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.
Hornets Make Trade Deadline Deal Sending Nick Richards to the Phoenix Suns
Locked On Hornets
🛠️ The Deal’s in the Details
The Charlotte Hornets surprised everyone by pulling the trigger on a trade weeks before the deadline, sending Nick Richards and a second-round pick to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Josh Okogie and three second-round picks. While some fans are scratching their heads, wondering if the Hornets acted too soon, I see this as Jeff Peterson doubling down on his strategy of accumulating assets. This move might not grab headlines now, but it could lay the groundwork for bigger trades or free agency moves in the future. Mulitple 2nd round picks are the lubricant in so many deals, small and large.
Josh Okogie is the type of gritty defender who fits Charlotte’s identity, especially under Charles Lee’s defensive-focused coaching style. His intensity and ability to guard multiple positions add value, even if his offensive game is a question mark. The best part of this deal? Okogie’s $8 million contract for this year is non-guaranteed next season, meaning the Hornets maintain financial flexibility if he doesn’t pan out. Ultimately, this trade wasn’t just about Okogie; it was about securing draft capital and signaling that the Hornets are open for business as the trade deadline approaches.
đź’Ş Mark Williams Dominates
In the Hornets’ 117-112 win over the Utah Jazz, Mark Williams showed why he’s considered a cornerstone for this team’s future. The big man delivered a monster performance, dropping 31 points and hauling in 13 rebounds. Seven of those boards came in the fourth quarter, where Williams’ energy on both ends of the court helped seal the victory. His ability to control the paint and dominate the glass provided the spark Charlotte desperately needed.
Williams wasn’t just productive; he was efficient, missing only two of his 14 shots from the field. LaMelo Ball’s assist late in the game to help Williams hit the 30-point mark was a moment that stood out—it wasn’t just a smart basketball play but also a sign of leadership and chemistry. This is the type of camaraderie that builds trust within a team and can be the foundation for future success.
🔍 Core Four or Core Myth?
LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Mark Williams all scored 20+ points in the win, but is this truly the “Core Four” the Hornets can build around? While it’s exciting to see multiple players contribute at a high level, labeling them a core feels premature. Bridges’ uncertain contract situation and off-court issues make it hard to count on him being with the team long-term, and the team’s lack of depth raises questions about whether this group has enough support to thrive.
The Hornets’ bench was a glaring weakness against the Jazz. Players like Nick Smith Jr. and Taj Gibson struggled to contribute, leaving the starters to shoulder the load. As the trade deadline nears, the front office needs to address this lack of depth. Whether it’s flipping newly acquired assets or targeting specific needs, moves are necessary if the Hornets hope to stay competitive this season.
For now, the Hornets are celebrating a hard-fought win, but the work is far from over. Peterson’s willingness to make deals and the emergence of players like Mark Williams provide hope, but questions about the team’s long-term direction remain unanswered.
Jan 4, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) greets Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) before a game at Frost Bank Center. | Scott Wachter/Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
I only get to write this column once per week, so while we’re still technically a game or two short of the halfway marker for most teams, I’m here with some second-quarter awards anyway!
These are honors for the second quarter and second quarter only; they aren’t predictive. Word count limitations mean I have no margin for a longer introduction. You get it.
Interior Defensive Player of the Quarter
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
When it comes to analyzing defense, it isn’t fair to lump wings and guards with bigs; it’s like comparing a sports car to a heavy-duty pickup truck when you can only buy one vehicle. Instead, I split Defensive Player of the Quarter into interior and perimeter editions.
My Interior Defensive Player of the Quarter won’t shock: it’s Victor Wembanyama. I could throw a bunch of advanced analytics at you to prove the case, but instead, I’d ask that you join me in prayer: Holy mother of basketballs, protect your children from the harm Wembanyama inflicts upon them.
Ok, fine, here’s one fun, if basic, number. In the season’s second quarter, Wemby had an outrageous 69 blocks. That’s 30 more than second-place Myles Turner, despite the fact that Turner played in three more games. Let’s not waste time here.
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
Ranking The Hornets have climbed one spot in ESPN’s latest NBA power rankings, reflecting their recent performances and improvements.. (Sports Illustrated)
Rumor Every NBA team’s dream and realistic 2025 trade deadline targets include potential moves for the Hornets, sparking speculation about future roster changes and strategic acquisitions. (Bleacher Report)
Analysis The 2021 NBA re-draft poses intriguing questions, with players like Evan Mobley and Franz Wagner challenging Cade Cunningham for the top spot, affecting how the Hornets might have approached their selections. (Bleacher Report)
Nick Richards Traded to Phoenix Suns: Fantasy Basketball Impact and Analysis
Jan 12, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (4) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas/Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Suns have acquired center Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets in a trade that sent shockwaves through the NBA. While not a blockbuster deal, this move has significant implications for fantasy basketball managers.
In exchange for Richards, the Hornets received Josh Okogie and three second-round picks, while the Suns also got a second-round pick in return. At first glance, it might seem like the Suns got a steal, but let’s take a closer look at what this means for Richards’ fantasy value.
Richards has been averaging 21 minutes per game this season, putting up 9 points and 7.5 rebounds with 1.2 blocks. These numbers have him ranked 205th in category leagues, which is far from impressive. However, the change of scenery could potentially boost his value.
