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!

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Top 35 Hornets Nicknames of All-Time According to Doug Branson: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-nicknames-in-hornets-franchise

Top 35 Hornets of All-Time According to Walker Mehl: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-players-in-hornets-history

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