Hornets' Brandon Miller's bold guarantee should be music to Spurs fans ears

San Antonio Spurs fans are likely eager for the start of the 2024–25 season, but not just to see their favorite team play. The Spurs own first-round picks from the Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, and Charlotte Hornets, in addition to their own selection in the deep 2025 NBA draft.

The Hawks pick is guaranteed to covey, while there is a middling chance the Bulls pick does and a seemingly slim chance the Hornets selection will transfer given that it is top-14 protected. However, according to rising star Brandon Miller, who finished third in Rookie of the Year voting last season, he expects the Hornets to make the playoffs.

"I think Charlotte fans should expect a playoff team. We're going to bring energy every game and go out there and get as many wins as we can," Miller told Hoopshype's Mike Scotto.

Why the San Antonio Spurs should be rooting for the Charlotte Hornets in 2024–25

After missing the playoffs for the last seven seasons, Miller's take on the Hornets' playoff odds is bold but perhaps not so far-fetched. Miller looks like he can make a big leap in his sophomore year after averaging more than 17 points per game last season. They also re-signed controversial forward Miles Bridges, who averaged 21 points last season.

Nevertheless, their success hinges on all-star LaMelo Ball, who has struggled to stay healthy over the last two seasons. Some of that could be attributed to tanking, but him playing 70+ games would go a long way towards helping the Hornets make the playoffs and the Spurs receive their pick.

Landing the Hornets' pick that most don't expect will convey would be big for the Spurs, who would have at least three firsts in that scenario. Of course, they may punt that pick several years down the road, like they did with the Raptors pick, and that would probably also net San Antonio a good asset.

Or, they could consolidate their selections by trading their pick and the Hornets' pick to try and move up while still having Atlanta's. That may result in a second straight draft with two top-eight picks. With quite a few players still on rookie contracts and a full 15-man roster, that will put pressure on the likes of Malaki Branham, Blake Wesley, and Julian Champagnie to prove they belong or risk the Spurs drafting their replacements.

Overall, Miller's comments about the Hornets making the playoffs should be welcome news for Spurs fans. With at least two firsts in next year's draft and two more that are up in the air, having the Hornets pick convey would be a pleasant surprise and a useful asset.