(AP Photo)
The intrigue of the 2023 NBA Draft starts at the second pick, and over the last twenty-four hours the odds for the second selection have made another unexpected twist. Brandon Miller, Alabama's versatile forward, has surged to the forefront of betting favorites for the No. 2 overall pick, superseding G-League Ignite guard, Scoot Henderson.
This surprising turn of events took place between Tuesday night, as bettors laid a significant amount of money on Miller going second overall, driving his odds from +100 (or "Even money") to a stunning -400, based on a consensus from Pregame.com. This dramatic shift underscores the volatility of the pre-draft speculation, particularly concerning the No. 2 spot, and the intense rivalry between Henderson and Miller.
Reflecting on the volatility of past NBA Drafts, the betting odds for the 2023 NBA Draft echo the tumultuous landscape of the 2022 Draft. In that year, Duke's Paolo Banchero surprised many as his odds swung from a longshot at +1000 to a contender at -210 in the days before the draft, momentarily eclipsing the initially anticipated top pick, Jabari Smith Jr., whose odds had peaked at -600 prior. However, the market was thrown into disarray the night before the draft when ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski predicted an alternate draft order with Smith at the helm. The betting market froze for reassessment, and upon reopening, Banchero was set at +460 while Smith skyrocketed back to -6000 on FanDuel, underlining the intense back-and-forth between bettors and sports journalists. Despite this dramatic tug-of-war, Banchero was ultimately chosen, a decision that hindsight vindicated, given his outstanding Rookie of the Year debut season with the Orlando Magic. The shifting fortunes from the previous year underscore the unpredictable nature of the NBA Draft and draw attention to the ongoing battle between Brandon Miller and Scoot Henderson for the No. 2 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Earlier in the day, Henderson had reached a recent peak as the betting favorite with odds at -260. This sudden change in fortune for Miller suggests that the battle for the coveted No. 2 slot remains far from settled. Remember, in March, Henderson had been -350 to go second.
Brandon Miller's surge in the betting markets comes amidst reports that Henderson's NBA readiness, his reputed chemistry with LaMelo Ball & area legend Steph Curry, and a strong performance in the G-League had apparently positioned him as a frontrunner for the Hornets' No. 2 pick. However, perhaps something changed – or perception changed – when the Hornets had both Miller & Henderson return for a second workout on Monday. The fluctuations in the odds come amid an anticipated significant shift in club management following Michael Jordan's divestment.
Miller's late surge underscores the forward's undeniable talent. A versatile player compared to Paul George and Danny Granger, Miller is known for his size, defensive prowess, and ability to guard most positions, offering potential star power on the wing for the Hornets. While concerns about his burst off the dribble have been noted, his formidable presence on the court and high-arching shots showcase his immense potential.
As we move closer to the NBA Draft, the suspense intensifies. Will the Hornets lean towards Miller's versatility and defensive capabilities, or will they opt for Henderson's dynamism and existing rapport with LaMelo Ball? As betting lines continue to fluctuate, only one thing is certain - the intrigue surrounding the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft is more palpable than ever.
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Related: The Great Debate: Scoot Henderson Reclaims Status As Favorite Over Brandon Miller to go No. 2 After Victor Wembanyama in 2023 NBA Draft, Victor Wembanyama Favored Over the Field to Win NBA ROY, Once-in-a-lifetime prospect, Victor Wembayama Is Going to the San Antonio Spurs
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