Charlotte Hornets select Brandon Miller in the 2023 NBA Draft

• The Charlotte Hornets interviewed Brandon Miller and Scoot Henderson for the 2023 NBA draft
• Brandon Miller has been regarded as the favourite all along by commentators 
• The Hornets have announced Miller as their selection for the 2023 NBA draft

The Charlotte Hornets made their selection in the 2023 NBA draft by choosing Alabama forward Brandon Miller as the second overall pick. The franchise had shown a preference for Miller throughout the evaluation process, ultimately leading to his selection over G League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson.

Sources revealed that Miller and Henderson were invited back to Charlotte for additional workouts and interviews, but the team ultimately decided on Miller. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches, Miller had an impressive college career, earning both the SEC’s Freshman of the Year and Player of the Year awards. The Hornets’ decision to select him had unanimous agreement among the team.

Brandon Miller has been selected as the second overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2023 NBA Draft. | PHOTO: ESPN |

Expressing his excitement, Miller stated that he looks forward to having a great time in Charlotte. During his college career, Miller showcased his skills, averaging 18.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. He was also recognized as the MVP of the SEC tournament and received second-team All-American honours.

READ: Scoot Henderson, Brandon Miller to visit Hornets once again

At just 20 years old, Miller joins the Hornets alongside LaMelo Ball with hopes of leading the team back to the postseason. Miller expressed admiration for Ball, acknowledging him as a talented point guard and stating that he aims to complement Ball’s play on the court. He also expressed gratitude for the support he expects to receive from Ball off the court.

However, Miller’s arrival in Charlotte comes in the wake of his name being mentioned in court testimony related to a capital murder case involving former Alabama player Darius Miles. Although Miller was asked by Miles to bring a gun during the incident, he has not faced any criminal charges himself.

In addition to selecting Miller, the Hornets also chose Arkansas guard Nick Smith Jr. as the 27th overall pick. Smith, who had been projected as a potential top-five pick, suffered a knee injury that caused him to miss a significant portion of the previous season.

Furthermore, the Hornets added James Nnaji, a 6-foot-11 centre from FC Barcelona, and UCLA guard Amari Bailey in the second round of the draft.

Aside from the draft, the Hornets are experiencing significant changes during the offseason. Michael Jordan, the majority owner, has agreed to sell his stake to current Hornets minority owner Gabe Plotkin and Atlanta Hawks minority owner Rick Schnall. Jordan will retain a minority ownership position in the team.

The Hornets also face a decision regarding restricted free agent forward Miles Bridges, who pleaded no contest to a felony domestic violence charge and did not sign a contract with Charlotte for the previous season. Bridges was suspended for 30 games by the NBA, with 20 games considered time served due to his absence from play. As a result, he will miss the first 10 games of the upcoming 2023-24 season.