Charlotte Hornets wing Brandon Miller is a slender scorer with solid ball-handling skills, capable of scoring from all areas on the court. This description closely matches that of Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant during his early years, who also combined lanky frame with versatile offensive skills. While trying to label anyone as the “next” version of an NBA superstar is often futile, some insiders see Miller as a player reminiscent of Durant’s initial impact in the league.
Expert Insight: Watching Miller Develop into a Star
NBA analyst Chris Ryan remarked,
“I feel like I’m watching that early version of Kevin Durant where there’s a learning process happening, but he’s also like, ‘There is really nothing I can’t do.’”
Ryan emphasized that Miller’s ongoing development shares notable parallels with Durant’s early career growth. Both players demonstrate the ability to create scoring opportunities from midrange and beyond the arc, making them tough defensive matchups.
Despite not being the flashiest player on the Hornets’ roster—where teammates like Kon Knueppel and LaMelo Ball are generating buzz for their remarkable performances—Miller continues to capture Ryan’s attention.
“On a nightly basis when I watch the Hornets, for as much as Kon is the reincarnation of Klay Thompson and LaMelo is so fun, I really find myself focusing on Brandon,”
Ryan added, highlighting Miller’s understated but impactful presence on the team.
Recognition from League Analysts on Miller’s Growth
Veteran NBA correspondent Zach Lowe affirmed the high regard for Miller’s contributions, noting that the Hornets’ recent surge in performance coincides closely with Miller returning to health and entering the best stretch of his career.
“He does a little bit of everything, and their surge basically corresponds almost exactly to him getting healthy and having the best sustained stretch of his career. He’s awesome. He’s up to 38% from three,”
Lowe observed.
Lowe also pointed out Miller’s progress as a developing playmaker, a skill area where he is still maturing.
“When the playmaking comes with him—and you can see it, he kind of sees it,”
Lowe explained.
“Sometimes he sees it late, sometimes he telegraphs it a little bit, sometimes he’s a little laborious—but he sees it, and he’s trying to level up in that sense. And when that comes, look out.”
The Potential Impact of Miller’s Evolution on the Hornets and the NBA
Brandon Miller’s trajectory may not lead to him becoming exactly like Kevin Durant, a future Hall of Famer, but adopting elements of Durant’s game could elevate Miller into the ranks of the league’s top players. His ability to score from multiple zones, combined with a strengthening playmaking skill set, places him among the Hornets’ key contributors on their rise.
As Miller continues to refine his game, the Hornets could benefit from his growth, potentially transforming their offense and challenging opponents in new ways. Observers will be watching closely to see if Miller can unlock the full range of his talents and become a defining figure in the NBA’s next generation of stars.
🎙️ @ChrisRyan77 on Brandon Miller: "I feel like I'm watching that early version of Kevin Durant where there's a learning process happening, but he's also like, 'There is really nothing I can't do.'"
"On a nightly basis when I watch the Hornets, for as much as Kon is the… pic.twitter.com/QXkmvXaWKA
— r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) March 6, 2026
