
Buzz Beat: A Charlotte Hornets Pod
Blue Wire Podcasts
Buzz Beat is a Charlotte Hornets podcast hosted by Richie Randall, Brian Geisinger, Darian Thomas, Matt Alquiza, and James Plowright. The show provides in-depth analysis, covering Xs and Os, coaching strategies, and team trends.
Location:
United States
Genres:
Sports & Recreation Podcasts
Networks:
Blue Wire Podcasts
Description:
Buzz Beat is a Charlotte Hornets podcast hosted by Richie Randall, Brian Geisinger, Darian Thomas, Matt Alquiza, and James Plowright. The show provides in-depth analysis, covering Xs and Os, coaching strategies, and team trends.
Twitter:
@BuzzBeatPod
Language:
English
Contact:
415-488-7151
Email:
kevin@bluewirepods.com
Episodes
Free Agency Breakdown
7/2/2025
Richie, James, and Matt recap the recent moves from the Charlotte Hornets to start free agency. The three chat about the makeup of the 15-man roster, Josh Okogie’s non-guaranteed contract, the uncertain status of Tre Mann, and the acquisitions of Mason Plumlee and Pat Connaughton.
NOTE: This was recorded 1 hour before Tre Mann agreed to a 3-year deal.
Duration:00:57:09
WFNZ Radio Hit | June 30
6/30/2025
Richie joins Kyle Bailey of WFNZ to chat about Charlotte’s offseason. The two discuss the draft, free agent options, and what the Hornets do with Tre Mann.
Duration:00:10:58
Hornets Acquire Collin Sexton
6/30/2025
Richie goes LIVE on Substack to discuss free agency and review the acquisition of Collin Sexton. He talks about the cap sheet, free agency priorities, and breaks down Sexton’s offensive and defensive game.
Duration:00:22:18
Kon Knueppel Report
6/28/2025
Brian, Matt, and Darian share their analysis of Kon Knueppel, the 4th overall pick for the Charlotte Hornets. This was originally released on May 27, but the information remains relevant as they discuss both offensive and defensive aspects and some of his underrated skills.
Duration:00:25:05
Hornets Select Sion James and Ryan Kalkbrenner
6/27/2025
James, Matt, Brian and Darian react to Charlotte's selections of Sion James and Ryan Kalkbrennar in the early second round. The group also discuss Charlotte's shift in draft philosophy and share their overall grades for the Hornets' 2025 draft class.
Duration:00:38:11
Free Agency 101
6/26/2025
BONUS SNIPPET | Richie invites Yossi Gozlan of the Third Apron to prepare Hornets fans for free agency, beginning June 30. The two highlight some of the salary cap minutiae, chat about Tre Mann’s free agency, and mention potential moves Charlotte can make this offseason.
Buzz Beat Plus
Duration:00:09:20
Hornets Select Knueppel & McNeeley
6/26/2025
Brian, Darian, and James recap Charlotte’s first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. The three evaluate Kon Knueppel’s game and whether his ceiling warrants the 4th overall pick. After acquiring the 29th pick in a trade involving Mark Williams, they get a chance to break down Liam McNeeley’s game.
Duration:00:50:07
The Mock Draft
6/24/2025
Darian, Matt, and Brian help forecast the top six picks of the NBA Draft. With the team-specific selections from Drew Johnson (Dallas), Adam Aaronson (Philadelphia), and Noah Magaro-George (San Antonio), they were able to weigh their options at the fourth overall pick. To end the episode, the three put together a pie chart with all the possibilities for Charlotte’s pick.
🚨 Special Offer Link: Buzz Beat+ for $60 annually ($15 less with all the same perks!)
Duration:01:02:10
Disregarded Prospects
6/17/2025
Brian, James, and Matt discuss some of the lesser-discussed prospects. While they aren’t projected to go fourth overall, the crew discusses Collin Murray-Boyles of South Carolina, Jeremiah Fears of Oklahoma, and Duke's Khaman Maluach.
Duration:01:04:13
PREVIEW | Prospect Roulette
6/15/2025
PREVIEW SNIPPET | James, Brian, Darian, and Matt use a random wheel to begin their discussion on prospects. When it landed on a specific number, the co-hosts were required to use their personal “Big Board” to talk about that player ranked at that position. The numbers generated for this exercise were 10, 12, 14, 20, 21, 25, 27, and 33.
Buzz Beat Plus
Duration:00:20:58
Intel: True or False
6/10/2025
Brian, James, and Darian try to separate fact from fiction with the latest draft pick intel. A lot hinges on what Philadelphia will do with the third selection. We analyze the scenarios and how each has a ripple effect on the Hornets. We share our current thoughts on the top prospects expected to be available with the fourth pick.
Duration:01:00:36
WFNZ Radio Hit | June 9
6/9/2025
Richie joins Mac and T-Bone on WFNZ to share his thoughts on the Hornets’ offseason. They discuss several prospects available with the 4th overall pick and the road to success as a small-market team.
Duration:00:10:47
Hornets Chat with Tate Frazier
6/7/2025
Tate Frazier of The Ringer joins James for an all-encompassing conversation about the Charlotte Hornets. The two chat about Tate’s fandom, dissect the choices for the number 4 overall pick, and look at Bridges and Ball’s future in Charlotte.
Duration:00:57:39
NBA Playoff Lessons
6/3/2025
Richie and Matt are joined by Jeremy Grandison to discuss how the NBA Playoffs can shape the Hornets’ future. The three talk about double-big lineups, versatile players, and how there are multiple ways to build a competitive roster.
Duration:00:56:32
Assessing V.J. Edgecombe & Kon Knueppel
5/28/2025
Brian, Darian, and Matt analyze two prospects projected as options for the Hornets with the No. 4 overall pick. They examine the offensive and defensive play of V.J. Edgecombe (Baylor) and Kon Knueppel (Duke).
Duration:01:03:05
Tre Johnson Scout
5/20/2025
Brian, Matt, and James recap the NBA Combine and share their thoughts on Tre Johnson. The three share the most noteworthy takeaways from the tests and interviews out in Chicago, while also diving deep into the talented shooter from Texas.
Duration:01:07:57
Hornets Land No. 4 Pick
5/13/2025
Spencer, James, Brian, and Darian react to the news that the Hornets secured the 4th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The crew expresses their disappointment and discusses how this will influence the team’s future.
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Duration:00:51:38
Assessing Dylan Harper & Ace Bailey
5/7/2025
Matt and James return to chat about two prospects from the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers. The two discuss Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, both projected to go in the top five of the NBA Draft. They look at their strengths, weaknesses, and potential fit in Charlotte.
Duration:01:10:45
The Cooper Flagg Report
4/30/2025
Brian, James, and Darian break down Cooper Flagg’s game. There is much to highlight with the consensus first overall pick, but very little to nitpick. Listen to the crew's analysis and what he could bring to the Hornets if they land the top overall selection.
Duration:01:27:57
Big Board Comparison
4/23/2025
Matt, Brian, Darian, and James reveal their top 7 prospects in the upcoming NBA Draft. They discuss the biggest discrepancies and what went into the evaluation process in creating their “Big Boards.”
Duration:00:55:32