Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller has high expectations for the team entering the 2024-25 season.
“I think we’re going to be a playoff team,” Miller told HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
The Hornets are coming off a 21-61 season, as star point guard LaMelo Ball appeared in just 22 games due to ankle issues. One of the few bright spots for Charlotte was Miller, who wrapped up a promising rookie campaign after he was selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft.
The 21-year-old averaged 17.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 44.0 percent from the field and 37.3 percent from behind the arc. He won three Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month awards and finished No. 3 in Rookie of the Year voting.
The Hornets will be entering next season with former Boston Celtics assistant Charles Lee patrolling the sidelines after Steve Clifford stepped down as head coach following the team’s disappointing 2023-24 season.
Charlotte hasn’t made any blockbuster moves during the offseason, although the team re-signed forward Miles Bridges and acquired guard Josh Green as part of a six-team trade on July 6.
Although the Hornets aren’t a lock to make the playoffs by any means, the duo of Ball and Miller could help them earn a postseason berth through the play-in tournament. Charlotte has made the tournament twice, although the team wasn’t able to secure one of the two available playoff spots either time.
If Ball can stay healthy and Miller builds upon his rookie season, the Hornets could attempt to challenge for a postseason spot once again.
