With the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets selected Alabama forward, Brandon Miller. Miller was one of the most productive players in the NCAA last season, helping cement his status as one of the top prospects in this year’s draft class.
The Hornets are hoping that he can be a long-term building block for the franchise alongside All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball and forwards P.J. Washington and Miles Bridges. In his first six games as a professional, there have certainly been glimpses of his immense talent.
Miller is averaging 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 31.3 minutes per game to start his career. He has come off the bench in five out of his first six games as Charlotte has veterans Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier ahead of him on the depth chart and Washington as a starter.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets Updates
Eventually, that starting small forward spot should be Miller’s. The fastest way for him to earn that spot is to find different ways to make an impact on the game outside of scoring the ball. Given some of the other players on the roster, Miller is unlikely to be a go-to option offensively in the early going.
That is perfectly fine with him, as he is laser-focused on the defensive side of the ball right now. As he told Grant Afseth of Dallas Basketball and NBA Analysis Network, Miller has set a major goal to start his NBA career.
“Defensively, I want to take on the tough assignments, be at the right spots at the right time, really fly around and make plays for my team like I did last night against Indiana,” Miller said. “That’s what I’m focused on right now — making an impact on defense.”
We have seen a similar impact by fellow rookie Ausar Thompson on the Detroit Pistons. While his offensive game is still coming along and developing, Thompson has made a profound impact defensively. That is what helped get him into the starting lineup over 2022 lottery pick Jaden Ivey and will help Miller in Charlotte.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets Updates
In fact, the defensive side of the ball is all the Alabama product is worried about. He added when speaking to Afseth, “No goals [offensively] right now. I’m just focused on helping my team defensively right now.”
Miller sounds more like a seasoned veteran than a neophyte. That kind of mindset will help not only take his game to new heights but elevate the ceiling of the Hornets as well. Defense has been an issue for the franchise in recent seasons and Miller is looking to turn that around instantly.
Standing 6’9”, Miller has the tools to become a dominant, multi-positional defender in the NBA. Reaching that status will lead to him continuing to receive big minutes this season. Once the offense comes around, his status as a starter will be cemented.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
