Days After Disrespecting Michael Jordan, Charlotte Hornets? Latest Pick Makes His Debut

The Charlotte Hornets chose an Alabama forward over the likes of Scoot Henderson as the second overall pick in the most recent NBA draft. The fact that Michael Jordan had a significant influence on the selection process despite giving up his majority ownership stake in the organization made it much more intriguing. Even though he’s retired now, MJ is an icon that many young players look up to. However, the Charlotte Hornets‘ latest draft pick doesn’t seem like a huge fan of ‘His Airness‘.

Jordan had the last say, according to general manager Mitch Kupchak, demonstrating the Hornets’ ongoing reliance on the basketball legend. Additionally, the player made his debut for his new team recently. Unfortunately, it didn’t go as he might have planned.

The second-overall pick makes his debut

Brandon Miller had an outstanding 2022?23 NCAA season while playing for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He will now display his skills at the NBA level. Miller has the potential to develop into a true star given the focus placed on premier wing players in the modern NBA. Standing at 6’9, the freshman possesses a remarkable shooting ability. One of the most potent shooters in the upcoming 2023 NBA draft, his range extends well beyond the three-point line.

Miller’s abilities go beyond his shooting proficiency. He has exceptional playmaking skills and continuously scans the floor to analyze defenses and select the best passes. In addition, he has shown flashes of genius while coming up with his own shot, notably from the midrange. However, his debut left a lot to be desired.

Miller struggled in the opening three-quarters of the game against the San Antonio Spurs at the California Classic. He committed six turnovers and picked up seven fouls. He struggled to play defensively against the opponent’s offensive players.

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However, as soon as Miller calmed down, he started to exhibit the abilities that led to his selection as the second pick in the 2023 NBA draft. He scored 12 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter. In third-four minutes of action, he shot 5-of-11 from the field. Furthermore, he also added five rebounds, three assists, one steal, and a block. Unfortunately, even though Victor Wembanyama was out of the scene, the?Hornets lost with a score of 98-77.

Despite this, Miller is expected to have a significant influence right away alongside the team’s young core. And the Hornets and their fans have high expectations for him. Nonetheless, his comments about their departing owner came as a surprise to many.

“Michael Jordan was never the guy…”: Brandon Miller

In the days counting up to the NBA draft, Brandon Miller had an interesting encounter with Michael Jordan during his workout for the Charlotte Hornets. He appeared in a pre-draft interview on Sirius XM where he talked about the same.

When questioned about the stress of working out in front of Jordan, Miller quickly brushed off any intimidation. Miller unexpectedly admitted that Paul George was his childhood idol and never Michael Jordan. “Working out in front of Michael Jordan, I think a lot of people would think I feel pressure because he was Michael Jordan, but Michael Jordan was never the guy I grew up watching. I kind of grew up watching Paul George.”

Miller then went on to call one of the NBA’s GOATS “just a regular guy”.?However, he did acknowledge that meeting him was “cool”. Miller pointed out how Jordan is always trash-talking. He also revealed how he also got a taste of it.

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“He told me I was just a shooter. I was just shooting threes. … I know my talents and my abilities. Can’t really let Jordan get in your head,” Miller said. Imagine trash-talking about the one who could possibly draft you into the league. Bold move, Brandon Miller!