The Charlotte Hornets have finally surrounded LaMelo Ball with a couple of stars who complement his game well. Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel have shown the tools that can help maximize Ball's shot-making and playmaking. On defense, Miller and Knueppel seem capable of masking their teammate's deficiencies.
To be fair to Ball, he has improved and has looked more engaged this season as a perimeter stopper. But his tendency to commit fouls when contesting shots or guarding ball-handlers could put him off the floor at critical points of the game.
If Miller and Knueppel can tap into their potential as defenders, the Hornets can hide Ball away from the toughest defensive assignment. The icing on the cake is that the trio meshes so well offensively.
Brandon Miller's two-way promise
Miller did not have a great start to the 2025-26 campaign. However, his efficiency and overall impact on the court have started to pick up of late. Charlotte's recent games have seen him light it up from downtown and even throw it down with authority during some possessions.
The third-year pro's deep offensive bag, which is highlighted by his outside shooting proficiency, athletic finishes, and secondary shot-creation, is perfect for Ball's underrated court vision and gravity.
What has captured the attention of some pundits regarding Miller's growth, though, is his defense. He can still sometimes get lost navigating through screens, but his stock (steal and blocks) generation has significantly improved.
The future star's defensive development was on full display in the Hornets' statement win versus the Oklahoma City Thunder. He registered two steals and two blocks and fared remarkably when he drew the assignment of guarding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Impressively, he used his length and displayed enough discipline to frustrate the reigning MVP.
It wouldn't be surprising if Miller continues to be given the responsibility among the starters of covering opponents' top perimeter threats.
Kon Knueppel's mastery of the fundamentals
But while Miller has utilized his physical attributes to be a disruptive force on defense, Knueppel has relied more on his wits and dedication to advancing his game to be a reliable team defender.
There is nothing flashy about the rookie's style of play, and he is the first to acknowledge his physical limitations. However, his impact on defense cannot be understated. He may not always be able to keep up with faster and shiftier opponents, but he usually knows how to position himself both as an on-ball and off-ball defender. Knueppel's next step in his growth on that end of the floor, as he told Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer, is learning to deflect more passes.
The former Duke University star's offensive prowess also isn't predicated on his athleticism, unlike Ball and Miller. Still, it has been amazing to see how he can create separation to shoot efficiently from the perimeter or attack the paint with his shoulders, fakes, sidesteps, stepbacks, and other fundamental movements.
In some ways, Knueppel is the antithesis of Ball and Miller. But it is actually perfect because his calculated approach on offense and defense complements their athletic abilities well.
It will be exciting to watch the Hornets' three-headed monster grow together, especially since we have already witnessed how promising their offense can be when all of them suit up. Moreover, the team is 9-4 when they play together; that winning percentage would place it in second place in the Eastern Conference if translated to 82 games.