Owen O'Connor

Owen O'Connor

Joined: Jan 25, 2025

A Boston native and product of Elon University, Owen brings a fresh perspective to the Charlotte sports scene. He joined Charlotte Hornets On SI in 2024, providing in-depth coverage of all areas of the organization, from the draft, free agency, trades, and on scene at games.

Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver greets the fourteenth pick in the 2026 NBA draft, Washington forward Hannes Steinbach after he was selected by the Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver greets the fourteenth pick in the 2026 NBA draft, Washington forward Hannes Steinbach after he was selected by the Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Jan 10, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Tre Mann (23) makes a quick move on Utah Jazz guard Walter Clayton Jr. (13) during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Peter Creveling-Imagn Images

Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver greets the eighteenth pick in the 2026 NBA draft, Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson Jr. after he was selected by the Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Apr 5, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) drives by Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Ball's six year tenure with the Hornets has ended.

Apr 5, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) during a stoppage in the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Although it's a Summer League game, there is a new era in Charlotte.

Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver greets the fourteenth pick in the 2026 NBA draft, Washington forward Hannes Steinbach after he was selected by the Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The last two weeks in the NBA have felt like an eternity.

Apr 5, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) drives by Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

The Hornets dealt star LaMelo Ball to the Timberwolves on Thursday morning in exchange for Reid.

Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver greets the fourteenth pick in the 2026 NBA draft, Washington forward Hannes Steinbach after he was selected by the Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Neither of the players the Hornets selected are great at generating rim pressure, and that is not a bad thing.

Mar 12, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Huskies forward Hannes Steinbach (6) shoots a free throw against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The Washington big man is the newest member of the Hornets.

Mar 20, 2026; St. Louis, MO, USA; Santa Clara Broncos forward Allen Graves (22) reacts after making a basket against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

The Santa Clara and Iowa prospects may be perfect fits for the Hornets.

Apr 12, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Coby White (3) in action against the New York Knicks during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

White averaged 15.6 points in 21 games for the team this season.

Apr 3, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Williamson is entering his eighth season in the NBA.

Apr 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis (7) against the Phoenix Suns during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Porzingis enters free agency for the first time in his NBA career.

Apr 17, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (7) shoots during the second half against the Orlando Magic during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

The Knicks are three wins away from an NBA title, and where are the Hornets?

Dec 29, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Tidjane Salaun (31) reacts after scoring during the first half agains the Milwaukee Bucks at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images

The Hornets selected Tidjane with the 6th overall pick in 2024.