Charlotte Hornet’s rookie Brandon Miller is taking the league by storm. Giving the Buzz City new life, as Miller was announced as a participant in the 2024 NBA Panini Rising Stars challenge. Competing for NBA legend Pau Gasol and Team Pau. Despite their years of struggle, Charlotte Hornets fans have to be thrilled with the emergence of the young forward. Miller, a top prospect in the 2023 NBA draft, made a name for himself at the University of Alabama. Leading the Crimson Tide to their first ever one seed in NCAA March Madness history. Miller burst onto the scene. Climbing the draft charts game by game. Until eventually he was selected with the second overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft.
Despite his collegiate success, many outside of the organization saw the pick as a reach. Claiming passing on Scoot Henderson would haunt them for years to come. Through 46 games this season, Brandon Miller is averaging 16.5 PPG, 4.0 REB, 2.3 AST. While also shooting 38.4% from deep.
However, his recent stretch of games has shown the basketball world his untapped potential. Averaging 25 PPG in his last 8 games. Scoring 20 or more points in six. Miller is currently ranked 2nd in points per game among all rookies drafted in 2023. Only trailing number one pick Victor Wembanyama. Something no one should be ashamed of.
Coming into the draft many questioned Charlotte and their decision; however, now Miller is looked at as one of the league’s top rising stars. Being selected by Lakers legend Pau Gasol, and playing alongside first overall pick Victor Wembanyama, to compete in the 2023-2024 NBA Panini Rising Stars. An event to recognize the league’s top rookies and sophomores at NBA All Star weekend. Charlotte has to be thrilled with their selection. Selecting a future star in the league. Since being selected with the second pick, Miller has been putting the league on notice, and giving Hornets fans something to be happy about.
Hardwork and Perseverance
Coming out of Cane Ridge High School in Antioch, TN, Brandon Miller was one of the top prospects in the area. Being a consensus five-star recruit on both ESPN and 247 Sports websites. While also being the top ranked player in the state of Tennessee. Although being named the “Best player in Cane Ridge history,” by Tom Kreager of The Tennessean, Miller left Cane Ridge with zero state championships. This did not stop the Alabama commit, as he carried this chip with him to collegiate level. Instantly becoming a freshman sensation, and taking the Crimson Tide to national prominence.
Miller’s ascension to stardom at Alabama was a shock to many, but to 247 Sports’ Director of Basketball Scouting Jerry Meyer, it was a matter of time. Comparing Miller to Paul Pierce, and projecting him to be a first round talent. Meyer states in Miller’s scouting report, “Great length as a combo forward at a long 6-8. Is thin now but has the frame to add body mass.”
Weight being one of the early criticisms coming into the draft. Meyer goes on to add, “Has tremendous body control and can stop on a dime for his shot and also make improvising moves to finish. Has a great shooting touch. In process of developing a more consistent deep range shot. Quite adept at finding the midrange shot.” Coming out of college, many questioned Miller’s shot creation ability; however, shooting was never a question about his game coming out of college.
Being one of the elite shotmakers in the 22-23 NCAAM season. Miller’s recent stretch should be no surprise, as he is an evident hard worker. Turning one of his weaknesses in three point shooting, to one of his best attributes in just a couple years. Even showing the league his smooth handle and ability to create shots of his own. Kreager of The Tennessean also states, “He amazed crowds over his high school years with his slam dunks. Then he later developed a 3-point shot that took him to an even larger level.”
Miller was just a senior at Cane Ridge two years ago. Now he is dropping 30 points at the highest level of basketball. If Miller developed his shooting this much in two seasons, the sky’s the limit for the young star and the Charlotte Hornets
Brandon Miller’s Months of Improvement
Since the start of the season in October, Miller’s production has steadily increased, and with the recent trades of Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, and PJ Washington we can only expect this number to grow. As he is now forced to play a bigger role on offense. In October(3 games), Miller averaged 17.3 Points. November saw his numbers drop to 13.7 PPG; however, this is due to a bigger sample size. December Miller began getting comfortable. Scoring 10 or more points in every game but one in the month, and three games of 20 or more points. Rounding out to 15.5 PPG.
January Miller showed doubters that he will be a top player in this league for years to come. Scoring 20 or more points six out of his last eight games. Something Miller has done six times total in all other months combined. In the month of January, Miller’s average rose to 15.6 PPG. Despite the slight increase in average between December and January, Miller has been noticeably more confident, as in the month of February (6 games), Miller is averaging 25 PPG. Scoring 28 or more in three out of six contests.
Miller is on a scoring tear. Playing with a game similar to his idol Paul George. While only 20 years old, and two years removed from high school, Miller seems very comfortable at the NBA level. Something that will only grow with experience. With Miller’s history of hard work, it is only a matter of time before he is one of the league’s premiere stars.
Future of Charlotte Hornets Basketball
Now at the halfway mark of the season, Miller has been named to the 2024 Rising Stars Challenge. Playing for Laker legend and Hall of Famer Pau Gasol. To compete against other rising stars in today’s game. One name being former first overall pick in the 2022 NBA and youngest current All-star Paolo Banchero. The games will begin Friday, February 16 at 9 p.m. est. The challenge will showcase the league’s top rookies and sophomores. Miller still has a lot of room left to grow; however, his tall frame and elite shotmaking will make him a force to be reckoned with in the future.
Oddly enough being similar in play style to his idol Paul George. Miller will have more responsibility now with the recent absences of PJ Washington, Gordon Hayward, and Terry Rozier. These moves make it evident that Charlotte’s front office sees a lot of potential in the young duo of Miller and Lamelo Ball. Charlotte hasn’t made the playoffs since the 2016 NBA season; however, that should change in the recent future. With the ascension of Brandon Miller, and the star power of Lamelo Ball, Charlotte has found their duo of the future.
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