NBA Draft 2023: Overall takeaways and key grades from draft results

The dust has finally settled and the 2023 NBA Draft is behind us. After a pretty unsurprising first round, the second round became a whirlwind of picks being moved a few times and players flying off the board. I let everything sink in, but after seeing how it all played out, here are my takeaways from draft night.

The Hornets select Brandon Miller No. 2

The “mystery” surrounding the number two and three picks ended as they were expected to; the Hornets took Alabama’s Brandon Miller at No. 2, with the Trail Blazers taking Scoot Henderson No. 3. It’s been reported that both teams fielded offers for the picks, but ultimately nothing moved the needle far enough for them to move off the pick.

In terms of the Miller/Henderson debate, it seemed to me like the Hornets were always leaning toward Miller. General Manager Mitch Kupchak’s comments after the draft made it seem that not only did they view Miller as a better fit, but also a better prospect.

I, like many others, finished with Henderson second on my board. But, I think this was a worthwhile debate and don’t think Miller over Henderson was egregious. While the public scouts made it seem like Henderson was the surefire No. 2 guy…. privately, NBA scouts I had talked with have long been open to the idea of Miller before Henderson, dating back to February. Those that saw both play were left a bit unimpressed by Henderson’s season.

Henderson has the physical tools and body to be a dynamic lead point guard, but Miller brings the more traditional jumbo-sized shooter with some on-the-ball upside that you see more on winning teams. While I personally would always go “best player available” at No. 2, it’s easy to see how Miller fits better next to LaMelo Ball. As a result, the Blazers nabbed Henderson at No. 3, adding their lead playmaker of the future. He fits the timeline of the rebuild, but if they keep Damian Lillard, those two should be fun to watch together.