On today's show, we are setting the expectations for Brandon Miller as he enters his pivotal third season. After a rusty performance in the preseason opener, we discuss the level of patience he'll need as he works his way back from a long layoff following wrist surgery. The team needs a lot from him, and we look at what Coach Charles Lee is emphasizing for his development—specifically, a greater ability to get to the rim, draw fouls, and finish through contact.

We also examine the team's overall offensive philosophy, which was on full display with 51 three-point attempts in the first preseason game. Finally, we turn our attention to the trade market. A recent article from ESPN's Bobby Marks identifies the Hornets as one of three teams perfectly positioned to act as a third-party trade facilitator, thanks to a $14.1 million trade exception. We explore what this financial flexibility means for Jeff Peterson's asset collection strategy and whether the team might use it to acquire a much-needed center or simply continue to gather more draft picks.

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