NBA Draft expert explains why Brandon Miller could go No. 2 overall
For the longest time, the top two in the 2023 NBA Draft were thought to be set. Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson would go No. 1 and No. 2, with teams having a good tank fest to select them. There has been a wrench thrown into the plans though, with Alabama star Brandon Miller rising up boards.
Wembenyama is going to go first overall, no matter what. There is nothing anybody can to do overtake the 7-2 French star who is expected to one day rule the NBA. However, Miller is apparently “firmly in the mix” to be picked second according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givnoy.
NBA scouts would feel more comfortable selecting Miller, who is more of a unique prospect. He has been compared to the likes of Kevin Durant and Paul George.
“The college basketball realm is much more comfortable for them to evaluate,” Givony said. “You see a guy who is a first-team All-American, SEC Player of the Year — they know what that means. Scoot Henderson — 6’2 guard — they’re a little bit dime in a dozen these days. 6’9 playmaking wing who can play pick and roll, can go get his own shot, or shoot off the dribble, can guard two through four — that’s hard to find.”
Givnoy says Henderson has not been as impressive in the G-League this season for Ignite. The stats are eye-popping, averaging 17.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game — at least when he is playing. Other qualities could give NBA teams pause as well.
“They have been a little bit mixed on Scoot Henderson this season,” Givony said. “His decision-making hasn’t evolved quite in the way they were hoping. His defense has been just okay. He hasn’t been an every-night game player for G-League Ignite. Sometimes he plays, sometimes he doesn’t.”
Henderson was a member of the 2021 recruiting class but is nearly a whole two years younger than Miller. He’s built like an NBA-ready player though, listed at 6-2 and 195 pounds. Just because there is talk of Miller going second does not discount the potential Henderson possesses.
As things stand, the bottom three teams in the NBA are the Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs — in that order. While the lottery system will be in play, all three are expected to be in serious contention for the No. 2 overall pick.
Of course, Wembanyama is the goal at No. 1. But there could be an interesting debate moving forward on Henderson vs. Miller.