Former Alabama superstar and current Charlotte Hornets rookie Brandon Miller has been named as one of the finalists for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award.
In 74 games played this season, Miller averaged over 32 minutes per game while scoring over 17 points per game, grabbing over 4 rebounds per game, and 2.4 assists per game all while shooting 37 percent from the three-point line and 44 percent from the field.
Call him a chef, @brandmillerr's been COOKING this season 👨🍳
🎬 https://t.co/uEg05uq14C | @drpepper pic.twitter.com/8E5Dj47EYY
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) April 22, 2024
Miller seemed to make a highlight play almost every night. After just 48 games, he broke the Hornets’ franchise record for three-pointers made in a season by a rookie.
It's undeniable that @brandmillerr was a star this season 🤩 #LetsFly35 | @Kia pic.twitter.com/3qCrWVPPVO
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) April 17, 2024
The Hornets’ season came to a conclusion earlier this month with the team missing the playoffs for the eighth consecutive year. When asked to reflect on his rookie campaign, Miller said that he isn’t satisfied with his performance.
“I think I have a lot to show that I haven’t yet. Next season is going to be a great season,” Miller said.
He is nominated alongside Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs’ French sensation, and Thunder wing Chet Holmgren, who was drafted two years ago but did not play in his first season due to injury.
Miller almost assuredly will not win the award. At the time of writing, most betting markets peg Wembanyama a -5000 favorite to be named Rookie of the Year. Miller generally sits at a distant +50000, which translates to roughly 500-to-1 odds.
But Miller, highly criticized at the time he was drafted, has undoubtedly exceeded expectations in his first NBA season and is among the bright young stars in the league.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.