Does Adam Silver HATE the Hornets? | Identity, Culture, Continuity: Lessons from The NBA Finals
The Indiana Pacers’ stunning NBA Finals run has Hornets fans wondering — when’s it our turn? We break down what Charlotte can learn from Indy’s blueprint, debate draft identity fits like VJ Edgecombe vs. Ace Bailey, and tackle a potential trade with Brooklyn.
The NBA Finals have arrived, and small markets are making big statements — but not Charlotte. On today’s episode of Locked On Hornets, we react to the Pacers’ wild Game 1 win and draw clear parallels between their playoff breakthrough and what the Hornets could be building toward — if they learn the right lessons.
Doug Branson and Walker Mehl debate the role of continuity, identity, and how small-to-mid-market teams like Indiana and OKC are proving it’s not about stacking stars — it’s about building smart. Could the Hornets follow suit? Or is there still too much dysfunction at the top?
We also explore the draft-day implications of Charlotte’s current trajectory. Should the Hornets target a two-way wing like VJ Edgecombe to help define the team’s identity? Or take a risk on Ace Bailey — assuming he even drops to No. 4? Plus, a listener-submitted trade idea gets us thinking: would moving back to 8 and picking up Cam Johnson make sense?
Oh, and someone brought an “Adam Silver Hates the Hornets” sign to The Pat McAfee Show in North Carolina. We discuss whether it’s valid frustration or misdirected blame.
All that plus a little love for Courtney Lee’s unforgettable 2016 shot — and why it still haunts Charlotte fans.
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#Hornets #LaMelo #LaMeloBall #CharlotteHornets
18 Comments
Yoooo
🤯 😮I agree with Doug.
Best case scenario for Lamelo to be THE definition of Hornets DNA.
Not a dealbreaker tho.🤷🏽♂️if the depth compensates. He’s still bought in.
Draft VJ
Take Tre if you can't get VJ, anything but taling Ace bc the defense isn't there with Ace & Brandon
I feel this year is crucial for Peterson, Lee, and co. It's not necessarily fair, because it's only year two for them, but Hornets fans are siiiiiiiick of this s—.
We need to SEE things moving in the right direction, not just hear about building and sustaining what the hell ever when the hell ever from now.
We have two young, potential stars. Build around them. Now.
I'd do that that trade ina ❤ beat.
I guess you could do that trade, but Brooklyn wants to move up I thought
Lesson regarding role player depth is to re-sign Tre Mann! He is a player who relishes the clutch moments. Even if you have to let NSJ go.
Oh now it’s Locked on Pacers 🤦🏽♂️
pacers about to win the cup. callin it now. relevant to hornets 3-1 record against the champs this season
Been a fan since 2011 . If we draft VJ I’m done with this franchise
USC fan, don’t draft CMB. He’s a short big and he’s not a defender.
I was thinking about "Hornets DNA" the other day and that eventually it can't only be flexible squishy 18-year-old prospects. It eventually needs to be a "lead by example" guy, which made me wonder if you took away maybe the top 20 guys in the NBA, who is a next level down player somewhere else you think embodies Hornets DNA?
If we somehow end up with the #1 overall pick in NEXT year's draft then you KNOW the lottery is rigged! That would be Adam Silver's way of saying "See, I don't actually hate the Hornets!"
Well everyone keeps preaching new ownership, new direction,,,,while this is lackeys from MJ.. They're cheap skates,, who'll probably max out Miller, and the next decent pick..
It's sad our move is moving MELO.
This team has always based some BS homegrown stuff, Curry, Grant, UNCDUKE players, instead of making smart moves.. come on 50year old CP3😁😁
Doug, stop carrying water for Adam Silver. We ALL know the draft was rigged! Tanking teams got punished, Mavs trade got completed, Spurs get their pick as a sympathy move for Pop, and 76ers got bailed out of a total mess. Hornets didn't get punished because they sucked due to injuries mainly.
the team has so many high character solid roleplayers. moussa, tre mann, seth curry, grant williams. moussa great rebounder, mann great 6 man, seth literally shot 46% from 3. all these guys can play. there's just no coach like Rick Carlisle to take advantage of them. and the lack of a reliable rim protector.
Salaun was strike 1 for Peterson, if he do some stupid shit again he needs to go. We could possibly have 8 years worth of busts if he misses this year