Every Hornets Boxscore Podcast

A preview of some stuff I’ve been working on this summer with lots of Hornets analysis thrown in. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hornets.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you to everyone who tuned into this test of what I hope will be more live video! Join me for my next live video in the app. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hornets.substack.com/subscribe

We breathe a sigh of relief as rookie standout Kon Knueppel avoids major injury, while the duo debates if the "fun" Hornets are actually becoming a "good" basketball team. Plus, we analyze Tidjane Salaun’s rapid development and propose New Year’s resolutions for the front office. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hornets.substack.com/subscribe

We address the explosive report that LaMelo Ball is interested in a trade away from the Hornets, breaking down the validity of the rumors and LaMelo’s direct response. Plus, we preview the upcoming matchup against the LA Clippers and debut a brand new nickname for rookie Kon Knueppel.On today’s episode of Every Hornets Boxscore, we tackle the elephant in the room: the report from Kelly Iko that LaMelo Ball is frustrated and open to a trade away from the Charlotte Hornets. We dissect the report, exploring the potential sources of frustration—from injuries to losing seasons—and discuss whether this smoke signals a genuine fire or just the inevitable result of a struggling franchise. We also share LaMelo’s direct response to the rumors, where he calls the report “false info” and reaffirms his commitment to the team, as well as Coach Charles Lee’s supportive comments.Beyond the drama, we look ahead to the Hornets’ next game against the LA Clippers. With both teams struggling offensively and dealing with key injuries, we analyze the matchup and what the Hornets need to do to steal a win on the road. Finally, we have some fun with nicknames, debuting a unique (and demon-hunting inspired) moniker for rookie standout Kon Knueppel that you won’t want to miss. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hornets.substack.com/subscribe

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hornets.substack.com/subscribe

We celebrate a dominant win over the Utah Jazz, led by big nights from Miles Bridges and Pat Connaughton, and an eye-opening performance from rookie Sion James. We also look at the tough rotation decisions Coach Charles Lee is facing and provide an update on LaMelo Ball’s ankle.What a difference a night makes! We are feeling good after the Hornets went into Utah without LaMelo Ball and secured a dominant win , a complete turnaround from the physical loss to Minnesota. We start the show by examining what changed for the team, focusing on the massive shot-making performance. The Hornets were hitting from everywhere, shooting 42% from three and an incredible 58% from the corners.Miles Bridges and Pat Connaughton shouldered the offensive load, but the big story for us is rookie Sion James. We discuss his incredible two-way impact, his growing confidence , and why Coach Charles Lee trusts him to guard one through five. His emergence is a key reason why fellow rookie Tidjane Salaun is now heading to Greensboro for development ; we explain why that move makes sense for Salaun’s offensive game.There’s been a lot of noise about Charles Lee’s rotations. We offer our perspective on why it’s difficult to judge his strategy right now, given the significant injuries to Brandon Miller, Grant Williams and Josh Green. We also address the ongoing management of LaMelo Ball’s ankle and what it means for the season. Finally, we look ahead to the next game against the 0-6 New Orleans Pelicans This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hornets.substack.com/subscribe

This was a tough one, as the Hornets took a 144-117 loss to the Miami Heat. It was a “shellacking,” and it exposed some real concerns. We’ll start with the maturity of LaMelo Ball, who seemed to revert to some old, frustrating habits—complaining to the officials, defensive lapses, and a costly technical foul. This performance keeps the fire burning on the question of whether he can be the consistent leader this team needs, especially when the pressure mounts.But it wasn’t all negative. The bright spot continues to be rookie Kon Knueppel. His shooting is simply elite; he’s already set an NBA record for threes through five games and was one of the only Hornets who could effectively get to the rim against Miami’s defense. We’ll also look at the “Trash Panda,” Ryan Kalkbrenner, and his unbelievable efficiency numbers. We also explore the offensive struggles as a whole, including the difficulty getting bigs involved and Tre Mann’s slow start.To wrap up the show, we have some fun with our annual Hornets Halloween costume ideas. Find out which player is a Blue Angels pilot , who is Michael Myers , and why LaMelo Ball’s perfect costume is Dr. Ball and Mr. Hyde. Thank you for supporting the show.Support all the Hornets content creators out there this Saturday: Pregame party at The Local on November 1st 4-5:30 hosted by the Crown Club This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hornets.substack.com/subscribe

NBA basketball is back, and it feels wonderful to have it on television again. We are getting you set for the Charlotte Hornets’ regular-season opener against the Brooklyn Nets. Evan Hale is joining the show, and he is set to be on the ground reporting from the arena for tip-off.We begin with the top offseason storylines that defined the summer for this team. Evan’s number one storyline is the Summer League Championship, a victory that set a new, serious tone for the organization. We also examine the physical transformation of Miles Bridges, who looks locked in, thinner, and is playing less ISO basketball. Plus, we look at LaMelo Ball getting healthy and adding muscle , the savvy roster moves by GM Jeff Peterson , and the impact of the team staying together in Charlotte all offseason. The professionalism under the new regime is palpable, and it has changed the expectations for this group.As we look toward the opener, the focus turns to defense. While the team defense might take time, the individual effort is non-negotiable. We’re watching for the hustle plays: fighting over screens and getting back in transition. The Hornets have a chance to start strong against beatable opponents , and we discuss why this year, we may not see the LIGHT at the end of the tunnel but at least we’re finally IN the tunnel. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hornets.substack.com/subscribe

The Charlotte Hornets captured a thrilling 120-116 preseason victory on the road against the Dallas Mavericks, and there is a lot to discuss from the win. The offense was firing on all cylinders, led by 20-point performances from both LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, who was on an absolute heater from three-point range. We’ll dig into what this game means for the starting 2 and 5 spots, how LaMelo’s defense is still evolving and why Moussa could be a bizarro Naz Reid for the Hornets. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hornets.substack.com/subscribe

Every Hornets Boxscore is back for another season of in-depth game notes and analysis on every single Hornets game! Host Doug Branson is joined by new contributor Evan Hale of Halestorm Sports to get the 2025-26 season started with a full recap of the preseason opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder. While the Hornets fell 135-114 to OKC's B-team, the real story was the impressive debut of rookie Kon Knueppel. Knueppel looked comfortable and confident, scoring a team-high 18 points and showcasing a crafty, fundamental offensive game that was consistently in the flow of the offense.Evan, reporting from inside the arena in North Charleston, gives his perspective on the atmosphere and the performances that stood out live. The guys also examine the contributions from the veterans, including Collin Sexton's infectious and angry energy, Tre Mann's impressive all-around game leading the team in assists, and Miles Bridges' immediate impact on the glass. We also give our thoughts on the debuts for the other rookies and look ahead to the key improvements, especially on defense, that we want to see in the next game This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hornets.substack.com/subscribe