(Photo Credit: The Charlotte Observer)
As the NBA Draft approaches, basketball aficionados, team staff, and sports bettors are buzzing with speculation. The world is almost unanimously convinced that Victor Wembanyama will be the Spurs' choice for the No. 1 pick, turning all the intrigue towards the No. 2 and No. 3 slots. There's a prominent belief, recently confirmed by Jonathan Givony on Zach Lowe's podcast "The Lowe Post," that G-League prospect Scoot Henderson may have impressed more than Alabama’s Brandon Miller in terms of NBA readiness and conditioning during each player’s recent workout for Charlotte. A shift in the Vegas odds confirms the perception that Henderson may be gaining an edge.
The odds of who will follow Wembanyama as the No. 2 overall pick have been fluctuating in the build-up to this week’s NBA Draft. On March 29th, near the end of the NCAA tournament, and after Brandon Miller's Alabama was eliminated by San Diego State, Henderson stood as the -350 favorite to go second. However, as the NBA playoffs wore on Miller's odds gradually shortened, and he finally eclipsed Henderson as a slight favorite. This position remained through NBA Draft Lottery night. Until this weekend, it was widely believed that the Hornets would choose Miller over Henderson, considering they already have a talented young point guard in LaMelo Ball.
Yet, with the recent finalization of Michael Jordan's divestment from the club, there's speculation that a new CEO could bring about significant changes, à la Succession. Interestingly, the betting markets now favor Henderson to be picked by the Hornets at -150. Adding to the drama is the possibility of the Blazers trading out of the No. 3 pick to acquire NBA-ready talent, and the prospect of a blockbuster Damian Lillard trade should the franchise choose to keep the third pick and pursue a youthful transformation.
The Odds and the Choices
As of Sunday, June 18th, the Odds for the Second Overall Pick at DraftKings Sportsbook:
Scoot Henderson: -150
Brandon Miller: +110
Amen Thompson: 50/1
Scoot Henderson (-150 to go second)
The Georgia-born G-League Ignite guard, Scoot Henderson, is more than just his impressive stats, which include an average of 16.5 PPG, 6.5 APG, and 1.0 SPG. Known for his extraordinary athleticism and ability to execute stunning dunks, Henderson has left an indelible mark on the G-League, despite his poor three-point percentage of 27.5% which may require refining to reach All-Star status at the next level. One influential aspect the Hornets may consider is the existing rapport between Scoot Henderson and LaMelo Ball. ESPN's Jonathan Givoney reports they first connected at the 2022 Rising Stars, both playing for "Team Payton." Their paths intertwined further when Henderson signed with Puma, where Ball is a significant figure. The consistent communication between the two players throughout the year indicates a promising synergy that has the potential to elevate the team's performance and ignite excitement within the arena and throughout the franchise.
Henderson's connections extend beyond Ball, too. He's built a rapport with Charlotte native and Warriors guard Stephen Curry, whom he plans to reach out to for local insights and lifestyle tips should he land in the Queen City. Curry's low-key, out-of-the-news lifestyle and iconic career resonate with Henderson, who aspires to "build an empire for his family" while emulating Curry's model.
Even as Henderson has drawn comparisons to greats like Russell Westbrook and John Wall, he hopes to create a legacy that inspires future generations to hope to have "Scoot's career" instead. He has already begun learning about real estate and personal finance and has applied for trademarks for his name and personal motto with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, according to The Athletics’ Mike Vorkunov. He feels his experience with the Ignite has provided him with a two-year head start on understanding the complexities of the NBA, both on and off the court.
Brandon Miller (+110 to go second)
The Alabama forward standing 6-9 with a 6-11 wingspan, is a formidable presence with an average of 18.8 PPG and 8.2 RPG. He's drawn comparisons to Paul George and Danny Granger due to his size and versatility. Able to guard most positions and potentially add a block per game to the Hornets' box score, Miller could offer Charlotte some much-needed star power on the wing and a significant defensive boost.
An elite shot-maker, Miller excels at movement 3s and scoring off the dribble, where his high-arching shots and deep pull-ups showcase his offensive potential. His improved consistency in driving to the rim coupled with his exceptional playmaking aptitude, particularly in pick-and-roll situations, adds another dimension to his game.
However, Miller does have areas for improvement. According to the Ringer’s Kevin O’Conner, Miller’s burst off the dribble needs enhancing, and he will need to focus on building physical strength to improve his finishing at the rim and his defensive versatility. His performance in March Madness was disappointing, potentially due to a groin injury. Miller brings off-court concerns stemming from an investigation where the Alabama freshman retrieved a firearm later used in a fatal shooting. Miller has not been charged with any crime stemming from the incident.
Amen Thompson (50/1 to go second)
Amen Thompson, a 6-7 guard/forward from Overtime Elite, is another notable name. An excellent athlete who can create his own shots, Thompson could provide valuable support for LaMelo Ball, who has proven to be an elite player at collapsing defenses and creating opportunities for his teammates. His knack for converting steals and rebounds into transition scoring chances could be beneficial for a Charlotte squad that ranked just 22nd in team scoring defense.
A Conundrum for the Hornets
The Hornets find themselves in a predicament with the No. 2 overall pick. On one hand, Henderson, a physical marvel, showcases explosive dynamism and agility that align with Charlotte's uptempo style of play. His chemistry with LaMelo Ball, potential scoring boost, as well as his connections to the area, position him as a tantalizing choice. On the other hand, there's Miller, a towering presence with formidable scoring prowess and defensive capabilities. His versatility on both sides of the court could potentially transform the Hornets' wing play and give them a viable option against some of the league’s most lethal players like Kevin Durant & LeBron James. The decision is further complicated by off-court factors such as the recent change in club ownership and Miller's involvement in an off-court incident last fall.
While the odds currently favor Henderson, the Hornets' decision will inevitably hinge on their vision for the team's future development and the roles they foresee for their young stars. Do they opt for Henderson's athleticism and existing rapport with Ball or lean toward Miller's size, versatility, and potential star power on the wing? Regardless of the route they choose, the upcoming NBA Draft promises to add a new dynamic to the team and stir further intrigue in the basketball landscape.
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