The Charlotte Hornets faced a formidable test on Thursday as a conclusion to their preseason. They matched up against the 2024 Eastern Conference finalist, the Indiana Pacers, who fielded their starting lineup.
Charlotte almost escaped with the win, but the Pacers' reserves rallied the home team in the fourth quarter to clinch the overtime victory and push down the Hornets' preseason record to 2-3.
Brandon Miller was the Hive squad's best player for the third consecutive game, putting up 20 points (6-10 shooting from the field and 5-7 from 3-point range) in just 19 minutes of action. He didn't play in the fourth and extra periods.
Brandon Miller put Myles Turner on a poster
Aside from another efficient scoring performance, the second-year swingman also delivered the most exciting play of possibly the entire NBA preseason.
The ball found him off a broken possession in the middle of the second quarter, and the obstacle in front of him and the ring was renowned rim protector Myles Turner. Miller could have gone for an acrobatic layup or passed the rock to a teammate. Instead, he posterized the two-time NBA blocks leader.
OHHHH MY@brandmillerr | 📹 @HornetsOnBally pic.twitter.com/WYQq6Fm3x5
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) October 18, 2024
A question that has surrounded the 2024 Rookie of the Year finalist this offseason is whether he can build off his strong finish to the 2023-24 campaign or experience a regression in his play. The answer seems to be the former, as Hornets coach Charles Lee has noted how Miller has been able to adjust to the opponents' defensive game plan.
The 21-year-old has also had to deal with doubters, with some media outlets disrespecting his status as one of the league's top players. If his performance against the Pacers and Charlotte's other foes this preseason is any indication, it looks like he is set to show further improvement in the 2024-25 season.
Should fans expect a Most Improved Player campaign from the Hornets star? Perhaps. However, a case against him is that he is already expected to take a leap as one of the 2023 draft class' best prospects. In addition, he has had a year of professional experience under his belt. So, the panel would likely vote against Miller unless he registers an exceptionally productive season.
Maybe a more realistic forecast for the Tennessee native is a selection to the All-Star Game. And based on what he has displayed in the preseason, which includes his impressive athleticism that allowed him to dunk over Turner, San Francisco (the host of the 2025 All-Star Weekend) would be lucky to watch Miller playing in the midseason exhibition.