Naz Reid compares Brandon Miller to Anthony Edwards

Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller entered the team’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks with his left shoulder completely uncovered, signaling a clean break from a heavily bandaged campaign last year, Basket USA reported. Miller underwent surgery following a subluxation early in the 2023–24 season that sidelined him for multiple weeks and caused lingering pain.

Shoulder Surgery Restores Stability and Confidence

Last year, the joint frequently slipped out of place, generating strange sensations and sharp pain that peaked at a 10 out of 10. Following surgical repair, Miller reported that his discomfort has dropped to zero and the joint remains stable during contact.

“I’m approaching this season with much more confidence concerning my shoulder,” Miller stated after scoring 18 points against Milwaukee on 6-of-15 shooting, including 4-of-9 from beyond the arc, alongside four rebounds and three assists. “Lately, I can bring that pain down to 0 out of 10, and my shoulder doesn’t pop out anymore. It’s stable.”

Naz Reid Draws Parallels to Anthony Edwards

Entering his fourth NBA season at age 23, Miller has drawn high praise from veteran teammate Naz Reid, who arrived via free agency from the Minnesota Timberwolves over the summer. Reid noted that Miller’s patience, consistency, and developing leadership mirror the trajectory of his former Minnesota teammate Anthony Edwards between his third and fourth professional campaigns.

“I started to see his evolution and the change between his third and fourth season,” Reid said regarding Miller’s potential. “Brandon can do the same thing.” Edwards earned an All-Star nod in his third season before entering the MVP conversation in his fourth year as the Timberwolves surged collectively.

Stepping Into an Expanded Role Without LaMelo Ball

With LaMelo Ball absent from the lineup, Miller faces heightened offensive and defensive responsibilities alongside fellow young core piece Kon Knueppel. Reid emphasized that the responsibility now falls on Miller to command the floor on both ends of the court.

“I come here to give him a hand. It’s his team, his and Kon’s, and I’m here to help them in a major way,” Reid explained. “But to progress, he must, as I said, take control on and off the field, be regular, and put into practice what he preaches.” Miller acknowledged the shift in team dynamics, noting that he feels significantly older than the rookie who arrived at training camp four years ago.

Brandon Miller Year-by-Year Statistics

Over three seasons with the Charlotte Hornets, Miller has steadily increased his scoring efficiency and playmaking output across 166 total appearances:

During the 2023–24 rookie campaign, Miller played 74 games, averaging 32 minutes and 17.3 points while shooting 44.0 percent from the field and 37.3 percent from three-point range. In 2024–25, across 27 appearances due to injury, he averaged 34 minutes and 21.0 points with 3.6 assists and 4.9 rebounds. Across 65 games in 2025–26, he posted 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 30 minutes per contest while raising his free-throw percentage to 89.2.