Brandon Miller made his return to the NBA on December 27, logging valuable minutes for the Charlotte Hornets, yet his performance contributed to yet another disappointing loss. Despite his efforts, the Hornets fell 113-110 against the Washington Wizards, who currently hold the worst record in the league.
During the game, Miller scored 18 points but struggled significantly from the field, shooting 6 for 21 overall and only 4 out of 12 from beyond the arc. He also recorded nine assists, three rebounds, and one steal over 36 minutes of play. This outing marked Miller's return after missing three games due to a left ankle sprain.
His performance had some upsides, particularly his season-high assist total, reflecting his capacity to contribute playmaking skills to the team. "Miller was not under a minute restriction and delivered some useful counting stats highlighted by a season-high assist total, but the poor shooting performance limited the value of his overall line," noted Ari Koslow, Hornets Correspondent.
For the Hornets, the loss against the Wizards continues their troubling trend this season. This month alone, the Hornets have managed to grab just one win, raising significant concerns about the team's direction. Just as troubling is the fact they’ve lost twice to the Wizards, the team with only five wins this season. This situation leads fans and analysts alike to wonder: should the Hornets blow up their roster?
With Charlotte's latest record of 23 losses and seemingly no growth, the conversation around team restructuring has surfaced. First-year head coach Charles Lee has dealt with injury issues throughout the early part of the season, yet even with healthier rosters, the team's results have been dismal. Commentators point out the difficulty the Hornets have had against even the league’s weakest opponents. "The Hornets just seem incapable of beating anyone. It might be time to make hard decisions," Koslow remarked.
Fans are now weighing who the untouchables might be if the Hornets do decide to pursue trades. Rumors consistently circulate around LaMelo Ball and his long-term future with the team. While some advocate for trading Ball, claiming his individual stats do not lead to team victories, it appears ill-advised. Ball remains the most talented player on the roster and, should he leave, it’s uncertain whether the Hornets could find someone of his caliber.
Only time will tell how Charlotte handles these decisions, but amid the chaos, Brandon Miller seems poised to take on more responsibility. The 20-year-old forward has shown promise, and with teammates like LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams, the Hornets might have the building blocks to create something special. Having talent around him like Williams and Ball could provide Miller with the support needed to thrive.
Regardless, Miller’s inefficient night serves as both a reminder and a hope for fans. He needs time to grow, and instead of finding himself as the fall guy for the Hornets’ struggles, he could very well become central to the team's renaissance.
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen if the Hornets will respond to this disastrous season with sweeping changes or whether they will keep their young core intact, hoping to capitalize on Miller's potential and their other young stars. With every game, including those where they face teams at their lowest, the pressure grows stronger. It might soon be time for the Hornets to commit to their future and make tough choices about their current roster.
