Charlotte Hornets fans have a lot to talk about as the official NBA awards results hit the headlines—none more controversial than Coach of the Year. Walker Mehl and Doug Branson react to Charles Lee finishing a distant fourth, well behind his peers despite spearheading a dramatic turnaround season. The hosts debate whether the voting process undervalued Lee’s achievement and speculate on whether media members truly appreciate the Hornets’ progress.
The conversation heats up as they explore LaMelo Ball’s puzzling absence from major All-NBA consideration. The hosts acknowledge the five writers who did cast ballots for LaMelo but question what more the dynamic guard must do to earn widespread league recognition. Meanwhile, Kon Knueppel’s eye-catching rookie campaign gets overshadowed as a single outlier ballot drops him to third—prompting a critical look at biases in awards voting, especially when local beat writers are involved.
The show then pivots to discuss potential Hornets trade targets, from Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen to free agent favorites like Isaiah Hartenstein. Plus, the hosts shout out the few national and local media voices who properly recognized the efforts of Hornets players and staff. From frustrating snubs to tantalizing offseason possibilities, this episode is packed with opinions, analysis, and the urgency Hornets Nation will recognize.
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧
Become 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):
Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More
🎧
Get Doug’s gamenotes, special articles and a podcast on Hornets history at the Every Hornets Boxscore substack: everyhornetsboxscore.com
Get more Walker on Wes and Walker 12-3pm on WFNZ 92.7 FM
📲 Follow Locked On Hornets on Twitter
Locked On Hornets
Walker Mehl
Doug Branson
Evan Hale
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community:
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
5-Hour ENERGY
The funfetti flavor is BACK on or Amazon, crack open Confetti Craze 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today!
KALSHI
For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.
DoorDash
From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.
Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.
DoorDash. In your bag all season long.
Rugiet
Get 15% off your treatment →
Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at
Gametime
Today’s episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
Today’s episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit to get started — Play Your Game.
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)
#Hornets #LaMelo #LaMeloBall #CharlotteHornets #KonKnueppel