NBA Draft Rumors: Brandon Miller could slide all the way to No. 5
With the NBA Draft quickly approaching, Brandon Miller's talent is undeniable, but concerns still persistent among potential suitors.
Despite averaging 18.8 points per game, there's hesitation around drafting 6-foot-9 forward Brandon Miller. Having only played one season at Alabama, Miller proved he can score. However, if his stock drops it won't be due to his basketball ability. Alleged off-the-court issues may hold this one-and-done back after major controversy surrounding a Tuscaloosa shooting subdued his freshman season.
According to Arthur Hill, in light of these allegations, Miller was restricted from discussing the incident in any detail but did provide a legal brief from attorneys. Now, Miller faces no charges. But, it's worth noting that any lottery pick will get examined under a microscope. Of course, this is not what any NBA team wants to hear from someone they're about to trust and invest in.
The Detroit Pistons currently hold the no. 5 pick. There's no denying Miller would give them the instant offense they need. Come draft night, if the Pistons are on the clock and Miller's still available — they might have no choice but to take him.
NBA Draft Rumors: Trail Blazers could keep No. 3 pick amid trade buzz
If you're the Portland Trail Blazers, you want to keep your All-NBA point guard happy and that means giving him a fighting chance to win a championship.
The Blazers have a unique opportunity in this NBA Draft. They can keep the third pick and draft a high-caliber player, such as Scoot Henderson or Brandon Miller. That way, they'll continue to build around Damian Lillard, which is more or less what they've been doing. Or they can use that third overall pick as an asset.
After all, Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons have a lot of youth and upside. Surrounding Lillard with players that need less development and are more focused on winning now might be the most beneficial move for the Blazers given their current roster.
Looking at the Blazers' current situation, Blazers writer Sean Highkin said, via Hoops Rumors, "I think it's more likely that they trade the pick than they keep it."
Though he also countered this thought, "It's not impossible that they keep the pick and draft somebody while also keeping Dame." With Nurkic, Grant, and Lillard all in or around their prime, it's arguable that the contending pieces are there. The Blazers hope to find this missing piece come draft night. The only question is how they plan to solve that problem.
NBA Draft Rumors: Early entrant withdrawal deadline features big-time returnees
Early entry candidates for this NBA Draft were announced. These players have the right to withdraw their name from the NBA Draft. However, they must do so before Wednesday, May 31 to remain eligible for NCAA Basketball. This means, for college basketball fans, deadline day was a make-or-break day for your program.
For instance, yesterday was a sad day for Kentucky fans. Big Blue Nation lost their 2022 Naismith Men's College Player of the Year, Oscar Tshiebwe, to the draft. This, coupled with the loss of five-star prospect Chris Livingston, does not bode well for the Wildcats.
On the other hand, Purdue fans celebrated as their star and 2023 NPOY, Zack Edey, simply tweeted, "Run it back," announcing his return to campus hours before the deadline yesterday. Purdue welcomes back six of their top seven scorers and Edey is a favorite to win the NPOY again this year.
Also joining the winner's circle are Michigan State guards A.J. Hoggins and Jaden Akins, who both withdrew from the draft yesterday. And Florida Atlantic is also in the mix with Johnell Davis leading the Owls returning, giving the team all five starters returning after their March Madness run.