Brandon Miller focusing on adding necessary weight this offseason
By Evan Sidery
Brandon Miller might arguably be the Charlotte Hornets’ most important piece for their future. After an impressive first season, which resulted in NBA All-Rookie First Team, the former No. 2 overall pick now will have his first full offseason in Charlotte’s player development program to continue improving.
Miller’s rookie campaign was nothing short of impressive, which saw serious growth post All-Star break. The former Alabama Crimson Tide wing averaged 17.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting 37.4 percent on three-pointers. Heading into Year 2, Miller could become a consistent 20-plus point per game scorer who also sees all-around growth as an on-ball defender and secondary playmaker alongside LaMelo Ball.
Adding weight onto Miller’s frame is one of his main goals this summer, as he told Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer this week.
“Weight room and eating,” Miller said. “I don’t have a diet. I don’t have no kind of diet. Eat everything. I think that’s the main thing: Gain weight, the correct proper weight, and be able to play the way that I want to play.”
Miller entered the Association weighing 205 pounds, but the ideal weight for a player his size is probably around 215-225 range. Paul George, Miller’s basketball idol, might be the best physical comparison as well at 220 pounds.
Miller actually told Boone he will be working out with George this summer, which is such a great long-term sign for the work ethic Charlotte’s 2023 No. 2 overall pick possesses.
“I think just being on the same court with him,” Miller said. “Working out together, I think that’s a blessing, just being there with your favorite player, working with him, getting better, competing with him. So, it’s all going to be fun a and a great summer.”
If Miller is able to add the necessary weight to absorb contact, there’s no denying his enormous untapped upside.