1 Big Thing: Ranking Drama for LaMelo & Brandon
LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller made waves in the latest ESPN and The Ringer Top 100 rankings—but not in the way Hornets fans hoped. LaMelo is ranked #50 by ESPN and #53 by The Ringer, which I argue is too low for a player with his skillset. Injuries may have hurt his standing, but I think the rankings still don’t do him justice.
Meanwhile, Brandon Miller’s rankings are all over the map—#58 on HoopsHype, but as low as #85 by The Ringer. David and I dissect these numbers and suggest that Miller’s potential is being overlooked, especially given his strong preseason flashes.
Where’s Miles Bridges?
A glaring absence in multiple Top 100 lists? Miles Bridges. ESPN, CBS, and The Ringer all left him out. He was a 21-7-3 player last season on decent efficiency at high volume. If he’s being left out due to his off-court issues, which included him pleading no contest to felony domestic violence charges, I think these lists should explain that. Otherwise they are making a moral judgment without actually taking a position on anything. If these are performance based lists than he deserves to be on them.
Final Preseason Tune-Up
The Hornets head into their final preseason game against the Indiana Pacers, and the vibes are cautiously optimistic. David and I discussed Charles Lee’s rotations and who should be getting those last crucial minutes. Key players like LaMelo and Brandon might rest, but fans should look out for Trey Mann and Josh Green, both of whom are proving to be valuable assets as the season nears.
I’m particularly keen on keeping the starters safe, yet I’m curious about how some of the newer players integrate. David agrees: “Let’s see these guys get some tape and prove they belong.”
Quick Takes
- LaMelo’s Health Focus: ESPN emphasized LaMelo’s injuries more than his skills, which I see as a missed opportunity to showcase his true value.
- Brandon Miller’s Edge: While Miller had a slow start in preseason, he’s already showing signs of becoming the second offensive star the Hornets desperately need.
- Starters or Safe? With the final preseason game looming, expect Charles Lee to tread carefully with LaMelo and Miller. I’m all in for seeing Tre Mann take a bigger role tonight.
Looking Ahead
With preseason wrapping up, the Hornets have their eyes set on starting strong. Can LaMelo and Brandon exceed their ranking expectations once the regular season kicks off? And will Miles Bridges prove himself again despite being left off the lists? Stay tuned as we track all the action on Locked On Hornets.
