Maluach MOCKED at #4 | VJ Edgecombe's DEFENSE Scrutinized | Hornets FUTURE RISES

In this episode of Locked On Hornets , Walker and Doug dive deep into recent futures rankings for the Eastern Conference—where the Hornets surprisingly land above teams like Miami and Chicago. What’s fueling this optimism? From improved draft positioning to promising management moves, the guys lay out why Charlotte’s future might be brighter than you think. Then, the conversation takes a sharp turn into the draft as they react to Jonathan Wasserman’s latest Bleacher Report mock, which sends Duke center Khaman Maluach to the Hornets at #4. Is this déjà vu with Mark Williams all over again? Doug calls it his “worst-case scenario,” while Walker considers the physical tools Maluach brings to the table. Could this pick signal a new direction—or a dangerous repeat of past mistakes? Finally, they discuss VJ Edgecombe’s growing defensive reputation and whether it's based more on projection than production. Walker grinds the tape and questions whether VJ’s tools match the defensive hype, especially after struggling against teams like Houston and Duke. Doug weighs in with context on youth, coaching, and development systems that could help Edgecombe thrive. Whether you're team VJ, team trade-back, or just trying to avoid a Maluach meltdown, this episode has something for every Hornets draft watcher. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://linktr.ee/lockedonhornets Become an official member of the Locked On Hornets Sicko Brigade and get Hornets news, rumors and pictures of Byron Mullens sent directly to your phone via Subtext (14 Day Free Trial): https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonhornets Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA Get Doug's gamenotes, special articles and a podcast on Hornets history at the Every Hornets Boxscore substack: everyhornetsboxscore.com Get more Walker on Wes and Walker 12-3pm on WFNZ 92.7 FM Top 35 Hornets Nicknames of All-Time According to Doug Branson: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-nicknames-in-hornets-franchise Top 35 Hornets of All-Time According to Walker Mehl: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-players-in-hornets-history 📲 Follow Locked On Hornets on Twitter Locked On Hornets https://twitter.com/LockedOnHornets Walker Mehl https://twitter.com/WalkerMehl Doug Branson https://twitter.com/DougBransonLOH Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OpenPhone Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnba Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Your well-being is worth it. Visit BetterHelp.com/lockedonnba today to get 10% off your first month. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year FanDuel Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.