Maluach MOCKED at #4 | VJ Edgecombe’s DEFENSE Scrutinized | Hornets FUTURE RISES
The Hornets surge up Eastern Conference future rankings and even beat out the Heat in one analyst’s list. Plus, Walker and Doug react to a bold new mock draft putting Khaman Maluach at #4 and break down the growing debate around VJ Edgecombe’s defense.
In this episode of Locked On Hornets, Walker and Doug dive deep into recent futures rankings for the Eastern Conference—where the Hornets surprisingly land above teams like Miami and Chicago. What’s fueling this optimism? From improved draft positioning to promising management moves, the guys lay out why Charlotte’s future might be brighter than you think.
Then, the conversation takes a sharp turn into the draft as they react to Jonathan Wasserman’s latest Bleacher Reportmock, which sends Duke center Khaman Maluach to the Hornets at #4. Is this déjà vu with Mark Williams all over again? Doug calls it his “worst-case scenario,” while Walker considers the physical tools Maluach brings to the table. Could this pick signal a new direction—or a dangerous repeat of past mistakes?
Finally, they discuss VJ Edgecombe’s growing defensive reputation and whether it’s based more on projection than production. Walker grinds the tape and questions whether VJ’s tools match the defensive hype, especially after struggling against teams like Houston and Duke. Doug weighs in with context on youth, coaching, and development systems that could help Edgecombe thrive.
Whether you’re team VJ, team trade-back, or just trying to avoid a Maluach meltdown, this episode has something for every Hornets draft watcher.
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#Hornets #LaMelo #LaMeloBall #CharlotteHornets
30 Comments
What do you guys think about Lámelo unfollowing the hornets
I know Walker is happy to see his Pacers in the Finals.
I think they should draft Tre Johnson
Honestly almost everyone thinks VJ going to Charlotte, its inevitable to me
Package Ball to the Mavs for Flagg
If VJ becomes Tony Allen or prime Oladipo, I'll take it.
Stop propping up Kon. He is not even Mike Miller level of talent.
Wizards going big with 7'2" Khaman Maluach if CHA passes.
Drafting Maluach at 4 or trading back and taking Maluach is probably my breaking point. Please do not talk this into existence. X(
These mock drafts trying to set us up. I don't see It with VJ or Maluach.
Doug Branson is great at acronyms. Also I still feel its Edgecombe and we package both 2nds and an expiring for a mid to late 2025 1st.
Ace or VJ or Tre any of that is ok i guess
The Batman Who Laughs
If yall dont get this ridiculous draft pick off my feed rn
Batman Who Laughs is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Scott Snyder and artist Greg Capullo, he is an evil counterpart and alternate version of Batman within the Dark Multiverse. He is depicted as a hybrid of both Batman and Batman's arch enemy Joker,
Fully agree with the Maluach comments from Doug, surely we can’t draft a center at 4 who has a limited offense. I’d be in favor of taking a center (who can shoot) in the 2nd round 🏀
Draft Tre… then combine the 2 2nd rounders to trade up for Maxime. Thoughts?
Hola…
Mi humilde opinión es que Charlotte Hornets debe elegir a VJ Edgecombe y mover piezas de los pick 33 y 34 para obtener a Khaman Maluach. Con esos dos estaría muy bien.
Porque Mark Williams no debió ser nunca un proyecto para Hornets, siempre dije que el elegido era quien en ese mismo momento eligieron en el puesto 13 y lo regalamos (Jalen Duren).
Y después plantearse sacarse varios jugadores como Mark Williams, Jusuf Nurkic, Josh Green, Taj Gibson. A cambio de jugadores que aporten defensa y ataque, pero en segundo plano.
Me quedo con:
base: Ball, Man, Seth Curry
escolta: Edgecombe, Nick Smith jr
alero: Miller, Grant Williams
ala: Tidjane Salaun, Bridges (que también lo cambiaría por ejemplo Kuminga).
pivot: Khaman Maluach, Moussa Diabate
Y antes que esos jugadores pivot que no suman nada, prefiero a Bismack Biyombo para suplente.
PD: Si estamos mal de dinero por contratos, no es regalando el pick4° para ahorrar 10 millones de dólares, es vender a muchos contratos que no sirven de nada, porque muchos de ahí nos dejaron en los últimos puestos.
Charlotte needs to draft the best player that can help them win now if they don't trade the pick. The organization should do whatever it takes to make the playoffs and have a winning record. No more tanking under any circumstances.
Haven't we learned about drafting Duke centers? Who was the last good Duke center?
a good strategy for a rebuild would be trade for those young guys at OKC who are fighting for minutes. they have too many picks.
Coaches who aren't coaches. Trades that aren't real trades.
This bs is actually ridiculous.
We need to get this team to a legitimate level. Not like "at all costs", you have to do it smartly, but this absolute joke of a franchise -ish has to stop. It needs to stop real soon.
Maluach at #4 is wild. It's beyond a reach.
He is no Olajuwon. He's no Tim Duncan. He's no Ewing. So, then why pick a raw, player with little skill at center at #4????
He's not even the best Center in a class rich in Bigs. You can pick at least two centers in the 2nd round.
Also, if a team like the Nets offer 3 of their four 1st Rd picks and a future 1st to move down they need to take it without blinking.
You guys have to watch him in the Olympics and you can see the shooting
Why to hell would we draft another 7 ft guy from Duke who can't shoot beyond 8 ft. Unless we're gonna A) trade Mark for a decent 1st round asset, and B) trade down in the draft for more assets and take Maluach in the 9-13 range where he belongs. If we could get two first round spots where we could land both Maluach AND Clayton Jr. I'd go for it. The latter reminds me of Brunson.
I’d like to know your thoughts on this trade proposal:
Hornets
De'Aaron Fox
Devin Vassell
2025 1st rd #2 pick
Spurs
LaMelo Ball
Miles Bridges
2025 1st round #4 pick
TRE is the way nd hansen yang!!
Also ppl act like he aint drop 40 on cason Wallace head to ppl who say his offence wont translate, and he used to be a pg and was a great passer in hs, hes way better than yall think
I'm sold on Danny Wolf or Derek Queen at #4
Doug still crying about SA possibly taking a point guard. Stay on your podcast. There's a reason you are sitting there and not in anyone's front office. Consider yourself lucky for the chance to get VJ. Here's hoping they trade down and draft Maluach instead.
This isn't a time to get cute and play around……if Vj is there at 4 take him.