The final home game of the season turned grim for the Charlotte Hornets as a horrifying midair collision left Memphis rookie Jalen Wells with a broken wrist and a bruised jaw after a violent fall. Hosts Doug Branson and Walker Mehl break down what happened on the play involving Hornets rookie K.J. Simpson, why the contact was accidental, and how the Hornets' vets supported Simpson after a deeply emotional moment.
The game itself? Another lopsided loss, 124–100, to the Grizzlies. Mark Williams struggled against Zach Edey, who dominated physically. Doug and Walker debate whether it's time to stretch Mark’s offensive game with more pick-and-pop threes—especially with the team out of contention.
Elsewhere in the NBA, the guys react to the SHOCKING news that Denver has fired head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth just days before the playoffs. Doug explains why the timing speaks volumes about dysfunction and why the Hornets' new regime with Jeff Peterson and Charles Lee looks unified by comparison.
Also: Doug gives out his first “NBA Draft Rose” to a rising guard in the latest lottery sim, and the guys discuss why Charles Lee deserves time—and talent—to succeed in Charlotte. A jam-packed episode with serious moments, basketball analysis, and a few laughs in between.
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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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