DRAFT RECAP: Hornets Take Kon Knueppel + TRADE Mark Williams for 29th Pick Liam McNeeley

The Charlotte Hornets' draft night was anything but quiet — and we've got all the reaction. Jeff Peterson was working the phones, but with no deal materializing to trade down, the Hornets locked in Kon Knueppel at #4. Hosts Walker Mehl, Doug Branson, and guest Nata Edwards debate whether Knueppel's high-IQ, footwork-heavy, two-way skill set justifies the pick, especially with more explosive players like Tre Johnson and Ace Bailey still available. Then came the shocker: Mark Williams was traded — again. This time it stuck, and the Hornets flipped him to Phoenix for the 29th pick (used on Liam McNeeley), a future first, and Vasilije Micić. The crew breaks down why this trade was a savvy asset grab, even if Williams’ potential remains intriguing. They dive deep into McNeely’s upside as a shooter, his injury-plagued season at UConn, and why he might need G-League seasoning before becoming a contributor. They also preview second-round targets like Ryan Kalkbrenner and Maxime Raynaud, and how they could fill the looming center void. From big-picture philosophical debates about fit vs. best player available, to how Charles Lee’s offensive vision is finally taking shape — this is your all-in-one breakdown of a massive night for the Hornets’ future. 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! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you. CarGurus Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.com to make sure your big deal is the best deal. WayFair Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. 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.