For years, the Charlotte Hornets have been defined by inconsistency, lacking a defining identity or a consistent cornerstone to build around. The “Buzz City” rebuild was often hindered by injuries and a lack of two-way stars. However, the 2025-26 campaign has shown a dramatic shift. Behind the stellar play of third-year phenom Brandon Miller, the Hornets are not just rebuilding, they are restructuring around a versatile, high-IQ cornerstone who has rapidly become the team’s most vital building block.
While LaMelo Ball provides flash and elite playmaking, and other young players offer potential, Miller is the foundation of this new-look team because of his two-way versatility, scoring efficiency, and emerging leadership.
The Blueprint in Buzz City: Why Brandon Miller is the Foundation
A Rare “3-and-D-and-More” Prospect
Selected second overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, Miller immediately separated himself from other rookies with his composure and ability to impact the game without requiring the ball at all times. In his first three seasons, Miller has developed into a “3-and-D” wing with capability to create his own shot, a rare combination for a young player.
His game, often compared to a young Paul George, revolves around a smooth shooting stroke, an ability to knock down tough perimeter shots, and growing efficiency in the mid-range. During a stellar January run this season, Miller averaged over 21 points per game on 48/44/89 shooting splits, showing he is becoming a hyper-efficient scorer. Unlike previous Hornets teams that relied heavily on chaotic transition offense, this new-look, under head coach Charles Lee, operates through a more structured, efficient approach, with Miller functioning as the primary scoring weapon.
The Two-Way Engine
The “new-look” Hornets are defined by a shift toward elite, two-way basketball, which is a focus necessitated by a long playoff drought. Miller’s development on the defensive end has been just as crucial as his offensive output. He possesses the long, 6’7″ frame needed to disrupt passing lanes and switch onto multiple positions.
While he had to handle primary creation duties earlier than expected, Miller has proven to be a versatile weapon, often hitting big shots in crunch time. As the 2025-26 season has shown, his ability to act as a “3-and-D-and-a-little-more” player makes him incredibly valuable, allowing him to be elite off-ball while also being capable of leading the offense during stretches when Ball is not on the floor.
Leadership and Maturity Beyond His Years
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Miller’s rapid rise is his maturity. Despite not turning 23 until late in 2025, Miller took on a leadership role early in his career, acting as a mentor to younger teammates and being a vocal presence during film sessions.
His professionalism is a direct contrast to the chaotic nature of the Hornets’ previous, underperforming seasons. Miller has embraced a team-first, winning mentality, which has been vital in building a sustainable culture under new ownership and management.
The Centerpiece of Future Success
The 2025-26 season has illustrated that the Hornets are at their best when Miller is assertive. He has been the team’s most consistent scoring threat during their current seven-game winning streak, the longest since 2016, with several 20+ point, high-efficiency games, including big performances against elite teams like the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers.
While Ball is a star, analyst chatter has often revolved around who is the most reliable “building block.” Due to his durability, efficiency, and two-way potential, many now view Miller as the more promising foundation. He is becoming the biggest draw in Charlotte, and his silky-smooth game makes him the perfect, sustainable face of the franchise for the modern NBA.
Final Thoughts
The new-look Hornets are building a team that is not just talented, but also intelligent and hardworking. Miller is the personification of this, offering a mix of scoring, shooting, and rapidly improving defense. As he enters his prime, the franchise’s trajectory is directly tied to his, and all signs point toward him being the foundational cornerstone that finally brings long-term success to Buzz City.
Main Image: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
