Every Hornets Boxscore Podcast

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

INSIDE THE VIDEO!* Breaking down Brandon Miller’s elite shotmaking instincts* LaMelo’s defense on Jimmy Butler* A half apology to Vasa Micic* More Hornets defense in Memphis 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

In this episode, Doug and David dive deep into Charlotte Hornets training camp insights and team updates ahead of the 2024-2025 season. With discussions on the new coaching staff led by Charles Lee, leadership from LaMelo Ball, and expectations for key players, the duo also revisits a classic Hornets box score from the 1995 season opener against the legendary Chicago Bulls.Key Topics Covered:Training Camp Breakdown:* New leadership under Coach Charles Lee and what it means for the team.* LaMelo Ball’s offseason dedication and working with the new training staff.* Impressions from media day and training camp highlights.Team Dynamics:* Discussions on how the new ownership and General Manager Jeff Peterson are shaping the future of the franchise.* Peterson’s quote on building a “consistent, relevant contender” and what that means for the team’s trajectory.* A look at Brandon Miller’s development and how the team is embracing cliches about competitiveness and defense.Classic Box Score: November 3, 1995: Charlotte Hornets vs. Chicago Bulls (105-91 loss).* Recalling the 1995 trade of Alonzo Mourning and its impact on the team.* Michael Jordan’s 42-point performance for the Bulls.Segments:* “Who Said That?”: A fun guessing game with quotes from training camp featuring LaMelo Ball and Jeff Peterson.Highlights & Quotes:* “We’re filling a gap right now in Hornets coverage. It’s all about the community and building those personal connections.”* “Coach Lee brings a new intensity and hunger to the team. He’s focusing on defense and consistency from day one.”* “It’s exciting to see LaMelo fully invested, staying in Charlotte all offseason and trusting the new training staff to keep him healthy.” 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

I take a look at Brandon Miller assisted makes from 2 and 3 while making music. I’m particularly interested in what Miller does off handoff possessions where he excelled on low volume last season. 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

* Big Announcement: Doug reveals that David Walker will have a bigger role this season, with exciting new content, including post-game video reactions for the die-hard fans.* "Tape Grind and Flow": Doug shares his plans for a new video series, breaking down Hornets tape while playing some tunes — combining basketball analysis and music in a fun, laid-back way.* Doug Can’t Stop Meeting Hornets Villains: Hear the hilarious story of Doug's awkward encounters with two notorious figures in Hornets history: George Shinn and someone involved in Bally’s broadcasting.* Hornets Wars IV: A New Hope: Doug and David discuss the shift in leadership with Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall, contrasting their clear vision with the aimless past of the Michael Jordan and Mitch Kupchak era.* Gerald Wallace’s Close Call: They dive into the history of a scary moment for Gerald Wallace in 2009 when an elbow from Andrew Bynum collapsed his lung, sidelining him for several days.* Hornets Fans and Expectations: Are fans excited or skeptical about this season? David and Doug break down the current mood in Charlotte, especially comparing it to the wild optimism surrounding the Panthers.* Every Hornets Boxscore: The episode also features a detailed breakdown of the January 28, 2009, matchup between the Bobcats and the Trail Blazers, bringing back memories of Juwan Howard’s time with the team and the infamous Adam Morrison era.* Hornets Jersey Reactions: David gives his quick take on the leaked Mint City jerseys, noting the welcome change of having “Charlotte” on the front instead of “Buzz City.” 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 BOXSCORETHE ERA* The Bobcats Cometh (2005-2010). * Season: 2009-10 * Game: Charlotte Hornets at Miami HeatDavid Walker joins to discuss the first Charlotte Bobcats playoff season which did not get off to the greatest of starts thanks to a rocky relationship between head coach Larry Brown and star player Stephen Jackson. How unexpected was the run to the playoff spot and how did Charlotte respond to having NBA playoff basketball again? We dig into the Charlotte Observer archives and find 5 Rick Bonnell predictions for the franchise. How prescient were they? A video version of this podcast can be found on the NEW Every Hornets Boxscore YouTube page. Subscribe and check out the first episode of my new series Let’s Save the Hornets where I use NBA2k22’s MyNBA Eras mode to keep the Charlotte Hornets from moving to New Orleans. 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

Era: Late Hornets (1996-2002). Season/Game: 1996-97, Charlotte Hornets at Denver NuggetsThe BoxscoreOur random boxscore generator, the Bees Machines, delivers an absolute rare gem of an NBA contest. In what would be the best Hornets season by final record in franchise history, the Hornets had an absolute knock out, drag out fight in the Mile High City resulting in an OT game where only 2 points were scored. ONLY TWO! It only gets weirder from there.A video version of this podcast can be found on the Locked On Hornets YouTube page and on the EveryHornetsBoxscore.com main page. 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

Era: Early Hornets (1988-1995). Season/Game: 1993-94, Charlotte Hornets vs. Indiana PacersA year after the Hornets won their first playoff series in franchise history in dramatic fashion, the Hive was alive with hope. The entire core of Alonzo Mourning, Larry Johnson, Muggsy Bogues and Dell Curry was back and the spectre of Michael Jordan was lifted from the Eastern Conference. The only thing that could hold them back is exactly what did, injuries. Both Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning missed serious time and it opened up other opportunities for players like Eddie Johnson and our guest today Marty Conlon. Marty gives us a window into a Hornets team that was revolutionizing NBA offense but who's season was teetering dangerously on the edge.A video version of this podcast where you can follow us along our many boxscore rabbit holes can be found at everyhornetsboxscore.com.Every Hornets Boxscore is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. 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

Era: The Buzz is Back (2016-present). Season/Game: 2018-19, Charlotte Hornets at New Orleans PelicansThe B.E.E.S Machine takes us back to 2019 where Kemba Walker dominates the 4th quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans, helping the Hornets win a much needed game. Doug brings back a classic bit from an episode of Locked On Hornets that covered this game. Walker takes us down a rabbit-hole about a former Hornet turned Pelican turned desired center. We also try to figure out what the heck happened to MKG and Dwayne Bacon.A video version of this podcast where you can follow us along our many boxscore rabbit holes can be found at everyhornetsboxscore.com.Every Hornets Boxscore is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. 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

Date: November 20, 2010. Era: The Death of the Bobcats (2010-2016). Season/Game: 2010-11, Charlotte Bobcats vs Phoenix SunsThe 2010-11 Charlotte Bobcats season was full of promise off a playoff appearance. The team finally had some talent. Stephen Jackson was a pure scorer with attitude. Gerald Wallace was an All-Star caliber defensive stopper and rim runner. Boris Diaw was motivated and clear-eyed about his role. We look at a game before it all went disastrously wrong for Larry Brown and the team. David A. Arnott, founder of Rufus On Fire gives us more insight into what Stephen Jackson meant to the franchise and the improbable career rebound Boris Diaw had in Charlotte. A video version of this podcast where you can follow us along our many boxscore rabbit holes can be found at everyhornetsboxscore.com.Every Hornets Boxscore is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. 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

Date: March 8th, 2006. Era: The Bobcats Cometh (2004-2010). Season/Game: 2005-06, Charlotte Bobcats vs Golden State Warriors A robbery, a car accident, weight gain, a series of unending injuries. These are not typical expansion franchise struggles, but the Charlotte Bobcats were not a typical expansion franchise. We discuss the Bobcats rocky start and the state of the fanbase with Bobcats expert David A. Arnott, founder of Rufus On Fire, what would become the SB Nation blog on the Charlotte Bobcats, now called At The Hive. A video version of this episode is available at everyhornetsboxscore.com or on the Locked On Hornets YouTube page. 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

2001-02 Season - Game 10 - Hornets at Wizards. Michael Jordan is on a comeback tour and playing well but the Wizards team he chose to join is a disaster to put it mildly. The Charlotte Hornets are off to their own rocky start after almost reaching the Eastern Conference finals the year prior. They’re injured and the team is on the verge of packing up and skipping town. Enter Lee Nailon, a little known punchy scorer who is as tough…as nails.This podcast is reader/listener/viewer supported. We’re not putting ads on here and we’re pumping out content every week. Please consider supporting our staff of one…me. —Doug 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

Welcome to Every Hornets Boxscore the podcast! It’s the only podcast that dares to explore every single Charlotte Hornets game past, present and future. Each week my friends and I will look at a randomly selected Charlotte Hornets boxscore. This week, we’re traveling back to the infancy of the franchise, April 22nd 1990, the final game of the Hornets 2nd season. It was a rough ending to a dramatic season full of coach firings, trades and major injuries. Walker Mehl of Locked On Hornets joins to discuss the most underrated Hornets of all time including Armen Gilliam. Every Hornets Boxscore is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. 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