🏀 The Big Picture
Brandon Miller’s sophomore season hasn’t started the way Hornets fans—or I—had hoped. After showing so much promise as a rookie, his shooting percentages have plummeted to 35% from the field and 31% from three through nine games. Let’s not forget he missed time with an injury, which has likely thrown him off rhythm. I’m not hitting the panic button yet, particularly based on a return to aggressive, decisive play over the last two games.
🔥 LaMelo Ball is Balling
LaMelo Ball has been nothing short of electric. His scoring output this season might be setting the stage for the best offensive campaign in Charlotte Hornets history. Yes, the turnovers are frustrating, and the defense still has room for improvement, but the numbers don’t lie—this guy is a bona fide star. Right now, I’d rank LaMelo in the top tier of NBA point guards based on his production this season. He’s leading this team, and if we can get just a little more from the supporting cast, we might start seeing results in the win column.
📉 Brandon Miller’s Slump
I get it—fans are frustrated with Miller’s shooting slump and the apparent change in his shot diet. But let’s not forget, this is a young player adjusting to a new role under a new coach while coming off an injury. Yes, he’s taking more threes, and yes, he’s not getting to the mid-range spots as much as some would like, but that’s part of his development. What worries Walker more is his inability to consistently finish at the rim or create for others. Those are areas he must improve to reach the next level, but I still believe in his potential.
🧪 Developmental Focus
The Nick Smith Jr. situation is another hot topic. Sending him to the G-League makes sense to me. He hasn’t been able to crack the rotation, and he needs minutes to grow. Sure, it’s not a great sign that he hasn’t seized opportunities, but the G-League isn’t a punishment—it’s a chance to get better. That said, I do worry about whether this franchise has the tools to develop guards like Smith. We’ve seen similar struggles with players like Malik Monk in the past, and the pattern can’t be ignored.
🕹 Tonight’s NBA Cup Matchup
The Hornets face the Brooklyn Nets in their second NBA Cup game tonight. With Brooklyn missing key centers, the Hornets have a chance to dominate the boards. LaMelo Ball could continue his offensive tear, but the team needs Miller and the bench to step up. Cam Thomas, Brooklyn’s scoring dynamo, poses a significant challenge for the Hornets’ defense.
📈 Final Take
This season was always about growth, and while the early returns have been mixed, patience is key. LaMelo Ball is already a star, and the team is betting on Brandon Miller to join him. The NBA Cup offers a small stage for them to begin rewriting the narrative—and perhaps snag a much-needed win.
Stay tuned for the Hornets’ NBA Cup recap in tomorrow’s podcast!
