The Charlotte Hornets’ 2024-25 season faced a crushing blow when Brandon Miller was ruled out for the year with a torn scapholunate ligament in his wrist. The second-year forward had been averaging 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists on shooting splits of 40/35/86%. While his efficiency dipped slightly compared to his stellar rookie season, Miller had developed into a well-rounded player with improved playmaking and defense. His absence leaves a significant void on both ends of the court.
Despite the setback, the Hornets have shown flashes of resilience, winning four of their last six games. Even in a challenging season, they sit just 5.5 games back from the 10th and final play-in spot in the Eastern Conference. For a franchise that hasn’t tasted postseason action since 2016, the possibility of competing in April adds intrigue to their looming trade deadline decisions.
Should the Hornets push for reinforcements to chase the play-in, or continue building for the future? Either way, they must now find a way to adapt without Miller. Who will step up in his absence, and what could this mean for the remainder of the season?
A Crucial Home Stretch
The next nine games could define the Hornets’ direction leading into the trade deadline. Charlotte is set to remain at home until February 5th, just one day before the February 6th deadline. However, the competition is daunting, with matchups against powerhouse teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks, and more.
A strong showing during this home-stand is essential, as the Hornets’ following nine games will all be on the road—an arduous challenge for a team struggling with consistency. How they perform during this stretch could not only impact their playoff hopes but also shape their strategy at the trade deadline.
To Buy or Sell?
As the trade deadline approaches, Charlotte faces a pivotal decision: pursue reinforcements for a playoff push or offload talent to focus on the future. With the Chicago Bulls losing seven of their last ten games, the door to the play-in tournament is slightly ajar. Yet, the path is anything but simple.
To secure the 10th seed, the Hornets would need to leapfrog both the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers. While the Sixers have struggled without Joel Embiid, his eventual return could reignite their playoff hopes.
For contending teams, several players on the Hornets’ roster could attract interest. Veterans like Josh Green and Cody Martin provide valuable depth for playoff-caliber teams, while Miles Bridges is a potential wildcard. However, Bridges’ inconsistency and hefty contract could complicate trade negotiations.
Ultimately, Charlotte’s trade deadline strategy hinges on their performance in the coming weeks and how the front office assesses the long-term benefit of making—or avoiding—a playoff push.
Replacing Miller: A Team Effort
Regardless of their trade deadline plans, the Hornets must address the loss of Miller. His unique combination of scoring and defensive versatility cannot be replaced by any single player, forcing the team to adopt a committee approach.
Offensively, Nick Smith Jr. has stepped into a larger role. Over the past three games, Smith Jr. has averaged 14.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.0 steals while shooting an impressive 48% from the field and 45% from beyond the arc. However, his reluctance to attack the rim remains a concern—he hasn’t attempted a free throw since late December.
On the defensive end, Green continues to be a reliable option for guarding opposing stars. Meanwhile, newly acquired Josh Okogie has made an immediate impact, tallying five steals in just two games while also flashing some three-point shooting potential. If Okogie continues to impress, he could play a key role in stabilizing the Hornets’ rotation.
While no combination of players can fully replicate Miller’s production, a collective effort could help the team stay competitive as they navigate his absence.
In Conclusion
Brandon Miller’s season-ending injury is a significant blow to the Hornets’ 2024-25 campaign. However, it also presents an opportunity to test the depth and resilience of their roster. With the trade deadline fast approaching, Charlotte faces critical decisions that could shape the trajectory of the franchise.
Whether they decide to pursue a playoff push or focus on future assets, the Hornets will need players like Nick Smith Jr., Josh Green, and Josh Okogie to step up. While replacing Miller’s production entirely is unrealistic, a team-wide effort could help keep Charlotte competitive.
This stretch of the season is pivotal not just for this year’s aspirations, but also for what it reveals about the Hornets’ long-term potential. Will they rise to the occasion, or will the challenges prove too steep to overcome?
