The Charlotte Hornets have plenty of reason for excitement heading into the 2025-26 NBA season. If LaMelo Ball stays healthy, he could enter the NBA MVP conversation. Kon Knueppel -- the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft -- features high upside. However, Brandon Miller is a potential breakout star who is not receiving enough attention.
The 22-year-old finished third in NBA Rookie of the Year voting during his first season in the league in 2023-24. The second overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Miller had established himself as a future star. However, an injury limited Miller to only 27 games played during the 2024-25 campaign.
In those 27 contests, Miller averaged 21 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.1 steals per outing. He also shot 40.3 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from beyond the arc. Miller saw his three-point efficiency decline from 2022-23 (he shot 37.3 percent from deep in his rookie season), but he displayed more willingness to attempt three-point shots. After shooting 6.7 attempts from three-point land in his first year, Miller averaged 10.9 three-point shots per game in the 2024-25 season.
Miller's increase in looks from deep are encouraging for a number of reasons. It suggests that not only did he become more confident as a scorer in the NBA, but the Hornets clearly believe in his long-range shot. If Miller can increase his efficiency even by just a bit, he will take a big step forward.
Additionally, Brandon Miller increased his rebounds and assists per game. Miller has also displayed potential on the defensive end of the floor. He was seemingly on the verge of a breakout year this past season before the injury. If he can stay healthy in 2025-26, Miller may earn serious All-Star consideration. Miller's prowess as a scorer has been discussed, but he is becoming a reliable all-around player in the NBA.
The Hornets still have questions to address overall as a team. They are likely a fringe play-in squad at best right now. Charlotte's future is becoming much more optimistic, however. With players such as Ball, Miller and Knueppel on the roster, the Hornets may be able to compete sooner rather than later.
Miller will be a player worth closely watching throughout the upcoming 2025-26 campaign. If he plays up to his potential, the Hornets will have another star alongside LaMelo Ball in Charlotte.