The sequence takes place during a timeout, as the Hornets move onto the Blazers floor. As Steve Clifford explains his system, Brandon Miller discreetly recommends that Grant Williams position himself in a certain place to carry out the system. “ It's rare to have a rookie who is not only willing to listen, but also to teach, to express himself, to speak “, says former Celtics and Mavs player.
This demonstrates the undeniable rise in power of the rookie, selected in 2nd position in the last Draft, with the Hornets. This empowerment came over time for the player who was not a starter during the first matches of the season.
“ He has handled the situation very well so far. After the first 24, 25 matches, we had so many injuries that his role increased immediately […]. I think he played 24 minutes. There were games where he played 38 minutes and he had to be on the field for us to be competitive », recalls his coach Steve Clifford, who seriously increased his playing time in February. With an average of 34 minutes over this period, the rookie increased his average to more than 21 points on average with very good percentages (46% including 39% from afar).
“ When we made the transfers, he took up the challenge and played better and better. He works and the game comes naturally to him. He learns quickly, he doesn't need to repeat a lot. When you look at pictures he's one of the most attentive guys », continues the technician, who had already declared to BasketUSA that ” if we work on something the morning of a match, he is able to put it into practice the same evening. He doesn't need to do it 18 times over two weeks to understand what he needs to do […] Tracy McGrady was capable of doing that, Kobe too. Brandon has this same ability. »
The “characteristic of a young leader”
His technical learning skills undoubtedly also play a role in his ability to speak in front of others. “ He has the ability to do a lot of special things in this league, both on and off the field. It's truly special to witness his young age and maturity », continues Grant Williams, convinced that his partner will become “ a great teammate to everyone around him “.
For the 21-year-old player, the fact of having intervened with the newcomer, during this time-out mentioned above, was natural. “ This is the characteristic of a young leader. It's difficult for (The new comers) to understand all the systems from day one. Being a young leader like I am and leading everyone, putting everyone in the right place, that can play a big role over the course of 82 games », judges the rookie of the month of January in the Eastern Conference.
Grant Williams thus sees in him a “ pro » which helped him a lot in terms of integration, while Charlotte remains on five victories in six outings since the “trade deadline”. “ And to understand what is happening. He's very important to us and will hopefully continue to be for the next 20 years in Charlotte. »
| Brandon Miller | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2023-24 | CHA | 50 | 32 | 43.9 | 38.2 | 83.2 | 0.9 | 3.2 | 4.0 | 2.4 | 2.6 | 0.9 | 1.7 | 0.6 | 16.5 |
| Total | 50 | 32 | 43.9 | 38.2 | 83.2 | 0.9 | 3.2 | 4.0 | 2.4 | 2.6 | 0.9 | 1.7 | 0.6 | 16.5 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
