Where does Charlotte Hornets star Brandon Miller currently rank among all NBA small forwards?
Entering the 2026-27 NBA season, the Charlotte Hornets have more excitement surrounding them than they have had in years. A lot of that excitement has to do with the continued development of rising star small forward Brandon Miller.
During the 2026 NBA offseason, the Hornets opted to make some aggressive changes. Those changes have made it clear that they are focusing on building around Miller.
LaMelo Ball was traded in a blockbuster deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Charlotte also decided to move on from forward Miles Bridges in a trade with the Phoenix Suns.
Heading into this season, the Hornets' roster is going to look a lot different. Now, the clear No. 1 option and team leader is Miller, who is entering his fourth season in the league.
Last season with Charlotte, the 23-year-old wing played in 65 games. He averaged 20.2 points per game to go along with 4.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and a steal, while shooting 43.5 percent from the floor and knocking down 38.3 percent of his three-point attempts.
One year before, Miller averaged 21 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.1 steals in 27 games. He shot 40.3 percent overall and 35.5 percent from three-point range.
That being said, where does Miller rank among all NBA small forwards heading into this season?
HoopsHype has compiled a list ranking the small forward throughout the league. Miller landed at No. 10 on the list.
"All in all, Miller can hit shots off the dribble over good defense from the midrange, as well as from three, and use his impressive athleticism to finish around the basket with aplomb. He’ll need to continue working on his playmaking, as Miller tends to get tunnel vision with the ball in his hands, but overall, he’s improved every season he’s been in the NBA, and we expect that trend to continue in 2026-27."
Miller ranks ahead of names like AJ Dybantsa, Normal Powell, and Mikal Bridges.
There are many who think the Hornets could be a sleeper contender in the Eastern Conference this year. Last season, they were able to muster up a 44-38 record, which was good enough for the No. 9 seed in the East and a play-in appearance.
If Miller can take another step forward, Charlotte will be an even more dangerous team. Even without Ball and Bridges, the Hornets have the talent to make some noise.
At the end of the day, Charlotte will go as far as Miller can lead them.
