The Charlotte Hornets have a talented team, but they have not played to their potential, though. After beating the Utah Jazz on Sunday, the Hornets improved their record to 3-4. The bad news moving forward is they will be without one of their top players, Brandon Miller, for at least two weeks.
Per Michael Scotto of USA Today, Miller’s initial diagnosis of a shoulder subluxation has been confirmed. The former first-round pick will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
Shoulder subluxations are tricky. Although Miller is being re-evaluated in two weeks, there is a possibility of an extended absence. According to the Lancaster Orthopedic Group, these injuries could take several months to heal if they are severe. Miller’s time on the injury report will be determined by the severity of the subluxation.
Miller has played just one full game this season. He was injured nine minutes into the second game of the year. With him out, Charlotte will need to find other ways to win some games.
Brandon Miller’s Impact on the Hornets
GettyBrandon Miller will miss at least the next two weeks with a shoulder subluxation.
Miller scored 25 points on opening night. In fact, the 22-year-old was the leading scorer in the game. He was also 8-for-19 from the floor and dished out seven assists. The guard had four points and one assist in his nine minutes played before getting hurt against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Last season, Miller played just 27 games. He averaged 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game in his short time on the court. He also enjoyed a fantastic rookie season. Miller is an important piece of Charlotte’s future, but his injuries are a reason for concern.
The Hornets are hoping to get him back sooner rather than later, but it will be at least two weeks.
Who Replaces Miller?
GettyCollin Sexton has taken over a starting role for the Hornets with Miller out.
Charlotte has had ample time to figure out who is going to replace Miller. With him out, the Hornets have turned to Collin Sexton to fill the starter role. Sexton was acquired over the summer, and it seems to be a good addition. The former Alabama standout is averaging 16.0 points and 5.3 assists per game this year.
The eighth-year guard is also shooting 52.9% from the field and 47.6% from three-point range. Those two numbers are well into career-high territory. He is going to be a big part of the Hornets’ season, especially with Miller injured.
Both LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges are key players for Charlotte. However, Kon Knueppel has been one of the better rookies this season. He has started six of the seven games to begin the year, and he looks like a regular in the starting lineup. The former first-round pick is making 43.1% of his threes, and he is averaging 14.0 points per game.
Knueppel scored a career-best 24 points in Sunday’s win. He is playing over 30 minutes per game, so Charlotte is clearly continuing to lean on him. If he can up his current pace, the Hornets will be in good shape while they wait for Miller to return.
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