After a busy start to the offseason, the Charlotte Hornets are likely going to have LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, Collin Sexton, Tre Mann, and Liam McNeeley playing most of the minutes at guard and wings positions. A look at that rotation shows perimeter defense is going to be an issue unless Miller has something to say about it.
Through his first two seasons in the league, the young swingman has demonstrated that he is a star in the making. His calling card, though, is his offense. If he works on his ball-handling, playmaking, and finishing at the rim some more, Miller's development into an elite offensive option for the Hornets will near its completion.
However, the recent turn of events in Charlotte might require him to level up as a defender, especially because the previous years have taught us that boasting a top-ranked defense increases an NBA team's odds of locking up a playoff spot and competing for the championship.
Of course, the onus shouldn't just be on Miller.
Ball has the length and quickness to be a respectable defender but has yet to display the desire and discipline that his co-star has hinted at. Draft reports peg Knueppel as an [average positional defender](https://swarmandsting.com/hornets-kon-knueppel-pick-solves-riddle-creating-another-puzzle), although his lack of athleticism and lateral speed might make it difficult for him to guard NBA-level opponents. Sexton has brought energy and hustle on defense in his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Utah Jazz, but his height and tendency to overplay limit his effectiveness on that end of the floor.
Brandon Miller has what it takes to elevate his defensive capabilities
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So, Miller has to own the responsibility of being one of Charlotte's prime wing defenders. He has the tools and has exhibited the drive to be better at being a ball-hawk.
If he watched the Finals, [he should have watched](https://swarmandsting.com/star-brandon-miller-model-himself-after-hiding-plain-sight) how Jalen Williams' two-way game has been instrumental in the Oklahoma City Thunder's success. It's not hard to imagine the former No. 2 pick scoring more than 20 per contest while stopping his rivals from doing the same. He may not reach Williams' All-Defensive Team status, but he can at least improve at providing resistance versus their foes' premier ball-handlers or shot-creators and covering for his defensively challenged teammates.
Maybe the Hornets can help Miller in this regard by bringing in a mentor who can show him the ropes. They currently have one in Josh Okogie, but he has been brought up a lot as a possible trade candidate for various reasons, including his relatively low salary.
Fortunately, there is enough time this offseason for the front office to find that reinforcement and for Miller to hone his defensive skills. Hopefully, there won't be any setbacks in his recovery from a wrist injury.