Doug Branson here, the host of the daily Locked On Hornets podcast, with your daily Locked On Hornets newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Hornets and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
LaMelo Ball is off to an electric start, dazzling with his floater and improved free-throw attempts. However, his struggles at the rim—landing in the 10th percentile among starters—show an area that needs improvement. Can he really be an elite guard without elite finishing at the rim?
The bright side? His playmaking remains elite, keeping the Hornets competitive. But if his finishing doesn’t improve and his floater starts to come and go his scoring efficiency could drop into below-average territory very quickly.
💡 Injuries and All-NBA Threshold
Injuries remain a thorn in LaMelo’s side, posing challenges not just to his season but also to his eligibility for All-NBA honors. With five games already missed, he’s only allowed 12 more absences to meet the league’s 65-game minimum. While the current rest week offers optimism, the Hornets’ season hangs on his ability to stay on the court. Consistent availability is critical for his development, accolades, and the team’s postseason aspirations, making injury management a top priority for both LaMelo and the organization.
🚒 The Trade Debate
We got a fun question in the sicko satchel. What’s the WORST player we would trade LaMelo Ball for 1 for 1. David, Walker and I look at The Ringer’s NBA Ranked list to find out how far the ladder we’re willing to fall to say yes to a star for a star trade.
🌟 Endorsements: The Waiting Game
Why isn’t LaMelo Ball a mainstay in national ad campaigns like some of his peers? The answer lies in a mix of factors—primarily injuries and the Hornets’ lackluster performance. However, the potential for major endorsement deals remains bright. Should he stay healthy, improve on his weak points, and lead Charlotte to more victories, the big-time commercials and brand partnerships will surely follow. In the meantime, LaMelo’s on-court presence remains his most important stage for building a lasting legacy.
A common refrain about Spike Lee movies is that the city of New York feels like a living, breathing character. It has a presence in his films beyond that of a typical urban backdrop. It has dialogue; it impacts events.
Well, the Knicks crowd, amplified by the presence of Gotham villain Trae Young, felt three-dimensional in this NBA Cup quarterfinal, moaning, groaning, and cheering every time the ball ricocheted off a body part or players tumbled to the ground. It felt like it could change the events on the court, albeit with little control, like a player tilting a pinball machine. Even from my couch, I could feel the energy pulsing from the screen.
The atmosphere was electric; the quality of play was suspect. I’m not sure I’d let my loved ones watch, but for a specific breed of basketball fan (like the one who subscribes to this newsletter), it was gloriously grimy.
It was a miracle either of these teams hit triple-digits. The ball spent more time squirting out of rugby scrum-style dog piles than it did going through nets. The Knicks posted their lowest offensive rating of the season; the Hawks’ two best players, Jalen Johnson and Trae Young, combined for 43 points on 42 shots. Atlanta started the game 1-for-10 from deep, while New York had a stretch where they missed 12 straight triples.
In the end, however, it was Trae Young rolling phantom dice on the Knicks’ logo to celebrate going to Vegas.
The Hawks defense might be legit. Young is an easy target, but he also suckers teams into getting out of their offense to try and attack him, leaving them vulnerable to the swarm of kinetic, lengthy athletes that are standing by to help at a moment’s notice. Dyson Daniels chewed Jalen Brunson up (14 points on 15 shots), using a toothpick to get every last morsel.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Injury LaMelo Ball’s injury status remains a concern for the Charlotte Hornets as head coach Charles Lee provides updates on his condition. Miles Bridges is also discussed. (Sports Illustrated)
Roster Head coach Charles Lee addresses the minutes restriction for Mark Williams, shedding light on the team’s strategy and player management. (Sports Illustrated)
Fans Charles Lee discusses how the Hornets utilized their recent four-day respite, focusing on team bonding and strategy improvement. Team activities are highlighted. (Sports Illustrated)
Rumor What is the league doing to address referee gambling concerns, and how effective can safeguards be? (Front Office Sports)
Ticket Booth
Presented by
Hornets @ Bulls
Friday, Dec. 13 | 7:00PM | United Center, Chicago, IL | Get Tickets
76ers @ Hornets
Monday, Dec. 16 | 7:00PM | Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC | Get Tickets
Hornets @ Wizards
Thursday, Dec. 19 | 7:00PM | Capital One Arena, Washington, DC | Get Tickets
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
A Kawhi Leonard Update & A Fantasy Basketball News Catchup
Nov 20, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) looks on from the bench in the first half against the Orlando Magic at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Kawhi Leonard’s Uncertain Return
Kawhi Leonard’s return remains a topic of speculation. Recent reports suggest that his comeback isn’t imminent, leaving fantasy managers in a bind. If you’re holding onto Leonard, patience is key, but be prepared for a potentially lengthy wait.
Jimmy Butler Trade Rumours
The rumour mill is buzzing with talk of a potential Jimmy Butler trade. While speculation is rife, it’s essential to remember that these rumours often don’t materialise. The complexities of NBA trades, including salary cap constraints and team dynamics, make it challenging to predict outcomes. Instead of getting caught up in the hype, focus on the players currently delivering consistent performances. If Butler does get traded, assess the situation then, but for now, it’s best to concentrate on tangible fantasy assets.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
- The impact of Mitchell Robinson’s injury on the Knicks’ rotation - Evaluating Max Strus’s fantasy value upon his return - Donovan Clingan’s potential role with the team - The latest on Fred VanVleet’s shooting struggles and assist numbers - A look at the upcoming matchups and their fantasy implications
Stay ahead of the game by keeping these insights in mind as you navigate the ever-changing landscape of NBA fantasy basketball.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Hornets podcasts.
LaMelo Ball’s Hot but “Weird” Scoring Start | Sicko Satchel: Worst Player You’d Trade LaMelo For? While his floater game and free-throw consistency shine, struggles at the rim paint a more complex picture. We explore how injuries and game availability could affect his All-NBA eligibility and what it means for the Hornets’ playoff hopes. Plus, we tackle a fun question from the Sicko Satchel: who’s the worst player you’d trade for LaMelo straight up? Finally, we address why LaMelo isn’t landing as many ad deals as his peers, with insights into how team performance and personal branding play a role. Tune in for the latest Hornets analysis and fan-driven questions.
