The Charlotte Hornets have been dealt a significant blow as second-leading scorer Brandon Miller will be sidelined indefinitely due to a right wrist injury in the ongoing National Basketball Association (NBA) season. The team announced the news on Friday night, leaving a gap in their lineup as they navigate a challenging season.
Injury diagnosis and recovery timeline
Miller, 22, has been diagnosed with a torn scapholunate ligament in his right wrist, according to a statement from the Hornets. He is now listed as "out indefinitely" on the team's injury report. The severity of the injury will determine the length of his recovery.
A partial tear could keep him off the court for anywhere between six to twelve weeks, while a more severe tear may require a recovery period of three to six months, potentially sidelining him for the remainder of the season.
The injury occurred during the win over Utah Jazz
Miller sustained the injury during the Hornets’ 117-112 victory over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. Despite playing 33 minutes and scoring 20 points, the second-year player injured his wrist, which led to his absence in Friday's 125-123 win against the Chicago Bulls. Initially, the injury was labelled as a wrist sprain, but further evaluations revealed the torn ligament.
Coach Charles Lee's response to the injury
Hornets head coach Charles Lee expressed mixed emotions following the win against the Bulls, acknowledging both the victory and Miller’s unfortunate injury. “It’s one of those bittersweet things where you’re happy for the victory, but unfortunate news on Brandon,” Lee said. “I think we’ll continue to evaluate where he is and do as much testing as we can.”
Miller’s impact and the Hornets’ injury struggles
Miller, who was the Hornets' No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has been a crucial contributor in his second season. He has averaged 21 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 36% from beyond the arc. His absence adds to the growing list of injuries that have plagued the Hornets this season. The team’s 10-28 record is one of the worst in the Eastern Conference.
In addition to Miller, leading scorer LaMelo Ball missed nearly three weeks with a left calf strain. Miles Bridges has been limited by a knee injury, while centres Mark Williams and Nick Richards have also spent time on the sidelines. In late November, Grant Williams suffered a torn ACL, further complicating the team’s season.
With Miller out, the Hornets will rely on players like Seth Curry, Nick Smith Jr., and Josh Okogie, who was acquired in the trade that sent Richards to the Phoenix Suns to step up and fill the void left by Miller’s injury.
The Hornets will continue to monitor Miller’s progress, hoping for a speedy recovery to bring their star player back onto the court.