The Charlotte Hornets face an early challenge in the 2023-24 NBA season as prized rookie Brandon Miller has been sidelined for at least one week due to a strained left glute. The injury occurred during the second half of the Hornets’ season-opening 110-105 victory over the Houston Rockets, causing Miller to miss the remainder of the game.
According to team sources, Miller underwent an evaluation on Friday, and the Hornets expect him to be out for a minimum of three games. The high-scoring guard’s absence deals a significant blow to a Charlotte squad already grappling with injury woes that have persisted over the past two seasons.
Injury Bug Bites Hornets Again
The Hornets’ playoff drought, now spanning eight years, has been exacerbated by a string of injuries to key players. Point guard LaMelo Ball, the team’s cornerstone, has appeared in just 58 of 164 games over the past two campaigns due to persistent ankle issues. Ball’s return in the opener against Houston, where he poured in 34 points, provided a glimmer of hope for the franchise.
However, Miller’s injury, coupled with the absence of starting center Mark Williams (strained left foot tendon), has dampened the early-season optimism. As the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 draft, Miller arrived in Charlotte with high expectations after averaging 17.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game during his collegiate career.
He brings a lot on both sides of the floor.
– Hornets head coach Charles Lee on Brandon Miller’s impact
Next Man Up Mentality
First-year head coach Charles Lee stressed the importance of a “total team effort” in filling the void left by Miller’s absence. The Hornets will need increased production from the likes of Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, and P.J. Washington to remain competitive in the early going.
The silver lining for Charlotte is the potential for other young talents to step up and seize the opportunity. James Bouknight, the 11th overall pick in the 2021 draft, could see an uptick in minutes, as could second-year forward Bryce McGowens. The Hornets’ depth and resilience will be put to the test as they navigate this early-season adversity.
Road to Recovery
For Miller, the focus now shifts to rehabilitation and a speedy recovery. Glute strains can be nagging injuries, and the Hornets’ medical staff will likely take a cautious approach to ensure the rookie is fully healed before returning to action.
In the meantime, Miller will need to stay engaged with the team, absorbing knowledge from the sidelines and sharpening his mental game. The rookie’s ability to bounce back from this early setback could play a significant role in shaping the trajectory of his inaugural NBA campaign.
Looking Ahead
As the Hornets continue their early-season gauntlet, the absence of Brandon Miller serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. With a young, talented core and a new head coach at the helm, Charlotte must weather the storm and remain focused on their long-term goals.
The coming weeks will test the Hornets’ mettle, but adversity often breeds opportunity. If Charlotte can rally around their fallen rookie and showcase their depth and resilience, they may emerge from this early trial a stronger, more united team, poised to make a push for that elusive postseason berth.
For now, all eyes will be on Brandon Miller’s recovery, as the Hornets eagerly await the return of their prized rookie and the promise of a brighter future in the Queen City.
