Swarm and Sting
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3 ways Hornets’ rookie Brandon Miller is already exceeeding expectations

By James Mastrucci

Oct 27, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) during pre-game warm ups against the Detroit Pistons at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 27, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) during pre-game warm ups against the Detroit Pistons at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /
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The moment the Charlotte Hornets decided to select Alabama small forward Brandon Miller with the second-overall pick, there was a feeling of doom and gloom surrounding their choice. Experts and fans alike expected the Hornets to make what was considered to be a slam-dunk pick in Scoot Henderson. Now that the dust has settled and games are underway, Miller has managed to perform quite well. So well, in fact, that Charlotte may not have made a mistake after all with Miller’s early returns.

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 27: Brandon Miller #24 of the Charlotte Hornets dunks the ball during the second half of a game against the Detroit Pistons at Spectrum Center on October 27, 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 David Jensen/Getty Images) /

Scoring

Brandon Miller is currently scoring the third-most points per game among rookies. Only Victor Wembanyama (16.3) and Chet Holmgren (15.8) have averaged more points per game than Miller (15.5) through the first handful of games. There is only one other rookie averaging double-digits this season, Ausar Thompson’s 10 points per game for the Detroit Pistons.

Miller’s 46.8% from the field is second among the top four rookie scorers, only behind Holmgren’s 59.6%. Charlotte’s rookie holds a slight edge on Wembanyama (46%) and a comfortable margin over Thompson (39.2%).

This is a very small sample size, of course, but this is an encouraging start for Miller.

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