A little less than a month from the 2023 Draft, there is currently only one certainty: that Victor Wembanyama, unless there is an unlikely last-minute turnaround, will be the first choice and join Spurs. Then, from the second choice of the Hornets, it is immediately less readable.
In particular because the situation of Brandon Miller is increasingly difficult to decipher. The only real competitor to Scoot Henderson to be chosen in second position by the Charlotte club, the former Alabama winger is indeed preparing his arrival with the pros in difficult conditions. There is obviously this heavy liability, marked by this tragic murder case in which he is involved, but also physical glitches which clearly prevent him from preparing for the Draft in optimal conditions.
To read >>> The profile of Brandon Miller (Alabama)
And according to the information shared by Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo of ESPN, it is today this second point which would be the greatest source of concern. Our colleagues report that Brandon Miller has been suffering from mononucleosis for several weeks, and that he has lost nearly 6 kilos since the end of the NCAA season.
His agent Wilmer Jackson has revealed to ESPN that he has hardly touched a ball since the end of the season. So, while his colleagues from the 2023 vintage have been preparing for the Draft for several weeks, Brandon Miller has spent most of his time since the end of the university season in his native Tennessee, to rest and heal. Not ideal, when attacking the interviews of the pre-Draft process…
And these are 12 interviews precisely, according to ESPN. Surprising information given the fact that Brandon Miller is considered a “lock” in the Top 5. Could this be a sign of a possible anticipation of a fall in the Draft? By comparison, Scoot Henderson, the other favorite for the second choice, has only scheduled three interviews – with the three podium teams – again according to ESPN. To make matters worse, our colleagues add that these interviews, held at the Draft Combine in Chicago, would not have been particularly convincing…
In summary, today is quite vague around Brandon Miller, just over three weeks from high mass. His private “workouts” to come with the franchises will certainly bring more clarity, but he still has to be physically fit enough to shine there. Case (complex) to follow.
