In Part 1 Brian, Matt, and James break down Kon Knueppel’s breakout performance, takeaways from Dallas-Charlotte and discuss Charlotte’s 3-0 Summer League run. In Part 2 (21 min) they each unveil their top six ranked players from least to most impressive from Summer League (so far). Subscribe to the Buzz Beat Substack for written posts, an engaged Hornets community and to explore the bonuses of our Buzz Beat + membership. Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&...
Jul 15, 2025•47 min•Ep. 539
Richie analyzes footage of Collin Sexton in a game against the Pistons. He examines Sexton's strengths and how he gets his buckets. He also points out the actions that would benefit him in a Charlotte Hornets jersey. There's an accompanying video available on our Buzz Beat Substack . 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....
Jul 08, 2025•14 min
Brian and James preview the Las Vegas Summer League and discuss what we can expect from specific Hornets. They talk about which players they’re eager to watch, who has the most to prove, and who might earn a two-way contract. 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.
Jul 08, 2025•42 min•Ep. 538
Richie , James , and Matt recap the recent moves from the Charlotte Hornets to start free agency. The three chat about the makeup of the 15-man roster, Josh Okogie’s non-guaranteed contract, the uncertain status of Tre Mann, and the acquisitions of Mason Plumlee and Pat Connaughton. NOTE : This was recorded 1 hour before Tre Mann agreed to a 3-year deal. 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....
Jul 02, 2025•57 min•Ep. 537
Richie joins Kyle Bailey of WFNZ to chat about Charlotte’s offseason. The two discuss the draft, free agent options, and what the Hornets do with Tre Mann. 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.
Jun 30, 2025•11 min•Ep. 536
Richie goes LIVE on Substack to discuss free agency and review the acquisition of Collin Sexton. He talks about the cap sheet, free agency priorities, and breaks down Sexton’s offensive and defensive 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.
Jun 30, 2025•22 min•Ep. 535
Brian, Matt, and Darian share their analysis of Kon Knueppel, the 4th overall pick for the Charlotte Hornets. This was originally released on May 27, but the information remains relevant as they discuss both offensive and defensive aspects and some of his underrated skills. 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....
Jun 28, 2025•25 min•Ep. 534
James, Matt, Brian and Darian react to Charlotte's selections of Sion James and Ryan Kalkbrennar in the early second round. The group also discuss Charlotte's shift in draft philosophy and share their overall grades for the Hornets' 2025 draft class. 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.
Jun 27, 2025•38 min•Ep. 533
BONUS SNIPPET | Richie invites Yossi Gozlan of the Third Apron to prepare Hornets fans for free agency, beginning June 30. The two highlight some of the salary cap minutiae, chat about Tre Mann’s free agency, and mention potential moves Charlotte can make this offseason. For the full episode, visit Buzz Beat Plus . 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....
Jun 26, 2025•9 min
Brian, Darian, and James recap Charlotte’s first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. The three evaluate Kon Knueppel’s game and whether his ceiling warrants the 4th overall pick. After acquiring the 29th pick in a trade involving Mark Williams, they get a chance to break down Liam McNeeley’s 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....
Jun 26, 2025•50 min•Ep. 532
Darian, Matt, and Brian help forecast the top six picks of the NBA Draft. With the team-specific selections from Drew Johnson (Dallas), Adam Aaronson (Philadelphia), and Noah Magaro-George (San Antonio), they were able to weigh their options at the fourth overall pick. To end the episode, the three put together a pie chart with all the possibilities for Charlotte’s pick. 🚨 Special Offer Link: Buzz Beat+ for $60 annually ($15 less with all the same perks!) Must redeem by June 27, 2025 Be sure to...
Jun 24, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 531
Brian, James, and Matt discuss some of the lesser-discussed prospects. While they aren’t projected to go fourth overall, the crew discusses Collin Murray-Boyles of South Carolina, Jeremiah Fears of Oklahoma, and Duke's Khaman Maluach. Richie also spends 10 minutes sharing his thoughts on Game 5 of the NBA Finals. 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....
Jun 17, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 530
BONUS SNIPPET | James, Brian, Darian, and Matt use a random wheel to begin their discussion on prospects. When it landed on a specific number, the co-hosts were required to use their personal “Big Board” to talk about that player ranked at that position. The numbers generated for this exercise were 10, 12, 14, 20, 21, 25, 27, and 33. For the full episode, please visit Buzz Beat Plus . Be sure to check out Buzz Beat Plus for ad-free and exclusive episodes, Q&A sessions in the Substack chat, w...
Jun 15, 2025•21 min
Brian, James, and Darian try to separate fact from fiction with the latest draft pick intel. A lot hinges on what Philadelphia will do with the third selection. We analyze the scenarios and how each has a ripple effect on the Hornets. We share our current thoughts on the top prospects expected to be available with the fourth pick. 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....
Jun 10, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 529
Richie joins Mac and T-Bone on WFNZ to share his thoughts on the Hornets’ offseason. They discuss several prospects available with the 4th overall pick and the road to success as a small-market team. 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.
Jun 09, 2025•11 min•Ep. 528
Tate Frazier of The Ringer joins James for an all-encompassing conversation about the Charlotte Hornets. The two chat about Tate’s fandom, dissect the choices for the number 4 overall pick, and look at Bridges and Ball’s future in Charlotte. 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....
Jun 07, 2025•58 min•Ep. 527
Richie and Matt are joined by Jeremy Grandison to discuss how the NBA Playoffs can shape the Hornets’ future. The three talk about double-big lineups, versatile players, and how there are multiple ways to build a competitive roster. 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....
Jun 03, 2025•57 min•Ep. 526
Brian , Darian , and Matt analyze two prospects projected as options for the Hornets with the No. 4 overall pick. They examine the offensive and defensive play of V.J. Edgecombe (Baylor) and Kon Knueppel (Duke). 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....
May 28, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 525
Brian, Matt, and James recap the NBA Combine and share their thoughts on Tre Johnson. The three share the most noteworthy takeaways from the tests and interviews out in Chicago, while also diving deep into the talented shooter from Texas. 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.
May 20, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 524
Spencer, James, Brian, and Darian react to the news that the Hornets secured the 4th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The crew expresses their disappointment and discusses how this will influence the team’s future. Lottery Sale: Please visit this site to get Buzz Beat Plus at a 20% discount for an annual subscription. Offer ends 5/15/25. 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....
May 13, 2025•52 min•Ep. 523
Matt and James return to chat about two prospects from the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers. The two discuss Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, both projected to go in the top five of the NBA Draft. They look at their strengths, weaknesses, and potential fit in Charlotte. 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.
May 07, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 522
Brian, James, and Darian break down Cooper Flagg’s game. There is much to highlight with the consensus first overall pick, but very little to nitpick. Listen to the crew's analysis and what he could bring to the Hornets if they land the top overall selection. 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.
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 521
Matt, Brian, Darian, and James reveal their top 7 prospects in the upcoming NBA Draft. They discuss the biggest discrepancies and what went into the evaluation process in creating their “Big Boards.” 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.
Apr 23, 2025•56 min•Ep. 520
Richie goes solo to briefly recap the Heat-Bulls game and explain why the results matter to Charlotte. He also details the incoming draft picks for Charlotte and how they will manage them moving forward. Be sure to subscribe to our Substack: Buzz Beat Plus 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....
Apr 17, 2025•28 min•Ep. 519
Following the Hornets’ end-of-season media availability, we react to the notable talking points from the day. We dissect quotes from Jeff Peterson, Charles Lee, and the players. 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.
Apr 16, 2025•54 min•Ep. 518
Brian and Darian select five players from the Sweet 16 to create a balanced team. They discuss their drafting strategies and how their players enhance one another's performance on the basketball court. Additionally, they choose a coach from the remaining 16 teams. 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.
Mar 26, 2025•58 min•Ep. 517
Brian and Darian assess players competing in the upcoming NCAA men’s tournament. The following prospects are reviewed (in order): Jase Richardson, Kam Jones, Danny Wolf, VJ Edgecombe, Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, Walter Clayton Jr., Derik Queen, Nique Clifford, Kasparas Jakučionis, Chaz Lanier, Tre Johnson. 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....
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 516
Richie brings on Matt Alquiza to discuss the intel from Michael Scotto’s recent piece about a potential LaMelo Ball move. The two discuss the package type required to send Ball to another team. The final segment puts percentages on the likelihood of Ball, Bridges, Green, Okogie, and Williams returning to Charlotte in 2025-26. 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....
Mar 07, 2025•37 min•Ep. 515
Richie and Brian react to Adam Silver’s recent comments and answer a listener's question about the future of the Hornets. The two discuss Mark Williams and if anything can be done to fix future trade failures in the NBA. They also set priorities for a multi-year plan for the Hornets to become a playoff winner by 2028. 📋 Help give us more insight into your listening habits and preferences by completing this survey . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Be sure to ...
Feb 18, 2025•52 min•Ep. 514
🚨 | Richie discusses the failed trade of Mark Williams and all the implications of his return to Charlotte. He chats about the reputation of Jeff Peterson, the re-insertion of Mark Williams into the rotation, and maneuvering the awkward situation with the center rotation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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....
Feb 09, 2025•25 min•Ep. 513
