Charlotte Hornets Star Brandon Miller Had Michael Jordan Personally Intervene Over His NBA Future

Michael Jordan stepped in to protect Brandon Miller's Hornets future© Instagram/brandmillerr

Michael Jordan has not owned the Charlotte Hornets since 2023, but he still picks up the phone. When the team finished its offseason overhaul by trading Miles Bridges to the Phoenix Suns, Jordan placed a call with a single concern. LaMelo Ball was already gone, and Bridges was heading out too. Fans had already questioned the moves for a team coming off a 44-38 season. Jordan wanted to know about Brandon Miller, the second overall pick Charlotte made in 2023. Zach Lowe reported the call, and the reply settled the question quickly.

What Did Michael Jordan Ask The Hornets About Brandon Miller?

Brandon Miller was the reason for the call. Charlotte president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson had just completed the Bridges deal when the phone rang, and Jordan wanted to be sure the 6-foot-7 forward was not next. Lowe wrote the call came about 14 months after a meeting between Jordan and Miller. The answer was direct. In Lowe's telling, “Peterson reassured Jordan: Miller was staying.”

The report  does not say the Hornets were shopping Miller, and it does not claim Jordan blocked a trade. What it shows is a former owner checking in, and a front office with a clear answer.

Jordan has a clear stake. He was still in charge of the franchise when Charlotte took Miller in the 2023 draft. Miller made the All-Rookie team in 2023-24, averaging 17.3 points in 74 games, and finished third in Rookie of the Year voting. Last season brought 20.2 points a game over 65 appearances. Losing Ball and Bridges in one offseason had already tested patience in Charlotte. A third departure would have made the offseason look like a full teardown.

How Has Miller Played Without LaMelo Ball This Season?

Miller is averaging 23.5 points and 5.5 rebounds through eight games. The scoring is more than four points above the career mark of 19.2 across 174 games. The peak was 39 against Washington on Oct. 26, a career best. Two nights later at Detroit, Miller added 31 points and 12 rebounds.

Miller is shooting 37.8% from the field, and his three-point mark is 28.6%, down from 38.3% last season. The attempts are up across the board. Miller is taking 11.4 threes a game against 8.2 last year, and 22.5 total shots against 16.1. A 17-point night on 7-of-18 shooting in the 124-91 loss to Detroit on Nov. 2 showed the downside. Eight games is a small sample, so the numbers can still move.

Part of the load comes from circumstance. Charlotte has been missing its starting backcourt to injuries, so the offense has run through Miller. Kon Knueppel, 21, is the other young player the front office is counting on, and the Hornets believe he can grow into a go-to option on both ends. The Hornets have opened 3-5, and Miller has started all eight games.