The Charlotte Hornets have selected Brandon Miller as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
While the Hornets were reportedly choosing between Miller and Scoot Henderson, the 6-foot-9 small forward from the University of Alabama has officially landed in Charlotte.
Henderson went No. 3 to the Trail Blazers.
Michael Jordan had the final say on the No. 2 selection.
The Hornets announced earlier this week that the NBA great is selling his majority ownership stake in the team, but general manager Mitch Kupchak said he would defer to Jordan for the draft decision in his Wednesday press conference.
Both Miller, 20, and Henderson, 19, were in Charlotte on Monday for a private workout, and Miller reportedly impressed Jordan during his second session with the team.
Miller’s offensive versatility and crafty ball-handling is projected to pair well with point guard LaMelo Ball who was Charlottes’ No. 3 pick in 2020, one reason why he edged Henderson for the No. 2 spot.
With a strong three-level scoring ability and good length, Miller is hard to defend –– he’s able to shoot over guards, efficient with popping off the dribble and can pour it in from beyond the arc.
In his freshman season at Alabama this year, Miller averaged 18.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists.
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The new Hornet also earned first-team All-American honors and was the SEC’s player and freshman of the year.
Miller was tied to former Alabama teammate Darious Miles’ capital murder charges for the fatal shooting of Jamea Harris in January.
The Hornets pick reportedly delivered the gun to Miles that was used in the murder.
Miller was never charged with a crime and rather labeled as a cooperating witness.
In pre-draft interviews, he said the situation was a “lesson learned” and to “always be aware of your surroundings.”
Miller will now join the Hornets, who finished one spot above last place in the Eastern Conference during the 2022-23 season and are looking to build around new young talent.
