Despite struggling in the standings, the Charlotte Hornets should find solace in the fact that they have arguably the best young duo in the Eastern Conference.
If LaMelo Ball can maintain the trajectory he is on, he could emerge as one of the league's superstars. He even has the potential to be a candidate for the role of the face of the league, given his combination of skills and charisma.
The Hornets did well in finding him an equally formidable backcourt partner in Brandon Miller. The 2024 Rookie of the Year finalist appeared to hit the sophomore wall earlier this season. However, he has picked up the pace, scoring 29.8 points per game in the last four contests.
Curry heaps praise upon Ball and Miller
Ball and Miller have shown a deep bag on offense, and the scary thing for opponents is that they have yet to fully come into their own on that end of the floor.
Among their lethal weapons on offense is their 3-pointer. The pair have combined to sink 8.1 3-point field goals per game. In comparison, the Toronto Raptors' average makes from beyond the arc is 10.4 per contest.
One of the greatest shooters of all time, Seth Curry, has given his teammates the seal of approval, praising their shot-making abilities from long distance.
Curry's plaudit undoubtedly carries a lot of weight, as the veteran guard ranks eighth all-time in 3-point field goal percentage and second among active players behind Luke Kennard. You read that right. He is a more efficient marksman than a certain two-time MVP who plays for the Golden State Warriors.
Curry also commended the degree of difficulty of Ball and Miller's outside shots. Their repertoire of shots has consisted of off-the-dribble, off-the-catch, and contested jumpers.
Ball has even shown off a new move that has looked unstoppable: the one-legged 3-pointer. It has allowed the 2022 All-Star to exploit every inch of separation against his defenders. Unleashing the weapon has also been a major reason he paces all players in scoring and 3-points made in the fourth quarter.
How terrifying would it be for opponents if Miller were also equipped with his backcourt buddy's elite dribbling? The lack of handles seems to be one of the 22-year-old swingman's weaknesses. Even so, he has been a potent off-the-dribble long-distance sniper, displaying the ability to hit shots even with a hand in his face.
Some fans have expressed frustration about the 6-11 Hornets. Even so, there has still been plenty of optimism surrounding the Hive, and Ball and Miller are key reasons behind the high hopes.