2023 NBA Draft Roundtable: Grading the Brandon Miller Pick
After all the debate over the last few weeks, the Hornets ended up grabbing Brandon Miller with the second overall selection and providing a smooth shooting wing to their roster. Check out below how our staff has graded the pick on draft night.
Matt Alquiza: A-
The team couldn’t go wrong either way, but Miller is a tier below Scoot in my opinion. Miller’s combination of height, length, and shooting ability are ideal in the modern NBA, but his lack of finishing ability is definitely a concern. He fits nicely as the roster is currently constructed and will be a legit offensive threat from day one. Solid pick by the Hornets.
James Plowright: B+
Hornets fans need to give Miller the chance to prove he was the correct pick at #2. There is a clear top 3 in this draft which includes Miller, last year all of them would arguably been selected 1st overall. The Hornets could still be getting an all-star caliber forward who due to his size and two-way skill set has a chance to be a more impactful player in the playoffs than Scoot Henderson.
Jon Yeager: B
I hate giving this grade a B because it makes it feel like I'm down on the player. I'm not at all, I see the tremendous upside Miller has as an elite shooter with huge play-making potential. The size and length he enters the league with is great for a wing prospect, but he will need to add some weight in order to maximize his potential. He slots in perfectly on this Charlotte roster and has the chance to be a tremendous player in the league. I was on the side of selecting Henderson with this pick, but I have no issue with the team going after a player with Miller's ceiling.
Desmond Johnson: D
The Hornets played themselves again. While I don't doubt Miller will be a good player in the league he simply doesn't carry himself like a star. Scoot Henderson does. Hornets just drafted a Small Forward when they are paying one 30 million per season (Hayward) and appear to be bringing back a more polished SF in Miles Bridges. Not happy with this selection at all.
Nicholas Mullick: C+
Oh come on, Scoot was right there. I get picking Miller fills a need, but in the NBA Draft you always have to go best player available. Miller has promise, but he is not as complete of a prospect as Scoot is. At least the Hornets did not reach as Miller is the third ranked prospect, but Scoot was the pick.
Austin Leake: C+
Brandon Miller is not a bad pick, but Scoot Henderson was on the board and I find it hard to believe that management thought he was the better player. Drafting for fit never works and hopefully Miller will be better than Scoot but only time will tell. Miller is a terrific shooter and fits well with a dynamic Hornets squad, but the questions remain is he actually better than Scoot? And what went into the decision to draft him?
Eric Barnes: A
What is the most premium skill in the league? Shooting. What’s the 2nd most important? Passing. What’s the most important position in the modern day NBA? Do-it-all wings. On top of all these qualities that Miller possesses, he brings position versatility and projects to be a plus on the defensive end. Kudos to the Hornets for not falling to fan pressure. Sometimes the right decision isn’t the popular one.
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