Miller, Smith Jr. Shine Despite Hornets' Loss to Blazers

Despite the loss, there were several positive aspects for the Charlotte Hornets in this game. Many players showcased their skills and provided glimpses of the team's promising future.

James Nnaji showcased his consistent performance and had a strong showing in the game. His defensive skills were particularly notable, as he secured five rebounds and effectively defended against screens set by the Portland Trail Blazers. Nnaji's continued development enhances the possibility of him earning playing time in regular-season games.

It is indeed encouraging to witness players like Nnaji stepping up and making a positive impact. Their contributions signify growth and potential for the team, both in the short and long term. The Charlotte Hornets possess promising prospects who are demonstrating their capabilities and actively contributing to the team's success.

Brandon Miller had his best game as a Charlotte Hornet in the Summer League. He scored an impressive 26 points, contributed two assists, and pulled down six rebounds. His shooting improved, and Miller displayed quick reactions in seizing opportunities to make plays.

However, a drawback for Miller was his high number of personal fouls, accumulating 5 in this game. It is crucial for him to do a better job of not committing as many fouls, as excessive fouls in the regular season could lead to ejection from games.

Even Kai Jones, who has seemed somewhat lost throughout the 2023 Summer League, showed improvement. He performed well statistically, scoring 13 points, securing 2 rebounds, and recording 2 steals and 3 blocks.

The Hornets were hopeful that James Bouknight would manage to impress or show a level of improvement entering year three. But once again, he did not perform well and there are more negative aspects than positive ones throughout his performance in this year's Summer League.

Standout for Charlotte Hornets: Nick Smith Jr.

The standout player of the game, without a doubt, was Nick Smith Jr. While Brandon Miller may be a contender for debate, there is no denying that Smith truly shined in this game. His smooth shooting stroke and refined offensive skills were evident throughout. Smith contributed 33 points, including some impressive 3-pointers (making 4 of 5 attempts). He capitalized on the opportunities presented, taking advantage of Portland's struggling defense.

If Smith continues to perform at this level, the Charlotte Hornets may have a significant asset in their hands. However, one area for improvement is his defensive skills, which can be developed over time.

With continued growth and development, Smith has the potential to become an even more impactful player for the Hornets.

Standout for Portland Trail Blazers: Shaedon Sharpe

Sharpe contributed significantly to the offense, scoring 26 points, securing 4 rebounds, providing 2 assists, and making 1 steal in this game. While he could work on improving his shooting consistency, he displayed an ability to execute impressive dunks. Sharpe's ability to contribute on multiple fronts and make an impact in various aspects of the game makes him a compelling choice for recognition. 

Sharpe indeed possesses a considerable amount of potential for the Portland Trail Blazers. If he continues to develop and showcases his skills in regular-season games, he could become a valuable asset for the team, especially considering the potential departure of Damian Lillard in an upcoming trade. As the Trail Blazers potentially enter a new era, having promising players like Sharpe can help in building a solid foundation for the team's future success.

The Charlotte Hornets next Summer League game will be against the New Orleans Pelicans on July 13th, 2023.