8 Hornets I'd Protect in Expansion Draft | Paul George SHADES Charlotte | Why Kon Should Play Tonight

On this episode of Locked On Hornets, Doug Branson flies solo and cracks open the Sicko Satchel to answer your most irrational Hornets questions. He kicks things off by picking the eight players he would protect in a hypothetical expansion draft, breaking down who’s untouchable, who’s cost-controlled, and who just barely makes the cut. From LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller to surprises like Grant Williams and Tre Mann, Doug explains why each name matters to the future of Buzz City.Then, Doug reacts to Paul George’s now-viral comments dissing the Hornets as a team with “no winning culture.” Is he wrong? Doug gives a passionate defense of the organization’s direction, outlines what real success would look like in 2025–26, and what it’ll take to change the narrative.There’s also time for some fun—Doug reveals the costume he’ll wear if the YouTube channel hits 10,000 subscribers (spoiler: it’s not Grandma Ma), reflects on Bobcats nostalgia (or lack thereof), and pitches his dream Hornets uniform comeback. He even picks the exact day in franchise history he’d go back to as GM for a day, with a surprising answer tied to Ray Wooldridge.Finally, Doug previews the Hornets' critical Summer League Game 4 and makes the case for why Kon Knueppel should play, citing real developmental stakes for this young core. Packed with insight, hot takes, and Hornets heart, this episode is not to be missed!Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://linktr.ee/lockedonhornetsBecome an official member of the Locked On Hornets Sicko Brigade and get Hornets news, rumors and pictures of Byron Mullens sent directly to your phone via Subtext (14 Day Free Trial): https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonhornetsLocked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBAGet Doug's gamenotes, special articles and a podcast on Hornets history at the Every Hornets Boxscore substack: everyhornetsboxscore.comGet more Walker on Wes and Walker 12-3pm on WFNZ 92.7 FMTop 35 Hornets Nicknames of All-Time According to Doug Branson: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-nicknames-in-hornets-franchiseTop 35 Hornets of All-Time According to Walker Mehl: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-players-in-hornets-history📲 Follow Locked On Hornets on TwitterLocked On Hornets https://twitter.com/LockedOnHornetsWalker Mehl https://twitter.com/WalkerMehlDoug Branson https://twitter.com/DougBransonLOH Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!OpenPhoneStreamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnbaHungryrootWith Hungryroot, it’s like having a personal shopper and a nutritionist all in one. For a limited time, get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life! Just go to Hungryroot.com/lockedonnba and use code LOCKEDONNBA.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first yearGametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.