Questionable Crystal Ball: An NBA Analyst's Odd Prediction for the Hornets' Future Star

The world of NBA analysis is rife with predictions, bold statements, and the occasional head-scratcher. Recently, NBA analyst Chris Herring offered his take on who would be the best player for the Charlotte Hornets in three years, and his choice wasn't entirely surprising: Brandon Miller. What truly caught attention, however, wasn't the player chosen, but the rather peculiar justification behind the selection.

Herring's rationale, as discussed on 'The Ringer NBA Show' podcast, centered less on Miller's burgeoning skillset, his offensive versatility, or his defensive upside.

Instead, the analyst leaned heavily on a single, somewhat cynical factor: availability. He argued that while players like LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams possess immense talent, their injury histories make them unreliable candidates for future team leader. Miller, according to Herring, simply has a better chance of staying on the court.

While player durability is undoubtedly a crucial aspect of any professional athlete's career, framing a prediction for a team's future star primarily through the lens of other players' potential injuries feels remarkably short-sighted and, frankly, a bit of a cop-out.

It shifts the focus from evaluating a player's inherent talent, development trajectory, and impact on the court to merely hoping they avoid the trainer's room. It's a "lame reason," as the original assessment correctly pointed out, failing to engage with the substance of basketball prowess.

This isn't to say Brandon Miller isn't a phenomenal talent with a sky-high ceiling.

The second overall pick in the 2023 draft had an impressive rookie season, showcasing his ability to score efficiently, defend multiple positions, and adapt to the NBA pace. His potential to become an All-Star and a foundational piece for the Hornets is genuine and exciting, built on his skill, work ethic, and on-court performance, not just the health woes of his teammates.

By reducing the conversation to who can stay healthy, Herring inadvertently downplays the considerable talents of LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams.

Ball, when healthy, is an electric playmaker and a dynamic scorer who elevates the entire offense. Williams provides elite rim protection and rebounding. Their struggles with injuries are unfortunate but don't negate their established high-level abilities. A more robust analysis would consider how these players, if healthy, compare to Miller's potential peak, rather than sidelining them due to past physical setbacks.

Ultimately, predicting a team's future star should be a celebration of talent, development, and strategic vision.

While availability is a factor, it should not overshadow the core attributes that define a star player: skill, impact, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of improvement. Miller's future is bright, but it's his game, not merely his good fortune in avoiding injury, that will truly define his status as the Hornets' best player.