A slight starting lineup switch could make a big difference for the Charlotte Hornets during the 2025-26 NBA season. When healthy, LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller have previously led the Hornets' backcourt. With Kon Knueppel -- the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft -- now on the roster, that could change. If Knueppel starts, he could take over the shooting guard position while Miller moves to small forward.
In today's fairly positionless world of NBA basketball, though, does it really matter? Will this slight lineup adjustment make a difference?
As one of only two guards in the lineup, Miller would have to focus on helping Ball set up the offense at times. One could argue that his scoring potential was limited in comparison to this new role. Now with Ball and Knueppel set to handle the guard positions, Miller can place all of his focus on playing off the ball and receiving good looks for scoring opportunities.
Will there be times when Miller takes the ball up the floor and sets things up? Sure, but it won't be as often. Ball and Knueppel should be able to take care of that job for the most part.
Miller features tremendous potential as a scorer in the NBA. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Miller has averaged 18.3 points per game through his first two seasons in the league. After appearing in 78 games as a rookie, Miller was limited to 27 games in 2024-25 due to injuries. He displayed star prowess last season, though, averaging 21 points per outing.
Staying healthy will be the first priority. If he can accomplish that feat, then there is a reason to believe that Miller can be even more impactful as a scorer with Knueppel at shooting guard and Ball running the point.
The Hornets' offense struggled throughout the 2024-25 campaign. They were better when Ball was in the lineup, but he also missed time for injury reasons. Charlotte's offense should have an excellent opportunity to take a big step in the right direction during the upcoming season. Sure, they probably won't be a top offense in 2025-26, but they could finish toward the middle of the league in that regard.
Although a small move, Knueppel potentially playing the two and Miller moving to the three could prove to make a huge difference sooner rather than later.