NBA legend Tracy McGrady has singled out Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller as the player ready to lead the franchise's next chapter. McGrady's bold prediction comes as the Hornets prepare for their season opener, fresh off a 110-96 win over the New York Knicks on April 12, 2026. The team's recent form shows promise, with three wins in their last five games (WLLWW).
Speaking on the Cousins with Vince Carter podcast, the seven-time All-Star didn't hold back. McGrady said Miller "should be a guy that averages 25-26 points, taking that next step." He believes this season will reveal if the 23-year-old can become the cornerstone Charlotte needs. McGrady's opinion carries weight given his own history as an elite scorer. Miller averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists over 65 games last season, shooting 38.3% from three-point range.
Charlotte's front office cleared the path for Miller this offseason. They traded former star LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves and dealt Miles Bridges to the Phoenix Suns. That leaves Miller and second-year wing Kon Knueppel as the clear building blocks. Knueppel had a strong rookie year, putting up 18.5 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 42.5% from deep. The 6-foot-7 forward gives Charlotte a versatile pairing, but McGrady's comments point to Miller having the higher ceiling.
The 2026-27 cap hit is $15,104,626. Hornets general manager Jeff Peterson confirmed extension talks have already started. Insiders project a potential new contract could reach $191 million to $200 million over five years. If no deal is reached, Miller would become a restricted free agent in the summer of 2027. His on-court performance this year will directly impact those negotiations.
The team's recent results provide a mixed but encouraging picture. After beating the Knicks 110-96, they lost to the Detroit Pistons 118-100 on April 10. A 113-102 loss to the Boston Celtics came on April 8. But wins against the Minnesota Timberwolves (122-108 on April 5) and the Indiana Pacers (129-108 on April 3) highlight their potential. A 127-107 victory over the Phoenix Suns on April 2 is also part of their 3W-2L recent run.
The Charlotte Hornets begin their 2026-27 NBA regular season on the road against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. All eyes will be on Miller to see if he can live up to the lofty expectations set by one of the game's greats.
