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Charlotte Hornets: What is Brandon Miller’s Role in 2023-2024?

By Austin Owens

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 15: Brandon Miller #24 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during the first half of his game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Spectrum Center on October 15, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 15: Brandon Miller #24 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during the first half of his game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Spectrum Center on October 15, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images) /
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The Charlotte Hornets are coming off a season where they finished with a 27-55 record. Charlotte was allotted the 2nd overall pick of the 2023 NBA draft and selected Brandon Miller out of the University of Alabama.

Miller is a 6’9 guard/forward who brings a lot to the table. With his ability to shoot from the perimeter, explosive aggression to get to the rim, and the capability of guarding multiple positions, Brandon Miller could be the X-factor for the Charlotte Hornets in 2023.

Lamelo Ball missed more than half of the 2022 season due to injury, but he is back and ready to shine. Miles Bridges is returning to the roster after some off-the-court issues sidelined him last season. Brandon Miller being paired with players of Ball and Bridges’ caliber could make the Charlotte Hornets one of the most exciting offenses in the NBA.

Charlotte has several options on the offensive end of the floor that can put the ball in the basket. Between Lamelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Gordon Hayward, and Terry Rozier, putting points on the board may not be an issue. Brandon Miller should be prepared to complement these players by hitting open shots on a kickout or be the number one scoring option on the second unit.

Hornets fans should also be prepared for a letdown. Unfortunately, the organization has not had the best luck with lottery draft picks during its existence. Brandon Miller would most likely start for other franchises who finished at the bottom part of the league a season ago, but for the Hornets, it could be a different story.

The most likely starting unit for Steve Clifford will be Lamelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, Miles Bridges/Nick Richards, and P.J. Washington. Brandon Miller should be one of the first players off the bench if this is the case. However, Steve Clifford could have other ideas.

Clifford is notorious for limiting the playing time of rookies, regardless of what draft pick they were the previous year. If you do not believe me, go look at Malik Monk’s first year in the NBA. If given the chance, Brandon Miller could propel the Hornets to a much more successful season. It will ultimately come down to if Steve Clifford provides him with that opportunity.

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