This offseason, Brandon Miller should be prioritizing his recovery from the wrist injury that prematurely ended his 2024-25 season, as well as his growth during a critical juncture in his career. For the latter goal, he has apparently gotten some assistance from a Charlotte Hornets legend who knows all too well how to help transform the franchise into a contender. It's no other than Muggsy Bogues.
According to Langston Wertz Jr. of the Charlotte Observer, the retired point guard worked in Miller's hoops camp, where he shared that he sees "something special" in the rising star and that he is "all in" in providing guidance as the two-year pro acclimates himself to living in the city.
As for Miller, he considers Bogues a "big bro" and expressed gratitude for being his mentor and teaching him the ropes. Funnily enough, they also have an uncle-nephew dynamic not only because of their age difference, but because the 60-year-old NBA icon's wife has reportedly grown close to Miller's mother.
Bogues may not have been a star when he suited up in the NBA, but the wisdom he had gained while progressing from an underdog to a household name can serve Miller well.
Additionally, maybe he can give the youngster some pointers on creating opportunities for teammates and on defense, the two areas where he excelled the most during his prime years. Imagine Miller with playmaking chops and locking down opposing wings. That would certainly accelerate his ascent toward stardom.
Brandon Miller, a Hornets lifer?
Perhaps what might excite a lot of Hornets fans more about the mentorship duo is the possibility of it inspiring Miller to stay loyal to Buzz City for the entirety of his career. No star has ever shown such dedication to the franchise. And because LaMelo Ball will probably always be a flight risk, the 22-year-old might be the most likely candidate to be a Hornets lifer.
If Bogues had the chance and the benefit of hindsight, he probably would have played for the Hornets his entire career. Unfortunately, he got drafted in 1987 by the Washington Bullets, whom he played for during his rookie campaign before Charlotte selected him in the 1988 expansion draft.
The Wake Forest University product then helped transform the team into a serious contender, making three playoff appearances while wearing the purple and teal. He had a minor falling out with the organization, but he still made the city his home after his playing career was over.
With Bogues serving as a guiding voice, Miller's journey to becoming the franchise-changing star some folks in and around the organization envisioned he would develop into when he joined two years ago. He already carries a massive burden on his shoulders, but having a mentor should help ease the load.