NBA SQUAD: Breaking Down The Crazy Kawhi Leonard, Steve Ballmer Scandal

This conversation naturally leads to a major debate: are injuries a valid excuse for the team's shortcomings? The Hornets had the fourth-most games lost to injury last season, but with significant new depth, we question if that reasoning will hold up this year. The discussion then shifts to the past, prompted by a headline wondering if injuries derailed the rise of the Al Jefferson, Nic Batum, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist teams. We argue that while injuries—particularly to MKG—certainly had an impact, the franchise's inability to build on that success had more to do with poor drafting and a failure to invest in the roster. We also touch on the team's awkward scheduling and subsequent cancellation of a "Sports Betting Night" for a game against Terry Rozier and the Heat.Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://linktr.ee/lockedonhornetsBecome an official member of the Locked On Hornets Sicko Brigade and get Hornets news, rumors and pictures of Byron Mullens sent directly to your phone via Subtext (14 Day Free Trial): https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonhornetsLocked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBAGet Doug's gamenotes, special articles and a podcast on Hornets history at the Every Hornets Boxscore substack: everyhornetsboxscore.comGet more Walker on Wes and Walker 12-3pm on WFNZ 92.7 FMTop 35 Hornets Nicknames of All-Time According to Doug Branson: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-nicknames-in-hornets-franchiseTop 35 Hornets of All-Time According to Walker Mehl: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-players-in-hornets-history📲 Follow Locked On Hornets on TwitterLocked On Hornets https://twitter.com/LockedOnHornetsWalker Mehl https://twitter.com/WalkerMehlDoug Branson https://twitter.com/DougBransonLOH Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!OpenPhoneStreamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnbaHungryrootWith Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one. For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use code LOCKEDONNBA.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first yearGametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

On today's show, we start with the news of Josh Giddey agreeing to a four-year, $100 million contract with the Bulls. This deal perfectly illustrates the "Giddey conundrum," a tough spot for teams navigating the new CBA with players who are good, but not quite max-level talents. This leads us to examine the Hornets' own roster and future extension decisions. While the 2021 draft class is a non-factor, the front office will soon face a huge decision with Brandon Miller. We explore whether he is on a max-contract trajectory and what happens if his performance lands somewhere in the middle, similar to the contracts for Jabari Smith or Jalen Green.To lighten the mood, we share some fun reporting from Rod Boone of The Charlotte Observer, who asked the Hornets' rookies about the first big purchases they plan to make with their new money. Finally, Doug presents a trade idea with the Philadelphia 76ers that would help them with salary cap issues while bringing Kelly Oubre Jr., Andre Drummond, and a first-round pick back to Charlotte in exchange for Pat Connaughton and Spencer Dinwiddie.Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://linktr.ee/lockedonhornetsBecome an official member of the Locked On Hornets Sicko Brigade and get Hornets news, rumors and pictures of Byron Mullens sent directly to your phone via Subtext (14 Day Free Trial): https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonhornetsLocked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBAGet Doug's gamenotes, special articles and a podcast on Hornets history at the Every Hornets Boxscore substack: everyhornetsboxscore.comGet more Walker on Wes and Walker 12-3pm on WFNZ 92.7 FMTop 35 Hornets Nicknames of All-Time According to Doug Branson: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-nicknames-in-hornets-franchiseTop 35 Hornets of All-Time According to Walker Mehl: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-players-in-hornets-history📲 Follow Locked On Hornets on TwitterLocked On Hornets https://twitter.com/LockedOnHornetsWalker Mehl https://twitter.com/WalkerMehlDoug Branson https://twitter.com/DougBransonLOH Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!OpenPhoneStreamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnbaHungryrootWith Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one. For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use code LOCKEDONNBA.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first yearGametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

It's that time of year again—silly season is in full swing as we examine the brand new Top 100 players list from the Locked On Podcast Network. We start with LaMelo Ball, who landed at number 48, placing him just inside the top half of the league's elite. His ranking puts him in a curious tier of incredibly talented but chronically injured players like Zion Williamson and Joel Embiid, which might be a strange sort of compliment to his skill level when he's actually on the court.Then, we turn our attention to Brandon Miller, who earned a spot on the list at number 82. His inclusion is a testament to his high potential and the flashes of stardom he showed during his rookie season, suggesting that voters are giving him the benefit of the doubt after his injury. Of course, a top 100 list wouldn't be complete without a discussion about who was left off. We look at the case for Miles Bridges and consider the on-court and off-court factors that likely contributed to his omission from the rankings this year. Finally, we offer a proper send-off to former Hornet Jeremy Lin following his retirement announcement, remembering his electric and impactful season in Charlotte.Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://linktr.ee/lockedonhornetsBecome an official member of the Locked On Hornets Sicko Brigade and get Hornets news, rumors and pictures of Byron Mullens sent directly to your phone via Subtext (14 Day Free Trial): https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonhornetsLocked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBAGet Doug's gamenotes, special articles and a podcast on Hornets history at the Every Hornets Boxscore substack: everyhornetsboxscore.comGet more Walker on Wes and Walker 12-3pm on WFNZ 92.7 FMTop 35 Hornets Nicknames of All-Time According to Doug Branson: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-nicknames-in-hornets-franchiseTop 35 Hornets of All-Time According to Walker Mehl: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-players-in-hornets-history📲 Follow Locked On Hornets on TwitterLocked On Hornets https://twitter.com/LockedOnHornetsWalker Mehl https://twitter.com/WalkerMehlDoug Branson https://twitter.com/DougBransonLOH Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!OpenPhoneStreamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnbaHungryrootWith Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one. For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use code LOCKEDONNBA.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first yearGametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Pablo Torre broke a crazy potential scandal involving Kawhi Leonard, the Los Angeles Clippers, Steve Ballmer and some suspicious money. NBA Squad breaks down all that we know, what this could mean for the league and much more! Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-nba Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/nba Follow the Locked On Podcast NetworkTwitter 📲 https://twitter.com/LockedOnNetworkTikTok 📲 https://www.tiktok.com/@lockedonsports Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! | Offers: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/offers/ #NBA #Basketball #Podcast #NBAPodcast #Sports #SportsPodcast

Today, we are playing the name game and tackling a question that's on every Hornets fan's mind: who truly has the higher ceiling between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller? LaMelo's talent is simply otherworldly—his handle, his passing, his pull-up shooting—but we also consider if he can overcome his deficiencies to become a true winning player. For Brandon, the potential is obvious, but can he develop the handle and self-creation needed to reach that next level? We also explore the more nuanced question of which player is more likely to actually hit their ceiling.The comparisons don't stop there, as we match up other key young players on the roster, including Brandon Miller vs. Kon Knueppel and the athletic Tidjane Salaun vs. Kon. To wrap things up, we take a ride on the Hornets pontoon, answering a fantastic listener question about our dream seven-person lake day crew. The categories are specific and the answers are wild, featuring a current Hornet, an ex-Hornet, an NBA Hall of Famer, a college coach, a pro wrestler, a 90s sitcom heartthrob, and one member of the Curry family. You won't want to miss our hilarious justifications for picking guys like Matt Geiger, Roy Williams, and "Macho Man" Randy Savage.Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://linktr.ee/lockedonhornetsBecome an official member of the Locked On Hornets Sicko Brigade and get Hornets news, rumors and pictures of Byron Mullens sent directly to your phone via Subtext (14 Day Free Trial): https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonhornetsLocked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBAGet Doug's gamenotes, special articles and a podcast on Hornets history at the Every Hornets Boxscore substack: everyhornetsboxscore.comGet more Walker on Wes and Walker 12-3pm on WFNZ 92.7 FMTop 35 Hornets Nicknames of All-Time According to Doug Branson: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-nicknames-in-hornets-franchiseTop 35 Hornets of All-Time According to Walker Mehl: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-players-in-hornets-history📲 Follow Locked On Hornets on TwitterLocked On Hornets https://twitter.com/LockedOnHornetsWalker Mehl https://twitter.com/WalkerMehlDoug Branson https://twitter.com/DougBransonLOH Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!OpenPhoneStreamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnbaHungryrootWith Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one. For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use code LOCKEDONNBA.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first yearGametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

A bombshell report from Pablo Torre alleges the Los Angeles Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer may have circumvented the NBA salary cap by funding a multi-million dollar "no-show job" for Kawhi Leonard. We explore the massive implications of this investigation and what it means for the entire league. Referencing the severe penalties handed down in the infamous Joe Smith case—which included forfeiting five first-round picks—we consider what punishment the Clippers could face if found guilty. More importantly, how can a smaller market team like the Hornets possibly compete if this is the new landscape? It’s a situation that strikes at the very heart of competitive balance.From there, we turn our attention to former Hornet PJ Washington, who just secured a four-year, $90 million contract extension with the Dallas Mavericks after their finals run. We re-evaluate the trade that sent him away for a future first-round pick and ask which players on the current Hornets roster could command that kind of money. Finally, the NBA is attempting to fix the All-Star Game... again. We'll tell you about the new proposed three-team, round-robin format and explain why the constant tinkering might be doing more harm than good.Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://linktr.ee/lockedonhornetsBecome an official member of the Locked On Hornets Sicko Brigade and get Hornets news, rumors and pictures of Byron Mullens sent directly to your phone via Subtext (14 Day Free Trial): https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonhornetsLocked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBAGet Doug's gamenotes, special articles and a podcast on Hornets history at the Every Hornets Boxscore substack: everyhornetsboxscore.comGet more Walker on Wes and Walker 12-3pm on WFNZ 92.7 FMTop 35 Hornets Nicknames of All-Time According to Doug Branson: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-nicknames-in-hornets-franchiseTop 35 Hornets of All-Time According to Walker Mehl: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-players-in-hornets-history📲 Follow Locked On Hornets on TwitterLocked On Hornets https://twitter.com/LockedOnHornetsWalker Mehl https://twitter.com/WalkerMehlDoug Branson https://twitter.com/DougBransonLOH Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!OpenPhoneStreamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnbaHungryrootWith Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one. For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use code LOCKEDONNBA.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first yearGametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Today we are joined by the OG Walker, David Walker, to continue one of our favorite annual traditions. We're in the thick of our stat draft, where we select a player's statistical category from last season and predict whether they will go over or under that mark for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. The theme this year is clear: how will the Hornets' impressive talent acquisition affect the box score for the team's core players?We examine some fascinating picks, including LaMelo Ball's assists going up while his historic usage rate comes down. The crew also presents conflicting theories on Brandon Miller, with one person taking his points to go over 21 per game and another taking his usage percentage to go under. We also look at predictions for a decline in Miles Bridges' scoring and a return to form for new acquisition Collin Sexton at the rim. All of this happens while Doug hilariously attempts to manage his fantasy football draft during the recording, leading to a friendly wager involving pickle juice and mayonnaise that you won't want to miss. We’ve got one more round to get through in this draft (or seven we'll see how the rest of the offseason shapes up) and the picks are only getting more interestingFollow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://linktr.ee/lockedonhornetsBecome an official member of the Locked On Hornets Sicko Brigade and get Hornets news, rumors and pictures of Byron Mullens sent directly to your phone via Subtext (14 Day Free Trial): https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonhornetsLocked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBAGet Doug's gamenotes, special articles and a podcast on Hornets history at the Every Hornets Boxscore substack: everyhornetsboxscore.comGet more Walker on Wes and Walker 12-3pm on WFNZ 92.7 FMTop 35 Hornets Nicknames of All-Time According to Doug Branson: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-nicknames-in-hornets-franchiseTop 35 Hornets of All-Time According to Walker Mehl: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-players-in-hornets-history📲 Follow Locked On Hornets on TwitterLocked On Hornets https://twitter.com/LockedOnHornetsWalker Mehl https://twitter.com/WalkerMehlDoug Branson https://twitter.com/DougBransonLOH Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!OpenPhoneStreamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnbaHungryrootWith Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one. For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use code LOCKEDONNBA.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first yearGametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

After being the top fan vote-getter among Eastern Conference guards last year, he still missed out, so we examine the media and player votes that could stand in his way again. Next, we consider the future of head coach Charles Lee, rating the possibility that he will still be at the helm in three years, a tenure that would tie a franchise record.The conversation then shifts to LaMelo Ball's long-term future in Charlotte. We offer separate ratings for two scenarios: the likelihood that LaMelo asks for a trade, and the likelihood that the front office trades him before his current contract expires. After that, it's time for the second round of our annual Stat Draft. Our friend of the show, David Walker, sends in his picks, targeting an OVER on LaMelo Ball's assists and an UNDER on Miles Bridges' scoring average. We follow that up with our own selections, both centered on Brandon Miller's sophomore season, picking an OVER on his field goal percentage and an UNDER on his usage rate. Finally, we briefly preview a spirited debate for next time: who wore jersey number 3 best?Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://linktr.ee/lockedonhornetsBecome an official member of the Locked On Hornets Sicko Brigade and get Hornets news, rumors and pictures of Byron Mullens sent directly to your phone via Subtext (14 Day Free Trial): https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonhornetsLocked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBAGet Doug's gamenotes, special articles and a podcast on Hornets history at the Every Hornets Boxscore substack: everyhornetsboxscore.comGet more Walker on Wes and Walker 12-3pm on WFNZ 92.7 FMTop 35 Hornets Nicknames of All-Time According to Doug Branson: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-nicknames-in-hornets-franchiseTop 35 Hornets of All-Time According to Walker Mehl: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-players-in-hornets-history📲 Follow Locked On Hornets on TwitterLocked On Hornets https://twitter.com/LockedOnHornetsWalker Mehl https://twitter.com/WalkerMehlDoug Branson https://twitter.com/DougBransonLOH Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!OpenPhoneStreamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnbaHungryrootWith Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one. For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use code LOCKEDONNBA.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first yearGametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) 

It's officially "Rank Radio" season, and we're examining what the national media thinks of the Charlotte Hornets. First, we explore the good news from The Athletic, where the legendary David Aldridge places the Hornets' offseason at an impressive number six in the entire league. Aldridge praises the front office for adding valuable backcourt depth like Collin Sexton and Spencer Dinwiddie to ensure the team is no longer solely dependent on LaMelo Ball.Then, we turn our attention to a less glowing report from ESPN, which forecasts Charlotte to finish 13th in the Eastern Conference standings. The report groups the Hornets with the Chicago Bulls as two teams at a crossroads, with talented young players but rosters that could be fighting for the lottery instead of a play-in spot. From there, we open up the "sicko sewer" for your YouTube comments, starting with a great question about Tre Mann's true impact and the team's gamble on acquiring multiple guards. We also address a comment from a Jazz fan who offers context on Collin Sexton's on-court intensity. Finally, we settle another jersey debate in our "Who Wore It Best?" series for number four, where David Wesley is the clear winner over the memorable Devonte' GrahamFollow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://linktr.ee/lockedonhornetsBecome an official member of the Locked On Hornets Sicko Brigade and get Hornets news, rumors and pictures of Byron Mullens sent directly to your phone via Subtext (14 Day Free Trial): https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonhornetsLocked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBAGet Doug's gamenotes, special articles and a podcast on Hornets history at the Every Hornets Boxscore substack: everyhornetsboxscore.comGet more Walker on Wes and Walker 12-3pm on WFNZ 92.7 FMTop 35 Hornets Nicknames of All-Time According to Doug Branson: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-nicknames-in-hornets-franchiseTop 35 Hornets of All-Time According to Walker Mehl: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-players-in-hornets-history📲 Follow Locked On Hornets on TwitterLocked On Hornets https://twitter.com/LockedOnHornetsWalker Mehl https://twitter.com/WalkerMehlDoug Branson https://twitter.com/DougBransonLOH Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!OpenPhoneStreamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnbaHungryrootWith Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one. For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use code LOCKEDONNBA.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first yearGametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

What were the riskiest moves the Hornets front office made this offseason? Of course, the most obvious one is betting on the health of LaMelo Ball, but we think there are some more interesting wagers to explore.Article Referenced: https://www.basketballpoetry.com/p/9-nba-players-with-a-surprising-skillOne of the biggest gambles involves new acquisition Collin Sexton. He’s known for wanting the ball in his hands, so we question if he can learn to share the basketball and successfully play a secondary role alongside LaMelo and Brandon Miller. Walker suggests the biggest gamble the team made was not taking any major gambles at all, instead opting for a safer, more conservative offseason. We also get into the risk of building a team that is all-in on offense while potentially neglecting the defensive end of the floor. Finally, we continue our "Who Wore It Best?" series with the number five, debating between franchise mainstays Elden Campbell and Nicolas Batum. And we couldn't finish without kicking off the second season of our Stat Draft, where we each make our first-round selections for this year's competition.Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://linktr.ee/lockedonhornetsBecome an official member of the Locked On Hornets Sicko Brigade and get Hornets news, rumors and pictures of Byron Mullens sent directly to your phone via Subtext (14 Day Free Trial): https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonhornetsLocked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBAGet Doug's gamenotes, special articles and a podcast on Hornets history at the Every Hornets Boxscore substack: everyhornetsboxscore.comGet more Walker on Wes and Walker 12-3pm on WFNZ 92.7 FMTop 35 Hornets Nicknames of All-Time According to Doug Branson: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-nicknames-in-hornets-franchiseTop 35 Hornets of All-Time According to Walker Mehl: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-players-in-hornets-history📲 Follow Locked On Hornets on TwitterLocked On Hornets https://twitter.com/LockedOnHornetsWalker Mehl https://twitter.com/WalkerMehlDoug Branson https://twitter.com/DougBransonLOH Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!OpenPhoneStreamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnbaHungryrootWith Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one. For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use code LOCKEDONNBA.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first yearGametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)