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.

Mar 28, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) against the Utah Jazz in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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

Feb 9, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) celebrates his dunk with guard Sion James (4) during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

May 21, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder (8) dribbles against the New York Knicks during the second quarter of the eastern conference finals of the 2026 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Stockton Kings’ Dexter Dennis, right, dries on Greensboro Swarm’s Liam McNeeley during the second game of the NBA G League basketball championship at the Adventist Health Arena in downtown Stockton on Apr. 10, 2026. The Kings lost 119-104.

The Charlotte Hornets' G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm, are hosting an open tryout in September.

Mar 31, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Tre Mann (23) brings the ball up court against the Brooklyn Nets during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Mann struggled last season after a back injury that derailed his 2025 season.

Mar 31, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Tre Mann (23) brings the ball up court against the Brooklyn Nets during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Who should make the final roster for the Hornets?

Apr 3, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Coby White (3) handles the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Ethan Thompson (55) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

As MLB's Trade Deadline heats up, here's a look at the Hornets' best deadline deals

Mar 8, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Dallas Mavericks guard Brandon Williams (10) dribbles the ball up court against the Toronto Raptors during the first quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

With a clear need for ball-handlers off the bench, the Hornets should look no furthe

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

How did Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson look in Las Vegas?

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 Hornets may have dropped another Summer League game, but these three stood out.

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

Charles Lee will have some decisions to make regarding these three players.

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

Christian Anderson had his best performance in the Summer League.

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.