Based in part on the Hornets‘ roster needs, Jonathan Givony of ESPN believes Alabama wing Brandon Miller is slightly more likely than G League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson to be the pick at No. 2, telling ESPN’s Zach Lowe on The Lowe Post podcast that he’d put the odds of Charlotte drafting Miller at 60%. However, according to Givony, Miller isn’t necessarily acing the pre-draft process so far.
“Every team in the NBA is looking for this type of player,” Givony said (hat tip to RealGM). “Six-nine, big guard, can handle the ball. Pass out of pick and roll. Make shots off the dribble. Defend multiple positions. Rebound. That’s what people are looking for. At the same time, he is not in great shape right now, so I don’t know how great his workout’s going to be. His interviews have not been great, I’ve been told — both publicly and privately with NBA teams.”
As David Aldridge of The Athletic writes, teams meeting with Miller will have questions about his connection to the death of Jamea Jonae Harris in Tuscaloosa. Miller brought former Alabama teammate Darius Miles the gun that was used in the killing, though he has insisted that he didn’t know the gun was in the car. The 20-year-old wasn’t charged with a crime and executives who spoke to Aldridge don’t think it will materially affect Miller’s draft stock.
“I don’t believe there will be any impact unless he lies in his interviews,” one exec said. “Integrity is more relevant than criminal friends; one we can fix, the other, we can’t.”
Here are more notes on the NBA draft:
- Santa Clara sophomore guard Brandin Podziemski has opted to keep his name in the 2023 NBA draft, formally announcing his decision on Twitter. Podziemski is the No. 31 prospect on ESPN’s big board and has reportedly had a strong showing at the combine, per Givony (Twitter link), so he’s a legitimate first-round candidate.
- After performing well in Wednesday’s scrimmages at the draft combine, Serbian big man Tristan Vukcevic and Marquette wing Olivier-Maxence Prosper withdrew from Thursday’s scrimmages, tweets Jeremy Woo of ESPN.com. Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca takes a more in-depth look at Prosper, who had 21 points and seven rebounds in 22 minutes during Wednesday’s scrimmage.
- In addition to working out for Atlanta, Princeton forward Tosan Evbuomwan had workouts with the Spurs, Pistons, and Celtics prior to the draft combine, tweets Adam Zagoria of ZagsBlog.com. Evbuomwan was initially only invited to the G League Elite Camp, but earned a spot at the combine after making a strong impression last weekend.
- John Hollinger of The Athletic considers which lottery picks might be in play on the trade market, starting with the Trail Blazers‘ and Rockets‘ selections at Nos. 3 and 4.
I believe 100% Miller is the pick for Charlotte. He fits right in. And they can move on from Bridges. Imo he’s better than Murray. And Murray is a nice player with a big future in Sacramento. All top three picks are can’t miss. This yrs lottery is solid. There will be gems outside the top 3.
Lol they aren’t moving on from bridges for off the court reasons to take Miller at 2 with his off the court stuff. They will probably take Miller but they are 100 percent bringing bridges back.
I question Miller’s character. No one wants to deal with another Ja Morant, even with the great talent. But teams often seem to think they can save someone. I hope he will be a good person, and have a long and good career.
There is no evidence for that. I’m not big on that either. With no evidence you can’t judge him. I’m sure Charlotte will do their homework on him. And if they don’t take him. Then something is up.
Positional value gives Miller the nod if it’s close. Big wings with the full complement of perimeter skills who can guard multiple spots are the most valuable players in the league. Have been for awhile; and for the most basic of reasons: low supply. Scoot will have to be a significantly better prospect to get the call.
Scoot is way better than Miller and the clear cut 2nd pick IMO it’s not even close. Guy is an elite athlete and jumper is improving.
I think Scoot will offer more right away and long term has more potential. In terms of fit they hornets have Terry as the SG and then Bridges or Hayward for that other forward spot, so 1 v2, another guard seems like the bigger need.
Then lastly in terms of play style, Miller would be better because he is probably going to be lower usage, more efficient shooting and more versatile defensively. Scoot reminds me a lot of Anthony Edwards, really good athlete, amazing athleticism, improving jumper, and carry’s himself as a future star.
As someone who isn’t a fan of either Charlotte or Portland, I’d like to see the Hornets get Scoot and Portland get Miller.
Think the hornets would be cool with two elite guards. LaMelo is more of a playmaker and shooter, Scoot more athletic finishes with his strength. Think they could adjust their games to work well together. All offensive no brakes.
Same for Portland I think Miller is a great fit for them, can take his time to feel out the league as like a 4th option on offence. Will be really efficient and learn alot of good winning tendencies, which will set him up well for the future. Scoot wouldn’t really make sense cause you have Dame and Simons currently. Unless you move Dame and go full rebuild, don’t resign Grant and so on. But I don’t see that happening
Bridges is a RF. So Charlotte can match any offer. What’s weird is he is not listed on team roster. If I’m Charlotte. I take Miller and
sign-n-trade Bridges. And then move Haywood too. He’s always wanted to go back to Indiana. That’s the big move for (moves) Charlotte. Hornets healthy and with Miller and a trade. Makes them a playoff team next yr.