The NBA Finals have arrived, and small markets are making big statements — but not Charlotte. On today’s episode of Locked On Hornets, we react to the Pacers’ wild Game 1 win and draw clear parallels between their playoff breakthrough and what the Hornets could be building toward — if they learn the right lessons.

Doug Branson and Walker Mehl debate the role of continuity, identity, and how small-to-mid-market teams like Indiana and OKC are proving it’s not about stacking stars — it’s about building smart. Could the Hornets follow suit? Or is there still too much dysfunction at the top?

We also explore the draft-day implications of Charlotte's current trajectory. Should the Hornets target a two-way wing like VJ Edgecombe to help define the team's identity? Or take a risk on Ace Bailey — assuming he even drops to No. 4? Plus, a listener-submitted trade idea gets us thinking: would moving back to 8 and picking up Cam Johnson make sense?

Oh, and someone brought an “Adam Silver Hates the Hornets” sign to The Pat McAfee Show in North Carolina. We discuss whether it’s valid frustration or misdirected blame.

All that plus a little love for Courtney Lee’s unforgettable 2016 shot — and why it still haunts Charlotte fans.

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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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The Hornets front office is playing it close to the vest AND there is a lot of uncertainty about what the Spurs and Sixers will do above them. That's making things spicy. Doug and Walker dig into the latest report from Krysten Peek that has the Hornets silently eyeing Casper Yakubonis. Is the Illinois guard a real draft target, or a smokescreen for a potential trade-down strategy? Meanwhile, there's mounting buzz around VJ Edgecombe as a perfect cultural and on-court fit between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller—if he's available at No. 4.

Doug lays out his dream scenario: trading up for Dylan Harper, whom he calls the true prize of the draft. But what would it cost the Hornets to make that move? And would it contradict GM Jeff Peterson’s “step-by-step” rebuild philosophy? The guys also react to chatter that San Antonio could pair Khaman Maluach with Wemby—raising big red flags for Charlotte fans who remember Bismack Biyombo all too well.

Plus: What would a trade-down to the 7–9 range signal about Charlotte’s priorities? Can you count on Edgecombe’s shot? And which guard prospect is really the best ball handler outside of Tre Johnson?

Don’t miss this episode filled with deep draft analysis and commentary from the sickos in the YouTube comments.

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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

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Is Charlotte sticking at #4 or setting up a surprise? On this episode of Locked On Hornets, Doug Branson and Walker Mehl react to new reporting from Matt Moore and Krysten Peek that sheds light on what the Hornets might do with their top-5 pick. Could the team trade down and still grab a top shooter like Kon Knueppel? Would passing on VJ Edgecombe signal a new direction—or just smart scouting?

Moore intel: https://hardwoodparoxysm.substack.com/p/free-agency-and-draft-rumors-panic

Peek intel: https://www.hoopshq.com/nba-draft/nba-draft-intel-latest

Doug argues that Knueppel’s elite shooting and IQ make him a plug-and-play piece next to LaMelo Ball, while Walker warns of the risks in moving back too far and ending up with leftovers. They also dive into whether veterans like Grant Williams or Miles Bridges could be trade bait as Charlotte eyes long-term flexibility—and why injuries and lack of postseason reps are stalling trade talks.

Later, they assess the rising stock of Kasparas Jakucionis and whether his all-around skillset makes sense at #4 or only in a trade-down scenario. If Charlotte takes Jakucionis or Knueppel, does that mean LaMelo is staying—or going?

This episode is packed with draft theories, fit analysis, and the kind of Hornets chaos that only June can bring.

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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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In this episode of Locked On Hornets, Walker and Doug dive deep into recent futures rankings for the Eastern Conference—where the Hornets surprisingly land above teams like Miami and Chicago. What’s fueling this optimism? From improved draft positioning to promising management moves, the guys lay out why Charlotte’s future might be brighter than you think.

Then, the conversation takes a sharp turn into the draft as they react to Jonathan Wasserman’s latest Bleacher Reportmock, which sends Duke center Khaman Maluach to the Hornets at #4. Is this déjà vu with Mark Williams all over again? Doug calls it his “worst-case scenario,” while Walker considers the physical tools Maluach brings to the table. Could this pick signal a new direction—or a dangerous repeat of past mistakes?

Finally, they discuss VJ Edgecombe’s growing defensive reputation and whether it's based more on projection than production. Walker grinds the tape and questions whether VJ’s tools match the defensive hype, especially after struggling against teams like Houston and Duke. Doug weighs in with context on youth, coaching, and development systems that could help Edgecombe thrive.

Whether you're team VJ, team trade-back, or just trying to avoid a Maluach meltdown, this episode has something for every Hornets draft watcher.

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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

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The Charlotte Hornets’ offseason is officially under scrutiny, and ESPN’s Bobby Marks didn’t hold back in outlining the massive to-do list for the franchise. In this episode of Locked On Hornets, Doug and Walker break down the financial mess—including the impact of the Nurkić contract, looming extension decisions, and the harsh reality of being over the salary cap with a 19-win team. Could this really be another “evaluation year”? If so, what does that mean for stars like LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges? Doug discusses a hypothetical trade with the Kings and weighs whether the team should move both cornerstones now or risk wasting more seasons of Brandon Miller’s development. Plus, they answer a Sicko Satchel fan question that proposes blowing it all up—including wild trade packages involving the Bulls and Magic.

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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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