September 6, 2023 • 25 mins
Fresh off signing his contract extension, P.J. Washington sits down with Sam Farber for a one-on-one interview to discuss his desire to remain with the Hornets and how he views the future of the franchise. Rob Longo also joins Sam to discuss the best parts of his press conference and highlight the schedule release of the Greensboro Swarm, the G-League affiliate of the Hornets.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:02):
Welcome to the Hornets Highcast, present it by Charlotte I
ear nosen Throat Associates, the official I ear nosen throat
Care provider of the Charlotte Hornets. Here's your host, Sam Farber.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
Welcome to another edition of the Hornets.
Speaker 3 (00:18):
I've cast your Hornets Podcast with all the notes, quotes
and daily buzz around your favorite NBA team. I'm Sam
Farber and it is a pleasure and a privileged to
you with us here once again on the Hornet Podcast,
brought to you by Santa Charlotte I ear nosen Throat Associates,
the official I ear nosen throat Care provider of the
Charlotte Hornets. Another fun day for Hornets fans is Yesterday.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
PJ.
Speaker 3 (00:39):
Washington went before the media, family friends to celebrate him
partnering once again with the Charlotte Hornets, having signed his
new contract with the club. That happened last week. Of course,
we had a holiday week. I want to give some
time to get everyone seated. So finally yesterday it was
announced officially PJ. Washington talking to the press about his
(01:01):
new contract. We'll let you hear part of that press conference. Also,
we got a chance to sit down with the man himself, PJ. Washington,
talking about the new deal, what it means for him,
his family, what he foresees for the Hornet's future, both
near and long term. We'll get into that and some
more news from the Hornets as well as their g
League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarms. We'll talk about that as
(01:23):
well with my special guest today and basically always, he's
the producer of the Hornets Radio Network as well as
the producer of this fine podcast, Rob Longo. Rob. We
continue to enjoy our summer ish schedule here, but definitely
some notable news yesterday with PJ. Washington's deal I guess
introduced to the public officially. I don't know exactly how.
Speaker 4 (01:44):
Yeah, it was kind of a formality, but it was
still exciting. I mean, when you go back you look
at some of the guys that the Hornets have drafted
in these higher spots over the last couple years, a
lot of them, quite frankly, don't get that rookie extension.
La mellow Ball obviously just got his a few weeks ago.
Now PJ. Washington gets his con tracked extension after his
rookie season, so it's a reason to celebrate more or
less for this formal press conference is formal gathering, if
(02:08):
you will, And quite frankly, I think it was just
an excuse for PJ to show off that really nice
is that like a mint green a lime green suit?
Speaker 2 (02:14):
I don't know what it was. It was very sharp.
He looked good out there.
Speaker 3 (02:17):
Definitely can catch some of the clips on Hornet's social media.
They've already been posted, and you can find the full
press conference out there as well. But there was one
particular moment that got a lot of attention that I
just want to play back in.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
It shows some of the humor that PJ.
Speaker 3 (02:34):
Washington has, poking some fun at himself and also really
just a fun interaction with Hornet's general manager Mitch Kupcheck.
So to set the scene, they're both up there on
the podium, they're both given their opening statements, talking about
their excitement for the upcoming season and.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
Be married once again long term.
Speaker 3 (02:50):
Here PJ Washington and the Hornet's fates intertwined for the
next several seasons. And there's a question posed to PJ
about what it means to him to be basically signed
here in Charlotte, And we'll let you hear the start
of his answer and where Hornets general manager Mitch Kupcheck
interjects for.
Speaker 5 (03:09):
Me, I always want understand, Charlotte list no doubt about that.
I think it was a great deal.
Speaker 2 (03:13):
That's not what your agent and your agents were saying.
Speaker 5 (03:20):
It's the first I heard of that.
Speaker 3 (03:23):
A very fun moment there between PJ and Mitch. And look,
these types of negotiations, they're not easy. If you're in
Pj's spot, you're trying to maximize your earnings, and if
you're in his camp, that's your job. If you're on
the team side, it's not necessarily about minimizing the earnings,
but it's about getting the best deal for the team
(03:43):
and doing what's best long term for the organization. And
oftentimes those two line up immediately, but as Mitch talked
about at the press conference, sometimes for a variety of reasons,
they take longer. The point of it all is that
at the end of it, you realize that you eat
each other, want each other to be partnered the way
that the Hornets and PJ. Washington are, And hopefully you've
(04:06):
got the ability to laugh a little bit about what
can at times in other situations be a contentious situation.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
This one never seemed that way.
Speaker 3 (04:14):
It felt like the Hornets and PJ were about trying
to find the right number, not necessarily wondering if it
would ever happen.
Speaker 4 (04:22):
And I think that's something we talked about a lot
in our previous podcast when we talked about when PJ
officially was signed by the Hornets to this extension. I mean,
at the end of the day, it's one of those
things where, yeah, it's a numbers game. You got to
figure out the number, you got to figure out basically
everything incentives. There's a ton of stuff that you got
to figure out. So but there was never really that
chance where I thought that this was in danger or
(04:42):
any of us quite frankly thought this was in danger,
especially when the free agent market unfolded on July first,
and how time just continue to go on and go
on and go on. And yeah, there was maybe a
little bit of doubt, thinking, well, maybe this isn't going
to get done because it's just taking so long. But
then you looked at the way that the market was,
and you looked at the potential suters from other teams
as well that had potential fits for PJ. Washington and
(05:04):
quite frankly, there weren't a lot of those. So you know,
the way that this roster's constructed, the way that PJ plays,
his style play, it just fits in really well. And
I'm not saying that this team has been built around
PJ Washington or his style of play, but the way
that the roster has been constructed has certainly complimented the
way that he's played, going back from the James Brego
days where he was a stretch five to now with
head coach Steve Clifford at the helm, it's a little
(05:25):
bit more of a traditional four for him at the
power forwards spot, but he does play that stretch five
at times as well, So he's very versatile. He can
play a lot of different positions. And you had Sam
Burley look up a couple of stats here prior to
this podcast recording and we'll hear about him in a
little bit. They're really eye opening about the kind of
rare fight air he's been in the last four seasons
in the league. It's hard to believe that you put
(05:47):
these numbers up there and you say there's PJ. There's
two other guys that are very, very elite, well known
guys in the NBA and they're in the same breath,
So I'm not going to ruin it for our listeners.
I got to tease them a little bit and let
them listen to it a little bit later on to
see who those other two guys are and what the
numbers are. But it's just really remarkable what PJ. Washington's
been able to accomplish over the last couple years here
in Charlotte.
Speaker 3 (06:07):
Yeah, excellencies there, we look forward to sharing that moment
with you momentarily.
Speaker 2 (06:11):
But I agree, I mean, PJ.
Speaker 3 (06:13):
Washington, He's just such a fundamental piece to this roster.
And it's not that the team can't function without him
or that he can't function without the team, but they
certainly marry well together, and I think with their fortunes
aligned for the long term future, it's going to be
the best for both the club as well as the player.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
Let's get right into it. PJ.
Speaker 3 (06:34):
Washington, in addition to sitting in front of the Charlotte media,
his family, his friends, and his coworkers here with the Hornets,
he sat down with us here on the Hornets ivee cast.
So without further ado, let's welcome back PJ. Washington here
to the Hornets. I've cast PJ. Thanks for joining us,
for having me first and foremost, congratulations. How does it
feel to have this locked up long term here in Charlotte?
Speaker 5 (06:57):
Feels great. It's been a long summer, a lot of
things happen, but I'm just excited to be back here Charlotte.
Family's here, everybody's here, and I'm just happy I'm still
here in this atmosphere with these great fans.
Speaker 2 (07:08):
You mentioned that it was a long process.
Speaker 3 (07:10):
Obviously, these things are oftentimes, you know, drawn out a
little bit longer. But clearly the organization had you as
a focal point and you clearly wanted to still be
here with the Hornet. So to be able to continue this,
does it mean a little something extra to be able
to finish hopefully what you started here in Charlotte and
get this franchise, this city back where it belongs.
Speaker 5 (07:33):
Yeah, I mean it means the world to me. Obviously,
back in between nineteen Charlotte took a chance for me,
and I'm just blessed to be in a position i
am today re signing back here and I feel like
I've grown. I'm twenty five now, I got a kids,
so I'm just excited to keep growing and keep expanding
and keep learning as I go on.
Speaker 3 (07:51):
You mentioned the kids, and we'll talk about on the
court in a moment, but you know, rookie contracts, they're
significant already in the NBA, no doubt about that.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
But the deal sign based.
Speaker 3 (08:00):
On reports, it's definitely a different kind of security for
you and your family and the people closest to you.
What does it mean to you to know that you
earned that, that you've put your family in a position
a really advantageous one for generations Now.
Speaker 5 (08:15):
It means the world. I mean as a kid, I mean,
you always grow up and to wish you could be
in the NBA, but to actually be here and to
feel everything that comes with it is just it's a blessing.
I mean, I'm just thankful and it's truly blessed to
be in this position.
Speaker 2 (08:28):
As I mentioned, you earned this. Let's go over some
accolades for you. You are the only member of your.
Speaker 3 (08:33):
Draft class, which includes a couple of all stars, but
neither of them made this list. Only one that has
accumulated three thousand career points, fourteen hundred career rebounds, six
hundred assists, two hundred and fifty blocks and played in
at least two hundred and fifty games. In fact, there's
only three guys that we found over the last four
years total with those totals, it's you, Gianna, Santa Tookumpo
(08:57):
and Bam out of Bio and amongst those, you're the
only one with at least three hundred made three.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
So another feather in your cap. What does it mean
to you?
Speaker 3 (09:03):
Like, there's a lot of numbers to spit out at you,
but to know that you're in some rarefied air and
the skill set that you bring.
Speaker 5 (09:10):
To Charlotte, Well I didn't know that, but I mean
just hearing that just now, I mean it means it
means a lot being in those categories with those type
of players. For me, it just shows my versatility and
what I can bring to the table and what I
can do on the floor. So for me, it's just
trying to consistently be that every night and just come
out and being aggressive like I've always been.
Speaker 3 (09:27):
What are some of the ways that you feel you
can accentuate the unique blend of skills that you bring
to the NBA.
Speaker 5 (09:34):
For me, this Timmer, I've really been working hard in
the gym and I feel like I'm way more comfortable
in the mirrange. So for me, my whole goal is
to be able to score three levels consistently. So I
feel like I've had the three ball and I feel
like I got way more comfortable going to the rim
last year. So for me this year with the biggest
step was working on my mirange game.
Speaker 3 (09:52):
That's one of the things we see a lot from
you and several players. You post on social media the
workout you're doing with your camp. Notice you never missing
those kind of on zero misses all season long, but
as you trying to dress different areas of your game,
how do you go about that decision process of what
you want to focus most on, what do you want
to continue to build on?
Speaker 5 (10:12):
For me, is just taking one step at a time,
not trying to do everything all at once. So this
past summer, before the summer before this one, it was
all everything to the rim, just trying to be more aggressive,
get my percentage up around there. And then this summer
is just being more comfortable and being able to take
a dribble and just shooting a mid range jumper when
the rim is not there or the three pointers not there,
So just being able to score in effective ways.
Speaker 2 (10:35):
That particular shot.
Speaker 3 (10:37):
That's one that seems to be more reserved for the
elite players in the NBA. Everyone kind of comes in
thinking they're going to be a three and D or
a three and drive type of guy. The ones that
have the green light to take shots from the mid
range are ones that have really proven.
Speaker 2 (10:50):
Themselves to the NBA.
Speaker 3 (10:51):
Is that part of the calculus for you in terms
of expanding your game to that range.
Speaker 5 (10:56):
Yeah. For me, everything is always trying to take a
step forward. So last year obviously was one of my
best career years. So this year I'm just trying to
keeping striding and just keep pushing and get better.
Speaker 2 (11:09):
PJ Washington our guest today here on the Hornets sidecast. Pj.
Speaker 3 (11:13):
More of your accolades from your career so far, already
top ten and Hornets franchise history for career made threes,
and in one of your last games in terms of
individual accomplishments, a career high forty three points against Oklahoma City.
How do you feel you can build on some of those,
both the long term numbers, the career marks and milestones
(11:34):
you're continuing to attack for the Hornets and the individual
game performance is what's in store for the season to come.
Speaker 5 (11:41):
We'll see. I'm just excited. I've done a lot of
work and I feel like my game is exactly where
it needs to be, and I'm just excited to go
out there and play. I mean, for me, it's been
a long summer obviously, so I'm just excited to be
back in the locker room with my teammates and seeing
all the faces I've known, so just coming here every
day and just being being a professional that team.
Speaker 3 (12:02):
Aspect the front office, it continues to focus inwards, developing
the young core, the young guys they've drafted, rather than
look outside or maybe I'm sure they're looking, but pull
the trigger on a major trade or a major free
agent signing that might sacrifice some of the young players.
So that faith in you guys as a core. What
does that mean to you as one of the pillars
(12:23):
of this team moving forward?
Speaker 5 (12:25):
It means a lot. I mean, obviously, we have a
great guys here and great young guys, a great All
Star in Labelo, Gordon Terry, I mean, Miles, we have
a bunch of great players here. So just to be
one of those guys and be one of the core
guys here is great and I'm just excited to be here.
So I mean, for me, it's just all happy, all happiness,
and like I said, I just can't wait to for
the season to start.
Speaker 3 (12:44):
Two seasons ago, that corps was good enough to push
Charlotte above five hundred. Then last year just about everything
that could go wrong did go wrong. And say just
about because you were able to play in seventies plus games.
I was maybe the only person who didn't have a
major injury all season. But as you look ahead, are
you focused more on building off two seasons ago, just
(13:06):
erasing what all went wrong last year? How do you
go about looking towards the future.
Speaker 5 (13:11):
I think for us, we just have to be where
our feet are, so just take it one step at
a time. We all know we have big hopes and
big aspirations, but it takes willingness every single day to
come in and work and just trying to win a
game at a time. So we can't look at the
whole season. We have to look at the first game
and in the second game and just take it from there.
Speaker 3 (13:28):
I'm hearing what you're saying, But the next question on
my list focus is like way off in the future.
So pardon me for going in a different direction, but
I mean it never fails. As soon as the reports
came out that you were resigning with the team, that
you guys had come to an agreement, media reports, podcast,
social media, they immediately start talking about what's his next
contract going to look like, what's he got to do
for the next one, And it seems just to be
(13:49):
like a sign of the times. But for so many
guys in your position, rookie contracts about what an organization
believes you can do. The deal you just signed is
you with having proven what your role is. Things beyond
that are about winning and the belief of franchise has
that you're a key part of a winning future. How
(14:10):
much is your future now not just tied to the Hornets,
but tied to the Hornet's success here in these next
couple of seasons.
Speaker 5 (14:16):
That's all that matters. I mean, I've been here for
four years and we haven't made the playoffs yet. So
for me, that's my biggest goal is to make the
playoffs and get a taste of it and to eventually
win in the playoffs. So we have the talent, we
have the coaching staff, we have the front office. We
have everything it takes, so we just have to go
out there and make it happen.
Speaker 3 (14:32):
There's a lot of belief in the building that everything
you said there is true. But you look at some
of the folks outside the building and I'll just read
off some of the expert opinions ESPN picking the hornet
to thirty wins. I'll draft you as kind of a
in locker room represent What does that say to you?
How do you take that when you hear a major
publication have that low of expectations.
Speaker 5 (14:55):
We don't really care about their expectations. At the end
of the day. It's about what we expect of ourselves.
We're the ones in here putting the work in. We're
the ones in here lifting, We're the ones in here shooting.
We're the ones in here watching film getting better every
single day. So they're not even here watching this, so
they don't know, so they just took a guess. For us,
it's about what we see every day and what we
are willing to do on the court every single night.
Speaker 3 (15:15):
Tell me more about what you're seeing every day, because
you're right, we don't get to see inside the practice gym.
Speaker 2 (15:20):
We see the little snippets.
Speaker 3 (15:21):
But you've seen Brandon Miller and the rookie class working.
You've seen how much LaMelo, Mark Williams, Miles Bridges others
have grown. What are you seeing personally?
Speaker 5 (15:31):
Everybody's dedicated, everybody's in here, everybody's getting shot to, everybody's
trying to better themselves and get ready for the season.
The young guys have been in here. I really like
Brandon's game. I really like the nixt game. So I'm
just excited. I mean, I feel like we have a
lot of pieces, and I feel like we're gonna put
them in play in the right way and everything's gonna
be fine.
Speaker 3 (15:49):
You had such a high level of success two seasons
ago and then again well documented last season. So many
injuries and absences. I don't know that any team could
overcome that. But with the guys you've had at it now,
the extended depth on the team throughout the bench. How
much better is this team now than the one that
won forty three games two seasons ago.
Speaker 5 (16:09):
I feel like we're way better, We're way more equipped.
It's just I mean, like I said, I can't really
say too much. It's more about what we do out
there on the floor. So I just can't wait to
come out there and show you guys what we've been
working on.
Speaker 3 (16:20):
The show starts October twenty fifth, that home opener against Atlanta,
a team that I'm sure you still want more continued
success against after the play in tournament game two seasons ago.
How excited are you for October twenty fifth to be
here the Hive to be packed again and everyone rooting
on the Hornets.
Speaker 5 (16:38):
Man, I can't wait. I wish it was tomorrow, but
I think everybody's just exciting. Everybody's working, and everybody's motivating.
I think that's the biggest thing for us, just to
stay motivated and stay together.
Speaker 3 (16:48):
We kind of all wish it was tomorrow too, but
today's an important one. Congratulations on re signing with the Hornets,
to you, to your family, to your whole team. Couldn't
be more excited to have you here, both for your
efforts on and off the court.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
We're looking forward to it.
Speaker 3 (17:01):
Thank you, Our thanks again to PJ Washington sitting down
with us. Rob Longo back here with me in studio. Rob,
before we get to our final segment, really want to
harp on that last thing that PJ was talking about
and that is that excitement, that anticipation for this upcoming season.
I'm with them, I can't wait for things to get started.
We'll enjoy the last month or so of summer here
(17:23):
before things really get started on October twenty fifth with
the Hornets regular season opener against Atlanta, and then I
suppose there's the preseason opener too. Don't want to sell
that short, but all in all, there's a lot of
anticipation and excitement within the building for what this team
can accomplish. People are believing that this Horns team, particularly
(17:43):
with PJ Washington now signed long term, can accomplish some
things that haven't been done unfortunately for Charlotte in fairly
recent history.
Speaker 5 (17:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (17:53):
Absolutely, I think that's something we talked about on the
previous podcast as well. He's kind of the final piece
of the puzzle in terms of this roster can instruction
for the twenty twenty three twenty twenty four season, and
that's something that Mitch Kupchuck was asked about at the
press confince yesterday about how he feels that the roster
has been made up so far, and he talked about
how there's X amount of guaranteed deals there are some
deals that might be happening in the future that might
(18:14):
be exhibit ends or some I don't want to call
him walk on deals. I'm kind of in that walk
on mode, I guess with college football starting over the
last week, but kind of those invite to training camp
and see where the chips may fall. And if you
go back to last year, Dennis Smith Junior kind of
was under that umbrella as well, of let's bring in
for camp and see what you can do, and he
made a great impact. He was able to move on
to Brooklyn and get a deal there as well, and
(18:36):
even some other teams may have been interested in him also,
So there's always that I don't want to say that
the Hornets have the ability to resurrect a player's career,
but we'll be interested to see who comes in for
training camp, who is able to make a fight for
that fourteenth or fifteenth roster spot. And keep in mind too,
two way deals now out there that are available, and
of course a couple of them are already occupied based
on the signings from earlier this year Amari Bailey and
(18:59):
Lee Black, but there's another two way deal out there
potentially for someone to snag as well, so there's still
some movement that could happen on this roster, but all
in all, the cours solidified, especially with this official signing
of PJ.
Speaker 2 (19:11):
Washington.
Speaker 3 (19:11):
Still some work to be done, but the foundation of
this franchise seems to be set.
Speaker 2 (19:17):
PJ.
Speaker 3 (19:18):
Washington a big part of it. Thanks again to him
for joining us here today on the Hornet side Cast.
We have one more segment left. There was some additional
news coming out from the Greensborough Swarm pertaining to their schedule.
Talk more about the Hornets schedule as well coming up
after this here on the Hornets Sidcast. Sam Farbar, Rob
(19:38):
Longo here with you on the HHC The Hornets Sidecast,
brought to you by Santa Charlotte i ear nosen Throat Associates,
the official i ear noosenbro Care provider of the Charlotte Hornets.
Speaker 2 (19:47):
Well, in addition to PJ.
Speaker 3 (19:48):
Washington joining us in studio and sitting in front of
the media yesterday, we also had some breaking news. The
Greensboro Swarms has been released for the upcoming twenty three
to twenty four season. Chance to see some of the
two way players that you mentioned last segment. Rob Longo,
Leaky Blackamari Bailey probably going to feature prominently on that team.
Speaker 2 (20:08):
I don't want to say that.
Speaker 3 (20:09):
One or both are going to have or not have
a role with the Charlotte Hornets.
Speaker 2 (20:14):
That's going to be up to them.
Speaker 3 (20:15):
They'll have the opportunity to prove themselves in training camp
and during the preseason. But if history repeats itself, probability
is high that those two will feature prominently on that
Swarm roster, which has really been a great thing for
the Hornets over the last several years. You look at
all the players that have been drafted and then developed
in Greensboro, the list just goes on and on. The
(20:36):
Martin Brothers feature prominently there, Jayalen McDaniels, even former first
round picks guys like Kai Jones and James Buckknight have
spent quite a bit of time in Greensboro. Last year's
first round pick, Mark Williams spent a lot of time
there and obviously elevated his game to the point that
when he was healthy and LaMelo Ball was healthy, Hornets
had their best run of the regular season. So we
(20:58):
look forward to seeing the Swarm. The schedule officially out there.
It will begin on Wednesday, November fifteen, a daylight d
light part of their Showcase Cup against Westchester.
Speaker 2 (21:09):
That game will be featured.
Speaker 3 (21:11):
It's already a sellout, and think some of those day games,
they've got a lot of kids coming in to Greensboro
to see the Swarm play. But in addition to that one,
you've got Friday November seventeenth against Raptors nine to zero,
far part of sixteen Friday, Saturday or Sunday home games
on the Swarm schedule, So plenty of opportunities to spend
part of your weekend up in Greensboro and take in
(21:33):
the Swarm. And speaking of weekend opportunities, definitely want to
encourage you to come on out and see the Charlotte Horrintz.
We of course have for the twenty three to twenty
four season the Pick twenty three plan available. It includes
the first and last home game of the season, plus
twenty one games.
Speaker 2 (21:47):
Of your choice.
Speaker 3 (21:48):
If you say we're taking the first game and the
last game and added all the Friday, Saturdays and Sundays,
you've got two games left to pick from. So maybe
you want to see Boston on Monday, November twentieth, Maybe
you want to see Lebron James and the Lakers on Monday,
February fifth. There's so many options out there, and you
can have your choice with a pick twenty three plan.
Speaker 2 (22:08):
Go to Hornets dot com for more information.
Speaker 4 (22:11):
Yeah, exciting stuff all around. I mean, this is that
time of the year where you start to circle the
dates and circle the calendars and figure out what games
you want to go to and which games you want
to see. I got to compare some schedules here. I
gotta see what days we might have off, and maybe
a couple of days that I'm able to sneak up
and go up to Greensboro. It's a great little complex
they have there, really great opportunity to you know, affordable
(22:31):
entertainment and see some of the stars of tomorrow, like
those Two Way guys. I mean, you saw some of
the Two Way guys that have come through there over
the last couple of seasons, but most recent memory of course,
Bryce mcgallan's and Tayo Maladon played a lot of time
in Greensboro, so you're able to see some of those guys.
You have guys like Amri Bailey and Leaky Black, they're
on those two way deals. So maybe you see the
stars of the Hornets tomorrow today up in Greensboro, So
(22:52):
in a good opportunity to get kind of uplot some
personal a little bit with some of those guys, because
that's one of the things that I've always enjoyed doing
as I was growing up, was going to minor league
baseball or the g League or things like that. We're
able to see these guys in a closer setting where
something that I wasn't really able to do at a
professional level, I was able to kind of see the
game at a closer perspective. And it's a very affordable
(23:13):
opportunity to do that. So it's one of those things where,
like I said, it's a great opportunity for a family
to go out and enjoy the night out and have
it be reasonable and affordable and have a lot of
fun doing it.
Speaker 2 (23:25):
It'll be a lot of fun.
Speaker 3 (23:26):
And it starts on Wednesday, November fifteenth, part of the
Showcase Cup, a game that's already sold out against Westchester.
Then the following Friday, November seventeenth against Raptors nine to five,
part of a plethora of weekend games on the home
schedule for the Greensbro Sworm. And again, courage you to
go to Hornets dot com and check out the Hornet schedule.
(23:46):
Pick twenty three plans, season ticket plans. Individual tickets are
available for all games right now for the upcoming twenty
three twenty four campaign. That's gonna do it. For this
edition of the ahhc our thanks again to PJ. Washington
for sitting down with us. Thanks as always to Rob
Longo for a great job running the controls here and
joining us as always on the Hornets ibecast.
Speaker 4 (24:08):
It's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it.
Speaker 3 (24:10):
So happy to be here, appreciate having you, and of
course we are still in a little bit of limbo
as we wait for the start of the regular season.
Hornets preseason action begins just over a month away from
now on Tuesday, October tenth. They'll be visiting the Miami Heat.
Preseason home opener is Sunday, October fifteenth against the Oklahoma
City Thunder, and then the regular season opener Wednesday, October
(24:30):
twenty fifth at home Spectrum Center against the Atlanta Hawks.
Hope to see you at as many games as we
possibly can. Should be a great fun season, and between
now and then, as news breaks, we'll of course have
you covered here on the h seat till next time.
For Rob Longo, I'm Sam Farber saying it's been a
pleasure and a privilege having you along. We will talk
to you next time right here on the Hornets Popcast.
Speaker 1 (24:50):
Thank you for listening to the Hornets Hypecast, brought to
you by Senta, the official I here Nosen Throatcare provider
of the Charlotte Hornets. For more average visit Hornets dot com.
Speaker 2 (25:02):
Mmmmm mm hmm
Welcome to the Hornets Highcast, present it by Charlotte I
ear nosen Throat Associates, the official I ear nosen throat
Care provider of the Charlotte Hornets. Here's your host, Sam Farber.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
Welcome to another edition of the Hornets.
Speaker 3 (00:18):
I've cast your Hornets Podcast with all the notes, quotes
and daily buzz around your favorite NBA team. I'm Sam
Farber and it is a pleasure and a privileged to
you with us here once again on the Hornet Podcast,
brought to you by Santa Charlotte I ear nosen Throat Associates,
the official I ear nosen throat Care provider of the
Charlotte Hornets. Another fun day for Hornets fans is Yesterday.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
PJ.
Speaker 3 (00:39):
Washington went before the media, family friends to celebrate him
partnering once again with the Charlotte Hornets, having signed his
new contract with the club. That happened last week. Of course,
we had a holiday week. I want to give some
time to get everyone seated. So finally yesterday it was
announced officially PJ. Washington talking to the press about his
(01:01):
new contract. We'll let you hear part of that press conference. Also,
we got a chance to sit down with the man himself, PJ. Washington,
talking about the new deal, what it means for him,
his family, what he foresees for the Hornet's future, both
near and long term. We'll get into that and some
more news from the Hornets as well as their g
League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarms. We'll talk about that as
(01:23):
well with my special guest today and basically always, he's
the producer of the Hornets Radio Network as well as
the producer of this fine podcast, Rob Longo. Rob. We
continue to enjoy our summer ish schedule here, but definitely
some notable news yesterday with PJ. Washington's deal I guess
introduced to the public officially. I don't know exactly how.
Speaker 4 (01:44):
Yeah, it was kind of a formality, but it was
still exciting. I mean, when you go back you look
at some of the guys that the Hornets have drafted
in these higher spots over the last couple years, a
lot of them, quite frankly, don't get that rookie extension.
La mellow Ball obviously just got his a few weeks ago.
Now PJ. Washington gets his con tracked extension after his
rookie season, so it's a reason to celebrate more or
less for this formal press conference is formal gathering, if
(02:08):
you will, And quite frankly, I think it was just
an excuse for PJ to show off that really nice
is that like a mint green a lime green suit?
Speaker 2 (02:14):
I don't know what it was. It was very sharp.
He looked good out there.
Speaker 3 (02:17):
Definitely can catch some of the clips on Hornet's social media.
They've already been posted, and you can find the full
press conference out there as well. But there was one
particular moment that got a lot of attention that I
just want to play back in.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
It shows some of the humor that PJ.
Speaker 3 (02:34):
Washington has, poking some fun at himself and also really
just a fun interaction with Hornet's general manager Mitch Kupcheck.
So to set the scene, they're both up there on
the podium, they're both given their opening statements, talking about
their excitement for the upcoming season and.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
Be married once again long term.
Speaker 3 (02:50):
Here PJ Washington and the Hornet's fates intertwined for the
next several seasons. And there's a question posed to PJ
about what it means to him to be basically signed
here in Charlotte, And we'll let you hear the start
of his answer and where Hornets general manager Mitch Kupcheck
interjects for.
Speaker 5 (03:09):
Me, I always want understand, Charlotte list no doubt about that.
I think it was a great deal.
Speaker 2 (03:13):
That's not what your agent and your agents were saying.
Speaker 5 (03:20):
It's the first I heard of that.
Speaker 3 (03:23):
A very fun moment there between PJ and Mitch. And look,
these types of negotiations, they're not easy. If you're in
Pj's spot, you're trying to maximize your earnings, and if
you're in his camp, that's your job. If you're on
the team side, it's not necessarily about minimizing the earnings,
but it's about getting the best deal for the team
(03:43):
and doing what's best long term for the organization. And
oftentimes those two line up immediately, but as Mitch talked
about at the press conference, sometimes for a variety of reasons,
they take longer. The point of it all is that
at the end of it, you realize that you eat
each other, want each other to be partnered the way
that the Hornets and PJ. Washington are, And hopefully you've
(04:06):
got the ability to laugh a little bit about what
can at times in other situations be a contentious situation.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
This one never seemed that way.
Speaker 3 (04:14):
It felt like the Hornets and PJ were about trying
to find the right number, not necessarily wondering if it
would ever happen.
Speaker 4 (04:22):
And I think that's something we talked about a lot
in our previous podcast when we talked about when PJ
officially was signed by the Hornets to this extension. I mean,
at the end of the day, it's one of those
things where, yeah, it's a numbers game. You got to
figure out the number, you got to figure out basically
everything incentives. There's a ton of stuff that you got
to figure out. So but there was never really that
chance where I thought that this was in danger or
(04:42):
any of us quite frankly thought this was in danger,
especially when the free agent market unfolded on July first,
and how time just continue to go on and go
on and go on. And yeah, there was maybe a
little bit of doubt, thinking, well, maybe this isn't going
to get done because it's just taking so long. But
then you looked at the way that the market was,
and you looked at the potential suters from other teams
as well that had potential fits for PJ. Washington and
(05:04):
quite frankly, there weren't a lot of those. So you know,
the way that this roster's constructed, the way that PJ plays,
his style play, it just fits in really well. And
I'm not saying that this team has been built around
PJ Washington or his style of play, but the way
that the roster has been constructed has certainly complimented the
way that he's played, going back from the James Brego
days where he was a stretch five to now with
head coach Steve Clifford at the helm, it's a little
(05:25):
bit more of a traditional four for him at the
power forwards spot, but he does play that stretch five
at times as well, So he's very versatile. He can
play a lot of different positions. And you had Sam
Burley look up a couple of stats here prior to
this podcast recording and we'll hear about him in a
little bit. They're really eye opening about the kind of
rare fight air he's been in the last four seasons
in the league. It's hard to believe that you put
(05:47):
these numbers up there and you say there's PJ. There's
two other guys that are very, very elite, well known
guys in the NBA and they're in the same breath,
So I'm not going to ruin it for our listeners.
I got to tease them a little bit and let
them listen to it a little bit later on to
see who those other two guys are and what the
numbers are. But it's just really remarkable what PJ. Washington's
been able to accomplish over the last couple years here
in Charlotte.
Speaker 3 (06:07):
Yeah, excellencies there, we look forward to sharing that moment
with you momentarily.
Speaker 2 (06:11):
But I agree, I mean, PJ.
Speaker 3 (06:13):
Washington, He's just such a fundamental piece to this roster.
And it's not that the team can't function without him
or that he can't function without the team, but they
certainly marry well together, and I think with their fortunes
aligned for the long term future, it's going to be
the best for both the club as well as the player.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
Let's get right into it. PJ.
Speaker 3 (06:34):
Washington, in addition to sitting in front of the Charlotte media,
his family, his friends, and his coworkers here with the Hornets,
he sat down with us here on the Hornets ivee cast.
So without further ado, let's welcome back PJ. Washington here
to the Hornets. I've cast PJ. Thanks for joining us,
for having me first and foremost, congratulations. How does it
feel to have this locked up long term here in Charlotte?
Speaker 5 (06:57):
Feels great. It's been a long summer, a lot of
things happen, but I'm just excited to be back here Charlotte.
Family's here, everybody's here, and I'm just happy I'm still
here in this atmosphere with these great fans.
Speaker 2 (07:08):
You mentioned that it was a long process.
Speaker 3 (07:10):
Obviously, these things are oftentimes, you know, drawn out a
little bit longer. But clearly the organization had you as
a focal point and you clearly wanted to still be
here with the Hornet. So to be able to continue this,
does it mean a little something extra to be able
to finish hopefully what you started here in Charlotte and
get this franchise, this city back where it belongs.
Speaker 5 (07:33):
Yeah, I mean it means the world to me. Obviously,
back in between nineteen Charlotte took a chance for me,
and I'm just blessed to be in a position i
am today re signing back here and I feel like
I've grown. I'm twenty five now, I got a kids,
so I'm just excited to keep growing and keep expanding
and keep learning as I go on.
Speaker 3 (07:51):
You mentioned the kids, and we'll talk about on the
court in a moment, but you know, rookie contracts, they're
significant already in the NBA, no doubt about that.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
But the deal sign based.
Speaker 3 (08:00):
On reports, it's definitely a different kind of security for
you and your family and the people closest to you.
What does it mean to you to know that you
earned that, that you've put your family in a position
a really advantageous one for generations Now.
Speaker 5 (08:15):
It means the world. I mean as a kid, I mean,
you always grow up and to wish you could be
in the NBA, but to actually be here and to
feel everything that comes with it is just it's a blessing.
I mean, I'm just thankful and it's truly blessed to
be in this position.
Speaker 2 (08:28):
As I mentioned, you earned this. Let's go over some
accolades for you. You are the only member of your.
Speaker 3 (08:33):
Draft class, which includes a couple of all stars, but
neither of them made this list. Only one that has
accumulated three thousand career points, fourteen hundred career rebounds, six
hundred assists, two hundred and fifty blocks and played in
at least two hundred and fifty games. In fact, there's
only three guys that we found over the last four
years total with those totals, it's you, Gianna, Santa Tookumpo
(08:57):
and Bam out of Bio and amongst those, you're the
only one with at least three hundred made three.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
So another feather in your cap. What does it mean
to you?
Speaker 3 (09:03):
Like, there's a lot of numbers to spit out at you,
but to know that you're in some rarefied air and
the skill set that you bring.
Speaker 5 (09:10):
To Charlotte, Well I didn't know that, but I mean
just hearing that just now, I mean it means it
means a lot being in those categories with those type
of players. For me, it just shows my versatility and
what I can bring to the table and what I
can do on the floor. So for me, it's just
trying to consistently be that every night and just come
out and being aggressive like I've always been.
Speaker 3 (09:27):
What are some of the ways that you feel you
can accentuate the unique blend of skills that you bring
to the NBA.
Speaker 5 (09:34):
For me, this Timmer, I've really been working hard in
the gym and I feel like I'm way more comfortable
in the mirrange. So for me, my whole goal is
to be able to score three levels consistently. So I
feel like I've had the three ball and I feel
like I got way more comfortable going to the rim
last year. So for me this year with the biggest
step was working on my mirange game.
Speaker 3 (09:52):
That's one of the things we see a lot from
you and several players. You post on social media the
workout you're doing with your camp. Notice you never missing
those kind of on zero misses all season long, but
as you trying to dress different areas of your game,
how do you go about that decision process of what
you want to focus most on, what do you want
to continue to build on?
Speaker 5 (10:12):
For me, is just taking one step at a time,
not trying to do everything all at once. So this
past summer, before the summer before this one, it was
all everything to the rim, just trying to be more aggressive,
get my percentage up around there. And then this summer
is just being more comfortable and being able to take
a dribble and just shooting a mid range jumper when
the rim is not there or the three pointers not there,
So just being able to score in effective ways.
Speaker 2 (10:35):
That particular shot.
Speaker 3 (10:37):
That's one that seems to be more reserved for the
elite players in the NBA. Everyone kind of comes in
thinking they're going to be a three and D or
a three and drive type of guy. The ones that
have the green light to take shots from the mid
range are ones that have really proven.
Speaker 2 (10:50):
Themselves to the NBA.
Speaker 3 (10:51):
Is that part of the calculus for you in terms
of expanding your game to that range.
Speaker 5 (10:56):
Yeah. For me, everything is always trying to take a
step forward. So last year obviously was one of my
best career years. So this year I'm just trying to
keeping striding and just keep pushing and get better.
Speaker 2 (11:09):
PJ Washington our guest today here on the Hornets sidecast. Pj.
Speaker 3 (11:13):
More of your accolades from your career so far, already
top ten and Hornets franchise history for career made threes,
and in one of your last games in terms of
individual accomplishments, a career high forty three points against Oklahoma City.
How do you feel you can build on some of those,
both the long term numbers, the career marks and milestones
(11:34):
you're continuing to attack for the Hornets and the individual
game performance is what's in store for the season to come.
Speaker 5 (11:41):
We'll see. I'm just excited. I've done a lot of
work and I feel like my game is exactly where
it needs to be, and I'm just excited to go
out there and play. I mean, for me, it's been
a long summer obviously, so I'm just excited to be
back in the locker room with my teammates and seeing
all the faces I've known, so just coming here every
day and just being being a professional that team.
Speaker 3 (12:02):
Aspect the front office, it continues to focus inwards, developing
the young core, the young guys they've drafted, rather than
look outside or maybe I'm sure they're looking, but pull
the trigger on a major trade or a major free
agent signing that might sacrifice some of the young players.
So that faith in you guys as a core. What
does that mean to you as one of the pillars
(12:23):
of this team moving forward?
Speaker 5 (12:25):
It means a lot. I mean, obviously, we have a
great guys here and great young guys, a great All
Star in Labelo, Gordon Terry, I mean, Miles, we have
a bunch of great players here. So just to be
one of those guys and be one of the core
guys here is great and I'm just excited to be here.
So I mean, for me, it's just all happy, all happiness,
and like I said, I just can't wait to for
the season to start.
Speaker 3 (12:44):
Two seasons ago, that corps was good enough to push
Charlotte above five hundred. Then last year just about everything
that could go wrong did go wrong. And say just
about because you were able to play in seventies plus games.
I was maybe the only person who didn't have a
major injury all season. But as you look ahead, are
you focused more on building off two seasons ago, just
(13:06):
erasing what all went wrong last year? How do you
go about looking towards the future.
Speaker 5 (13:11):
I think for us, we just have to be where
our feet are, so just take it one step at
a time. We all know we have big hopes and
big aspirations, but it takes willingness every single day to
come in and work and just trying to win a
game at a time. So we can't look at the
whole season. We have to look at the first game
and in the second game and just take it from there.
Speaker 3 (13:28):
I'm hearing what you're saying, But the next question on
my list focus is like way off in the future.
So pardon me for going in a different direction, but
I mean it never fails. As soon as the reports
came out that you were resigning with the team, that
you guys had come to an agreement, media reports, podcast,
social media, they immediately start talking about what's his next
contract going to look like, what's he got to do
for the next one, And it seems just to be
(13:49):
like a sign of the times. But for so many
guys in your position, rookie contracts about what an organization
believes you can do. The deal you just signed is
you with having proven what your role is. Things beyond
that are about winning and the belief of franchise has
that you're a key part of a winning future. How
(14:10):
much is your future now not just tied to the Hornets,
but tied to the Hornet's success here in these next
couple of seasons.
Speaker 5 (14:16):
That's all that matters. I mean, I've been here for
four years and we haven't made the playoffs yet. So
for me, that's my biggest goal is to make the
playoffs and get a taste of it and to eventually
win in the playoffs. So we have the talent, we
have the coaching staff, we have the front office. We
have everything it takes, so we just have to go
out there and make it happen.
Speaker 3 (14:32):
There's a lot of belief in the building that everything
you said there is true. But you look at some
of the folks outside the building and I'll just read
off some of the expert opinions ESPN picking the hornet
to thirty wins. I'll draft you as kind of a
in locker room represent What does that say to you?
How do you take that when you hear a major
publication have that low of expectations.
Speaker 5 (14:55):
We don't really care about their expectations. At the end
of the day. It's about what we expect of ourselves.
We're the ones in here putting the work in. We're
the ones in here lifting, We're the ones in here shooting.
We're the ones in here watching film getting better every
single day. So they're not even here watching this, so
they don't know, so they just took a guess. For us,
it's about what we see every day and what we
are willing to do on the court every single night.
Speaker 3 (15:15):
Tell me more about what you're seeing every day, because
you're right, we don't get to see inside the practice gym.
Speaker 2 (15:20):
We see the little snippets.
Speaker 3 (15:21):
But you've seen Brandon Miller and the rookie class working.
You've seen how much LaMelo, Mark Williams, Miles Bridges others
have grown. What are you seeing personally?
Speaker 5 (15:31):
Everybody's dedicated, everybody's in here, everybody's getting shot to, everybody's
trying to better themselves and get ready for the season.
The young guys have been in here. I really like
Brandon's game. I really like the nixt game. So I'm
just excited. I mean, I feel like we have a
lot of pieces, and I feel like we're gonna put
them in play in the right way and everything's gonna
be fine.
Speaker 3 (15:49):
You had such a high level of success two seasons
ago and then again well documented last season. So many
injuries and absences. I don't know that any team could
overcome that. But with the guys you've had at it now,
the extended depth on the team throughout the bench. How
much better is this team now than the one that
won forty three games two seasons ago.
Speaker 5 (16:09):
I feel like we're way better, We're way more equipped.
It's just I mean, like I said, I can't really
say too much. It's more about what we do out
there on the floor. So I just can't wait to
come out there and show you guys what we've been
working on.
Speaker 3 (16:20):
The show starts October twenty fifth, that home opener against Atlanta,
a team that I'm sure you still want more continued
success against after the play in tournament game two seasons ago.
How excited are you for October twenty fifth to be
here the Hive to be packed again and everyone rooting
on the Hornets.
Speaker 5 (16:38):
Man, I can't wait. I wish it was tomorrow, but
I think everybody's just exciting. Everybody's working, and everybody's motivating.
I think that's the biggest thing for us, just to
stay motivated and stay together.
Speaker 3 (16:48):
We kind of all wish it was tomorrow too, but
today's an important one. Congratulations on re signing with the Hornets,
to you, to your family, to your whole team. Couldn't
be more excited to have you here, both for your
efforts on and off the court.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
We're looking forward to it.
Speaker 3 (17:01):
Thank you, Our thanks again to PJ Washington sitting down
with us. Rob Longo back here with me in studio. Rob,
before we get to our final segment, really want to
harp on that last thing that PJ was talking about
and that is that excitement, that anticipation for this upcoming season.
I'm with them, I can't wait for things to get started.
We'll enjoy the last month or so of summer here
(17:23):
before things really get started on October twenty fifth with
the Hornets regular season opener against Atlanta, and then I
suppose there's the preseason opener too. Don't want to sell
that short, but all in all, there's a lot of
anticipation and excitement within the building for what this team
can accomplish. People are believing that this Horns team, particularly
(17:43):
with PJ Washington now signed long term, can accomplish some
things that haven't been done unfortunately for Charlotte in fairly
recent history.
Speaker 5 (17:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (17:53):
Absolutely, I think that's something we talked about on the
previous podcast as well. He's kind of the final piece
of the puzzle in terms of this roster can instruction
for the twenty twenty three twenty twenty four season, and
that's something that Mitch Kupchuck was asked about at the
press confince yesterday about how he feels that the roster
has been made up so far, and he talked about
how there's X amount of guaranteed deals there are some
deals that might be happening in the future that might
(18:14):
be exhibit ends or some I don't want to call
him walk on deals. I'm kind of in that walk
on mode, I guess with college football starting over the
last week, but kind of those invite to training camp
and see where the chips may fall. And if you
go back to last year, Dennis Smith Junior kind of
was under that umbrella as well, of let's bring in
for camp and see what you can do, and he
made a great impact. He was able to move on
to Brooklyn and get a deal there as well, and
(18:36):
even some other teams may have been interested in him also,
So there's always that I don't want to say that
the Hornets have the ability to resurrect a player's career,
but we'll be interested to see who comes in for
training camp, who is able to make a fight for
that fourteenth or fifteenth roster spot. And keep in mind too,
two way deals now out there that are available, and
of course a couple of them are already occupied based
on the signings from earlier this year Amari Bailey and
(18:59):
Lee Black, but there's another two way deal out there
potentially for someone to snag as well, so there's still
some movement that could happen on this roster, but all
in all, the cours solidified, especially with this official signing
of PJ.
Speaker 2 (19:11):
Washington.
Speaker 3 (19:11):
Still some work to be done, but the foundation of
this franchise seems to be set.
Speaker 2 (19:17):
PJ.
Speaker 3 (19:18):
Washington a big part of it. Thanks again to him
for joining us here today on the Hornet side Cast.
We have one more segment left. There was some additional
news coming out from the Greensborough Swarm pertaining to their schedule.
Talk more about the Hornets schedule as well coming up
after this here on the Hornets Sidcast. Sam Farbar, Rob
(19:38):
Longo here with you on the HHC The Hornets Sidecast,
brought to you by Santa Charlotte i ear nosen Throat Associates,
the official i ear noosenbro Care provider of the Charlotte Hornets.
Speaker 2 (19:47):
Well, in addition to PJ.
Speaker 3 (19:48):
Washington joining us in studio and sitting in front of
the media yesterday, we also had some breaking news. The
Greensboro Swarms has been released for the upcoming twenty three
to twenty four season. Chance to see some of the
two way players that you mentioned last segment. Rob Longo,
Leaky Blackamari Bailey probably going to feature prominently on that team.
Speaker 2 (20:08):
I don't want to say that.
Speaker 3 (20:09):
One or both are going to have or not have
a role with the Charlotte Hornets.
Speaker 2 (20:14):
That's going to be up to them.
Speaker 3 (20:15):
They'll have the opportunity to prove themselves in training camp
and during the preseason. But if history repeats itself, probability
is high that those two will feature prominently on that
Swarm roster, which has really been a great thing for
the Hornets over the last several years. You look at
all the players that have been drafted and then developed
in Greensboro, the list just goes on and on. The
(20:36):
Martin Brothers feature prominently there, Jayalen McDaniels, even former first
round picks guys like Kai Jones and James Buckknight have
spent quite a bit of time in Greensboro. Last year's
first round pick, Mark Williams spent a lot of time
there and obviously elevated his game to the point that
when he was healthy and LaMelo Ball was healthy, Hornets
had their best run of the regular season. So we
(20:58):
look forward to seeing the Swarm. The schedule officially out there.
It will begin on Wednesday, November fifteen, a daylight d
light part of their Showcase Cup against Westchester.
Speaker 2 (21:09):
That game will be featured.
Speaker 3 (21:11):
It's already a sellout, and think some of those day games,
they've got a lot of kids coming in to Greensboro
to see the Swarm play. But in addition to that one,
you've got Friday November seventeenth against Raptors nine to zero,
far part of sixteen Friday, Saturday or Sunday home games
on the Swarm schedule, So plenty of opportunities to spend
part of your weekend up in Greensboro and take in
(21:33):
the Swarm. And speaking of weekend opportunities, definitely want to
encourage you to come on out and see the Charlotte Horrintz.
We of course have for the twenty three to twenty
four season the Pick twenty three plan available. It includes
the first and last home game of the season, plus
twenty one games.
Speaker 2 (21:47):
Of your choice.
Speaker 3 (21:48):
If you say we're taking the first game and the
last game and added all the Friday, Saturdays and Sundays,
you've got two games left to pick from. So maybe
you want to see Boston on Monday, November twentieth, Maybe
you want to see Lebron James and the Lakers on Monday,
February fifth. There's so many options out there, and you
can have your choice with a pick twenty three plan.
Speaker 2 (22:08):
Go to Hornets dot com for more information.
Speaker 4 (22:11):
Yeah, exciting stuff all around. I mean, this is that
time of the year where you start to circle the
dates and circle the calendars and figure out what games
you want to go to and which games you want
to see. I got to compare some schedules here. I
gotta see what days we might have off, and maybe
a couple of days that I'm able to sneak up
and go up to Greensboro. It's a great little complex
they have there, really great opportunity to you know, affordable
(22:31):
entertainment and see some of the stars of tomorrow, like
those Two Way guys. I mean, you saw some of
the Two Way guys that have come through there over
the last couple of seasons, but most recent memory of course,
Bryce mcgallan's and Tayo Maladon played a lot of time
in Greensboro, so you're able to see some of those guys.
You have guys like Amri Bailey and Leaky Black, they're
on those two way deals. So maybe you see the
stars of the Hornets tomorrow today up in Greensboro, So
(22:52):
in a good opportunity to get kind of uplot some
personal a little bit with some of those guys, because
that's one of the things that I've always enjoyed doing
as I was growing up, was going to minor league
baseball or the g League or things like that. We're
able to see these guys in a closer setting where
something that I wasn't really able to do at a
professional level, I was able to kind of see the
game at a closer perspective. And it's a very affordable
(23:13):
opportunity to do that. So it's one of those things where,
like I said, it's a great opportunity for a family
to go out and enjoy the night out and have
it be reasonable and affordable and have a lot of
fun doing it.
Speaker 2 (23:25):
It'll be a lot of fun.
Speaker 3 (23:26):
And it starts on Wednesday, November fifteenth, part of the
Showcase Cup, a game that's already sold out against Westchester.
Then the following Friday, November seventeenth against Raptors nine to five,
part of a plethora of weekend games on the home
schedule for the Greensbro Sworm. And again, courage you to
go to Hornets dot com and check out the Hornet schedule.
(23:46):
Pick twenty three plans, season ticket plans. Individual tickets are
available for all games right now for the upcoming twenty
three twenty four campaign. That's gonna do it. For this
edition of the ahhc our thanks again to PJ. Washington
for sitting down with us. Thanks as always to Rob
Longo for a great job running the controls here and
joining us as always on the Hornets ibecast.
Speaker 4 (24:08):
It's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it.
Speaker 3 (24:10):
So happy to be here, appreciate having you, and of
course we are still in a little bit of limbo
as we wait for the start of the regular season.
Hornets preseason action begins just over a month away from
now on Tuesday, October tenth. They'll be visiting the Miami Heat.
Preseason home opener is Sunday, October fifteenth against the Oklahoma
City Thunder, and then the regular season opener Wednesday, October
(24:30):
twenty fifth at home Spectrum Center against the Atlanta Hawks.
Hope to see you at as many games as we
possibly can. Should be a great fun season, and between
now and then, as news breaks, we'll of course have
you covered here on the h seat till next time.
For Rob Longo, I'm Sam Farber saying it's been a
pleasure and a privilege having you along. We will talk
to you next time right here on the Hornets Popcast.
Speaker 1 (24:50):
Thank you for listening to the Hornets Hypecast, brought to
you by Senta, the official I here Nosen Throatcare provider
of the Charlotte Hornets. For more average visit Hornets dot com.
Speaker 2 (25:02):
Mmmmm mm hmm
Hosts And Creators
Sam Farber
Rob Longo
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