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Brandon Miller's message for Hornets No. 4 overall draft pick: 'Be ready tomorrow'

Hornets forward Brandon Miller was in attendance at the Hornets 2025 NBA Draft Party spending time with fans. During his appearance, Miller also shared his excitement for a new teammate to join the squad and his hopes for the impact they will have.
Ashley Stroehlein|
Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Kon Knueppel stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the fourth pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Kon Knueppel stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the fourth pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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Charlotte Hornets

If you remember, when Brandon Miller was selected as the Hornets' No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, he immediately brought a winning attitude and mindset. Miller even so boldly stated on draft night that he wanted to win an NBA Championship in Charlotte during his rookie season. So, it's no surprise that when asked, Miller wants this year's draft pick to bring the same attitude and help shape the culture of the future of the franchise.

"I need somebody that’s a winner," Miller said. "Someone who will dive on the floor, make the winning plays and be a great teammate, of course. Always coming in with the mindset of working hard and making his teammate better. Really that winning mindset that we want to build in this organization.”

As for his immediate advice for his new teammate Kon Knueppel, Miller shared this: "Be ready tomorrow. You’ve got an early flight to come in and meet everybody. Just coming in as a young player, your mind can be racing, going 100 miles per hour, so just stay calm and be yourself and use your resources."

Once Knueppel gets settled, Miller hopes the team can start to build chemistry for the upcoming season. "Everybody on the team is going to do a great job of welcoming him, getting to know him better, his strengths and weaknesses, so there can be a better bond on the court,” Miller said.

Miller isn't that far removed from his rookie season and said one of the biggest things he feels will help the 2025 rookie class is staying true to who they are, while learning from the experience of those who have already spent time in the league.

"Just be yourself. Be confident. Always listen to your vets," Miller shared.

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Ashley Stroehlein
ASHLEY STROEHLEIN

Ashley Stroehlein is a sports reporter who is based in Charlotte, NC, and has covered multiple professional and collegiate sports ranging from the NBA, NFL, MLS, ACC, SEC and more. Stroehlein currently contributes to Charlotte Hornets On SI, ESPN’s coverage of college football as a sideline reporter, serves as a freelance host on SiriusXM’s NBA and NASCAR Radio channels and as a fill-in host and sideline reporter for FanDuel Sports Network’s coverage of the Charlotte Hornets. Ashley graduated with honors from Radford University, majoring in mathematics. She moved to North Carolina to teach secondary math and coach basketball and track. However, her passion for sports led her to decide to return to school to study broadcasting. Ashley’s work as an anchor and storyteller has earned her many industry honors. Most notably, she is a three-time recipient of the prestigious Gracie Award, which recognizes exemplary programming created by, for and about women in all facets of media and entertainment.

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