General manager Mitch Kuptchak spoke on behalf of the entire Charlotte Hornets as the franchise decided to select Brandon Miller for the second overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft.
Out of Miller and Scoot Henderson, Kupchak and the Hornets have identified Miller as the better one with the entire team ultimately settling for a difficult decision in picking their lottery prospect.
“It wasn’t the easiest of decisions, but Brandon was our favorite all along,” Kupchak said, per Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer. “A lot of spirited discussion the last three or four days, which I welcome, and I think it’s good for the basketball department to discuss pros and cons, pluses and minuses, argue a little bit. So, obviously, our opinion from the beginning did not change.”
Days prior to draft night, it was reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN that Miller impressed Charlotte on his second draft workout with outgoing team owner Michael Jordan in attendance.
As such, Wojnarowski noted this Thursday that Miller was the solid choice of the franchise all along to place alongside their promising foundation of LaMelo Ball, P.J. Washington and the still-estranged Miles Bridges.
“We think he is the player that is the best player,” Kupchak said. “They are both excellent players, and they both will probably go on to have long NBA careers. But he’s the one that we feel would have the best NBA career as a Hornet.”
Though plenty of the Hornets supporters have shown negative reactions upon the selection of Miller, they have no choice but to be hopeful that the 19-year-old will ultimately fulfill his potential.
Regarded for his length, explosiveness and strong scoring arsenal, Miller averaged 18.8 points, 8.2 boards, 2.1 assists for the Crimson Tides en route to being named 2023 SEC Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year.
“I found out literally when they were calling my name,” Miller said. “I was still on the phone. My reaction was a lot of excitement, smiles, hugs and handshakes. I knew my mom was going to cry, she was going to shed a tear. But there’s nothing wrong with crying, I think it happens to the best.
“Yeah, I think it’s just us taking it slow, taking the moments in while we can.”
