Man was I wrong about Charlotte Hornets Rookie Wing Brandon Miller.
The 6’9″ forward has so far exceeded all expectations this season. Through the first 18 games of his career, Miller is averaging 14.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. Miller has also worked himself into the starting lineup early in this season.
Back during the 2023 NBA Draft I wanted Scoot Henderson, the undersized 6’2″ guard from the NBA G League Ignite team that went a pick behind Miller at #3 to Portland.
Henderson so far this season? He’s missed 9 games total so far to a sprained ankle. Currently for the season Scoot is averaging 9.2 ppg and is shooting 33% from the field and a bad 18% from three.
Miller meanwhile is shooting 44.5% from the field and 40% from three.
The Hornets may have gotten this right for a change.
The future is bright for the Hornets. Miller is 20 years old. PG Lamelo Ball signed a 5 year 260 million extension in the offseason. Ball is 22. Center Mark Williams is in Year Two after being selected in the 1st round of the 2022 NBA Draft. Williams is 22. If they decide to keep Miles Bridges, Bridges is the elder statesman at 25.
That’s your core. That’s what you build around going forward. Pieces like Terry Rozier, Gordan Hayward can be used to flip into a deeper bench, and vets in the locker room that have winning experience.
The Hornets are currently 7-13, playing much of the past two weeks without Ball, out with a sprained ankle. But Miller has stepped up into an even bigger role in the rotation. And is playing older than his age.
After the Hornets defeated the Raptors on Friday night, Miller turned in a fantastic performance on the offense and defensive ends. Miller went for 20 points (7/15 FG, 4/7 3FG), five rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.
Teammate Miles Bridges said of Miller after the game, “B-Mill, he did a great job. He doesn’t play like his age. He was playing good for us defense and offense.”
Hornets Head Coach Steve Clifford added, “He (Miller) just plays, man. He doesn’t get frazzled. He doesn’t worry about mistakes. He’s focused on the next play. He has what you don’t teach. That’s his make up. He’s into every dribble at each end of the floor and he has incredible composure.”
Lets hope the Hornets can use Miller as a building block. And again, I’m sorry Brandon. I was wrong. Hornets have nailed that pick. Now the Hornets just need to stay healthy.
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