After evading the Charlotte Hornets' latest injury report, Brandon Miller is expected to feature against the LA Clippers on November 15. Charles Lee will welcome the 23-year-old into the lineup with open arms, but the head coach should take Kon Knueppel's setback as a warning. The Hornets must consider their young stars' futures rather than immediate results.
Charlotte's medical staff has far superior knowledge of Miller's health than I do. However, given the inconsistent season the team is having, is there any need to rush any injured stars back into the fold?
Miller is a full-throttle forward who is always pushing the tempo. His explosive playing style makes him such a dangerous prospect. The Alabama alum is averaging 20.6 points and 5 rebounds per game, shooting just 35.6 percent from the floor. His relentless offensive attitude is admirable, but it highlights a slightly immature mentality that suggests he won't acknowledge the warning signs his body is sending.
Franchises employ medical professionals to ensure the athlete doesn't return to action before his body is ready. Nevertheless, Kon Knueppel is living proof that science can't always protect players. Knueppel and Miller are the future faces of Charlotte; risking their health during a transitional campaign is a questionable decision.
Knueppel's recurring injuries should serve as an essential lesson
Injuries are a part of the game. No matter how much science and technology advance, players will fall victim to health issues at some point in their careers. The gruelling NBA schedule is taking its toll on players, pushing their bodies to the limit. However, Adam Silver continues to reject load management as an acceptable reason for stars to miss games.
Unfortunately, increased contracts and financial obligations mean the league must ensure the product is captivating. This problem isn't going away. Franchises have an obligation to protect their assets regardless of the rules. If a star isn't firing on all cylinders, they shouldn't be on the floor. Knueppel was the victim of returning to action too quickly, and now the Hornets should embrace the lesson this setback has taught them.
Knueppel suffered a hamstring injury during Charlotte's offseason workouts in September. After missing eight games, the 21-year-old made his season debut against the Brooklyn Nets on November 5, recording just six minutes of playing time. The franchise announced Knueppel would miss at least four weeks because of this setback, and he remains on the injury report.
If the Hornets want to progress as a franchise, they need their talismans healthy. Knueppel was spectacular during his rookie year, averaging 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. He shot an outstanding 42.5 percent from deep, draining 243 three-pointers to set a new NBA single-season rookie record.
Talents of this calibre don't often land at a franchise, and Charlotte has two of them. Knueppel and Miller have limitless potential if they stay level-headed. The Hornets must manage the duo's injuries carefully. Miller can't afford to suffer the same setback as Knueppel. Not only is it hindering Charlotte's season, but it is also limiting the player's personal development.
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