BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Azat TV) – Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller opened up about his challenging shooting start to the 2026-27 NBA season following a summer that saw significant roster turnover, including the departure of star guard LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Speaking in an exclusive interview with DAZN published on November 7, 2026, the 23-year-old addressed his dip in efficiency after signing a five-year, $208.2 million contract extension.
Miller averaged 20.2 points on 43.5% shooting across 65 games during the 2025-26 campaign, but his numbers have fluctuated early this year. Through his first 10 games, he is averaging 20.6 points per game while shooting just 35.6% from the field and 26% from beyond the arc. When asked what he wants to improve, Miller told DAZN simply: “Uh, shoot. Make some shots.”
Roster Adjustments and Defensive Pressure
The 2023 No. 2 overall pick has taken on a dramatically expanded offensive load, averaging a career-high 20.5 field goal attempts per game—including 10.4 three-point attempts—which is 4.5 more shots than his career average. The uptick is partly attributed to Ball’s exit, but the absence of starting guards Coby White and Kon Knueppel for the opening stretch compounded the burden. White missed the early games with a calf injury before returning on Monday, while Knueppel has been sidelined by a hamstring issue after leading the NBA in made three-pointers as a rookie last season.
With White and Knueppel out, opponents heavily targeted Miller with defensive help, allowing defenses to collapse on him alongside big man Naz Reid. Miller noted that having his backcourt teammates return will alleviate that pressure. “I feel like teams won’t be able to help as much. That’s the main thing right now,” Miller told DAZN. “Teams help a lot when those guys don’t play. Having them back brings us a lot of chemistry and trust because of the stuff we worked on all summer.”
Injury Concerns and Outlook Ahead
Charlotte has struggled out of the gate with a 3-7 record, a stretch further complicated by physical setbacks. Head coach Charles Lee announced that Miller will be re-evaluated over the weekend following a groin injury that forced him to leave early during a recent home defeat to the Boston Celtics, with the team expecting further updates.
Despite the hurdles, Miller remains optimistic about the team’s internal cohesion and leadership, particularly pointing to veteran teammate Naz Reid, who is averaging 16.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. As the Hornets await full health from their rotation, the primary focus remains on re-establishing defensive identity and regaining shooting rhythm.