NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
Can we finally say it out loud? Brandon Miller of the Charlotte Hornets is an NBA player. Yes, he’s in the league but he’s the real deal. In his second season, Miller has become what he wasn’t even while in college.
He dominated while at Alabama but his game has grown from Season 1 to now. On the year, Miller is averaging 21.2 points, 3.6 assists, and 4.9 records while hitting .403 percent from the floor. His shooting could use some fine-tuning but playing for a team where most nights he’s the No.1 and only option, he’s doing pretty damn well.
Paired with LaMelo Ball, the Hornets have at least 2 pieces for their rebuild. Now they just have to figure the rest out. In his rookie season, Miller was the forgotten man in a draft class that featured Victor Wembeyana. And still, Miller ended his rookie season with averages of 17.3 points, 2.4 assists, and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 44 percent from the floor.
He has made strides. His assists are up as well as his rebounding. He’s taken on more of a leadership role as well. He shoots more 3s which in turn forces the defense to step out and he has shown the ability to get to the rim. Miller is becoming a complete player but he plays for a team that’s often ignored on the national level.
The Charlotte Hornets will probably finish this season short of the playoffs once again. Miller’s name should cause a stir but the losing, that has to change for him to get the recognition he deserves. Having Ball for an entire season should help his case and his growth as a player. The two paired together are a force. Definitely must see TV if the Hornets can ever get any nationally televised games.
Early on, with Ball out, it was Brandon Miller vs everyone. However, the dynamics of the Charlotte Hornets have changed with Ball on the floor and the production of Miles Bridges. Miller has 4-30 point games this season to go along with another 5 games where he scores 25. The scoring is there.
In sports, it all comes down to winning. The Hornets have yet to capture fan’s excitement the same way the San Antonio Spurs with Wemby have despite their record. Miller will be an All-Star player within the next season or two, he’s just that good. Coming out of college with all the negative press surrounding him, the young wing player has more than lived up to his billing.
