Hornets mix veteran presence, youth on summer roster

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Brandon Miller, a first-team NBA All-Rookie pick in 2023-24 who averaged 17.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, is on the Charlotte Hornets' 2024 Summer League roster.

Everyone on the Charlotte Hornets’ Summer League roster has something to prove.

The roster has a mix of newcomers and veterans, headlined by second year pro Brandon Miller, a multi-time Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month in his first season. He will play in the Las Vegas portion of the team’s Summer League schedule.

In 74 games played, Miller averaged 17.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. He shot 44% from the floor and 37.3% from three-point range. Although he is going into just his second year, Miller now has a veteran presence after starting 68 of 74 games played as a rookie, so he has plenty to share with his Summer League teammates.

First round draft pick Tidjane Salaün will not be available for the California Classic portion of their schedule in Sacramento. Salaün suffered a minor laceration near his knee but is expected to play in Las Vegas during the second week of Summer League.

Second round pick K.J. Simpson will miss the showcase due to a hamstring injury sustained during the pre-draft process. The Hornets said he is expected to be fully recovered prior to training camp.

The summer roster includes local flavor as well. Forward Leaky Black, who moved between the Hornets’ roster to the G League affiliate Greensboro Swarm, is also headed west. Black, who played high school ball at Concord and Montverde Academy before ending at Cox Mill, went undrafted last year but averaged 2.7 points per game with the Hornets. He averaged 7.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game with the Swarm.

Black, a 6-6, 210-pounder best known as a defender, could use Summer League time to get additional reps that can help in his development.

A couple of players who spent time as Hornets rookies last season – Nick Smith Jr. and Bryce McGowens – are also on the roster.
California Classic Summer League (Golden 1 Center in Sacramento)

July 6 at San Antonio Spurs, 8:30 p.m.

July 7 vs. Chinese National Team, 8 p.m.

July 9 at Sacramento Kings, 10 p.m.

NBA 2K25 Summer League (All games at Cox Pavilion unless otherwise noted)

July 13 (Thomas and Mack Center) at New York Knicks, 5 p.m.

July 16 at Denver Nuggets, 6 p.m.

July 17 vs. Boston Celtics, 5:30 p.m.

July 19 vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 11 p.m.

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