Owen Watterson

Owen Watterson

Joined: Jan 26, 2026

Owen Watterson is a sports writer and researcher who has previously covered Clemson athletics for On SI, and worked as a radio producer and on-air voice for Greenville’s The Fan Upstate. Now, Owen has a deep focus on the Hornets’ historical and cultural identity through extensive archival research displayed on his self-created X account, @HornetsHistory. Outside of sports media, Owen spends time with family and playing his beloved Martin D-28.

Jan 26, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets fans during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Mar 14, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard De'aaron Fox (4) shoots in between Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate (14) and guard Sion James (4) in the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

Apr 5, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) and Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) during a break in the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

News

Well, you've waited for my thoughts, and here they are in totality. I'm sure we'll all be completely rational about this!

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

News

There are some notable points here on the Vegas Classic rostered that the Hornets just made official through their PR team.

Jeff Peterson, Hannes Steinbach, Christian Anderson Jr., and Charles Lee pose for a post-press conference photo-op.

Draft

The rookies may have been overshadowed by a trade announcement the morning before they spoke... so let's make this one about them. How can the two rookies help Charlotte?

Apr 14, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) looks to pass defended by Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) during the second half during the play-in rounds between the Charlotte Hornets and the Miami Heat of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

News

What is the deal with Charlotte over the past 40 years and trading its star 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

Draft

What can we make of Christian Anderson's character fit with Charlotte based on his post-draft media availability comments?

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

Draft

All the speculation is over -- let's finally dive into how No. 14 fits with the Hornets roster, without guessing this time!

May 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view during the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery at Navy Pier. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Draft

This is the most anticipation for the Charlotte Hornets ahead of draft night in years. What could they do that would make a golden chance blow up in their face?

Apr 6, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) with fans after the National Championship of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Draft

With a few honorable mentions to boot, let's rank my top ten guys in this draft class who best fit with the Charlotte Hornets.

Feb 11, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets center PJ Hall (16) calls to look at the replace after a foul call during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Charlotte's two-way standout Hall has a story of resilience, family, and, most importantly, cookies.

Jan 12, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) celebrates with forward Miles Bridges (0) after the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Mitchell Leff-Imagn Images

I can't pull a stat to quantify Bridges' value on NBA.com, so I invented my own.

Mar 26, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) brings the ball up court against the New York Knicks during the second quarter at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

I once was lost, and now I'm found. Just in the basketball sense, of course.

Jeff Peterson Greeting Grant Williams

Another divisional foe in the way of making the playoffs is the last thing Charlotte needs right now.