It's Miller Time

“This Is Our Time”: Brandon Miller Speaks on Leadership, Bol Bol, and the New Era in Charlotte

By Almondoh Joi | ESPN | August 6th, 2025

As the dust settles on Charlotte’s radical offseason overhaul, all eyes are on Brandon Miller — now the longest-tenured starter and unquestioned face of the franchise.

Fresh off a strong sophomore season and armed with new responsibilities in a drastically restructured lineup, Miller sat down with ESPN’s Almondoh Joi to talk leadership, expectations, and Bol Bol’s rise.

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On Becoming the Franchise Guy

“I’m ready for it,” Miller said with a calm confidence.

“LaMelo’s gone. Miles is gone. I know what that means. I’m the one who’s got to set the tone now. That’s not pressure — that’s purpose.”

Miller is embracing the spotlight and understands the weight of his new role.

“It’s my team now. Coach Lee told me that straight up. He said, ‘Lead with your voice, your habits, and your game.’ That’s what I’m doing.”

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On Playing Shooting Guard in the New Lineup

Coach Charles Lee’s decision to move Miller to the two-guard spot raised eyebrows across the league, but Miller says it’s exactly where he wants to be:

“I love it. I get more touches. I get downhill quicker. I’ve worked all summer on tightening my handle and reading doubles faster. At the 2, I can punish mismatches.”

He also noted the benefit of playing off Ben Simmons:

“Ben sees everything. He hits me in rhythm. It’s fun basketball.”

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On Bol Bol’s Emergence

“Man, Bol is different. I’ve never played with a big who moves like that — like a guard, but in a 7’3” body. The stuff he does in practice? It’s wild.”

“He’s taking over games in scrimmages. Elbow jumpers, spin moves, no-look passes, blocks into the stands… We just stand there like, ‘Did that really happen?’”

When asked if he sees Bol as a franchise cornerstone:

“He already is. We’re building this thing together. It’s me and Bol — inside-out. One-two punch.”

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On the Team’s Identity

“We’re long. We’re fast. We defend. We play with energy. It’s a new Hornets culture.”

“People keep talking about what we lost. But they’re not ready for what we’re building.”

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On Expectations This Season

“Nobody’s picking us. Cool. I love that. We’re gonna surprise people. We might not win 50, but we’ll win the fights.”

“We’ve got something real here. I believe in Coach Lee. I believe in my guys. And I believe in myself.”

🧠 Almondoh’s Final Take:

Brandon Miller sounds less like a rising star — and more like a franchise anchor.

“He’s not chasing All-Star appearances. He’s chasing impact. That’s how you know he’s ready.”

📲 Follow @AlmondohKnows for behind-the-scenes Hornets insight as the new era begins. Miller & Bol are officially The Buzz Duo.