Michael Jordan’s Latest Protégé Breaks Silence on Bitter Welcome After Shocking Draft Night Move

NBA fans caught a first glimpse at some of the league’s future stars during the 2023 NBA draft. Despite selling his majority stake in the Hornets, 6-time champion Michael Jordan had some say in their draft choice. Victor Wembanyama was picked #1 overall by the San Antonio Spurs while Brandon Miller went #2 to the  Charlotte Hornets.  Since his selection, Miller has been doing the rounds on the internet for all the wrong reasons.

Some controversial claims have driven NBA fans to prematurely bash him, and the former Alabama star recently addressed all the critics.

Brandon Miller has a message for NBA fans

The Charlotte Hornets fanbase has not had a taste of winning basketball in years. Some say Brandon Miller might just be able to change that. They currently have a great young core led by all-star point guard LaMelo Ball, but owing to injuries the Hornets had another losing season and fell into the lottery. 

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However, mere hours after getting drafted, Miller raised eyebrows by predicting an NBA finals trip for his team next season.

Naturally, this irked NBA fans and media analysts who saw the statement as exaggerated. Moreover, many fans expected Scoot Henderson to join the franchise instead of Miller. In a post-draft interview, Miller said, “To the ones that’s booing, I’m here to let you know we’re going to get a lot of wins this year. Definitely going to try to hold up the big trophy at the end.”

Interestingly, this message was directed to the Hornets fans who were booing Miller on draft night. While it’s too early to tell if the Hornets made the right call, Michael Jordan is certainly confident in Miller’s abilities.

#2 pick has already had an interaction with Michael Jordan

Six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan was an elite trash-talker. His opponents refrained from speaking ill of the Chicago Bulls legend as they were wary of the consequences.

However, it seems MJ’s latest recruit is unfazed by all that. Miller apparently indulged in a bit of trash talk with Jordan, grabbing headlines around the world with his feat of confidence. 

“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,” said Miller. He clarified that Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George was the player he grew up on. 

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We can already look forward to the Hornets’ first matchup against the Clippers where Miller will have to face his idol, PG13. Do you think Brandon Miller can turn around the Hornets’ fortunes? Let us know in the comments below.