By: Emma Ann Lay
The Charlotte Hornets drafted the 6’9” Forward Brandon Miller from the University of Alabama with high hopes of success with the 2nd pick in last month’s NBA draft. Miller’s performance has gotten off to a rocky start with shallow scoring success and little defensive discipline, but things seem to be slowly improving.
Miller had a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds against the Spurs on Friday but was unsuccessful on the floor going 5-15 overall, 3-10 from the 3-point line, and still ended the game with six personal fouls.
On Sunday Miller’s ill-fated Summer continued against the Lakers scoring only 10 points and seven rebounds combined with going 4-17 on the floor and 0-7 from behind the arc, but at least he only had four fouls.
While Miller continues to struggle, the young rookie for the Portland Trailblazers, Scoot Henderson, continues to succeed through the Summer despite dealing with shoulder inflammation. Henderson was the often debated second option for the Hornets’ pick, and he has had a much smoother start to the Summer with 15 points, six assists, and five rebounds in 21 minutes against the Houston Rockets on Friday.
It is concerning that Miller is struggling to live up to his performance expectations when there is a lot of pressure for the Hornets’ success this upcoming season.
However, it seems too early to make a decision, and Miller needs more time with his new teammates.
