In the 2023 NBA draft, the Charlotte Hornets made the high-profile selection of Brandon Miller as the second overall pick. Miller, a player often compared to the LA Clippers’ Paul George in terms of potential, was seen as a perfect complement to Charlotte’s young star, LaMelo Ball.
Nevertheless, before the draft, there was a cloud of controversy hovering over Brandon Miller. The Alabama product was alleged to have been involved in a serious incident on his college campus—a murder where a gun was reportedly provided by him.
One of the individuals implicated in this tragic event was Miller’s teammate, Darius Miles, who had reached out to him via text, seeking a firearm on the night of the shooting. Miles left the gun in Miller’s vehicle and requested that the highly touted prospect bring it to him on the night of the incident.
Despite this concerning association, Brandon Miller did not face any criminal charges and was cleared to continue playing for Alabama for the remainder of the season. Miller’s statements during the investigative process aligned with the findings of the authorities, whereas Darius Miles and the other suspect, Michael Davis, were found to be untruthful.
Although Miller was not legally implicated in the shooting incident, some individuals viewed his involvement as a potential red flag ahead of the NBA draft. Nonetheless, the 20-year-old forward was chosen as the second overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets.
During the Draft Combine, Miller addressed the media and shared that the incident had taught him to be more vigilant and aware of his surroundings.
The Charlotte Hornets faced a critical decision in the 2023 NBA draft when they were tasked with selecting either Scoot Henderson or Brandon Miller for the coveted second pick. While Henderson was considered the more promising prospect, it was Miller’s fit within the Charlotte team that ultimately swayed the decision.
Henderson plays the same position as the Hornets’ superstar, LaMelo Ball, making Miller a more seamless choice due to his compatibility with the team. With his athleticism and length, Miller is poised to become the second offensive option. His ability to shoot over smaller defenders and take on larger opponents off the dribble, combined with above-average ball-handling skills and mid-range scoring, make him an attractive addition to the Charlotte roster. While his three-point shooting may require improvement, the potential for growth in this aspect is evident.
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