Brandon Miller. Image via: Rich Storry/Getty Images
Brandon Miller is walking into a defining year, and Tracy McGrady thinks he already has the tools to become Charlotte’s next star. The seven-time All-Star weighed in on Miller’s trajectory as the Hornets forward prepares for his fourth NBA season, and the praise carries real weight given McGrady’s own history as a franchise scorer.
The 23-year-old wing is taking on a much bigger role now that Ball has moved on, and McGrady expects it to show up in the numbers. He said Miller “should be a guy that averages 25-26 points, taking that next step. Last season, Miller played 65 games and averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists a game, shooting 43.5 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from three. Knueppel is coming off a strong rookie year of his own, averaging 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 47.5 percent overall and 42.5 percent from three. The 6-foot-7 forward and Knueppel give Charlotte a modern, versatile pairing to build around, but McGrady’s comments suggest Miller is the one with the higher ceiling. The Charlotte Hornets will begin their 2026-27 NBA regular-season campaign on the road against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
Speaking on Cousins with Vince Carter, McGrady pointed to Miller as the player who can carry the Hornets into their next chapter. It’s a bold number to hang on a young player, but McGrady clearly sees enough in Miller’s game to back it up. He added that this season should reveal whether Miller becomes the franchise cornerstone Charlotte needs him to be. Charlotte went through a serious shake-up this offseason. Ball was sent to the Timberwolves and Bridges was dealt to the Suns, leaving Miller and second-year wing Kon Knueppel as the clear building blocks going forward. How Charlotte performs this season will say a lot about whether that faith was earned.