Hornets select controversial prospect with No. 2 pick at NBA Draft

The Hornets have selected Alabama small forward Brandon Miller with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 draft.

Charlotte reportedly decided between Miller and G League Ignite point guard Scoot Henderson, who were widely considered the top two prospects in the draft behind Victor Wembanyama.

From a fit perspective, Miller — a 6-foot-9 wing — makes more sense for the Hornets than another ball-handling guard like Henderson. Incumbent Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball battled injuries this past season but made the 2022 All-Star team, so Miller was viewed for most of the process as the favorite to land in Charlotte.

Miller had a stellar freshman season on the court for the Crimson Tide. The 6-foot-9 prospect averaged 18.8 PPG on .430/.384/.859 shooting splits. He also notched 8.2 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.9 SPG and 0.9 BPG across his 37 regular-season contests.

For his efforts, the 20-year-old was named the SEC Player of the Year and an All-SEC first-teamer. He was also selected to the 2023 All-American second team.

Miller was widely considered to be the best freshman in the NCAA for 2022-23. Accordingly, he was named the SEC Rookie of the Year, the NABC Freshman of the Year, and the USBWA National Freshman of the Year.

Miller has faced scrutiny for his connection to a fatal January shooting in Tuscaloosa. He brought former Alabama teammate Darius Miles the gun that was used in the killing of Jamea Jonae Harris, but has insisted that he didn’t know the weapon was in the car. He cooperated in the investigation and didn’t face any criminal charges.