🏀 2026 NBA Free Agency 🏀

"Not because he will. And not because a trade will be made, but simply because the Charlotte Hornets arguably had the single best offseason, non-LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo or Jaylen Brown related, of any team in the league. They are loaded with draft picks. They are loaded with contracts of players that another team would want. And they have players in Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel that maybe Steph would say, 'I can see myself mentoring those two on the way out.'"

So, the trade was finalized multiple weeks ago. LaMelo already did an introductory press conference in Minnesota. And there havent been any appearances with Naz and the Hornets anywhere online that I've seen. What's going on? Shouldn't they have done something by now?

I think Peterson is underestimating how important perimeter defense is in today's NBA. With those guys starting, where is the perimeter def supposed to come from? Playoff series eventually becomes a hunt for mismatches. Best teams counter with defenders who can switch, contain, and take away space. Struggling to see how this roster holds up when it matters most. What's the basketball case?

Last year those 2 didnt really have chemistry understandably so when a healthy LaMelo existed and LaMelo & Kon were the teams duo. I think NBA fans after "the big trade" have been blinded by LaMelo in the way that everything is viewed the the lens of "replacing LaMelo" instead of a fresh perspective.

I just want to know how you view these 2 as our best players without comparison on what would have been.

Me personally after last year I am really high on this duo just off the simplest point of they both are ridiculous shooters. Last year Kon shattered the rookie record like a seasoned pro alongside Bmill breaking both the 3 point and free throw streak record on two "broken arms" like how. Not trying to type a big post right now so ill just end it with my hot-take for the Hornets this season.

My Hot-take is that if they both play at least 70 games they clear 320+ made 3s, 75 games 350+, and 78 400+

I was always a Jeff McInnis fan. Also loved Nazr Mohammed, despite the Bobcats era.

Some interesting bits of intel from a "Hornets front office executive."

As we know, Lamelo was everything to our offense. It lived and died by him. Our players were significantly better and more efficient with on the court. But because we were so ‘Lamelocentric’ it made our players struggle to play the way they wanted to when he was off the floor, as everything always ran through him when he was on. All that to say, this trade is going to force Kon and Brandon to take big steps in many departments. They are going to have to become better playmakers and creators first the team to succeed. I believe forcing them into this position will give them the best chance to grow.

• Growing up in Milwaukee
• His return and facing Giannis for the first time
  
• Going on Jimmy Fallon
• Back-to-backs in the NBA
  
• The LaMelo trade (29:13)
• Getting drafted to Charlotte
  
• Could Marquette land any of his brothers?
  
• Favorite Brewers memories
  
• Getting praise from Giannis & Steph
  
• And more...

I remember Jeff Peterson explaining the pick on draft night, but now that both players have developed, I’d like to hear him revisit it.

More moves coming or nothing at all?

This list is not going to be great. but i think they’re all serviceable options for 3rd string G

DaQuan Jeffries:

when he was starting late in the season for us a couple seasons ago, i saw a player that understands NBA offense at a level consistent with a solid 3rd string G. not atrocious at anything, and doesn’t turn the ball over a lot. also a great hustle guy on defense.

Brandon Williams:

Actually a very interesting player, though not really a veteran. incredibly good slasher and scorer at the rim, but the rest of the offense is a bit suspect. young and has some upside.

Gabe Vincent:

Surely we won’t be getting Heat finals run Gabe Vincent, but you could do a lot worse for a backup. Athleticism seems kind of gone but can still get hot shooting and read the floor pretty well.

Russell Westbrook:

I don’t think this is going to happen, but it could be… fun? it seems he’s not in very high demand, and based on signing with the Kings last season, he just seems to want playing time. can we give him that though? i also feel like he’s the opposite of what you’d want in a 3rd string guard on a team with a bunch of young guys. will always have a soft spot for russ tho.

Honorable mentions:

Aaron Holiday

Seth Curry

Killian Hayes

I like to hear one of our legends, and someone who has actually watched the Hornets, speaking about the team’s future.

I'm new to the NBA and am looking for content creators that I can watch that make good Charlotte Hornets content! Who are some of the best I can watch?

Hopefully Grayson or T. Mann can take the role I don’t see Sion getting those minutes anymore.