The Charlotte Hornets are not just surviving the preseason; they are finding a new identity around Brandon Miller. While the team sits at 1-2 after losses to Brooklyn and Boston, the performance of their fourth-year forward suggests a much brighter future than the record shows. Miller looked like the best player on the floor during the win over Milwaukee, displaying a level of confidence that was missing in previous years. This isn’t just a fluke; it is a sign of a player who has fully recovered and is ready to carry the load.
Miller Shows No Signs of Past Injuries
Recovering from shoulder surgery often leaves players hesitant, but Miller showed none of that hesitation in his preseason debut. According to Sports Illustrated, he was “easily the best player on the floor” and moved with a springy energy that surprised observers. He read the game well against drop coverage and used his body to create space for his shots. The coach’s system relies on players who can make quick decisions, and Miller proved he can do exactly that without forcing bad plays. His defensive activity in the gaps also showed a competitive joy that lifts the whole team.
Yes, he still has some work to do on finishing at the rim and cutting down on turnovers. The heart of his game remains secured, and he commands the attack as its central figure with total mastery. This kind of two-way dominance is exactly what a young team needs to start turning heads.
A Young Grizzlies Team Brings Rusty Defense
The Hornets face a Memphis Grizzlies squad that is also in a major transition phase, having traded away their star core of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. The Grizzlies are now led by rookie Cameron Boozer and a roster filled with young, athletic players who fit an aggressive coaching style. Per Yahoo Sports, the game tips off Friday at 7 p.m. ET at FedExForum in Memphis. While the Grizzlies have shown promise, they have not played a game in a week, which could leave them a bit rusty on defense.
Memphis ranks low in isolation attempts but high in transition plays, meaning they will push the pace hard. The Hornets must defend as a unit to avoid getting caught in the open court. If Charlotte can force Memphis into slow, half-court sets, Miller and the rest of the squad should have plenty of room to operate. The Grizzlies lack a single player who demands special attention, making the system itself the biggest threat rather than any one star.
Preseason Lessons Matter More Than Records
It is easy to dismiss these games since the wins do not count, but the lessons learned here are vital for the regular season. Hornets head coach Charles Lee has made it clear that “Everything matters” when it comes to these early matchups. The team has committed 69 turnovers in their first three games, averaging 23 per contest, which is a number they need to cut down fast. Fixing this issue against a young Grizzlies team will set the tone for the upcoming opener against the Brooklyn Nets on Oct. 21.
The path forward is clear: keep Miller healthy, reduce the turnovers, and trust the young players to grow together. The Hornets are not the same team they were a year ago, and the preseason results so far prove that the new direction is working. If they can even their record to 2-2 against Memphis, the momentum heading into the regular season could be unstoppable.