Charlotte Hornets: 3 perfect combinations for their pair of 1st-round picks

2. Brandon Miller and Brandin Podziemski

While Henderson is the best player available in the No. 2 slot, there’s a real chance the Hornets prioritize perceived “fit” and draft the highest consensus-ranked wing in Brandon Miller. There has been ample buzz around Miller’s potential to ascend into the No. 2 spot and Charlotte receiving the pick (while employing an elite point guard already) probably won’t silence that noise.

Miller lands at No. 7 in our most recent big board, but the top of this lottery is stuffed with high-end talent. He’s an understandable, if risky pick in the No. 2 slot based on his size, shooting, and positional versatility. At 6-foot-9, Miller was one of the top 3-point shooters in college basketball. He can shoot off the catch or pulling up, and he showed more dynamism attacking the middle of the defense and getting downhill as the season progressed for Alabama.

The Hornets would have no trouble envisioning Miller’s fit next to LaMelo as a spacer and slasher. He’d be well-positioned to splash 3s in transition while attacking off the catch and operating as a secondary creator in the halfcourt. He would also be well-coached on the defensive end with Clifford. Miller isn’t quite an elite defender yet, but he has all the tools to be a valuable, switchable weapon on the wing.

Then, another Brand(o)in! Of the Podziemski variety, Brandin from Santa Clara is far less heralded than Brandon from Alabama. That said, he was highly productive for one of the best teams in the WCC, averaging 19.9 points and 8.8 rebounds from the guard spot. He competes hard, shows a lot of craft off the dribble, and is quite prolific from deep. Plus, some of his testing at the Combine could alleviate certain concerns tied to his athleticism.