Charlotte Hornets fans held their breath as Brandon Miller abruptly exited Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers clutching his shoulder. Just days after a spectacular season-opening performance, the young star’s campaign hit an unexpected roadblock that has everyone asking: how serious is this injury?
Brandon Miller Injury Incident: A Sudden Exit
Early in the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena, Miller attempted what seemed like a routine play—boxing out 76ers guard Quentin Grimes. However, something went wrong. The 6-foot-7 wing immediately grabbed his shoulder in visible pain and quickly headed to the locker room.
| Injury Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Injury Type | Shoulder injury |
| When It Occurred | Early second quarter |
| How It Happened | Boxing out Quentin Grimes |
| Game Status | Ruled out for remainder of game |
| Stats Before Exit | 4 points, 1 assist (9 minutes) |
| Shooting | 2-for-6 from field |
The Charlotte Hornets officially ruled him out for the rest of the contest, cutting short what could have been another impressive outing for the 2023 No. 2 overall pick.
Timing Couldn’t Be Worse for Miller
This injury comes at a particularly frustrating moment for the 22-year-old forward. Just three days earlier, Miller had announced his return to form with a dominant 25-point, seven-assist performance in Charlotte’s 136-117 season-opening victory over the Brooklyn Nets. He looked explosive, confident, and ready to silence doubters after a difficult sophomore campaign.
Last season was nightmarish for Miller, who appeared in just 27 games before suffering a season-ending wrist injury in January that required surgery. Missing 55 games derailed what should have been a developmental year for the promising talent. For more insights on NBA player recovery and comeback stories, Miller’s situation highlights the unpredictable nature of professional basketball.
Miller’s Impact: More Than Just Stats
Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee didn’t hide his enthusiasm about having Miller back in the lineup after Wednesday’s season opener.
“He adds an extra punch to our team,” Lee explained. “(LaMelo Ball) gets it going, Miles (Bridges) gets it going, now you throw Brandon into the mix and he’s going to be an elite two-way player for us, too. I also think for other teams, just trying to figure out their matchups.”
Lee’s assessment highlights Miller’s value beyond the box score. As a versatile two-way player who can defend multiple positions and create offense, Miller forces opposing coaches to make difficult matchup decisions.
Miller’s 2023-24 Numbers
Despite missing significant time, Miller showed glimpses of stardom last season:
- 21.0 points per game
- 4.9 rebounds per game
- 3.6 assists per game
As a rookie in 2023-24, he finished third in Rookie of the Year voting behind Chet Holmgren and winner Victor Wembanyama—impressive company that speaks to his potential.
What’s Next for Charlotte?
The Hornets showcased their depth in the season opener with nine players reaching double figures, but losing Miller—even temporarily—could disrupt their offensive rhythm. Charlotte faces the Washington Wizards on Sunday in the second game of a back-to-back, where Miller’s availability remains questionable.
For the latest basketball injury updates and analysis, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether this is a minor setback or something more concerning. The NBA community is hoping for the best outcome for the young star who’s already overcome so much adversity.
FAQs
Q: What injury did Brandon Miller suffer against the 76ers?
A: Brandon Miller suffered a shoulder injury during the second quarter while attempting to box out Philadelphia’s Quentin Grimes. He grabbed his shoulder in visible pain and was ruled out for the remainder of the game after heading to the locker room.
Q: How many games did Brandon Miller miss last season?
A: Brandon Miller missed 55 games during his sophomore season after suffering a season-ending wrist injury in January that required surgery. He appeared in only 27 games total during the 2024-25 season.
