All-Rookie forward predicts his team will end NBA's longest active playoff drought

The Charlotte Hornets currently hold the NBA's longest active playoff drought, last making the postseason in 2016.

First Team All-Rookie small forward Brandon Miller was just 13 years old the last time the franchise appeared in the playoffs and was still seven months away from being born when the Hornets most recently won a postseason series on April 30, 2002.

Charlotte has finished above .500 only once since 2016, going 43-39 in 2021-22. The group dropped to 27-55 in 2022-23 and 21-61 last season.

Despite all the struggles, Miller told HoopsHype's Michael Scotto that he sees the organization's lengthy streak ending during the 2024-25 campaign.

"I think we’re going to be a playoff team," the 2023 second overall pick said in a wide-ranging Q&A , adding, "I think Charlotte fans should expect a playoff team. I think we’re going to bring energy every game and go out there and get as many wins as we can."

Miller had a strong first season, leading the team in games played (74) and started (68), while also ranking fourth in points per contest (17.3) with a .440/.373/.827 shooting line. Miller finished third in the NBA's Rookie of the Year voting behind the once-in-a-generation talent Victor Wembanyama and Oklahoma City Thunder standout Chet Holmgren.

The Alabama product had little help, though, as a host of normal starters were severely limited by injury. Former All-Star and Rookie of the Year guard LaMelo Ball played just 22 games due to an ankle ailment, and 2022 first-round pick Mark Williams suited up for only 19 contests because of a back issue.

One-time All-Star forward Gordon Hayward played 25 games with the club before being traded to the Thunder, and starting guard Terry Rozier was shipped to the Miami Heat in January.

"I’m pretty sure we’re going to have everybody back," Miller said. "Mark and LaMelo. I think it’s how everyone performs, not just one person. I think the Hornets are a whole team. I think we’re a dangerous team when everyone is healthy."

Charlotte brought in a trio of newcomers with recent NBA Finals experience, which should help the cause.

The Hornets swung a deal in early July that landed them guards Josh Green and Reggie Jackson (among others) in the six-team blockbuster that also saw Buddy Hield join the Golden State Warriors and Klay Thompson head to the Dallas Mavericks. Green played in the NBA Finals this year with the Mavericks, while Jackson won a championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023.

Charlotte also hired former Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Charles Lee to be their next leader on the bench. Lee won a title with the Bucks in 2021 and with the Celtics in June.

"My main goal is to win. I think everything comes after that as far as any of the awards," Miller told Scott. "I can’t really say much to anybody who’s been in Charles’ shoes. He’s won a couple of rings, so hopefully, I’ll get a ring under my belt."