Brandon Miller, the second pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has quickly turned heads with his play for the Charlotte Hornets this season. In just his second year, the 22-year-old forward has become a crucial player for the team, averaging 21 points, 3.6 assists, and 4.9 rebounds through 27 games. Injuries and inconsistent play have hit the Hornets hard, making Miller’s contributions important. With 21 points a game, he’s the team’s second-leading scorer, right behind LaMelo Ball. Miller’s also been draining 3.9 three-pointers per game, making him one of the best shooters in the league.
Injuries have slowed Miller down this season, preventing him from having a much better season. He missed six games earlier because of an ankle injury, and that wasn’t his only setback. In late October, a hip injury kept him out for a few games, and in December, another ankle injury caused him to miss even more time. These injuries have put a damper on what could’ve been a breakout season, but despite it all, Miller has shown he’s got a ton of upside.
When Miller has been out, it’s been felt on the court. In the 10 games he missed earlier in the season, the Hornets struggled, finishing with a 2-8 record. Without him, players like LaMelo Ball and Cody Martin have stepped up, but there’s no question that Miller’s scoring and playmaking are not easy to replace. His strong start to the season helped keep the Hornets stay afloat in the Eastern Conference.
Brandon Miller Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery
The Hornets confirmed on Thursday that Miller underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right wrist. Dr. Michelle Carlson performed the surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. This injury happened during the Hornets’ win over the Utah Jazz, where Miller had a strong showing with 21 points and 4 rebounds. It’s just the latest setback in a season full of them for Miller, who’d already missed six games earlier with an ankle injury.
OFFICIAL: Brandon Miller underwent surgery to repair a torn scapholunate ligament in his right wrist.
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) January 23, 2025
Read the release: https://t.co/VlccDhHM1D pic.twitter.com/LGpGpPwUkO
Before the injury, Miller had been one of Charlotte’s most reliable players, shooting 40.3% from the field, 35.5% from three, and 86.1% from the free-throw line. He was also hitting 3.9 threes per game, ranking him fifth in the league. With him now out for the rest of the season, the Hornets face difficult times ahead, especially with their 11-29 record and the injury issues LaMelo Ball had earlier in the season.
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The Hornets now turn to LaMelo Ball, Cody Martin, and Josh Okogie to fill the gap left by Miller’s absence. It’s an unfortunate setback for Brandon Miller, who was turning heads in his rookie season. He secured a spot on the All-Rookie First Team, won three Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month awards, and earned a place in the Rising Stars event during All-Star Weekend. While there’s no clear timeline for his return, the hope is that he’ll be back and ready to roll for the 2025-26 season.
