Brandon Miller’s presence on the court for the Charlotte Hornets has been notably diminished this season, primarily due to a shoulder injury he sustained early in the year. The left shoulder subluxation has limited the third-year forward to just eight games, significantly impacting his performance and statistics. Currently, he is averaging a career-low 16.4 points per game, with shooting percentages of 36.7% from the field and a mere 28.6% from beyond the arc.
Fans have become familiar with Miller’s appearance, often spotting him on the court with a shoulder wrap, which he has acknowledged will remain a fixture throughout the season. “I feel good,” Miller stated, reinforcing his commitment to the wrap for the foreseeable future. “Just excited to be back.” He clarified that the wrap serves a protective purpose, ensuring that his arm doesn’t extend too far, ultimately contributing to his long-term health.
Despite his struggles, his presence has positively influenced the Hornets’ performance. According to statistics, the team is slightly better with Miller on the floor, outpacing their performance when he is absent by a margin of 1.4 points. This raises hopes that if he can regain his shooting form, the Hornets’ overall performance will improve even further.
Observations of Miller’s gameplay suggest that he has yet to return to his pre-injury form. While he has been considered one of the team’s most exciting young talents—arguably even more than star guard LaMelo Ball—persistent injuries have overshadowed his potential. Currently, he, along with fellow teammate Kon Knueppel, has been part of a disappointing start for the Hornets, leading to speculation about the team’s direction and whether to trade Ball in favor of focusing on Miller’s development.
As the season progresses, a close watch will be kept on Miller’s performance and the effect of his shoulder injury. Should his shooting numbers fail to recover, it may indicate that the injury is still affecting him significantly. The situation remains fluid, and fans, analysts, and the organization are eager to see what the rest of the season holds for both Miller and the Hornets.
