LaMelo Ball features superstar talent without question. The same can be said for Brandon Miller. Both players have dealt with injuries, but they could lead the Hornets in 2025-26 if they can stay healthy. However, David Thorpe believes Miller should lead in a different manner than Ball, via Yahoo! Sports.
"Brandon Miller needs to not follow LaMelo's footsteps and create his own path and play and defend with urgency," Thorpe said.
Earlier in the podcast, Thorpe made it clear that he's questioned Ball's desire to win. He's a fan of Ball's talent, stating that he has seen "Jason Kidd, Ben Simmons kind of gifts." In other words, Thorpe believes that Ball could be a very good player if he leans into a desire to win.
"I am absolutely in love with Brandon Miller," Thorpe later added.
Thorpe thinks Miller could become a star, but doesn't want him to follow in Ball's footsteps. He'd like Miller to create his own path.
Of course, the Hornets will find themselves in an especially favorable position if both Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball stay healthy and play well during the 2025-26 season. Miller, 22, displayed signs of becoming a star in his rookie season, ultimately finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting. He was a breakout candidate during his second NBA campaign -- the 2024-25 season -- but was limited to 27 games played due to injuries.
Miller is once again regarded as a breakout candidate. As long as he stays healthy, there is legitimate reason to believe in Miller. The second overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Miller features the ceiling of a star in the NBA.
It's easy to forget that LaMelo is still only 24 years old. He is already a veteran, having played five years in the NBA heading into 2025-26. The 2020-21 Rookie of the Year and 2021-22 All-Star has been limited by injuries in recent seasons. Some may question his desire like Thorpe did, but the fact of the matter is that Ball has found individual success while on the floor.
If he can stay healthy, the question will become whether or not Ball can be a winning player in the NBA. The Hornets hope to find out sooner rather than later. They would probably love to build around Ball and Miller -- but they may need to go in a different direction if Ball is unable to lead the team.