Obviously, this summer, the Charlotte Hornets chose a very specific direction to go in. They traded LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves, completely shaking up their roster. Now, it's up to the rest of the Hornets' core players to prove that it was the right decision, and nobody is under more pressure in that regard than Brandon Miller.
At first, you might think Kon Knueppel is under the most pressure. He just had an amazing rookie season, and it feels like the Hornets chose him as the new face of the franchise. But Miller is right there alongside him. And he needs to be one of the offensive leaders for this Hornets team, all while dealing with the reality that his contract is up at the end of the season.
Miller and the Hornets still have yet to come to an agreement on a new contract extension, yet the Hornets are going to be asking him to be one of their best players next year. That’s pressure.
Hornets need Brandon Miller to be a star
Last year, the Hornets were one of the biggest surprises in the NBA. They went on an incredible second-half run, and even though they were unable to make the playoffs, they looked like a legitimate postseason team for most of the second half of the season.
Ball was a part of that. A big part of that. His offensive creation and playmaking were integral to this Hornets' success. But ultimately, Charlotte decided to sell high on the star point guard.
Now, they are left with a core of Miller, Knueppel, Naz Reid, Coby White, Moussa Diabate, and the rest of their depth pieces. Those are the guys they are going to be depending on to make the ball trade look smart.
Again, Miller is going to be at the head of that snake. He was the second overall pick just a few years ago, and there's a reason that the Hornets took him that high in the draft.
Miller is an impressive scorer with the ball in his hands, and it still feels like he has another level to unlock. If he can unlock that level, not only will he earn a major payday in Charlotte, but the Hornets will be looking good.
He is going to be playing under the pressure of a contract year all while needing to be the guiding light of the Hornets organization moving forward. Ball isn't there anymore. It's all on Miller and Knueppel.
But Knueppel is just going to be a sophomore. Miller will be entering his fourth NBA season. There are more expectations to be had. And perhaps a bigger leap to be made.
Charlotte needs Miller to blossom into a full-on star.
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