Michael Jordan played role in Brandon Miller and Scoot Henderson draft choice

23 June 2023 , 00:43

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Brandon Miller went second overall after Michael Jordan put his foot down

Brandon Miller has been selected second overall by the Charlotte Hornets, despite Scoot Henderson being tipped as the favourite to follow Victor Wembanyama.

The small forward from Alabama will play alongside LaMelo Ball at the Hornets and create a star offense, and it was under the recommendation of owner and legendary NBA player Michael Jordan. It was initially reported that the Hornets were interested in Henderson, but ESPN stated that after a second private workout on Monday it was determined that Miller was the best fit.

ESPN later added that the Hornets have been 'all-in' on Miller all along. The ownership, front office, scouts, coaches all see him as a future All-Star player and the right fit for the franchise.

Miller did experience an embarrassing moment during his practice though, as Jordan apparently air-balled a shot. Jordan may be one of the greatest to ever play the game, but he is still human after all.

"I witnessed him air ball a free throw, too. I always have that up against him," Miller said on Sirius XM/ "Him just being old," Miller added.

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The Hornets were sold on Miller over Henderson, but it won't hurt the No. 3 pick too much. It was a snub for Henderson, but at the Portland Trail Blazers the prospect will also have a big part to play.

"They getting a dog. They getting a dog who's going to come in and be hungry," Henderson said when reacting to going third. "[I've got a] mature mindset and that's to work and come in and make a real impact.

"Not just in the basketball side but in the community. They getting a special player. A special person."

Henderson has the flash, power, and pick-and-roll playmaking to be effective immediately. His game is also comparable to Russell Westbrook. If Damian Lillard does leave the franchise as rumoured, then Henderson will provide some excitement in his absence.

After Henderson was selected first, the first of the Thompson twins were picked up by the Houston Rockets. Amen Thompson hugged his brother Ausar as his name was called, with the twin not sitting tight for long.

Ausar was selected right after, going fifth overall and heading to the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons were seen as the unlucky ones in the NBA Draft Lottery as they had the joint-highest odds, and ended up with the fifth pick.

The San Antonio Spurs certainly on the lottery, but Ausar is as good as it gets for the Pistons with the top four picks featuring on almost everyone's mock draft. The brothers have finally been split up, and will want to prove they are the best Thompson in the NBA next season.

Joseph McBride