Michael Jordan is selling the Charlotte Hornets for approximately $3 billion. Most fans of the franchise are happy due to Mike’s underwhelming 13-year stint as the owner of the ball club.
However, before parting ways with the organization, Jordan apparently had the last say in drafting Brandon Miller over Scoot Henderson, using the No. 2 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Henderson was viewed as the better prospect by most, so, it was certainly a bold decision by Jordan. A Hornets fan called out the six-time NBA champion for his controversial decision.
“Michael Jordan, you have owned the Hornets, the Bobcats, since I have been a fan,” the fan said. “And every time I think you’re about to do something bad, you do something worse. Hornets fans have been through it all since day one. We’ve drafted more busts than any franchise. We’ve had to put up with so much stuff, it has affected my mental, to be a fan of this team.”
The furious fan added: “And the moment I think, ‘Okay, this is it’ then we draft Brandon Miller. I’m rooting for the guy I guess, it was the wrong pick, but rooting for him.”
During Jordan’s time as an owner, he made some questionable draft choices. For example, the Hornets drafted Michael Kidd-Gilchrist in the 2012 NBA Draft, with Bradley Beal and Damian Lillard still left to be selected. Kidd-Gilchrist spent eight seasons with the team before getting traded in 2019 and ultimately getting out of the league the following year.
In 2013, the Hornets selected Cody Zeller with the No. 4 pick in the NBA Draft. They missed out on future two-time NBA MVP and champion Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis is currently regarded as one of the best players in the league.
Noah Vonleh was drafted using the No. 9 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. The Hornets could have selected Zach LaVine instead of him. LaVine is a two-time NBA All-Star while Vonleh has averaged just 4.7 points, 4.9 rebounds for his career.
Next came Frank Kaminsky with the No. 9 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. Devin Booker was drafted just four picks later by the Phoenix Suns. Booker is a perennial All-Star and even led the Suns to an NBA Finals appearance in 2021. Kaminsky, on the other hand, has played for four teams in eight seasons.
The Hornets took Malik Monk with the No. 11 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Michael Jordan could have selected Donovan Mitchell. Spida has become one of the best players in his position and blossomed into a superstar averaging more than 25.0 PPG in the past three seasons. Monk is a solid role player, but not even close to Mitchell’s level.
The Hornets have made some costly mistakes in the draft during Jordan’s ownership stint. But does that mean Michael Jordan has never made excellent choices in the draft? Most certainly not.
The most notable picks made by Michael Jordan were Kemba Walker with the No. 9 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and LaMelo Ball with the No. 3 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Walker earned three NBA All-Star appearances while donning the Hornets jersey. He also became a reliable near 20.0 PPG scorer for the team.
Ball currently has the keys to the franchise in his hands. He has improved in each of his three seasons with the team. LaMelo was averaging 23.3 PPG before injuring his ankle and ended up playing just 36 games last season.
These players are some of the best choices made by Jordan. Although Miller is still an exciting prospect, Scoot Henderson was arguably the better choice in terms of sheer potential.
Miller averaged 18.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, and 2.1 APG during his college career. On the other hand, Scoot had 16.5 PPG, 5.4 RPG, and 6.5 APG playing in the G-League.
Brandon Miller Trash-Talked To Michael Jordan During Draft Workout
Michael Jordan’s competitiveness is known all around the globe. Jordan was extremely competitive during his playing days, which helped him in winning six NBA Championships.
Earlier, the Hornets were divided between Brandon Miller and Scoot Henderson. However, the former impressed MJ during the draft workout, which played a role in his selection by the Hornets. Speaking of Miller’s workout, the 20-year-old apparently trash-talked Michael Jordan.
“Working out in front of Michael Jordan, a lot of people told me I’d be under pressure, but MJ was never the guy I grew up watching, I grew up watching Paul George,” Miller said. “Michael Jordan was just a regular guy in the gym watching me work out. He definitely sounds like how he does on TV, he was trash-talking…”
Miller added: “He told me I was just a shooter. I know my talents and abilities, can’t let Jordan get into your head. I was kinda talking trash back to me. I witnessed him airball a free throw too, I’ll have that against him. It’s just him being old. Lace ’em up.”
It was the last decision ever made by Michael Jordan as the controlling owner of the franchise. Will it turn out to be a great decision? Or will it add to the long history of draft mistakes by them? Fans will find out soon enough.
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