The Charlotte Hornets' final 22 game stretch begins tonight with a matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves meaning that we get a showdown between the cream of the crop of the 2020 NBA Draft in LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards. Our host, Joshua Balta, breaks down previous matchups between the two budding stars while discussing the effects of the looming return of Kelly Oubre on the likes of Bryce McGowens and JT Thor. Cody Martin continues to be sidelined with knee soreness and the worries are ...
Feb 24, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 33
The Charlotte Hornets are 17-43 with 22 games remaining. The playoffs have been off the table since December and the NBA lottery results are the next date circled on most Hornets' fans calendar yet our host, Joshua Balta, provides multiple reasons as to why this final stretch is important and why/what you should watch for. A micro-segment of "Host and Hoist" details the best moments in Charlotte Hornets All-Star Weekend history, and then the episode ends with a recap of this past All-Star weeken...
Feb 20, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 32
The Charlotte Hornets beat the Atlanta Hawks for the third time this season, and if it weren't for what happened last April in State Farm Arena, it would be safe to say that the Hornets own the Hawks, but alas... Connor Sparrow from the KarterKast Podcast joined our host, Joshua Balta, on the show to talk about Charlotte's sixteenth win, LaMelo's 30 minutes to Atlanta comment hahahaha, and an all out balanced performance from the guys in Purple and Teal. After a weekend to sit and assess, Balta ...
Feb 14, 2023•40 min•Season 1Ep. 31
The NBA Trade Deadline has passed and the Charlotte Hornets made two moves: Jalen McDaniels is off to Philly in exchange for Svi (it's just Svi) and two 2nd round picks, meanwhile Mason Plumlee was traded to the Clippers for Reggie Jackson and a 2028 2nd round pick. On this episode, our host Joshua Balta and special guest Matt Sponhour from Stay Hot: A Sports Podcast give their thoughts on the Hornets' trade deadline. How did the Hornets front office do? What grade do they receive? Who did you w...
Feb 10, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Twenty-four hours until the NBA Trade Deadline. Make moves Mitch.
Feb 08, 2023•8 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report and the Hardwood Knocks Podcast joined our host, Joshua Balta, to discuss the current state of the Hornets as well as Dan's most recent piece for B/R that is a comprehensive look at the NBA Trade Deadline. Charlotte showed up four times in Favale's article. On this episode, Balta and Dan discuss these trade proposals and why they make sense for the guys in Purple and Teal. As in any piece, cuts must be made. Dan shares some of the trade concepts he had cooked up tha...
Feb 03, 2023•40 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Darian Thomas from Trust the Buzz and NBA Draft Nerds joins our host Joshua Balta on the show to recap the loss in Milwaukee, will the Hornets be "too good" down the stretch, trade deadline musts, and LaMelo Ball's franchise record. Is P.J. Washington a vital piece to the future of this team? Is LaMelo's franchise record of eight triple doubles an indictment on this franchise's history? Who would you rather have moving forward: Cody Martin or Jalen McDaniels? All of this and more can be heard ri...
Feb 01, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Ben Hollifield, more commonly known as @benhuncc on Twitter and former guest of "The 11th Pick Podcast," joined the show to discuss where the Hornets are nearly 50 games into the season, are injuries mostly to blame for Charlotte's woes, was Gordon Hayward's deal actually a good thing for this team, and finishing up with a segment called "Trade or Fade" where our host Joshua Balta grades Ben's recent Trade Machine ideas for the Hornets.
Jan 26, 2023•36 min•Season 1Ep. 26
The Hornets slip back to their losing ways falling 120-102 in Utah. The Hornets went 2/16 from deep and that pretty much summed up the night for the guys in Purple and Teal. Rui Hachimura was dealt to the Lakers for Kendrick Nunn and three 2nd round picks. Our host Joshua Balta discusses the impact that the deal may have on setting the market, and what that could mean for a few Hornets players should the franchise choose to move on. The episode finishes with a LaMelo Ball health update via Steve...
Jan 24, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Hornets win!!!!!! But, it came at a cost. Of course it came at a cost. LaMelo Ball suffered yet another sprained ankle in the win over the Houston Rockets in the battle for last place. Our host Joshua Balta takes you through his thoughts on whether or not LaMelo should return this season, the medical staff's role in the hyper-injuries this season, Mark Williams' performance that hasn't been replicated in FOUR DECADES, coach Steve Clifford's franchise setting win total, and Clifford's comments fr...
Jan 19, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Karter Baughan joins the show for his second appearance alongside our host Joshua Balta to discuss the 11-31 Hornets, can LaMelo Ball be a number one option on a winning team, number two option even? Balta and Karter talk about the two dookies, we mean dukies, on the Hornets and their recent uptick in play and production in Mason Plumlee and Mark Williams. The episode closes with a Rapid Fire (not really) edition of Trade Deadline talk. Who should still be rostered come February 10th, and what w...
Jan 12, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 23
The Hornets allowed Ja Morant to bleed 26 seconds off the clock before touching the ball, and that pretty much sums up the Charlotte Hornets' performance against the Memphis Grizzlies. The team looks pathetic, not focused, and completely out on competing this season. Our host, Joshua Balta, discusses his concerns of the players on this roster, their "winning-DNA (or lack thereof)" and if there are any current Hornets who will actively bring winning basketball to the city of Charlotte.
Jan 05, 2023•25 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Hive Hoops is back with the first episode of the New Year. The Charlotte Hornets are 10-28 and our host Joshua Balta is RANTING. Following poor performances against the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers, as well as poor individual performances from some of the team's biggest names: LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward; the season is all but over which has this Hornets team looking ahead to brighter days. LaMelo's defensive performances are called into question, Terry's inconsistency and ...
Jan 03, 2023•23 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Jamal Darby and Keyza Soulsay from Under Construction join the show to talk LaMelo Ball's return, what it has done for this team, worried about his fouling tendency, and does Ball have enough time to make a case for his second All-Star bid?? Cody Martin and Dennis Smith Jr. remain out and the guys discuss their importance to this team, and just how badly does Charlotte miss the two defensive-minded guards. The episode closes with a Rankings Segment: Charlotte Hornets Edition!
Dec 22, 2022•40 min•Season 1Ep. 20
The Charlotte Hornets are 7-23 thirty games into the season, riding an 8 game losing streak and just lost to a Detroit Pistons team led by Kylian Hayes, Alec Burks, and Jalen Duren (Yes, THAT Jalen Duren). LaMelo Ball returned hoping to inject a boost into this team, yet despite averaging 27 points and nearly 7 assists since re-insertion this team is 0-3 and giving off zero vibes that they will turn this season around anytime soon. It is time for Charlotte to capitalize on its assets of value in...
Dec 19, 2022•31 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Hive Hoops welcomes Karter Baughan of the KarterKast Podcast to the latest episode! Balta and Karter team up to discuss the only direction the Hornets should be going in this season, how that affects LaMelo Ball's outlook for this season, selling all James Bouknight stock?, and a Hornets edition of OVER/UNDER.
Dec 13, 2022•38 min•Season 1Ep. 18
The Charlotte Hornets dropped two close contests this week against two contenders in the Clippers and the Nets. Too much Kawhi Leonard late against the Clippers, and then the same with Kevin Durant against the Nets cost the Hornets two games in which the injury-laden team battled and fought, yet to no avail. The Hornets could not grab that final board versus LA, and then had to rely on JT Thor and Bryce McGowens late against Brooklyn. Our host Joshua Balta dives into his thoughts following both ...
Dec 08, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Hive Hoops was joined by Evan Birchmore of "Swarm and Sting" as the first guest in Hive Hoops history! Balta and Evan discuss their early season assessments of the season. To what degree can this team be judged based on their performance to date? Does Coach Steve Clifford deserve blame? Terry Rozier? Or does it rest more so on the organization as a whole? Find out here and more on the latest episode of Hive Hoops!
Dec 05, 2022•43 min•Season 1Ep. 16
The Hornets just won two games against the Philadelphia 76ers and the Minnesota Timberwolves to finish off last week yet instead of talking about Kelly Oubre's performance, the Mint City edition jerseys and court, or Kai Jones' emergence we have a medical staff (and perhaps coaching as well) issue in the Queen City. Our host Joshua Balta details the events of Robyn Hayward's social media post as well as the responses from the Charlotte Hornets, Gordon's agent, and then Robyn again. Could all of ...
Nov 28, 2022•24 min•Season 1Ep. 15
The Charlotte Hornets dropped two more games over the weekend in which they held the lead in the 4th quarter or overtime. That brings the Hornets to 4-14 on the year and the question of whether or not it is time to start cranking up the trade chatter. Joshua Balta details who on the Hornets is trending up and who is trending down on the trade market as well as the young rookies from the 2021 Draft Class.
Nov 22, 2022•38 min•Season 1Ep. 14
The Charlotte Hornets dropped yet another game in which they led, losing to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night 125-113. LaMelo Ball led the team with 26 points and 6 assists on 10/17 shooting, yet left the game late after re-injuring his ankle. The Hornets are now 4-12, have lost nine of their last ten, are 1-6 at home this season, and have lost six games in which they have held the lead in the 4th quarter. With LaMelo Ball staring at missing extended time, the same with Cody Martin, who know...
Nov 17, 2022•25 min•Season 1Ep. 13
The Charlotte Hornets are no longer on a losing streak! The 8 game slide is a thing of the past! The Hornets won 112-105 over the Orlando Magic on Monday night to start a new streak, one that has the Hornets in the win column. Seven players scored in double figures, LaMelo Ball flirted with a double-double, and Mason Plumlee led the team in scoring. Our host Joshua Balta breakdown individual performances as well as a few players who saw a reduction in their role (cough cough: JT Thor and James B...
Nov 15, 2022•23 min•Season 1Ep. 12
The Charlotte Hornets welcomed back their All-Star in LaMelo Ball, yet his placement into the lineup wasn't quite enough to overcome the blistering Miami Heat shooting and backdoor cuts on Saturday night. Charlotte has lost 8 in a row now with a four game week coming up that includes games against Orlando, Indiana, and Washington. Our host Joshua Balta speaks on the importance of this week in regards to the outlook of the remainder of the season, and how a continued losing streak may even have h...
Nov 14, 2022•11 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Episode 10 looks back at the first 11 games of the Hornets' season that has brought Charlotte's record to 3-8 to date. Yuck. The Hornets have been banged up and missing multiple players including LaMelo Ball, Gordon Hayward, Cody Martin, and even Terry Rozier for a stretch, yet the Hornets have had multiple 4th quarter leads despite these key players being out. Balta speaks to the frustration of these 4th quarter leads being blown and as to why that is happening and what the Hornets can do to be...
Nov 09, 2022•22 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Miles Bridges plead no contest on Thursday and the former Hornets forward is now under probation for the next three years including an extensive list of demands that must be met during this time. Balta gives his takes on the Miles Bridges' domestic violence case and where does the NBA, the Charlotte Hornets, and even Miles Bridges himself go from here?
Nov 04, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 9
The Charlotte Hornets lost to the Sacramento Kings on Halloween night after leading by 15 at the break. Gordon Hayward didn't score in the 2nd half, Kelly Oubre couldn't figure out screens, and the Hornets' turnovers plagued them as they move to 3-4. Our host, Balta, gives his top 5 halloween candy list, mentions a few bright spots, and goes in on the 120 million dollar man in Charlotte.
Nov 02, 2022•42 min•Season 1Ep. 8
The Hornets finally win a game in overtime, and it comes against the reigning champions, the Golden State Warriors. Balta highlights key performances from the game as well as asking the question, is this the same team that Hornets fans have seen from previous years, or is there something different about this team that can place the Hornets over the hump?
Oct 30, 2022•34 min•Season 1Ep. 7
The Charlotte Hornets got throttled in Orlando on Friday night to a previously winless Magic side who was missing five of their rotation players. Balta rec aps the lows and the lower lows of the game while asking more from PJ Washington, Kelly Oubre, and more. Our host also mini-previews the short turnaround for Saturday's game at The Hive against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors. Kenny Atkinson is in Charlotte and Balta speaks on the situation of the former but not-former Hornets Head ...
Oct 29, 2022•25 min•Season 1Ep. 6
The Charlotte Hornets lost in heartbreaking fashion on Wednesday in MSG against the New York Knicks. Balta details the importance of these early games on the schedule as well as the three that turned two. Balta has the boys in Purple and Teal on upset alert against the Orlando Magic in their next game on Friday and how a win here could be a sign of things to come in Charlotte.
Oct 28, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Tank shmank. The Charlotte Hornets just went to the ATL and took down a fully-loaded Hawks team while the boys in Purple and Teal had to go to battle without their All-Star in LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier III, and Cody Martin. Big Nick Energy, DSJ, and the reincarnation of Kelly Oubre Jr. led the attack and defense for Charlotte leading them to a 2-1 start through the first week of the season! Let's Fly!
Oct 24, 2022•23 min•Season 1Ep. 4
