Hornets’ PLAN B If They Miss Flagg and Why it SHOULDN’T Be Ace Bailey with Nata Edwards
The Hornets hope for Cooper Flagg, but what if the lottery doesn’t go their way? We break down fallback options like Dylan Harper, debate Ace Bailey’s fit, and test which current Hornets are built for playoff-style punishment.
In this episode of Locked On Hornets, we’re joined by Nada Edwards from the Eye on College Basketball podcast to break down Cooper Flagg’s official declaration for the NBA draft — and what the Hornets should do if they don’t land the top pick. Is Dylan Harper a legit Plan B? Nada thinks so, and we go deep on how his coachability and two-way potential could reshape Charlotte’s timeline — even if Cooper is off the board.
We also explore the growing debate between Ace Bailey and VJ Edgecombe and whether either could truly complement LaMelo Ball. Could Charlotte pivot to a trade-back strategy if they fall in the draft? We weigh the risks and possible return.
Then, we shift gears and ask: which current Hornets could actually thrive in the playoffs’ more physical style? From Grant Williams’ grit to Brandon Miller’s mental edge, we sort the soft from the sturdy. Plus, an NFL Draft comparison segment sparks debate about falling prospects — both on the gridiron and the hardwood.
Whether it’s Harper’s upside, Ace’s question marks, or the team’s readiness for playoff pressure, this episode hits everything on Hornets fans’ minds right now.
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24 Comments
Ace is the one whose ceiling excites me the most, but he's also the furthest from reaching it. Like way far. I'd rather have Edgecombe because of that, but if Bailey does hit, everyone will regret not taking him.
I've said it before, I'll be just as excited to get Harper as Flagg. I think Harper is damn near perfect for this team. LaMelo.can catch and shoot, you know. He doesn't HAVE to have the ball in his hands every second to be effective. In fact, I think he would be more effective with a second ball handler of Harper's ability. Bigger Kyrie, yo.
Tre Mann watch: we have an instagram post this morning 🙌🏻
The NBA draft withdrawal deadline is June 15th so nothing is guaranteed with Cooper Flagg as of yet either.
Hola..
A mi particularmente me gustaría que Charlotte Hornets elija al escolta VJ Edgecombe.
Porque creo que necesitamos un escolta y él está acostumbrado a jugar en una universidad pequeña donde aun así lo dio todo por tratar de dar lo mejor.
Si eligen a Ace Bailey es como que ya tenemos varios aleros y/o ala pivot. Es más, si me apuran yo pondría a Diabatte de ala pivot, es muy buen reboteador, taponeador y volcador.
Hasta el día de hoy sigo molesto por dejar ir a Jalen Duren, hoy titular de Pistons.
Y bueno sino elijen el escolta que para mí esta ideal para nosotros, pueden elegir a Khaman Maluach porque al parecer Mark Williams esta con un pie afuera, eso es porque muchos no quieren jugar en franquicias pequeñas. Por eso la NBA debería hacer algo, o sino Charlotte Hornets pasarse a Las Vegas y ahí si seremos una franquicia con atracción y todos querrán venir jajaja!!!
Pero para mi hoy el indicado y el que más me gusta es VJ Edgecombe. Luego cambiaría a Williams por un pivot potente y joven, que sea más parecido a Alonzo Mourning, o Ben Wallace, que sea volcador, taponeador, reboteador y protector del aro. Y que la segunda opción sea Diabatte que realmente es potente y corre por rebotes, es lo que necesitamos.
PD: No entiendo porque pasamos años pidiendo un pivot, conseguimos a Duren y o regalamos, conseguimos a Richard y lo regalamos, conseguimos a Williams y lo regalamos. Aunque de todos esos el mejor es Jalen Duren.
Nata, have the new Hornets management not earned your benefit of the doubt that they will make the right draft decision based on their past 18 months? If no, why? thanks
Cooper is a Jazz
I don't see the Castle and VJ comparison at all. Just don't want him a Hornet at all.
Watching the lakers three ball handlers makes me want Harper more
Ace Bailey needs to be the pick.
If ace turns out being giannis or kevin durant then it goes down as huge mistake not to take him
Surprised we didn't hear anything about Derrick Queen. Would be a great addition to have his scoring ability down low.
In your last podcast, im absoultely flabergslasted by Doug. Hornets are not cursed??! Believing stuff like this is what makes a sicko fan hornets.. blaming the unreasonble… get it right! Hornets are cursed!! Get a shaman amd sprinkle some salt already. 😭😭😭
Get Eric and Dell to say GAMETIME. That's the endgame.
Cooper is not Harper. Thank you very much can’t untie his shoe string.
Harper is better anyway
Hey Bailey is way better than Cooper flag everybody is blind when they come to this dude name Cooper flag but the world gonna see and when they see the truth, I don’t wanna hear you bums start making excuses for this dude no excuses oh he’s too young. Oh, he needs this all he needs that give him a few years and blah blah blah blah blah blah noif he can’t come in and start and be a significant player on his team to help his team win I ain’t trying to hear it no excuses no excuses no excuses.
Typo in the title btw guys
The Ace Bailey slander is crazy. Kid is going to be really good and to say “only thing he can do is shoot” is just…lazy
If the front office doesn't get a handle on the injury crisis then they need to go for the Rutger PG Dylan Harper because of Lamelos history of injury if we get #2.
Am I crazy but I want Kon at 3??!
Nada was like dude stfu with the scoot stuff 😂😂😂😂
If we don't get Flagg or Harper, trade back and pick up a banger at PF. We desperately need toughness in the paint. The season went south when Grant (and Tre) went down. We need people who'll set a hard pick and provide a fear factor in the paint on D. Oh, btw, re-sign Okogie if we can.
It’s going to be interesting to see how the Mock Drafts change especially from picks 2-5 over the next few weeks. Let’s hope we get the 1st pick surely it’s our time 🙌🏻
Doug is an idiot…..why would you trade down from a top 5 pick? We had thr 3rd worst record in the nba and yall want us to….get a role guy?…..😅