The Charlotte Hornets just ripped the heart out of their franchise. Trading LaMelo Ball during the 2026 offseason changed everything for this roster. It ended a six-year era. Now, the weight of the entire organization sits on Brandon Miller’s shoulders. He is no longer just a rising star. He is the man in charge.
The loss of Ball hurts the math on the court. According to reports, the Hornets ran a 120.1 offensive rating when Ball and Miller played together. That number drops to 110.0 when Miller plays without his former teammate. That is a huge gap in production. Losing that elite playmaking makes the road to the playoffs much harder for the young wing.
Miller Accepts the New NBA Reality
Brandon Miller isn’t acting surprised by the move. He knows how the league works. Speaking on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Miller called the trade “Definitely a tough moment, but we also have to realize the business side of the NBA,” per Yahoo Sports. He isn’t bitter about the exit of his friends. He still views his former teammates as family. It is a mature way to handle a messy situation.
A New Era For Charlotte Leaders
The roster is changing fast. With Miles Bridges also traded, the path is clear for Miller and Kon Knueppel to lead. The team is betting on youth. The front office wants to maximize these two cornerstones. It is a scary transition because Ball was the main man for so long. But Miller was the first player selected following Victor Wembanyama in the 2023 NBA Draft. He has the talent to take over.
The Climb to All-Star Status
Without Ball’s assists, Miller has to do more. He needs to find a way to score and lead. Some rankings even list him as a favorite for the Most Improved Player award for the 2026-27 season.
