The Charlotte Hornets announced good news regarding Brandon Miller‘s shoulder injury. The Hornets have missed Miller in their last 12 games heading into Wednesday’s game against the Indiana Pacers.
According to the team’s official press release, Miller has been cleared to participate in basketball activities. They didn’t provide an updated recovery timeline for the former No. 2 pick, but he is recovering well from his left shoulder injury.
Miller suffered the injury on October 25 against the Philadelphia 76ers in just the second game of the season. He was diagnosed with subluxation in his left shoulder, with the team even checking up on a second opinion regarding his diagnosis.
NBA insider Chris Haynes shared on The Association on NBA TV last month that Miller’s injury can be treated in two ways: surgically or non-surgically. Schuyler Callihan of Sports Illustrated reported that the non-surgical route for subluxation has a timeline ranging from three to six weeks.
Miller Practiced in Greensboro
In addition to the good news from the Charlotte Hornets, the team also announced that Brandon Miller spent Monday with the Greensboro Swarm. With the Hornets on a two-game road trip, Miller had to get some reps in and practice with the team’s G League affiliate.
The 22-year-old star was recalled after practice, though it’s unclear if he’ll be able to play as soon as possible. The Hornets are set to play the Indiana Pacers at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday before returning home on November 22. Miller didn’t join the team on the trip, so he’s likely ruled out against the Pacers.
In his absence, the Hornets have won three games out of their last 12. His minutes went to Sion James and Collin Sexton, who has done a solid job filling in for him. Rookie Kon Knueppel has also flourished as the No. 1 option on the wings, averaging 17.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists on 40.2% shooting from beyond the arc.
Miller has been fantastic for the Hornets as long as he’s healthy. Staying healthy has been a problem for the Alabama product, who missed 55 games last season because of a torn scapholunate ligament in his right wrist.
Miller-Knueppel Wing Combo
If Brandon Miller can stay healthy, the Charlotte Hornets will have a chance to see how effective his combination with Kon Knueppel would be on the wings. Colin Keane of Hornets On SI argued that fans should be excited to see Miller and Knuepper playing together since they could be the future of the franchise.
“Pretty soon, Hornets fans will get to see the vision of the team’s future playing out before their eyes: Miller and Kon Knueppel operating as dual wings giving defenses endless headaches in the process. Indeed, Knueppel’s red–hot start to his career has made Hornets fans — in an unexpected way — even more excited about Miller’s potential. What could this team look like with two elite scorers on the wing in the years to come?” Keane wrote.
LaMelo Ball is still the face of the franchise, but his performances have been a mixed bag this season. He has also endured ankle problems in the past three seasons, so the Hornets should be thrilled to have two other top young stars in Miller and Knueppel.
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