GM Mitch Kupchak Struggles for Words, In Response to Why Hornets Choose Brandon Miller Instead of Scoot Henderson
GM Mitch Kupchak Struggles for Words, In Response to Why Hornets Choose Brandon Miller Instead of Scoot Henderson
It’s safe to say that many Charlotte Hornets supporters would have like to see their team select Scoot Henderson with the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. The group had a different perspective.
Charlotte selected Brandon Miller with the second overall choice. The decision was met with disappointment from both fans and the team mascot.
The team must have had a legitimate reason for picking Miller, right? Right!?!?
Not really. Hornets GM Mitch Kupchak had a hard time justifying Miller’s selection when asked about it. Kupchak originally stated that “every answer we got to every question” was the inspiration for the selection.
He then made an effort to draw attention to the fact that Miller is younger than the average prospect. Ignoring the concept before Kupchak can finish it, he says, “I better not even go that direction, actually.”
Hornets supporters experienced extreme disappointment. Henderson and Miller were legitimate candidates for first overall in the draft. Despite the backlash from Hornets fans, there are reasons to defend the team’s decision to draft Miller.
In light of the discussion surrounding both players, however, the Hornets must feel strongly about selecting Miller. Kupchak’s inability to do so gave Henderson’s fans still another reason to criticise the squad, at least at first.
The public probably should have anticipated that Miller would be selected. For some time, he apparently was the go-to guy in Charlotte.
While the selection may have angered some supporters, Miller is hardly a bad choice. Krysten Peek, a member of our staff, gave the Hornets an A for the selection and emphasised the need of adding a capable 3-point shooter to the roster. Miller had a season 3-point percentage of greater than 40%.
There is a lot riding on this pick for the Hornets. Before selling the franchise, Michael Jordan made his final draft pick in the first round, and it was Miller. Jordan’s draft record isn’t stellar, so it was a difficult call to let him stay on after selling the team.
If Jordan made the correct call here, the Hornets will be in much better shape once he leaves thanks to the additions of LaMelo Ball and Miller.
If Jordan was wrong and Henderson turns out to be a star, the Hornets will have to live with the consequences of this pick for a very long time.
