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Charlotte Hornets’ most exciting player is finally healthy and ready to dominate again

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Sep 30, 2025 5:37 PM ET

The Charlotte Hornets have had a strong young core, but one young star has struggled with injuries that he has just now recovered from.

The Charlotte Hornets have failed to make the kind of impact they were trying to make heading into the 2020s.

After they landed LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller between 2020 and 2023, the Hornets felt they had a proper core to build around. But both stars had major issues with consistency after their respective rookie seasons.

This year, the Hornets landed Kon Knueppel in the NBA Draft. And immediately, Knueppel impressed NBA fans with his Summer League outing.

For the first time in a long time, there is genuine excitement for what the Charlotte Hornets might do next season. And it’s one star in particular who has fans anticipating his every move.

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Brandon Miller will be healthy and ready to go next season

Brandon Miller had an impressive rookie season, averaging 17.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists across 74 games. Unfortunately, it was overshadowed by Victor Wembanyama’s sensational rookie year.

And while his numbers improved last season, as he averaged 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, it was a season marred by injuries.

Miller played only 27 games last season, missing several games due to multiple injuries. After getting surgery in January, Miller’s season was over.

Since then, he’s been hard at work to recover. And with over half a year to recover, he will be raring to go and prove his value to the team next season.

And now that he has another strong two-way wing in Kon Knueppel alongside him, he can truly flourish with the excellent distribution that LaMelo Ball can provide.

Charlotte Hornets can make a serious playoff push next

Brandon Miller’s resurgence is one of the many reasons for Charlotte Hornets fans to be optimistic about the upcoming season.

LaMelo Ball is going to be healthy and ready to remind everyone why he was considered one of the best players from his draft class.

Hornets coach Charles Lee has the exciting responsibility of figuring out their new rotation in the weeks ahead of the NBA season.

And given the roster the Hornets have put together this offseason, he shouldn’t have any trouble putting together a team that can compete for a playoff spot in the East.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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