive deep into the drama surrounding LaMelo Ball’s recent benching. Despite the controversy, LaMelo continues to climb NBA player rankings, landing at an impressive 27th on The Ringer’s latest list. The duo analyzes why LaMelo’s sky-high usage rate is drawing comparisons to NBA greats like Stephen Curry and James Harden and how injuries to key players like Mark Williams and Nick Richards have impacted LaMelo’s style of play.

Attention then shifts to rookie standout Tidjane Salaun, who impressed with his career-high 11 points and eight rebounds in a recent game. Doug breaks down Salaun’s potential, describing his unique blend of size and skill as reminiscent of a future star. The conversation also addresses fan frustrations with the Hornets’ draft strategy, contrasting Salaun’s trajectory with other rookies like Dalton Knecht and Jared McCain.

Looking ahead, the Hornets face a tough rematch against the Detroit Pistons. Their last encounter ended in a nail-biter, with Brandon Miller securing the game-winning tip-in at the buzzer. The Pistons, led by Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, have improved significantly, and their physicality could pose challenges for Charlotte. The hosts discuss defensive matchups, rebounding battles, and key adjustments the Hornets must make to secure a win.

Finally, we continue to discuss the broader implications of Charles Lee’s decision to bench LaMelo, questioning whether the move was a calculated effort to motivate the young star or a rash decision borne of frustration.

Don’t miss this comprehensive breakdown of all things Hornets, packed with insights, analysis, and a healthy dose of fandom!

LaMelo Ball benched in crunch time?! Charles Lee’s decision has us questioning the direction of the Hornets.

In this episode of Locked On Hornets:

The Charlotte Hornets lost a tight NBA Cup game to the Brooklyn Nets, but the biggest story was LaMelo Ball sitting out the final 3:47 of the fourth quarter. Hosts Walker Mehl, Doug Branson, and David Walker dissect Charles Lee’s controversial decision and what it means for the Hornets’ franchise player. They explore the dynamic between LaMelo and Lee, speculate about long-term implications, and break down Brandon Miller’s standout performance. Plus, why did the officiating leave everyone scratching their heads? Tune in for in-depth analysis on a pivotal night for the Hornets.

Walker and Doug dissect the Hornets’ latest rotation dilemmas, focusing on rookie Tidjane Salaun’s fluctuating minutes and Charles Lee’s handling of injuries. The hosts break down how Salaun’s early starting role evolved back into a bench role and analyze whether putting him in the starting lineup was premature. They also review Vasa Micic’s recent reappearance and what it signals for the team’s depth. Finally, the Hornets’ new TV deal with Amazon Prime Video stirs up more fan confusion over how to access games. Tune in for a breakdown of what’s working and what’s not in the Hornets’ evolving lineup.

The Charlotte Hornets begin NBA Cup play against the Orlando Magic, with key players out for both teams, giving the Hornets a shot at victory. We also discuss LaMelo Ball’s impressive performance as he’s nominated again for Eastern Conference Player of the Week. What does this mean for his development? And could Charlotte’s effort rebounding edge push them past Orlando? Tune in to hear Doug and Walker break down the game strategy, the NBA Cup’s importance, and LaMelo’s standout shooting stats.

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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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