When the Charlotte Hornets picked Brandon Miller second overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, he was thought of as more of a consolation prize. All eyes were on the generational phenom Victor Wembanyama who went first overall to the San Antonio Spurs.

What typically would have been seen as a slight has actually turned into a blessing in disguise for Miller. At 6-foot-7 and still filling out a lanky frame, it was only natural that he needed a few years to adapt to the NBA’s physical demands. Now 23 years old and in the midst of his third year in the NBA, it is clear that the attention drawn by Wembanyama has given Miller the grace to ease into the league on his own terms.

Miller’s sophomore year was cut short due to a wrist injury then his misfortunes carried over into this season as he suffered a shoulder injury in Charlotte’s second game. He returned after three weeks and it took him some time to rediscover his form, but he is now showing everyone that he has what it takes to become a star in the NBA.

Over a five-game stretch bridging the end of December and beginning of January, Miller averaged 26.6 points, including back-to-back 30-point games which marked his season-highs. That strong start carried through the rest of January, his best month of the season to date. He is averaging 22.5 points on 46.3% field goal shooting, 5.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.2 steals in 11 games this month–all of which are higher than his season averages.

What’s particularly encouraging about Miller’s play beyond the numbers is his composure. He has grown more and more confident with the ball in his hands and plays at a much more controlled pace. His added strength has allowed him to be more aggressive in attacking inside the arc which has opened up a lot of new scoring and playmaking opportunities for him.

In the Hornets’ most recent win over the Washington Wizards, Miller put together what could be considered the best all-around performance of his career with 21 points on 12 shots, two three-pointers, five-of-five free throws, 11 rebounds, seven assists, and a steal. He did have five turnovers, but given his increasing ball-handling duties, these types of growing pains are bound to happen.

Charlotte may still have a long way to go before becoming a contender, but the continued development of Miller should only help accelerate this team’s rebuilding process. The Hornets have actually been significantly better with Miller in the line-up and this situation will be an interesting one to monitor in the second half of the season.

If Miller can stay healthy, Charlotte just might have what it takes to make a push for one of the play-in spots. Regardless of what happens over these next few months though, what’s most important for this Hornets franchise is that Miller can stay healthy. He is clearly on the path to stardom and it should only be a matter of time before he enters the All-Star conversation.