Buzz Beat: A Charlotte Hornets Pod
Episodes
Salaün's Growth and Bridges' Troubles
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Richie and James analyze the performance of Miles Bridges and Tidjane Salaün. They discuss the challenges of Bridges’ inconsistent play and Salaün...
Postgame | Losing Streak Snapped
29 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Richie and Darian discuss the Hornets’ recent victory over the Bulls, breaking their seven-game losing streak. They delve into the team’s performa...
Postgame | Worst Loss of Season?
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Richie returns to recap the pitiful loss to the New York Knicks, eliminating them from the NBA Cup. He talks about Jalen Brunson’s impact and Charlo...
Kon Stays Hot
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt and James return to give their latest thoughts on the current state of the Hornets. They chat about Charles Lee’s demeanor, Kon Knueppel’s st...
Player Evaluations
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
James and Matt analyze each rotational player (the public feed of this episode will only get Kon Knueppel, while Buzz Beat Plus subscribers get all...
The Offensive System
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Richie and Brian return to examine the recent adjustments within the Hornets’ offensive system, highlighting the strategic changes shaping their ide...
Postgame | Silver Linings in a OT Loss
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Richie recaps the loss to the Bucks in the NBA Cup Group Stage. He highlights the Sion Jame’s expanding role, Kon Knueppel’s outstanding game in f...
LaMelo's Ankles & Knueppel's Ceiling
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Richie, Brian, and James return to discuss LaMelo Ball’s ankle impingement and whether his absence is purely precautionary. The conversation then sh...
The Youth Report
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Richie and Matt take a closer look at the Hornets’ group of young players and how they’ve performed early on. The two share thoughts on Tidjane Sa...
Highlights and Lowlights
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brian and James react to the latest on Brandon Miller’s injury and what his absence means for Charlotte’s rotation. The two also share what they’...
Postgame | Hornets Take Opener 136-117
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this postgame edition, Richie quickly recaps the exciting season-opening win over the Brooklyn Nets. He highlights the unselfish play, the pace of ...
'25-26 Season Preview
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Spencer returns to preview the upcoming season with Brian and Matt. The three share thoughts on the offensive philosophies, the debat...
Spencer Dinwiddie Waived
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
James and Matt react to the recent Spencer Dinwiddie waiver. The two discuss whether the news was surprising and the implications of this transactiona...
Whose Stock Is Up?
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With the preseason in full swing, Brian and James recap the recent GM survey and evaluate which players have raised their stock over the course of thr...
Game 1 Preseason Notes
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, we dive into the opening game of the preseason vs. the Thunder. Richie and Brian tackle the defensive issues that plagued the team, t...
Media Day Reaction
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Richie and Matt highlight the key moments from Charlotte Hornets Media Day. They focus on important quotes about team dynamics, the center rotation, t...
Who Has The Most at Stake?
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Buzz Beat, we’re getting you ready for training camp! We’re diving into the players with the most on the line this season and t...
The Center Rotation
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brian and James dive into Charlotte’s center rotation and what it could look like throughout the season. The two also tackle the bigger picture ques...
Starting Two-Guard?
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Buzz Beat, Richie takes a closer look at the Charlotte Hornets’ shooting guard rotation heading into the season. A big part of th...
Hornets' X-Factors
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Buzz Beat, Richie takes a closer look at Tidjane Salaün and examines whether the rookie forward could be the biggest X-Factor for ...
August Mailbag (Part 2)
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Darian and Matt answer listener questions about expected personnel moves, play-in hopes, and the 2026 NBA Draft. To conclude the episode, the two draf...
August Mailbag (Part 1)
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Richie and Brian respond to listeners’ questions about LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and the second unit. The crew discusses Ball’s ability to cont...
Mistakes Since 2020
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Richie, Darian, Brian, and James share thoughts on Brandon Miller’s wrist, the two-way contract of Antonio Reeves, and contemplate Charlotte’s wor...
Summer League Champs
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Richie, Darian, and Brian recap the championship run from the Charlotte Hornets in Vegas. They highlight the play of Kon Knueppel, Ryan Kalkbrenner, K...
Summer League Standout Rankings
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 1 Brian, Matt, and James break down Kon Knueppel’s breakout performance, takeaways from Dallas-Charlotte and discuss Charlotte’s 3-0 Summe...
Film Findings | Collin Sexton
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Richie analyzes footage of Collin Sexton in a game against the Pistons. He examines Sexton's strengths and how he gets his buckets. He also points out...
Summer League Preview
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brian and James preview the Las Vegas Summer League and discuss what we can expect from specific Hornets. They talk about which players they’re eage...
Free Agency Breakdown
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Richie, James, and Matt recap the recent moves from the Charlotte Hornets to start free agency. The three chat about the makeup of the 15-man roster, ...
WFNZ Radio Hit | June 30
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Richie joins Kyle Bailey of WFNZ to chat about Charlotte’s offseason. The two discuss the draft, free agent options, and what the Hornets do with Tr...
Hornets Acquire Collin Sexton
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Richie goes LIVE on Substack to discuss free agency and review the acquisition of Collin Sexton. He talks about the cap sheet, free agency priorities,...
Kon Knueppel Report
28 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brian, Matt, and Darian share their analysis of Kon Knueppel, the 4th overall pick for the Charlotte Hornets. This was originally released on May 27, ...
Hornets Select Sion James and Ryan Kalkbrenner
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
James, Matt, Brian and Darian react to Charlotte's selections of Sion James and Ryan Kalkbrennar in the early second round. The group also discuss Cha...
Free Agency 101
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
BONUS SNIPPET | Richie invites Yossi Gozlan of the Third Apron to prepare Hornets fans for free agency, beginning June 30. The two highlight some of t...
Hornets Select Knueppel & McNeeley
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brian, Darian, and James recap Charlotte’s first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. The three evaluate Kon Knueppel’s game and whether his ceiling warra...
The Mock Draft
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Darian, Matt, and Brian help forecast the top six picks of the NBA Draft. With the team-specific selections from Drew Johnson (Dallas), Adam Aaronson ...
Disregarded Prospects
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brian, James, and Matt discuss some of the lesser-discussed prospects. While they aren’t projected to go fourth overall, the crew discusses Collin M...
Prospect Roulette
15 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
BONUS SNIPPET | James, Brian, Darian, and Matt use a random wheel to begin their discussion on prospects. When it landed on a specific number, the co-...
Intel: True or False
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brian, James, and Darian try to separate fact from fiction with the latest draft pick intel. A lot hinges on what Philadelphia will do with the third ...
WFNZ Radio Hit | June 9
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Richie joins Mac and T-Bone on WFNZ to share his thoughts on the Hornets’ offseason. They discuss several prospects available with the 4th overall ...
Hornets Chat with Tate Frazier
07 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tate Frazier of The Ringer joins James for an all-encompassing conversation about the Charlotte Hornets. The two chat about Tate’s fandom, dissect t...
NBA Playoff Lessons
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Richie and Matt are joined by Jeremy Grandison to discuss how the NBA Playoffs can shape the Hornets’ future. The three talk about double-big lineup...
Assessing V.J. Edgecombe & Kon Knueppel
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brian, Darian, and Matt analyze two prospects projected as options for the Hornets with the No. 4 overall pick. They examine the offensive and defensi...
Tre Johnson Scout
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brian, Matt, and James recap the NBA Combine and share their thoughts on Tre Johnson. The three share the most noteworthy takeaways from the tests and...
Hornets Land No. 4 Pick
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Spencer, James, Brian, and Darian react to the news that the Hornets secured the 4th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The crew expresses their disa...
Assessing Dylan Harper & Ace Bailey
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt and James return to chat about two prospects from the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers. The two discuss Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, both projected to ...
The Cooper Flagg Report
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brian, James, and Darian break down Cooper Flagg’s game. There is much to highlight with the consensus first overall pick, but very little to nitpic...
Big Board Comparison
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt, Brian, Darian, and James reveal their top 7 prospects in the upcoming NBA Draft. They discuss the biggest discrepancies and what went into the e...
Incoming Draft Picks
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Richie goes solo to briefly recap the Heat-Bulls game and explain why the results matter to Charlotte. He also details the incoming draft picks for C...
Exit Interview Fallout
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Following the Hornets’ end-of-season media availability, we react to the notable talking points from the day. We dissect quotes from Jeff Peterson, ...
Draft | Sweet 16 Prospects
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brian and Darian select five players from the Sweet 16 to create a balanced team. They discuss their drafting strategies and how their players enhance...
Tourney Prospects
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brian and Darian assess players competing in the upcoming NCAA men’s tournament. The following prospects are reviewed (in order):Jase Richardson, Ka...
Most Likely To Move
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Richie brings on Matt Alquiza to discuss the intel from Michael Scotto’s recent piece about a potential LaMelo Ball move. The two discuss the packag...
Developing a Plan
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Richie and Brian react to Adam Silver’s recent comments and answer a listener's question about the future of the Hornets. The two discuss Mark Willi...
Trade Rescinded: Williams Returns
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
🚨 | Richie discusses the failed trade of Mark Williams and all the implications of his return to Charlotte. He chats about the reputation of Jeff P...
Trade Deadline Recap
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brian, Darian, Spencer, and Div recap the busy day for the Hornets as they made multiple trades. The four break down the Mark Williams deal that lande...
Who Should Charlotte Keep?
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Richie answers a listener's question about retaining a handful of Hornets. He ranks Cody Martin, Josh Green, Grant Williams, Josh Okogie, Tre Mann, a...
Where do Smith Jr. and Salaün Stand?
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brian and Darian evaluate Nick Smith Jr. and Tidjane Salaün midway through the 2024-25 season. The two highlight Smith’s recent play and Salaün’...
Hornets Acquire Okogie and Picks
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
🚨 | Richie returns to the microphone to detail the trade of Nick Richards and Josh Okogie. He discusses the implications on the court, in the cap s...
Charles Lee's Progress Report
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brian and Darian return to chat about Charles Lee’s first season as head coach for the Charlotte Hornets. The two discuss promising and worrisome as...
Williams Returns and Miller Goes Down
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Brian and Darian return to discuss Brandon Miller’s ankle injury and Mark Williams's recent play. The two discuss the depressing stat that Ball, Mil...
Grant Williams Tears ACL
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
🚨 EMERGENCY POD | Brian and Darian chat about the injury to Grant Williams and how the Hornets could make use of the (DPE) Designated Player Except...
LaMelo Shining and Diabaté Emerging
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Brian and Darian return to chat about LaMelo’s All-Star case and Moussa Diabaté making the most of his opportunities. The two also talk about Brand...
First Week Observations
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Brian and Spencer discuss some of the good and bad aspects of the season's first three games. The two highlight LaMelo Ball’s fast start, Nick Richa...
Positive Preseason Vibes
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Brian, Darian, and Spencer return to discuss the results and observations of the Hornets’ first two preseason games. The three talk about LaMelo’s...
An Important Update
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Richie gives a life update on the Buzz Beat podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Be sure to check out Buzz ...
Favorite Lineup Configurations
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Brian and Darian field listener questions as we slowly approach the opening of the NBA season. The two answer questions about closing lineups, the cen...
Tiering the Roster
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Richie, Brian, and Darian take all the rostered players on the Hornets and tier them into 6 different categories. The three also answer a listener’s...
The Eras Draft
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Richie invites Will Eudy and Gil McGregor to partake in a draft of Hornets players from different eras. The three also discuss the offseason moves and...
Mavs Turned Hornets
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Richie brings on Lauren Gunn to discuss the three Hornets players who have previously played for Dallas. She shares the background and scouting rep...
Summer League Recap
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Brian and Darian recap the 7-1 Summer League Hornets. They spend some time discussing Zavier Simpson, Jake Stephens, Nick Smith Jr., Brandon Miller, a...
Resetting the Roster
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Richie answers some listener questions concerning the roster construction. He chats about previous rebuilds, recaps the Taj Gibson signing, and ranks ...
WFNZ Radio Hit | July 9
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Richie joins Mac on WFNZ to chat about the Hornets’ offseason, Summer League, and what has him most excited about Charles Lee. Learn more about your...
Roster Nearing Completion
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Richie, Brian, and Darian discuss the first two wins in the California Classic. The three highlight some of the bigger talking points in the wins over...
Hornets Acquire Josh Green
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Richie recaps the deal that landed Charlotte Josh Green. He highlights Green’s play on both ends of the court and what this deal means for the roste...
Draft Day 2 Transactions
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Richie and Brian recap the selection of KJ Simpson and the trade for Reggie Jackson. The two profile Simpson’s strengths and weaknesses and outline ...
Tidjane Salaün Selected
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Richie, Darian, Brian, Spencer, and Dylan react to the selection of Tidjane Salaün at the 6th spot. The crew discusses the talking points, rumors, an...
Charles Lee's Impressive Presser
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Richie reacts to the introductory press conference of Charles Lee. Lee emphasizes his past coaches, the need for competitiveness, and a focus on the p...
Mock Draft Deliberation
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We partake in a Mock Draft where 5 others joined Buzz Beat to make their selections before the Hornets. We go through the thought process of which pla...
WFNZ Radio Hit | June 17
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Richie joins WFNZ to share his thoughts about Charlotte’s offseason. With Willy and T-Bone, he discusses the optimism with Charles Lee, the future o...
Roster Building Priorities
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Richie invites Dylan Jackson to discuss Charles Lee and his experience affecting the Hornets’ offseason. The two also share NBA Playoff observati...
Profiling Rob Dillingham, Nikola Topić
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Brian and Darian break down the games of Rob Dillingham (Kentucky) and Nikola Topić (Serbia). The two discuss Dillingham’s open-floor passing, floa...
Managing Draft Assets
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Brian and Darian chat about how the Hornets can manage their roster and potentially add undesirable contracts for future picks. The two also discuss t...
Profiling Zaccharie Risacher
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Brian and Darian discuss the French prospect for JL Bourg, Zaccharie Risacher. The two discuss his athleticism, buying into his shot, and lack of crea...
Profiling Dalton Knecht
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Brian and Darian spotlight Dalton Kencht, a 23-year-old guard from Tennessee. The two discuss his shooting on all levels, his deficiencies on the defe...
Profiling Donovan Clingan
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Brian and Darian discuss Donovan Clingan, the big from UConn. The two wonder about his redundancy with the roster, if his shot will ever come along, a...
Profiling Reed Sheppard
25 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Brian and Darian return to discuss the uber-efficient shooter from Kentucky, Reed Sheppard. The two chat about his height limitations, the ways he can...
Kevin Sweeney of SI
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Richie brings on Kevin Sweeney of Sports Illustrated to chat about the upcoming NBA Draft. Kevin speaks about draft philosophies, if Donovan Clingan w...
Profiling Stephon Castle, Cody Williams
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Brian and Darian break down the games of Stephon Castle (Connecticut) and Cody Williams (Colorado). Among other things, the two discuss the defensive ...
Profiling Ron Holland, Matas Buzelis
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Brian and Darian start their draft coverage with their thoughts on two prospects from the G-League Ignite, Ron Holland and Matas Buzelis. The two talk...
Charles Lee Hired as Head Coach
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Richie and Brian react to the Hornets naming Charles Lee as the organization’s new head coach. The two discuss JJ Redick’s involvement in this coa...
Standout Skill | Bridges, Miller
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Richie, Brian, and Darian finish this series by discussing the strengths of Miles Bridges and Brandon Miller. The three discuss the regression from Br...
Standout Skill | Micić, Richards, Williams
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Richie, Brian, and new co-host Darian continue the series by discussing the strengths of Vasa Micić, Nick Richards, and Grant Williams. The three con...
Standout Skill | Ball, Bertāns, Mann
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Richie, Brian, and new co-host Darian begin this new series by discussing the strengths of LaMelo Ball, Dāvis Bertāns, and Tre Mann. The three chat...
Ashley ShahAhmadi
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Richie is joined by Ashley ShahAhmadi, Hornets sideline reporter for Bally Sports. They get into the injuries to Mark Williams and LaMelo Ball, Cliffo...
Profiling Quinn, Skeeter, and Young
10 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Richie spotlights three coaching candidates: Chris Quinn of Miami, Lamar Skeeter of Utah, and Kevin Young of the Suns. He looks at their career paths ...
Clifford Steps Down
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Richie goes solo to share his thoughts on the loss to the Blazers and the news that Steve Clifford will be leaving at season’s end. He also spotligh...
Hornets Lose Steam vs. Celtics
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Richie is joined by Darian (Trust the Buzz) for a game recap and discussion about LaMelo’s injury. The two highlight Grant Williams, Miles Bridges, ...
Keep or Move: Miles Bridges
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Richie answers a listener's question on Substack concerning the option of retaining or moving on from Miles Bridges. He gives his top reasons to keep ...
Jeff Peterson's Priorities
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Richie, Spencer, and Brian answer listener questions live on Playback. The three discuss Tre Mann’s status in the depth chart and which issues shoul...
Brandon Miller: The Right Choice?
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Richie and Brian answer your questions live on Playback. The two answer questions about the decision between Scoot and Brandon Miller, Grant William’...