Brandon Miller has set realistic expectations for the Charlotte Hornets as they enter the 2026-27 season without LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. The Hornets are building around Miller and Kon Knueppel after a decade without playoff appearances, last seeing postseason action when Kemba Walker led the team.
What did Brandon Miller say about the Hornets' future?
Miller told The Charlotte Observer that the team won’t be great right away but will pride itself on hard work and consistency. He emphasized playing at 110% every night over individual scoring, noting that both he and Knueppel need more reps to grow into leadership roles. The young duo still has to prove themselves before the Hornets can rely on them as primary options.
Why did Charlotte Hornets trade LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges?
The front office has not fully explained the moves, but Miller acknowledged it will be tough not having Ball around. Trading away two former All-Stars signals a full rebuild, with the Hornets intent on developing their young core. However, past promises around Ball and Bridges did not yield playoff success, so the organization must show it can make smart roster decisions this time.
What comes next for the Charlotte Hornets?
With recent form showing a 2W-0D-3L record in their last five games and a two-game winning streak, the Hornets showed fight in their last result: a 110-96 win over the New York Knicks on April 12, 2026. That performance hints at the effort Miller described, but sustaining it will require more than just energy. The team must continue developing talent, improving shot selection, and executing better in half-court sets if they hope to climb the standings.
As the Hornets prepare for the 2026-27 season, they will need to balance patience with progress. Fans can follow the team’s journey through our schedule and track player development on the stats page. Until the young core takes another step forward, the Hornets will remain a work in progress in the Eastern Conference.