Episode Details

The Charlotte Hornets are making waves in the national media as the team officially "goes Hollywood" during their latest West Coast swing. Kon Knueppel, the standout rookie, recently made his second appearance on the Bill Simmons podcast, where he shed light on his remarkably mature playing style. Knueppel credits his high-level off-ball movement and physicality to years of playing in his father's adult men's leagues back in Milwaukee, a training ground that clearly prepared him for the rigors of the NBA. As he continues to post efficiency numbers that rival the best rookies in league history, the broader basketball world is finally beginning to take notice of what is happening in the Queen City. With the trade deadline approaching, the conversation shifts to potential roster upgrades and the recent trade demand from Golden State’s Jonathan Kuminga. We weigh the pros and cons of a high-usage player like Kuminga versus a more specialized floor-spacer like Lakers forward Rui Hachimura. The discussion touches on whether the Hornets should prioritize cap flexibility or double down on "role players on the roll" who fit the current system. Finally, we examine the tactical shifts under head coach Charles Lee, specifically the elite efficiency of the team's screeners—including non-bigs like Knueppel and Miles Bridges—who are helping drive a top-tier offensive rating over the last ten games.

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