SportSpyder - The Latest Charlotte Hornets Podcasts

Who NEEDS the Preseason? | Is Royce O'Neal getting TRADED? | Coach Talk

Locked On Podcast Network — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 21:45:00 GMT

The Charlotte Hornets are gearing up for a preseason packed with intrigue, as players across the roster battle for standing and new leadership sets the tone. On today’s episode, the spotlight shines brightly on Brandon Miller: can last year’s highly-touted pick make a standout statement and establish himself as “the dude” with Kon Knueppel sidelined? We discuss why this preseason isn’t just about fringe roster hopefuls, but about Miller’s potential leap and how players like Ceylon James face pivotal moments after a rocky Summer League showing.

Versatility is the Hornets’ new mantra, but is that enough for players like James to carve out a lasting role? We debate what the coaching staff and front office might be looking for as rotations start to crystallize, and what it means for hopefuls like Liam McNeeley.

Meanwhile, Royce O’Neal finds himself at the center of swirling trade rumors—how real are these reports, and how valuable does the veteran need to be for Charlotte versus as a trade asset? We separate fact from speculation, drawing from the team’s recent history and newfound roster flexibility under Jeff Peterson.

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Training Camp BATTLES | Who WINS the Big Battles? | Which WINGS Win?

Locked On Podcast Network — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 16:15:00 GMT

Charlotte Hornets training camp has kicked off in Charleston, and the competition is already at a fever pitch. This episode explores the most fascinating camp battles across the roster, focusing on standout skirmishes at the center spot with Moussa Diabate, Hannes Steinbach, and Ryan Kalkbrenner each fighting for meaningful minutes. Attention shifts to the wings, where the rapid progression of Liam McNeeley and the defensive grit of Seon James are forcing tough decisions for Coach Charles Lee.

Listeners get detailed insight into how player development, offensive skill sets, and perimeter defense are shaping the team’s new identity. The episode also highlights rookie expectations versus returning veterans, with side-by-side comparisons touching on everything from three-point shooting to rebounding and on-ball defense. Off the court, Coby White shares what surprised him most after arriving from Chicago, praising the Hornets’ player-first approach and culture improvements—and how that’s begun to change the team’s leaguewide reputation.

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Interview: Sion James, Liam McNeeley, Royce O’Neale

Blue Wire — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT

EXCLUSIVE | Richie and Matt are joined by Sion James, Liam McNeeley, and Royce O’Neale during Media Day. The players talk about their offseasons, what they are working on, and the intricacies of their game.

Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Substack chat, written content, and much more.
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Can COBY be Coby? | Remembering the DILLY Era | Training Camp BEGINS

Locked On Podcast Network — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 21:45:00 GMT

Charlotte Hornets Media Day delivered intriguing storylines, and this episode covers all the buzz. Walker Mehl and Doug Branson weigh in on Coby White’s ascension to starting point guard after LaMelo Ball's departure, highlighting how White’s honest remarks reveal a player energized by new responsibility and the challenge of orchestrating a deep, versatile roster. Listeners will gain perspective on how White’s new role, unique compared to his previous stints in Chicago and Charlotte, could shape the Hornets’ offensive identity this season.

The episode doesn’t sidestep front office moves either, with sharp analysis of the Rob Dillingham saga—why the Hornets waived the rookie guard within hours amid a roster crunch and what this means for future GM strategy. Walker Mehl and Doug Branson also debate fan reactions to missed opportunities with trade acquisitions and lay out why this front office doesn’t prioritize sentimental “local hero” signings over NBA talent.

On the player development front, the rookie buzz is real: Michael Ajayi’s early impact in camp, validated by veteran endorsements, signals a new level of competitiveness. The show previews intriguing training camp battles, particularly among frontcourt prospects like Hannes Steinbach, Ryan Kalkbrenner, and PJ Hall, and what lineup flexibility means for Coach Charles Lee’s first season.

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9-29-26 - Media Day Recap

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 10:30:00 GMT

With the start of the preseason right around the corner, Hornets players, coaches and front office members all met with the media for the annual media day circuit. Sam Farber, Sam Perley and Rob Longo discuss the most notable quotes, and hear from several Hornets players, as well as head coach Charles Lee and Jeff Peterson, President of Basketball Operations.

Interview: Sion James, Liam McNeeley, Royce O’Neale

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 09:50:31 GMT

Media Day Reactions

Blue Wire — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Richie and Matt record live from the arena at the Charlotte Hornets’ Media Day, discussing the major talking points from players and coaches. The two provide injury updates on Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, and Grant Williams, and highlight the common themes.

Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Substack chat, written content, and much more.
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Hornets Media Day MOMENTS | MAJOR Injury Updates | Naz Reid WELCOMED

Locked On Podcast Network — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Hornets Media Day was packed with updates and big revelations as Charlotte gears up for the new season. Brandon Miller headlines the news, sharing that he’s been cleared for full contact for three weeks, bringing an end to any lingering concerns about his shoulder. His candidness about last year’s pain—pain he refused to use as an excuse—gives fans a new appreciation for his toughness and dedication. Kon Knueppel adds important context to his hamstring injury, explaining that it happened three weeks ago and sharing optimism about his regular season availability. The Hornets medical staff is keeping caution at the forefront, ensuring Knueppel’s long-term health is prioritized over preseason play.

The spotlight also shines on new addition Naz Reid, who opens up about trading Minnesota loyalty for a fresh start—and a new city—in Charlotte. Reid’s honest reflections on leaving the Timberwolves, coupled with praise from teammates for his unique skillset and relentless effort, have many believing he’ll quickly become a fan favorite. The episode unpacks how chemistry is developing among returning players and newcomers, with discussions on the Hornets’ commitment to physicality and a team-driven offense under Charles Lee.

You’ll also hear quick highlights about other key players, the team’s focus on improving strength and conditioning, and thoughtful reflections on how injury management has shifted around the league. Don’t miss this comprehensive Media Day recap loaded with player updates, locker room insight, and optimism for the season ahead.

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Media Day Reactions

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 20:26:33 GMT

ERIC & DELL ARE BACK!! | Reputation CHANGE | Opinions on BRANDON MILLER CONTRACT

Locked On Podcast Network — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 15:15:00 GMT

Walker Mehl goes solo to discuss Eric Collins, Dell Curry, and Shannon Spake returning as your Charlotte Hornets broadcast team! Why was it important to bring back such an important group? Walker goes through the importance of how we consume Hornets basketball and more importantly, how the organization recognizes that. Finally, Walker dissects all of the varying opinions over Brandon Miller’s potential contract extension.

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The Hornets Lost Their Beat Reporter. The NBA Has a Bigger Problem.

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 12:49:41 GMT

The Charlotte Observer’s parent company, McClatchy Media Group, decided to part ways with Hornets beat reporter Rod Boone, marking the end of an era for Charlotte basketball coverage.

For nearly four decades, the Observer employed a dedicated reporter on the NBA beat. Boone, who covered the team from 2018 onwards, was the latest custodian of that tradition. His departure means Charlotte currently finds itself without a full-time reporter dedicated to following the Hornets on a daily basis. While that may seem like a local newsroom decision, it reflects a much broader trend taking place across the NBA and the wider sports media landscape.

The timing feels particularly striking. The NBA has never been more popular, more global, or more accessible. The Hornets are set up for their most successful period in decades. Fans can watch games from anywhere in the world and consume basketball content through social media, podcasts, YouTube channels, and newsletters. Yet despite that growth, the number of journalists whose primary responsibility is covering individual teams to generate content for those media channels appears to be shrinking. It raises an uncomfortable question: if interest in the league continues to rise, why is local journalism finding it increasingly difficult to survive?

The Beat Reporter’s Shrinking Advantage

For decades, beat reporters occupied a unique position within the NBA media ecosystem. Their value came from far more than simply attending games. They travelled regularly, spent significant time around players and coaches, developed sources throughout organisations and built an understanding of how teams actually operated behind the scenes. The access they enjoyed allowed them to provide information and context that fans could not find elsewhere.

Over time, however, many of those advantages have diminished. Media access has become increasingly structured around PR trained press conferences, with opportunities for informal interaction becoming less common. Reporters no longer travel alongside teams in the way they once did, practice access is often restricted, and much of what happens during media availability can now be watched live online by anyone interested enough to tune in. The result is that many journalists are working from the same basic information available to fans at home.

That change has altered the economics of beat reporting. If a reporter travels to a road game today, a large portion of what they hear and see may already be available through official team channels or live broadcasts. The challenge then becomes finding ways to add value beyond simply relaying information that is already out there, especially with the increasing cost of travelling and staffing. The best reporters continue to do so through relationships, sourcing and experience, but the gap between what a credentialed journalist knows and what a fan can access directly has undoubtedly narrowed.

At the same time, the internet has transformed how information is distributed. A reporter can spend weeks developing a story, speaking to sources and putting together a carefully reported article, only for the most important quote or detail to be extracted and shared across social media within minutes of publication. Sometimes the original article is linked. Often the key information spreads so quickly that many readers never feel the need to engage with the source material itself.

The reporter still does the work. Somebody else frequently captures much of the audience.

That dynamic has become one of the defining challenges facing local sports journalism. Demand for NBA content has never been greater, but monetising the reporting that produces it has become considerably more difficult.

Information Has Become Abundant. Context Has Not.

The modern NBA fan is better informed than any previous generation. Scores arrive instantly. Highlights are available within seconds. Injury updates, rumours and roster moves spread across social media almost immediately. Press conferences can often be watched live from anywhere in the world.

Information is no longer scarce.

What remains scarce is context.

The true value of local journalism has shifted away from simply reporting what happened to explaining why it happened. Why did a coach suddenly change the rotation? Why was a player moved to the bench? Why did the front office pursue one course of action instead of another? What pressures, conversations or priorities influenced a decision that appears confusing from the outside?

Those answers rarely emerge from a single press conference. They require relationships, experience and a deep understanding of the people running an organisation.

As a young Hornets fan, I often found myself frustrated with beat reporters. Like many fans, I would watch a press conference and wonder why they were not asking the question everybody else wanted answered. Why not push harder? Why not challenge a coach more directly? Why spend time discussing something seemingly insignificant when larger issues were staring everyone in the face?

Having spent time around media environments myself, I have a much greater appreciation for the balancing act involved.

Beat reporting is a relationship-driven profession. Journalists need enough trust and access to gather meaningful information, while maintaining enough independence to challenge what they are being told. A reporter who constantly prioritises confrontation will find sources becoming less willing to engage. Conversations become shorter. Opportunities to learn things away from a microphone become less frequent. That does not mean difficult questions should not be asked. Accountability is an essential part of the job. It simply means the reality is more complicated than many fans appreciate.

The best beat reporters are not merely trying to generate headlines. They are trying to build enough credibility and trust to understand what is really happening inside an organisation.

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The Value of Institutional Memory

Perhaps the greatest loss when a beat reporter disappears is something fans rarely notice immediately: institutional memory.

Rod Boone covered coaching changes, front-office changes, ownership transition and multiple phases of the Hornets’ rebuild. Over time, reporters accumulate a level of knowledge that extends well beyond the stories they publish. They gain an understanding of personalities, organisational habits and historical context that allows them to interpret current events more accurately.

That knowledge matters.

A national insider can break a story. An aggregator can distribute information. AI journalists can report the facts. None of them can instantly replicate years of accumulated context about a single franchise.

When local beats disappear, that accumulated knowledge risks disappearing with them. Charlotte remains fortunate to have outstanding outlets such as Buzz Beat, Locked On Hornets, Hornets on SI, and others providing analysis, coverage, and discussion. Their work gives fans valuable perspectives and helps ensure the team continues to receive thoughtful attention. However, most independent outlets operate with limited resources and contributors balancing other professional and family commitments. As a result, even the strongest independent coverage can struggle to match the daily reporting capacity, access, and long-term continuity that a full-time beat reporter develops over many years.

There is also a credibility gap that can be difficult to overcome. A full-time beat reporter who is around a team every day often develops a level of professional familiarity and trust with players, coaches, and executives that comes from years of consistent interaction. Independent and part-time journalists can absolutely build those relationships too, but they are often starting from a different position and without the same level of institutional recognition. That can influence the depth of access they receive and, ultimately, the stories they are able to tell.

The loss is not simply another voice within the media landscape. It is the gradual erosion of context and institutional knowledge. As experienced local reporters disappear, the vacuum they leave can increasingly be filled by outlets and personalities rewarded for generating clicks, impressions and controversy rather than developing sources and uncovering the truth.

Reporters who spend years covering a team understand how similar situations have unfolded in the past. They know which individuals hold influence behind the scenes, recognise recurring organisational patterns and often understand the significance of comments that might appear routine to everyone else.

That perspective becomes increasingly valuable with time, and increasingly difficult to replace once it disappears.

Teams Have a Role to Play

NBA teams also have a stake in this discussion. Independent local reporting provides something that team-owned channels never can: accountability, scrutiny and an outside perspective. Teams are understandably focused on telling their own story, promoting their organisation and communicating directly with fans. There is nothing inherently wrong with that. However, healthy sports ecosystems also benefit from independent voices that can challenge assumptions, ask difficult questions and provide context that team channels may not prioritise.

That does not mean organisations should open every meeting to journalists or reveal sensitive information. However, if teams genuinely value strong local coverage, they should consider whether reporters have sufficient access and information to produce work that meaningfully differs from what fans can already obtain through official channels.

The complication, of course, is that increased access does not automatically produce more positive coverage. In some cases, it leads to the opposite. Journalists with greater knowledge and understanding are often better equipped to identify problems, challenge narratives and question decisions. From a team’s perspective, that can be uncomfortable. Communications departments are not measured on transparency. They are measured on managing relationships, shaping messaging, and limiting unnecessary distractions.

That tension is unavoidable, but it should not be viewed as unhealthy. The strongest relationships between teams and journalists are built on mutual respect rather than mutual protection. Reporters need the freedom to ask difficult questions, and organisations need the confidence to engage with them regardless of whether every story is flattering.

Independent journalism only has value if it remains independent.

What Does the Future Look Like?

The answer is unlikely to be a return to the media landscape of twenty years ago. Consumer behaviour has changed too dramatically. Written articles are now competing for attention alongside podcasts, YouTube channels, newsletters, social media accounts and countless other forms of content.

The challenge for local journalism is finding a sustainable model within that new environment.

Part of the problem is that fandom is no longer tied to geography. A Hornets fan living in Charlotte may see value in subscribing to a local newspaper because they consume a range of local content alongside sports coverage. A Hornets fan living in London, Paris, or Sydney may only be interested in Hornets coverage itself. Asking that reader to pay for an entire local newspaper subscription becomes a much more difficult proposition.

The outlets that appear best positioned to succeed are those embracing multiple platforms and building direct relationships with audiences. Organisations such as ALLCITY have demonstrated that strong local reporting can coexist with podcasts, video content, live events and subscription communities. In that model, journalism remains central, but it is supported by a broader ecosystem that gives audiences multiple reasons to engage.

Whatever the platform, one principle remains unchanged.

There is a difference between talking about a team and covering a team.

The modern NBA ecosystem is full of intelligent discussion, passionate debate, and excellent independent content. Many creators provide tremendous value to fans. But covering a team requires something different. It requires showing up every day, building relationships, developing sources, verifying information, and accumulating knowledge over years rather than weeks.

Somebody still has to do that work.

More Than One Reporter

Rod Boone’s departure matters because it highlights a contradiction at the heart of modern sports media. The NBA continues to grow, attract new audiences and generate unprecedented amounts of content. Yet the economic foundations supporting local journalism appear increasingly fragile.

Fans have never had greater access to information. What is becoming harder to find is original reporting, historical context and the accumulated knowledge that comes from spending years covering the same organisation.

The internet did not kill interest in the NBA. If anything, it helped create a generation of fans more engaged than ever before. What it may have done is make it significantly harder to fund the people whose job is not simply to talk about teams, but to cover them.

As the Hornets move into what could be one of the most important periods in franchise history, Charlotte will continue to have passionate fans, talented independent creators, and no shortage of conversation surrounding the team. Buzz Beat, alongside outlets such as Locked On Hornets and Hornets on SI, will continue doing everything we can to help fill the gap left behind and provide fans with thoughtful, independent coverage.

But there remains a meaningful difference between having thousands of people discussing a franchise and having somebody there every day documenting its story as it unfolds. That is the role local beat reporters have traditionally played, and it is why their work remains so valuable.

Too often, we only fully appreciate that value once it is gone.

9-24-26 - Hornets Announce TV Broadcast Updates, Acquire Buddy Hield and Ryan Nembhard from Atlanta

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 19:30:00 GMT

There were plenty of new announcements when it comes to Hornets coverage on TV, as it was made official that Eric Collins, Dell Curry and Shannon Spake will return to cover Hornets basketball for the 2026-27 season. Sam Farber and Rob Longo break down all of the details and also recap the most recent transaction by Charlotte, acquiring Buddy Hield and Ryan Nembhard from Atlanta along with cash considerations in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith.

Hornets Trade AFTERMATH | No Room for NEMBHARD? | Big BROADCAST News

Locked On Podcast Network — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

It’s another wild day for Hornets basketball fans as the Charlotte Hornets shake up their roster and make headlines with sweeping moves, all while rolling out fan-first broadcasting news. Host Walker Mehl and Doug Branson react to reports of Buddy Hield and Ryan Nembhard being waived shortly after the team acquired them in a trade for Dorian Finney-Smith, explaining what these moves mean for the team’s roster flexibility, future draft capital, and trade exceptions. The conversation unpacks why the Hornets appear laser-focused on creating options for bigger future moves rather than immediate roster upgrades, with a humorous lens on the deal-making tendencies of Charlotte’s front office.

The episode also zeroes in on which players are truly fighting for the final active roster spots, with compelling arguments about the value of veterans like Pat Connaughton against the promise of young prospects like Tidjane Salaun. Walker Mayo and Doug Branson highlight how the team’s draft success and off-season trades have created a positive problem of depth and competition, raising fascinating questions about the Hornets’ developmental priorities.

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Hornets Trade for Hield and Nembhard

Blue Wire — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 14:55:11 GMT

Richie breaks down the trade between the Hornets and the Hawks and delves into the motivations behind it. He looks at the financials, on-court performance, and the roster crunch that now exists after this trade.

Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Substack chat, written content, and much more.
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Hornets Trade for Hield and Nembhard

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 14:47:17 GMT

BREAKING Hornets TRADE | What does this mean for the HORNETS? | Who gets CUT?

Locked On Podcast Network — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

The Charlotte Hornets just shook up their roster again, finalizing a headline-grabbing swap with the Atlanta Hawks that brings veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield and playmaking youngster Ryan Nembhard to the Queen City in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith—and a little extra cash. Doug Branson examines how this late-offseason trade fits into the Hornets’ clear strategy to assemble not just more depth, but NBA-ready talent 1 through 15 on the roster. What does the addition of Hield actually mean, given his age and skill set, and how could Nembhard’s pure point guard style complement the current mix behind Coby White and Dennis Schroder?

Roster construction questions loom large, as the Hornets’ camp will feature 19 names—many of them legitimate threats to stick—raising all kinds of intrigue about possible next steps and whether another blockbuster could materialize, maybe targeting a name like Domantas Sabonis. Doug Branson highlights Charlotte’s new rotational versatility, examines the team’s shifting philosophy under Jeff Peterson, and investigates what Buddy Hield’s contract situation could mean for future moves. He also explores whether the Hornets are signaling a shift away from relying on “cheerleader” veterans and instead betting on a new generation, with pressure mounting on every roster spot to deliver meaningful contributions.

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Hornets: A Top-10 Future Team?

Blue Wire — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 09:15:00 GMT

Brian and James run through a host of topics today, including Brandon Miller’s extension, a potential Finney-Smith trade, and how the Hornets stack up against other teams in future seasons.

Read: Royce O’Neale: The Forgotten Man

Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Substack chat, written content, and much more.
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Hornets: A Top-10 Future Team?

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 00:52:44 GMT

Brian and James run through a host of topics today, including Brandon Miller’s extension, a potential Finney-Smith trade, and how the Hornets stack up against other teams in future seasons.

How much do the Hornets PAY Brandon Miller? | TRADE Rumor Mill | Nic Batum RETIRES

Locked On Podcast Network — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Charlotte’s front office is making big decisions, and the future of their young core hinges on what happens next with Brandon Miller’s contract extension. As the Thompson twins lock in massive rookie deals—Amen at $208 million and Ausar at $155 million—the hosts debate where Miller should land on this lucrative spectrum, taking a hard look at his place among young NBA stars and how his injury history could affect negotiations.

But the day’s news doesn’t stop there: as Hornets management reportedly engage in trade talks around acquiring Buddy Hield for Dorian Finney-Smith, fans are left to ponder the team’s all-offense identity and how the addition of a proven veteran shooter might reshape the roster—whether for depth, trades, or just pursuing a single-minded offensive attack.

Closing out the show, it’s a salute to Nic Batum, whose retirement brings out reflection on his complicated, high-profile run in Charlotte—from his pivotal role on the franchise’s last playoff team to the infamous contract and the legacy he leaves behind. Whether you’re invested in Charlotte’s future or reminiscing about the journeys of past stars, this episode covers the decisions, rumors, and legacies shaping the Hornets right now.

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Making Sense of the Buddy Hield Rumor

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 20:36:34 GMT

Photo: Megan Briggs

Sometimes it feels like Jeff Peterson is playing NBA 2K with the number of deals he tries to pull off. I don’t have the number in front of me, but I’d wager he’s made close to 15 trades since taking over in Charlotte. And for the most part, they’ve been good value and sometimes lopsided in Charlotte’s favor.

Last night, Jake Fischer and Marc Stein reported that Peterson was looking to make more moves before training camp. Fischer mentioned, “Atlanta and Charlotte have held trade talks surrounding Buddy Hield for Dorian Finney-Smith, sources say” (via X).

What incentive does the President of Basketball Operations possibly have for acquiring Hield?

Evaluating the Contracts

In lateral trades, financial reasons are often the motivating factor. In this case, the difference in money feels negligible.

Dorian Finney-Smith, as noted on numerous occasions, is signed for three more seasons. However, the $14.19 million he’s owed for the upcoming season is the only guaranteed money on the books. So, if things don’t work out, waiving Doe-Doe next summer has no monetary implications. Buddy Hield’s contract has some partial guarantee stipulations. While Hield’s contract is worth $4.53 million less than Finney-Smith’s for the upcoming season, he’s owed $3.13 million for the 2027-28 season.1

Is that level of savings truly worth it? Not sure.

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Player vs. Player

Both players are 33 years old and are at the downturn of their careers. While this potential move may have very little to do with the on-court value, let’s quickly compare the two.

If you are looking to add to the team’s three-point arsenal, Hield is your best bet. He’s proven to be a guy who can be run off screens and commands attention on the perimeter. The question becomes: does Charlotte need more of the same?

For teams seeking a low-usage asset who still has some defensive impact, targeting Finney-Smith is the right move.

However, neither guy is consistent enough to move the needle, and that’s what I don’t quite understand about this rumor.

Conclusion

More than anything, the latest rumors strongly imply that Finney-Smith is the odd man out in this roster puzzle. While waiving him is the cleanest path, maybe Jeff Peterson is trying to pull one more lever to get some assets in return. But if it’s just a player-for-player swap, I’m still struggling to find the benefits.

What is your theory?

His $10.09 million salary becomes fully guaranteed if he remains on the roster after the NBA Draft.

Royce O’Neale: The Forgotten Man

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:00:38 GMT

PHOTO: Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports

When the Hornets shipped Miles Bridges to Phoenix, many viewed the 2033 first-round pick or even Grayson Allen as the prized asset. Royce O’Neale, also involved in the transaction, seemed like an afterthought. O’Neale is something of a journeyman with an unconventional start to his professional career, beginning overseas.1 However, wherever he goes, he makes his mark as a steady three-point specialist with above-average defensive impact.

Charles Lee will look to use his distinct skill set, and he should prove more serviceable than most anticipate.

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Volume Shooter

Royce O’Neale’s quickest path to impact will be with his three-point shooting. He has never shot below 35% from downtown, and has a career average of 38.5%. And when looking at attempt rate, his frequency of long-range attempts has typically hovered around the 90th percentile. Talk about consistency.

The numbers only paint a partial picture. Dissecting the film reveals deeper intricacies within his game, starting with his knack for finding gaps on the court. Whether using off-ball lifts, shallow cuts, or pick-and-pops, he consistently uncovers open space. While some of this is powered by his teammates' gravity on drives, his spatial awareness and elite timing truly set him apart. Last season, O'Neale led the league with 387 wide-open three-point attempts, converting 41.1% of these looks.2

Brandon Miller’s Impending Extension

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 12:58:22 GMT

The 2023 first-rounders are eligible for extensions this offseason, and we are slowly starting to see those get finalized.1 Victor Wembanyama (1st overall), Amen Thompson (4th overall), Ausar Thompson (5th overall), and Keyonte George (16th overall) are all guys from that class who have locked in deals through the 2031-32 season.

The deadline to extend Brandon Miller is October 19, and many of these recent deals could put pressure on Charlotte’s Basketball Operations to get the job done. While not necessary, agreeing to an extension would be wise if they want to avoid restricted free agency in 2027 and strengthen their relationship with Miller’s camp.

How much can Brandon Miller receive?

With Miller entering the final season of his rookie-scale contract, he can sign an extension worth up to 25% of the cap.2 The projected 2027 salary cap is set at $176 million, which equates to a first-year salary of $44 million. We can safely say that Miller won’t be receiving that kind of money, as that’s reserved for Wembanyama.

However, with some of the numbers starting to emerge from other players in his class, you start to gauge where his potential starting point will begin. For reference, let’s look at the numbers of these reported deals:

Victor Wembanyama: Year 1: $44 million → Total: $252 million

Amen Thompson: Year 1: $35 million → Total: $208 million

Keyonte George: Year 1: $27 million → Total: $157 million

Ausar Thompson: Year 1: $26 million → Total: $155 million

For B-Mill, his range likely hovers around Amen Thompson’s $208 million. One could argue that the combination of Miller’s draft position and higher ceiling would push his number above Thompson’s. But with Miller’s injury history and Charlotte’s risk-averse moves, a reasonable case can be made that he shouldn’t reach that number. I lean towards the latter but realize there’s a human aspect to the negotiation table. Team flexibility should always be at the forefront, but everyone should be prepared for a number that pushes those limits.

Is Miller Worth It?

I’ve seen a range of opinions on Miller’s ultimate figure. Some suggest it comes in around $175 million, while others are expecting something north of $215 million. It goes to show that there’s clear value in Miller’s archetype, but the leverage isn’t fully on his side.

The reality is that the 2023 second-overall pick is coming off shoulder surgery and has missed 68 games over the last two seasons. This fact alone leaves many hesitant to fork over the money. This is especially true when the organization just traded its star point guard, who also had injury issues.

On the other hand, getting this deal finalized proves the organization’s dedication to its youth and secures Miller as a foundational piece. He has proven to be a talented long-range shooter and an on-ball shot-maker, while showing flashes of playmaking and noticeable defensive improvements. The 23-year-old has averaged 19 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3 assists in his 166 games with Charlotte.

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Final Thoughts

I was skeptical about a rookie-scale extension earlier this offseason. This iteration of the front office has always been calculated with their decisions, and it wouldn’t have shocked me to see them take this to restricted free agency in 2027. However, my tune is starting to change with the recent flurry of extensions. While I now believe there is a greater than 50% chance this extension gets signed, I am less certain about the final financial terms. My latest prediction for Brandon Miller’s extension is as follows3:

5 years, $201 million

2027-28: $34.8 million
2028-29: $37.5 million
2029-30: $40.3 million
2030-31: $43.1 million
2031-32: $45.9 million

Second-rounders and undrafted rookies from 2023 are not entitled to these types of extensions.

This extension has no bearing on the upcoming season and kicks in beginning in the 2027 season.

I’m factoring in an 8% raise, the maximum allowed for these types of contracts. This equates to $2.8 million in yearly raises. The front office could flip this contract to make it descending, but I’m not sure how amenable Miller would be to that structure.

How Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel can make ALL-NBA | Sicko Satchel MAILBAG Episode

Locked On Podcast Network — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 21:15:00 GMT

In this episode of Locked On Hornets, Doug Branson opens up the “Sicko Satchel” to answer the Hornets community's most burning questions. What must Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller do to become Charlotte’s next All-NBA stars? Doug examines their elite scoring talent, the growth each needs to show on both ends of the floor, and what it will really take for either to ascend to first-option status on a playoff team. He also weighs the All-Star potential of newcomers like Naz Reid and considers whether Charlotte could be represented multiple times on an All-NBA roster if everything clicks this year.

Next, the episode tackles the new-look Hornets rotation, spotlighting Hannes Steinbach’s NBA readiness and his fight for a role in the frontcourt. Doug draws on the team’s developmental track record to manage hopes and concerns, reminding fans what to reasonably expect from rookies and young guns under the current front office.

The discussion continues as the podcast addresses the Charlotte Observer’s decision to drop full-time Hornets coverage following Rod Boone’s layoff—a move with implications for fans hungry for behind-the-scenes insights. Lastly, Doug offers earnest advice to a loyal fan torn between opening night action and a rare Dave Chappelle appearance at the Spectrum Center.

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Hornets LOSE Local Beat Writer | Are the Hornets the LEAST Covered team in the NBA?

Locked On Podcast Network — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 16:32:30 GMT

For the first time since 1987, the Charlotte Hornets will open their season without a dedicated beat reporter after Rod Boone’s abrupt exit from the Charlotte Observer. On today’s episode, Walker Mehl and Doug Branson take stock of what this means for fans, local journalism, and the wider NBA media landscape. The ripple effects of McClatchy’s sweeping layoffs have all but cleared out traditional sports coverage in Charlotte, and the hosts unpack the harsh reality facing newspapers and digital outlets alike in an age of shrinking ad revenue and growing corporate control.

The conversation zeroes in on the unique value beat reporters bring—traveling with teams, asking tough questions, and preserving the stories that shape a franchise’s history. With the economics of print media in collapse and digital ventures often stretched too thin to cover road games, Charlotte joins a growing list of NBA cities left relying on in-house voices or independent platforms. Walker Mehl and Doug Branson reflect on what fans are losing when coverage becomes less objective and more promotional while wondering aloud if the return of quality, independent journalism is even possible in today’s climate.

From private equity’s role in gutting newsrooms to the future of storytelling, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at why fans should care—and what could be lost if something doesn’t change. Plus, some lighter moments as the hosts compare Hornets and Panthers box scores and share stories from the beat.

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Does Dorian Finney-Smith Make the Roster?

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:23:53 GMT

There’s no question that Dorian Finney-Smith is a few years past his peak. Whether it’s his age or his slow bounce-back from ankle surgery, his past season in Houston was very underwhelming. His perimeter shooting really took a hit, and questions remain about his mobility on both ends of the floor. Having said that, there’s a world where he regains a semblance of his three-and-d mold and proves to be a serviceable rotational piece. Plus, his veteran presence is never a bad thing to have within the locker room.

With training camp on the horizon, it’ll be interesting to see if Finney-Smith can make his case for the final roster.

How Did We Get Here?

This offseason, the Charlotte Hornets acquired Dorian Finney-Smith and three second-round picks from the Houston Rockets.1 On the surface, this move was one of many in the Jeff Peterson era where the incoming player was used as a conduit to obtain picks.