Brandon Miller and Ryan Kalkbrenner Shine for Hornets This Preseason

Charlotte, NC — Brandon Miller and Ryan Kalkbrenner are showing promise as the Charlotte Hornets gear up for the upcoming NBA season. Miller, selected second overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, is proving his potential as a future All-Star, while Kalkbrenner’s early performances have had fans excited.

Miller has played 101 games over two seasons, with a record of 26-75. Despite missing significant time, his scoring ability has stood out. Averaging 18.3 points with a true shooting percentage of 54.8%, Miller’s stats are impressive for a 22-year-old. “If he stays healthy, he will remind everyone of his potential,” a team analyst noted.

This season, Miller’s growth as a player could be crucial for his development, especially as the Hornets aim to improve their competitive edge. Critics of Miller’s draft selection are slowly changing their views as he demonstrates skills similar to those of Paul George, particularly in his ball-handling and mid-range shooting.

Meanwhile, Kalkbrenner’s recent performance has also caught attention. In his first preseason start against the Dallas Mavericks, he registered 14 points and 10 rebounds while making all seven of his shots. This showcased his readiness to contribute to the team. “He is proving he may be ready to make an immediate impact,” said a Hornets scout.

During his college career at Creighton, Kalkbrenner was known for his defensive skills and efficiency, consistently shooting over 64% from the field. His ability to block shots and score in the paint will be valuable for a team looking to stabilize its center position.

The Hornets have struggled at center since the departure of Al Jefferson in 2016. With Kalkbrenner’s promising start, fans are hopeful they might have found a solution. “If he keeps this up, we can finally move past the center concerns,” a Hornets fan expressed.

As the preseason continues, both Miller and Kalkbrenner have the potential to make significant contributions to the Hornets as they seek to improve their record and competitiveness in the league.