Brandon Miller - 2023 NBA California Classic - San Antonio Spurs v Charlotte Hornets
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - Brandon Miller (#24) of the Charlotte Hornets driving to the basket gets fouled by Justin Gorham (#34) of the San Antonio Spurs in the second half during the 2023 NBA California Classic at Golden 1 Center on July 03, 2023 in Sacramento, California. Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Rookie swingman Brandon Miller, the second overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2023 NBA Draft, made his NBA Summer League debut during the first day of the California Classic, held at the Kings' homecourt at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

The Hornets faced the San Antonio Spurs in what was supposed to be a battle between this year's top two picks, but the Spurs announced that number 1 pick Victor Wembanyama would skip the California Classic. He will instead debut in the Las Vegas edition of the Summer League.

Meanwhile, Miller looked too eager in his first competitive game in a Hornets uniform. He struggled in the first half, scoring five points on 1-of-5 shooting while committing an absurd six fouls.

Fortunately, the Summer League allows players to commit up to ten fouls in a game; that's why the 6-foot-9 wing was able to continue playing.

Brandon Miller still delivered strong performance

Despite his struggles in the first half, Miller finally came through in the second half, scoring 13 points.

He eventually ended up with a decent game, putting up 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. However, he committed one more foul in the second half and six turnovers for the whole game. Still, there is room for improvement for the 20-year-old as he prepares for his official NBA debut months from now.

The Hornets lost to the Spurs in the California Classic Summer League game, 98-77.