LaMelo Ball is happy to have Brandon Miller back. 

Charlotte Hornets stars LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller only appeared in 20 games together last season due to injuries. 

Miller underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right wrist in January. The forward played in 27 games last season. 

Ball, who played in 47 games in 2024-25, told reporters after practice on Tuesday that it was great to have Miller by his side again. 

"6'9'', 6'10'' guard. So whenever you got that out there, it's amazing for real," Ball said. "I mean, he can do it all. So it's amazing to have that out there."

The Hornets went 7-13 last season when Ball and Miller were in the lineup. Charlotte's front office and fans hope that record is much better this season. 

For the Hornets to make the playoffs this season for the first time since 2016, Ball and Miller have to stay healthy and play at a very high level. Ball finished last season with averages of 25.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 7.4 assists, while Miller put up 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. 

Ball and Miller proved last season they can be a dynamic duo. Ball averaged 30.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 7.6 assists next to Miller, who averaged 19.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists alongside LaMelo. 

The Hornets have five preseason games before opening the regular season on October 15 at home against the Brooklyn Nets. Ball and Miller will start alongside Miles Bridges, Kon Knueppel and Mason Plumlee. 

Charlotte won only 19 games last season. The franchise hasn't had a winning record since 2021-22 (43-39).

The Hornets drafted Ball with the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Ball won the 2020-21 Rookie of the Year Award and made the 2022 All-Star team, but Charlotte is just 98-133 when the guard plays.