Brandon Miller appears to have broken out of his slump. After a four-game stretch where he shot just 29.6 percent from the field to average 14.5 points per contest, he put up 33.5 points per match on 60.5 percent shooting in the Charlotte Hornets' loss to the Brooklyn Nets and win over the Detroit Pistons.
His career night against the Pistons was a welcome sight for Hornets fans, as the team had a frustrating outing despite coming out with the dub. Its 14-point margin coming into the fourth quarter slowly evaporated, and the opponents were able to bring the game to overtime.
Fortunately, Miller was there to save the day. The sophomore scored eight during a 1:11 stretch in the extra period to bring his total to 38 and steer Charlotte to a 123-121 victory.
Miller should stay in the gym with an assistant coach and franchise icon
On the flip side, Miller's career night was marred by a season-high seven turnovers. The Pistons' defense made it difficult for the swingman to get to his spots. Fortunately, he caught fire from the perimeter, giving him the chance to serve as the Hornets' hero.
Hornets coach Charles Lee raved about the 22-year-old's ability to adjust to defenses during the preseason. But the supposed key part of his game has been a rare sight in most matches for Miller, and it's probably because he has yet to develop above-average ball-handling skills.
Of course, his handles have been decent enough for him to drive past defenders from time to time. However, as an aspiring star who plays the shooting guard and small forward positions, he needs to be better and more consistent in breaking down opponents off the dribble. Miller has to look no further than his idol, Paul George, whose silky smooth handles have drawn comparison to Kyrie Irving's.
It might take some time for Miller to acquire a deeper offensive bag. The good news is that Charlotte already has someone who can teach him in that department: Kemba Walker.
The Hornets icon joined the organization this past offseason shortly after he retired as a player. He currently serves as its player enhancement coach, which should give him plenty of opportunity to work with the squad's No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft.
As many remember, Walker had one of the sickest handles of his generation, utilizing his ball wizardry to put opponents in highlight reels on a nightly basis.
Perhaps a month or two in the gym with "Cardiac Kemba" could work wonders for Miller. Imagine if the youngster learns to put the ball on a string; he would likely establish his place among the league's elite faster than expected.