Locked On Hornets - Daily Podcast On The Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets are 1-0, but the story isn’t just about the win—it’s who didn’t play. In this episode, we explore why highly-touted rookie Hannes Steinbach was left on the bench for his NBA debut, despite being a lottery pick and having a strong showing in the preseason’s final game. Drawing comparisons to recent Hornets rookies, it’s clear this isn’t the first time a top pick has had to wait for his moment. We examine whether Steinbach’s slow transition reflects concern or just a learning curve, with insights from Coach Charles Lee about the nuances of NBA adjustment and player development versus competing for wins.
Attention then turns to Christian Anderson, the only Hornets rookie to see action, whose promising preseason momentum hit a wall against Brooklyn’s aggressive defense. We break down Anderson’s stat line and game impact, the challenge of facing tough backcourts right out of the gate, and how injuries to Coby White and Kon Knueppel create opportunities—while raising pressure—for young players.
Listener celebrations and Sicko Brigade shoutouts add some fan flavor after the victory, along with a conversation about new depth pieces like Naz Reid, Grayson Allen, and Royce O’Neale. As the schedule heats up with a tough five-games-in-seven-days stretch, we preview what to watch, how the Hornets’ rotations might adapt, and what early returns mean for their playoff hopes.

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The Charlotte Hornets opened their season with an impressive 110-103 road win against the Brooklyn Nets, overcoming injuries and silencing doubters with energetic team play. On this episode, the focus is set squarely on Brandon Miller’s explosive first half and how a slow start turned into a momentum-shifting stretch thanks to his tough finishes and confidence, even as he cooled off in the second half. Naz Reid’s emergence as a facilitator, scorer, and gritty presence in the paint also commands attention, with his near triple-double performance providing a crucial anchor for the offense. The conversation also highlights Doug Branson's observations about Moussa Diabate’s relentless rebounding, Dennis Schroder’s rim pressure, and Grayson Allen’s timely shooting and surprising defensive impact.
Attention shifts to rotation changes, with early takes on Sion James filling in for Kon Knueppel and Coby White, as well as how the lack of LaMelo Ball was felt in both organization and shot creation. Expect sharp insights on rookie struggles—especially Christian Anderson’s tough second half—and the challenges of integrating new faces in a new system under coach Charles Lee. The duo celebrates the Hornets’ hard-nosed defense becoming a foundational identity, while also touching on role players like Ryan Kalkbrenner and Royce O’Neale, who could become critical as the season progresses. It’s a spirited, analytically rich look at what might be in store for this reshaped Charlotte squad.

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The season couldn’t start with more intrigue for the Charlotte Hornets: injuries have sidelined Coby White and rookie Kon Knueppel for the opener against Brooklyn, forcing head coach Charles Lee to get creative with rotations and rely on new faces. With two potential starters out, who steps up to drive the offense, and how might this impact the Hornets’ hunt for a play-in spot or more in the East? The discussion digs into what fans should expect as Dennis Schroder, Christian Anderson, and especially Sion James and Naz Reid are thrust into larger roles, with Grayson Allen’s health proving a crucial X-factor.
Attention also shifts to Brandon Miller’s $209 million rookie extension—the structure, fan reaction, and why much of Hornets Nation is still linking the move to the recent LaMelo Ball trade. Hear a clear-headed take on the logic of the new contract in the context of the NBA’s current economics, role player deals, and why this agreement could age well regardless of heated social media debate.
Finally, join in as we run the numbers, revisit rookie extension history, and size up where the Hornets stand in the East. Are expectations of 37+ wins realistic with the current roster? Can this patchwork lineup keep pace and provide hope, or are the early injuries a sign of things to come?

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Who are the BEST and WORST teams in the NBA heading into the 2026-27 season? With opening night just around the corner, Locked On NBA Daily reveals its official 30-team NBA Power Rankings, organized into S-through-F tiers! Wes Goldberg, Matt Moore and Haize unveil rankings voted on by hosts from all 30 Locked On NBA team podcasts, debating the biggest surprises, overrated contenders and underrated playoff hopefuls. The Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs and defending champion New York Knicks headline the exclusive S Tier. But do Victor Wembanyama's Spurs belong alongside the NBA's elite? Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and Boston Celtics are among the teams trying to break into that top group. And why are Giannis Antetokounmpo's Miami Heat only in the B Tier? Are the Golden State Warriors really a C-tier team? Have the Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings hit rock bottom?
Plus, reactions from Locked On team hosts and predictions for which teams will rise or fall. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

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It came down to the buzzer, but the Charlotte Hornets got it done. Brandon Miller agreed to a five-year, $209 million rookie scale extension less than an hour before Monday's deadline, and Doug Branson and Walker Mehl are here to explain what it means. The number lands $1 million above Amen Thompson's deal in Houston, and that matters. It tells you the Hornets see Miller as a first or second option, a future All-NBA talent, and a pillar of this roster. He's been a model citizen, he's averaged 20 points in each of the last two seasons, and the only real question left is health.
Then the radio voice of the Hornets, Sam Farber, joins the show for two segments recorded just before the news broke. Sam explains why Miller is vital to this team's ceiling, what Kon Knueppel's bigger role will look like, and why the Hornets' defense could be the biggest early surprise of the season. He also singles out Tidjane Salaun's offseason work on his body and the summer chemistry that has newcomers like Coby White raving.

With the opener Wednesday in Brooklyn, Sam previews a Nets team built around Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr., and talks about how rookies Christian Anderson Jr. and Hannes Steinbach can earn minutes while Knueppel and White are out. Plus, a trip through Sam's minor league baseball days, the story behind "goodbye baseball," and a pitch for "goodbye basketball" on the first big blocked shot of the year.
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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)

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