It’s a CHAMPIONSHIP MONDAY for the Charlotte Hornets—and yes, we’re putting on the big dub hat and feeling all the feelings. The Hornets won their first Summer League title in franchise history, with rookie Kon Knueppel taking home MVP honors after a gutsy performance. But K.J. Simpson may have been the heart and soul of the team, leading on both ends of the court with bulldog energy and vocal leadership that perfectly mirrors Charles Lee’s “everything matters” mantra.
Doug and Walker break down how this win isn’t just a Summer League footnote—it’s a cultural signal. They discuss how Knueppel bounced back from a rocky debut, how his two-man game with Ryan Kalkbrenner might hint at LaMelo Ball synergy, and why the coaching staff’s influence is already showing results. They also get into PJ Hall’s departure to Memphis on a two-way deal, what it says about the Hornets' center depth, and whether fans are right to be frustrated by the move.
Plus: DJ Rodman channels his father, Jaylen Sims makes his case for a call-up, and Damian Baugh impresses. It may just be Summer League, but for long-suffering Hornets fans—this one felt different.
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