June 28, 2023 • 21 mins
Brandon Miller, the No. 2 overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, joins Sam Farber for his 1st podcast interview after being selected by the Charlotte Hornets. They discuss his goals for his rookie campaign and what he thinks he can bring to Buzz City.
Sam and Rob Longo also discuss the recently released Las Vegas Summer League schedule for the Hornets.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
Welcome to the Hornets Highcast, present it by Charlotte I
ear Nose and Throat Associates, the official I ear nosen
throat Care provider of the Charlotte Hornets. Here's your host,
Sam Farber.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
Welcome to another edition of the Hornet Podcast, your Hornets
Podcast with all the notes, quotes, and daily buzz around
your favorite NBA team. I'm Sam Farber and it is
a pleasure and a privileged to have you with us
here once again on the Hornets Podcast, brought to you
by Santa Charlotte I Ear Nose and Throat Associates, the
official I ear nosen throat Care provider of the Charlotte Hornets.
Draft Week is now officially in the books. We have
(00:39):
moved on. We're headed towards Summer League, and this week
we're gonna let you hear from Introduce you to, if
you will, to some of the recent draft selections of
the Charlotte horns beginning today with Brandon Miller, pick number two. Overall,
we're gonna let you hear from him, get to know
him a little bit as he prepares for his rookie
season here with the Charlotte Hornets. Also the Slummer League
(01:00):
schedule has come out. It's become official, so we've got
a lot to dissect with that. Rob Longo, my producer
of course from the Hornets Radio Network, as well as
the producer from this Fine podcast, will join me later
on in the show. We'll talk about the entirety of
the summer league schedule. But right now we don't want
to waste any more time. Let's get right to him,
the man himself, number two overall selection out of the
University of Alabama, Brandon Miller, our guest today here on
(01:23):
the Hornets. I've cast Brandon. Welcome to Charlotte.
Speaker 3 (01:25):
Thank you, thank you.
Speaker 4 (01:26):
It's just a blessing, you know, being here here, my
name called second, It's just all exciting moments rushing down
my body.
Speaker 5 (01:32):
Let's go through draft night.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
Because Mitch cup Check, the general manager for the Hornets,
he is famous for not tipping his hand early. He
wants to get all the information that he can and
make sure he's covered all of his bases to be
When did you hear that you were going to be
the pick for Charlotte And describe the emotions at discovering that.
Speaker 4 (01:50):
Well, the first time I heard I was still on
the phone so that once my name I called, that's
what I actually put down the phone and it stood
up and hugged everybody and gave everybody handshake. But as
far as emotions, I kind of held those in. I
let my parents do all the crying and boohoo, and
then I just do all the handshakes and smile and
just have you know, a good moment and just always
(02:11):
stand positive.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
Different players react differently to being drafted, and I, for one,
I don't think there's a wrong way to react to
being drafted. It's it's a personal moment you should celebrate
in your own way. As you mentioned, even though you
seem very very happy and excited, very calm as well,
where does that calm that's come from, both in that
kind of moment there your life changing, finding out where
your career is going to start, and on the court
(02:33):
as well in big moments.
Speaker 3 (02:34):
Well, it's always been my dream.
Speaker 4 (02:36):
So I feel like all the work that I put
in is you know, going to pay off someday, And
I feel like it all paid off when I heard
my name get called. So I mean all I can
do is just come in and startletting to work as
hard as I can. Just to you know, go out
there on the court and get as many way as
I can.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
You got not just the call, but you got calls
from Michael Jordan, you got calls from LaMelo Ball. Feel
free to keep those conversations private if you like. Some
of it's already out on social media. But what can
you tell us about those conversations?
Speaker 4 (03:04):
And you know, I kind of look at la Meili
Ball as a big brother away from home. He kind
of welcomed me. My first workout here was just you know,
very very important. And you know, the basketball journey that
I've taken is the reason why I chose Alabama through
the fact, you know, O's came up upon me early
my freshman year of high school. So and then our
bond just kind of got stronger, stronger every day. And
I feel like that's what Meyla Meloballs bond is getting
(03:26):
is doing right now, is just getting stronger by the day.
Speaker 5 (03:28):
Brandon Miller our guest today here on the Hornets iive cast.
Let's talk about what you bring to Charlotte.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
You were an elite shooter in college, overall scorer, outstanding,
top notch rebounder.
Speaker 5 (03:38):
At Alabama.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
You basically turn a football school into a basketball power
in one season. They had one regular season in tournament
titles before, but it's rare to win them both in
the same year, and along the way an All American
all doing it at six foot nine. There's a lot
that you bring that we're all excited about. But in
your mind, what do you bring to the table?
Speaker 4 (03:56):
Well, like you said, I feel like I can bring,
you know, the stretch, just a wing to just knock
down shots, but not just knocking down shots. I feel
like I can licking on the defensive side and just
get to stop that me and my teammates need. So
I'm really just a winner, not a selfish player willing
to make all the winning plays as far as diving
on the floor, getting all the rebounds, just stopping other
team's best players as far as that.
Speaker 3 (04:18):
So, just the winner.
Speaker 2 (04:19):
When you pick number two overalls in the organization, you're
not thinking short term. You're thinking long term, But there
is a short term impact that you have the potential
to have.
Speaker 5 (04:27):
This is a team that wasn't picking.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
Top five necessarily because the roster was not expected to
do well. There was just a really difficult run of
injuries that kind of put the team in a tough spot.
So as you look at the roster players under team control,
how do you think you can have an immediate impact
on winning here in the Queen City.
Speaker 4 (04:46):
Well, like I've said, I think Charlotte's getting a winner
on and off the court. I'm always, you know, here
encouraging my teammates, trying to make them better every day.
So I think that's one of the things I have
on my bell is just willing to come in and
work every day and make everybody better long.
Speaker 2 (04:58):
Term, over the course of your your entire career. I
know it's just started, so maybe you haven't thought completely
all the way through it just yet, but what are.
Speaker 5 (05:05):
Some of your goals?
Speaker 4 (05:06):
Like I said, I'm a winner. I want to win
the big trophy at the end. Definitely an NBA Finals championship.
That'd be great.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
Randon Miller our guest here today on the Hornets Hive Cast. Brandon,
let's get to know you a little better. First off,
I'm told this is the first time you've ever been
on a podcast interview.
Speaker 5 (05:24):
I'm honored.
Speaker 4 (05:25):
Yeah, this is my first time I've ever been in
a podcast. I feel like my answers is not long enough,
so I think I need to make them longer.
Speaker 2 (05:32):
We will not dissuade you from doing that. But I
think you've been spot on so far. You've said a
couple of times, and I think your father is volunteered
as well, that you're a very approachable person. Tell me
where can people most likely find you? What do you
like to do when you're not on the court.
Speaker 3 (05:45):
If I'm not on the court, I mean that in
my car driving.
Speaker 4 (05:49):
I love cars. I have a big car fetish. I'm
always showing up to, like, you know, different athletic events.
And you know Bryce youngins with Carolina. You know that's
my guy. So I'll probably be a you know a
lot of Panthers games this year. I'm just supporting my guy.
So you know you can find me everywhere.
Speaker 2 (06:04):
What are some personal favorites of viewers in terms of food, music,
anything like that.
Speaker 4 (06:10):
Favorites definitely a steak dinner. So Vineo would love take
me out on a steak dinner. You know I'm with it.
I'm all for it.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
In terms of your personality in the locker room, are
you the class clown?
Speaker 5 (06:22):
Are you the serious type?
Speaker 4 (06:24):
I think I have all the personalities. I could be
a class clown. But I know when the lock in
and you know focus, so you know you're also gonna
have those moments where you where you joking all the time.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
So I'm just all kinds of personalities with me.
Speaker 2 (06:37):
Going back to basketball. Now, what is it going to
feel like those upcoming first that are going to be
in your career. Soon enough, you'll be wearing a summer
week uniform for the first time, you'll be in your
first training camp, You'll have your first NBA game, your
first points. Tell me what you envision for that.
Speaker 4 (06:53):
It's definitely new in this league. We're fresh, so it's
going to be a lot of learning experiences. But first
point in the league is probably gonna be off a
nice corner three from the Miller ball. So I mean
I could see that, I could see that one happening.
Speaker 2 (07:08):
We will cut that and record it and make sure
that you either fulfill it or remind you of it
when it ends up being like a dunk over someone
or something else.
Speaker 5 (07:15):
That'd be nice too.
Speaker 2 (07:17):
In terms of this experience, you get to do it
with someone you played with coming up.
Speaker 5 (07:22):
Nick Smith Junior was one of your teammates.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
In the AAU levels and then Amari Bailey as well.
All three of you were top ten recruits, so I'm
sure you've crossed paths a number of times.
Speaker 5 (07:31):
What's it like to go through this with this group
of guys?
Speaker 3 (07:34):
Man, Nick, that's my guy. Man, that's my day one.
Our bond is crazy.
Speaker 4 (07:38):
It's just it started since we was younger, you know,
just playing with Brad Bill. I think Brad and you know,
the whole organization kind of pulled us together and now
we've just been close ever since then. And now just
to see him chasing his dreams and his dreams coming
true is kind of an exciting moment for me too,
you know, just kind of growing up with him to
seeing him achieving his goals.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
And James, you mentioned Paul George number It in the
interviews leading up, the guy that you kind of emulated
your game after growing up you played under Brad Beal
as well as an AAU player. Any thoughts on getting
to share a floor with those guys in the not
too distant future.
Speaker 4 (08:12):
It's weird because I kind of compared Nick Smith to
Brad so and Nick compares me to Paul, So it's
so it goes both ways. But you know, Sharnakoor with them.
It'll be, you know, an exciting moment.
Speaker 3 (08:23):
You know.
Speaker 4 (08:23):
Brad is oh the big bro of you know, the organization,
and Paul I would just love to meet him in
person recently just follow you back on Instagram by the way.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
So I feel honored with that one.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
And of course you get to play for in many
people's most people's estimations, the greatest of all time, Michael
Jordan with a young superstar and LaMelo Ball and you
the latest and hopefully one day the greatest piece here
to this Hornet's Puzzle. We're excited to have you again,
honored to be your first podcast interviewer. Welcome to Charlotte,
Thanks so much for joining us here today on the
(08:52):
Hornet's Iodcast. Thank you, Thanks again to Brandon Miller for
joining us here today on the AHC, and once again
a warm welcome here to the Queen's City, his new
home and hopefully lots of success in his and the
squad's near and long term future. Coming up next, we're
gonna welcome Rob Longo into this episode of the AHHC.
We're gonna talk summer league schedule. It's out, it's official.
(09:13):
What are we looking forward to?
Speaker 3 (09:14):
That's next?
Speaker 5 (09:15):
Here on the Hornet Time Cast.
Speaker 2 (09:20):
Welcome back to the Hornet Time Cast, Sam Farbar here
now joined by my producer on the Hornet Radio Network
as well as the producer of this fine podcast, Rob Longo.
And Rob we got a chance to hear from Brandon
Miller before we talked Summer League schedule. Your first thoughts
after having your first person to person in person interaction
with Brandon Miller.
Speaker 6 (09:39):
Yeah, really excited to have Brandon here in a queen city.
Obviously not just as a talent and as a player,
but as a person as well. When he walked into
the studio and introduced himself, he goes, Okay, where's the
hot seat? So he was all excited and ready to
go crazy. That was his first podcast interview. I think
he knocked it out of the park, but super excited.
You've seen the behind the scenes on Hornet social media
as well about the kind of kid that Brandon is
(10:00):
and the personality that he has and will he'll bring
to this roster as well. So a lot of young
vibrant stars into making here in Charlotte, between a guy
like Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball as well.
Speaker 2 (10:08):
His first taste of NBA action of any kind is
going to be Summer League, and that's gonna tip off here.
It's just a matter of days. We knew already that
the Hornets were going to be involved in the Las
Vegas Summer League. That's the thing for every team in
the NBA. We also had heads up that they were
going to participate in the California Classic, which starts, believe
it or not, on Monday. Hornets will take on the
(10:30):
San Antonio Spurs and then they'll also take on the
Golden State Warriors, two games in a matter of three days,
directly before Summer League. But now we've got the entire
schedule out as well. Everything's available for you at Hornets
dot com. Another head to head matchup with the Spurs
to tip off the Las Vegas Summer League on the seventh,
Then a head to head matchup with the Los Angeles
Lakers on the ninth. Number two pick versus number three pick,
(10:53):
Brandon Miller versus Scoot Henderson. When the Hornets take on
the Portland Trailblazers. That one will be on the eleventh,
that's on Tuesday, and then they'll wrap things up with
the schedule. At least the one that we know of
for now against the New Orleans Pelicans that's on Thursday,
the thirteenth. There is the possibility for additional possible games
one or two depending on how the Hornet's fair. But
(11:14):
just seeing the schedule now it's all laid out, Rob Longo,
your overarching thoughts really excited.
Speaker 6 (11:20):
We kind of had an inkling that the Hornets are
probably going to play San Antonio and Portland in Summer League.
That's just the way that the league kind of operates
when they make the sumber League schedule, just because they
want to see the number one, number two, number three
prospects play against each other. It's great exposure for the league.
It's a great idea to kind of get these young
rising stars some more national exposure as well. So we
kind of had an idea that this was going to happen.
(11:42):
And it seems like over the last couple of seasons
that the Hornets have always played the Lakers out in
Las Vegas in Summer League, at least they did last
season as well, and the Pelicans matchup is a little
bit intriguing also. So I think the most important thing
is the fact that the Hornets are going to have
an extra two games kind of up on a majority
of other teams going to Summer League because they're playing
(12:02):
in that California Class and now of course they will
be playing San Antonio, so the Spurs will have a
couple of extra games as well, and there's always those
games out in Salt Lake City also to think about.
But for the majority, I think that Summer League a
lot of it has to do with chemistry because these
guys don't have a lot of practice time together with
one another, and just having those extra two games out
in Sacramento will really help here. I think with the
Hornets moving forward in Summer League with these four games
(12:25):
as well, but really excited to see everybody in action.
There's gonna be a lot of great matchups, and the
Hornets are in primetime a lot of these. There are
a lot of those later games. Everybody wants to see
the number two overall pick and Brandon Miller go up
against guys like Scoot Henderson and Victor Wee Binyama. So
I'm really excited.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
I am as well. My overarching thought on this, I
agree with you. I think there's a lot we kind
of had an inkling of going in. We figured that
there would be a Hornets versus Blazers matchup two versus three.
We assume there would be a Hornets versus Spurs matchup
one versus two. That's talking about the Las Vegas portion.
We've obviously known the Sacramento, the California Classic portion of
(12:58):
it for quite some time. The biggest thing for me,
I really like the way that this schedule is laid out.
Sometimes in Summer League, if you've been there, there's a
hurry up and wait kind of mentality, like you're hurrying
up to play back to back games. There's not a
lot of practice time, as you mentioned, leading up to
Summer League, so it can be very difficult when the
schedule has peaks and valleys and you're playing say two
(13:20):
games in back to back days, then you have two
or three days off here from the start to finish
Sacramento all the way through what is scheduled currently for
Las Vegas. It's a really consistent rhythm game day, off day,
slash practice day, game day practice, game day practice, So
you're going to have a chance to really build a
rhythm out there and have nothing too out of the
ordinary hit these guys once they hit the road for Sacramento.
Speaker 5 (13:43):
So that's the biggest thing for me.
Speaker 2 (13:44):
And then obviously on top of that, it's the primetime
Premier matchups. It's Brandon Miller getting a chance to go
up against the number one pick, Victor webbin Yama getting
a chance to go against the number three pick, Scoot Henderson.
Those are going to be the matchups the NBA wants
to pump up in. To be fair, that's the one
that we're most excited to see as well.
Speaker 5 (14:02):
Time for some superlatives.
Speaker 3 (14:04):
ROB.
Speaker 5 (14:04):
You know the rules, Well, the ROB rules.
Speaker 2 (14:06):
Are in effect for this, so you are not allowed
to pick or I'm not allowed to pick whoever you
select for any of these categories. Your most anticipated game
of the Las Vegas Summer League, since that's the schedule
that's most recently come out.
Speaker 6 (14:18):
Yeah, I think there's two to really keen in on,
and I think there's one that's maybe a little bit
more obvious than the other. But I got to take
the first one right out of the gate. That's July
seventh against the Spurs, nine o'clock on a Friday night,
all eyes on ESPN. Victor Wenbinyama versus Brandon Miller, one
versus two. I think that kind of is self explanatory,
but the one thing to take it a little bit
of a step further is we don't really know what
(14:41):
Victor Wenbinyama's plans are for the California Classic. I would
assume that he probably would play. He talked about wanting
to play in Summer League, so we know we will
a least see him on the seventh. But if we
go back and we see him on the third, then
I want to see how the Hornets respond to playing
the same team twice in the span of four days.
So you kind of get a mini series in that sense.
That other game in there against Golden State as well
(15:02):
on July fifth, but regardless, you're playing the same team
in the span of four days. So I'm interested to
see how the team adjustin responds in that regard. July
seventh against San Antonio.
Speaker 5 (15:10):
I like it.
Speaker 2 (15:10):
I think that's the obvious one and it's probably the
correct one. That's the one most eyeballs are going to
be on. It should be a great test, and just
seeing those two superstars go head to head, it's going
to be a lot of fun.
Speaker 5 (15:23):
So I like the pick.
Speaker 2 (15:25):
I'm going to go with the second most obvious, the
one that I think you're thinking of as well here,
and that's head to head against the Portland Trailblazers on
July eleventh. That's going to be important for a number
of factors, and there's a variety of reasons why I
personally am excited about it. One, obviously, it's number two
versus number three. It was the conversation for weeks leading
(15:45):
up to draft night, going right up into the selection itself,
a lot of intrigue, a lot of drama. But Brandon
Miller is the pick for the Charlotte Hornets. Scoot Henderson
falls to three and goes to the Trailblazer. So that
head to head and matchup is going to be a
big part of the discussion here. But another thing to
look at, and this is part of what I'm really
intrigued about, is it's a head to head matchup for
Brandon Miller, specifically with Chris Murray. And Murray is someone
(16:09):
who obviously, his brother Keegan was an all rookie selection
with Sacramento. He himself was a top five pick. Chris
dropped a little bit into the twenties. He's picked up
by Portland. Position Wise, he's someone who lines up pretty
well with Brandon Miller, and so it's likely those two
are going to have head to head matchups. And when
you look at the rest of the board, if you will,
(16:31):
the rest of the games that the Hornets have on
their schedule, I don't know that there is another matchup
that lines up quite the same for the entirety of
the schedule, like maybe Brandon Pratzimski on the Warriors pickout
of Santa Clara.
Speaker 5 (16:44):
He might be it.
Speaker 2 (16:46):
There are some other options out there, but in terms
of most high profile direct head to head position against
position matchup, Chris Murray might be it. So for both
Scoot Henderson and Chris Murray, I think this is the
most intriguing one, even though in reality I think it's
more likely that Scood Henderson goes up against Nick Smith
Junior or some of the other guards for the Hornet's
(17:06):
head to head, But regardless, I think that's the one
I am most in anticipation for the head to end
matchup with the Blazers. One more for you, what is
success here in Summer League? You get to the fine
at first.
Speaker 6 (17:17):
Well, I jokingly said before we started the podcast that
nobody gets hurt, but in all seriousness, I think that's
kind of the goal, is just to get everybody healthy,
just see that development moving forward with some of these guys.
But yeah, I mean I don't really quantify summer league
and wins and losses. Would it be great to win
Summer League, Sure, why not. I mean, it'd be great
to play some high pressure basketball and some high pressure
(17:38):
situations to get ready for the season. But at the
end of the day, you just want everybody to get
those six seven games under their belts if you include
the California Classic as well, and just gain from that experience,
understand the speed of the NBA, some of the maybe
the rule changes that you're not quite used to yet
going from the college game to the NBA level. So again,
(17:58):
it's just basically a feeling out process. I feel like
for these next couple of weeks, just getting acquainted to
the NBA game, the style of play and those sorts
of things. And we got to be honest, too, there
might be times where we just see some downright ugly
basketball because we got to keep in mind too that
these guys will only have a couple weeks of practice
together and then they got to get thrown right into
the fires. So There's a lot of things that could
look a little bumpy or a little dicey, but at
(18:20):
the end of the day, everybody's staying healthy is basically
the most successful Summer League.
Speaker 2 (18:24):
I think in my mind, well, I'm glad rob rules
are in effect because that is clear and obvious, and
I kind of didn't want to take it, So I'm
glad you took it. Yes, health is the most important thing.
Want everyone to come into and out of Summer League healthy,
that's first and foremost. But mine it's actually the one
that you kind of poop pooed. I want winning this time.
I think the Hornets had an incredible draft in terms
(18:46):
of the talent they brought in number two pick, Brandon
Miller leading the way. Nick Smith Junior was very highly rated.
Amari Bailey is someone I'm extremely excited about in James
not she assuming he plays. He's someone that was very
highly rated in particularly in comparison to where he was
actually selected at the top of the second round. But
beyond that, this is a time now where the Hornets
have drafted so young for so long that even some
(19:09):
of the quote unquote experience guys on this Summer League
roster they're still on the young side and likely to
play in Summer League, so I'm thinking two draft classes ago.
I think there's a good chance James Booknight and Kai
Jones end up on this roster whenever it's released. Those
guys have been through Summer League before, and I think
could have a lot of success in this class with
all the experience they've gained. So those would be two
(19:29):
guys in particular i'd be excited to see. I think
there's a good chance Bryce McGowan's is So those three
guys right there, Jones, book Knight, and McGowan's playing in
Summer League for their second in one case, their third
successive year, I think they're gonna have a chance to
really lead the way. Plus the infusion of talent, plus
whomever else Mitch Kup checking the front office put on
this team.
Speaker 5 (19:49):
So I kind of want winning right now.
Speaker 2 (19:51):
I think that this is a time where there's enough
young talent that's been accumulated that I'm not gonna say
winning Summer League is the goal, but a winning record
I think over the course of both tournaments I think
should be something that can be expected here. So that's
what I'm looking forward to. Success right out of the
gate set the tone for the twenty three to twenty
four season.
Speaker 6 (20:11):
I'm not going to argue it. I'm just kind of
taking a low hanging fruit in that sense. It would
be great to have a wing record for some league,
don't get me wrong, but I'm just gonna dumb it
down a little bit, go back to basics and say,
everybody stay healthy for the sake of God.
Speaker 2 (20:22):
Please, absolutely, Rob, I think you're right on the money
right there. All right, that's gonna do it for this
edition of the Hornets Podcast. Again, big thanks to Brandon Miller,
the number two overall pick, for sitting down with us,
joining us here his first ever podcast interview on the
Hornets Pope Cast. Thanks as well as Rob Longo for
coming in and jumping on. We got the summer league schedule.
We were so excited to talk about it finally, so
(20:43):
we chee horned it into this episode. Coming up in
our next episode. Well, Jim, the other first round pick
of the Charlotte Hornets, Nick Smith Junior, sits down with
us here for his first voyage on the Hornets Podcast.
Plus we'll sprinkle in some other news as we get it.
We're in anticipation of the Hornet Summer League roster. We
can talk about the draft as a whole lot going on,
(21:03):
and of course Summer League is less than a week away.
Speaker 5 (21:06):
At this point.
Speaker 2 (21:07):
We have games to preview for you starting on Monday
the third, so that's gonna do it. Thanks again to
Rob Longo, Brandon Miller. Most of all, thanks to all
of you for tuning in. I'm Sam Farber saying it's
been a pleasure of privilege having you along here on
the Hornets Hypecast.
Speaker 1 (21:20):
Thank you for listening to the Hornets Hypecast, brought to
you by Senta, the official I Hear Nosen Throatcare provider
of the Charlotte Hornets. For more coverage, visit Hornets dot com.
Welcome to the Hornets Highcast, present it by Charlotte I
ear Nose and Throat Associates, the official I ear nosen
throat Care provider of the Charlotte Hornets. Here's your host,
Sam Farber.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
Welcome to another edition of the Hornet Podcast, your Hornets
Podcast with all the notes, quotes, and daily buzz around
your favorite NBA team. I'm Sam Farber and it is
a pleasure and a privileged to have you with us
here once again on the Hornets Podcast, brought to you
by Santa Charlotte I Ear Nose and Throat Associates, the
official I ear nosen throat Care provider of the Charlotte Hornets.
Draft Week is now officially in the books. We have
(00:39):
moved on. We're headed towards Summer League, and this week
we're gonna let you hear from Introduce you to, if
you will, to some of the recent draft selections of
the Charlotte horns beginning today with Brandon Miller, pick number two. Overall,
we're gonna let you hear from him, get to know
him a little bit as he prepares for his rookie
season here with the Charlotte Hornets. Also the Slummer League
(01:00):
schedule has come out. It's become official, so we've got
a lot to dissect with that. Rob Longo, my producer
of course from the Hornets Radio Network, as well as
the producer from this Fine podcast, will join me later
on in the show. We'll talk about the entirety of
the summer league schedule. But right now we don't want
to waste any more time. Let's get right to him,
the man himself, number two overall selection out of the
University of Alabama, Brandon Miller, our guest today here on
(01:23):
the Hornets. I've cast Brandon. Welcome to Charlotte.
Speaker 3 (01:25):
Thank you, thank you.
Speaker 4 (01:26):
It's just a blessing, you know, being here here, my
name called second, It's just all exciting moments rushing down
my body.
Speaker 5 (01:32):
Let's go through draft night.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
Because Mitch cup Check, the general manager for the Hornets,
he is famous for not tipping his hand early. He
wants to get all the information that he can and
make sure he's covered all of his bases to be
When did you hear that you were going to be
the pick for Charlotte And describe the emotions at discovering that.
Speaker 4 (01:50):
Well, the first time I heard I was still on
the phone so that once my name I called, that's
what I actually put down the phone and it stood
up and hugged everybody and gave everybody handshake. But as
far as emotions, I kind of held those in. I
let my parents do all the crying and boohoo, and
then I just do all the handshakes and smile and
just have you know, a good moment and just always
(02:11):
stand positive.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
Different players react differently to being drafted, and I, for one,
I don't think there's a wrong way to react to
being drafted. It's it's a personal moment you should celebrate
in your own way. As you mentioned, even though you
seem very very happy and excited, very calm as well,
where does that calm that's come from, both in that
kind of moment there your life changing, finding out where
your career is going to start, and on the court
(02:33):
as well in big moments.
Speaker 3 (02:34):
Well, it's always been my dream.
Speaker 4 (02:36):
So I feel like all the work that I put
in is you know, going to pay off someday, And
I feel like it all paid off when I heard
my name get called. So I mean all I can
do is just come in and startletting to work as
hard as I can. Just to you know, go out
there on the court and get as many way as
I can.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
You got not just the call, but you got calls
from Michael Jordan, you got calls from LaMelo Ball. Feel
free to keep those conversations private if you like. Some
of it's already out on social media. But what can
you tell us about those conversations?
Speaker 4 (03:04):
And you know, I kind of look at la Meili
Ball as a big brother away from home. He kind
of welcomed me. My first workout here was just you know,
very very important. And you know, the basketball journey that
I've taken is the reason why I chose Alabama through
the fact, you know, O's came up upon me early
my freshman year of high school. So and then our
bond just kind of got stronger, stronger every day. And
I feel like that's what Meyla Meloballs bond is getting
(03:26):
is doing right now, is just getting stronger by the day.
Speaker 5 (03:28):
Brandon Miller our guest today here on the Hornets iive cast.
Let's talk about what you bring to Charlotte.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
You were an elite shooter in college, overall scorer, outstanding,
top notch rebounder.
Speaker 5 (03:38):
At Alabama.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
You basically turn a football school into a basketball power
in one season. They had one regular season in tournament
titles before, but it's rare to win them both in
the same year, and along the way an All American
all doing it at six foot nine. There's a lot
that you bring that we're all excited about. But in
your mind, what do you bring to the table?
Speaker 4 (03:56):
Well, like you said, I feel like I can bring,
you know, the stretch, just a wing to just knock
down shots, but not just knocking down shots. I feel
like I can licking on the defensive side and just
get to stop that me and my teammates need. So
I'm really just a winner, not a selfish player willing
to make all the winning plays as far as diving
on the floor, getting all the rebounds, just stopping other
team's best players as far as that.
Speaker 3 (04:18):
So, just the winner.
Speaker 2 (04:19):
When you pick number two overalls in the organization, you're
not thinking short term. You're thinking long term, But there
is a short term impact that you have the potential
to have.
Speaker 5 (04:27):
This is a team that wasn't picking.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
Top five necessarily because the roster was not expected to
do well. There was just a really difficult run of
injuries that kind of put the team in a tough spot.
So as you look at the roster players under team control,
how do you think you can have an immediate impact
on winning here in the Queen City.
Speaker 4 (04:46):
Well, like I've said, I think Charlotte's getting a winner
on and off the court. I'm always, you know, here
encouraging my teammates, trying to make them better every day.
So I think that's one of the things I have
on my bell is just willing to come in and
work every day and make everybody better long.
Speaker 2 (04:58):
Term, over the course of your your entire career. I
know it's just started, so maybe you haven't thought completely
all the way through it just yet, but what are.
Speaker 5 (05:05):
Some of your goals?
Speaker 4 (05:06):
Like I said, I'm a winner. I want to win
the big trophy at the end. Definitely an NBA Finals championship.
That'd be great.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
Randon Miller our guest here today on the Hornets Hive Cast. Brandon,
let's get to know you a little better. First off,
I'm told this is the first time you've ever been
on a podcast interview.
Speaker 5 (05:24):
I'm honored.
Speaker 4 (05:25):
Yeah, this is my first time I've ever been in
a podcast. I feel like my answers is not long enough,
so I think I need to make them longer.
Speaker 2 (05:32):
We will not dissuade you from doing that. But I
think you've been spot on so far. You've said a
couple of times, and I think your father is volunteered
as well, that you're a very approachable person. Tell me
where can people most likely find you? What do you
like to do when you're not on the court.
Speaker 3 (05:45):
If I'm not on the court, I mean that in
my car driving.
Speaker 4 (05:49):
I love cars. I have a big car fetish. I'm
always showing up to, like, you know, different athletic events.
And you know Bryce youngins with Carolina. You know that's
my guy. So I'll probably be a you know a
lot of Panthers games this year. I'm just supporting my guy.
So you know you can find me everywhere.
Speaker 2 (06:04):
What are some personal favorites of viewers in terms of food, music,
anything like that.
Speaker 4 (06:10):
Favorites definitely a steak dinner. So Vineo would love take
me out on a steak dinner. You know I'm with it.
I'm all for it.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
In terms of your personality in the locker room, are
you the class clown?
Speaker 5 (06:22):
Are you the serious type?
Speaker 4 (06:24):
I think I have all the personalities. I could be
a class clown. But I know when the lock in
and you know focus, so you know you're also gonna
have those moments where you where you joking all the time.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
So I'm just all kinds of personalities with me.
Speaker 2 (06:37):
Going back to basketball. Now, what is it going to
feel like those upcoming first that are going to be
in your career. Soon enough, you'll be wearing a summer
week uniform for the first time, you'll be in your
first training camp, You'll have your first NBA game, your
first points. Tell me what you envision for that.
Speaker 4 (06:53):
It's definitely new in this league. We're fresh, so it's
going to be a lot of learning experiences. But first
point in the league is probably gonna be off a
nice corner three from the Miller ball. So I mean
I could see that, I could see that one happening.
Speaker 2 (07:08):
We will cut that and record it and make sure
that you either fulfill it or remind you of it
when it ends up being like a dunk over someone
or something else.
Speaker 5 (07:15):
That'd be nice too.
Speaker 2 (07:17):
In terms of this experience, you get to do it
with someone you played with coming up.
Speaker 5 (07:22):
Nick Smith Junior was one of your teammates.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
In the AAU levels and then Amari Bailey as well.
All three of you were top ten recruits, so I'm
sure you've crossed paths a number of times.
Speaker 5 (07:31):
What's it like to go through this with this group
of guys?
Speaker 3 (07:34):
Man, Nick, that's my guy. Man, that's my day one.
Our bond is crazy.
Speaker 4 (07:38):
It's just it started since we was younger, you know,
just playing with Brad Bill. I think Brad and you know,
the whole organization kind of pulled us together and now
we've just been close ever since then. And now just
to see him chasing his dreams and his dreams coming
true is kind of an exciting moment for me too,
you know, just kind of growing up with him to
seeing him achieving his goals.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
And James, you mentioned Paul George number It in the
interviews leading up, the guy that you kind of emulated
your game after growing up you played under Brad Beal
as well as an AAU player. Any thoughts on getting
to share a floor with those guys in the not
too distant future.
Speaker 4 (08:12):
It's weird because I kind of compared Nick Smith to
Brad so and Nick compares me to Paul, So it's
so it goes both ways. But you know, Sharnakoor with them.
It'll be, you know, an exciting moment.
Speaker 3 (08:23):
You know.
Speaker 4 (08:23):
Brad is oh the big bro of you know, the organization,
and Paul I would just love to meet him in
person recently just follow you back on Instagram by the way.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
So I feel honored with that one.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
And of course you get to play for in many
people's most people's estimations, the greatest of all time, Michael
Jordan with a young superstar and LaMelo Ball and you
the latest and hopefully one day the greatest piece here
to this Hornet's Puzzle. We're excited to have you again,
honored to be your first podcast interviewer. Welcome to Charlotte,
Thanks so much for joining us here today on the
(08:52):
Hornet's Iodcast. Thank you, Thanks again to Brandon Miller for
joining us here today on the AHC, and once again
a warm welcome here to the Queen's City, his new
home and hopefully lots of success in his and the
squad's near and long term future. Coming up next, we're
gonna welcome Rob Longo into this episode of the AHHC.
We're gonna talk summer league schedule. It's out, it's official.
(09:13):
What are we looking forward to?
Speaker 3 (09:14):
That's next?
Speaker 5 (09:15):
Here on the Hornet Time Cast.
Speaker 2 (09:20):
Welcome back to the Hornet Time Cast, Sam Farbar here
now joined by my producer on the Hornet Radio Network
as well as the producer of this fine podcast, Rob Longo.
And Rob we got a chance to hear from Brandon
Miller before we talked Summer League schedule. Your first thoughts
after having your first person to person in person interaction
with Brandon Miller.
Speaker 6 (09:39):
Yeah, really excited to have Brandon here in a queen city.
Obviously not just as a talent and as a player,
but as a person as well. When he walked into
the studio and introduced himself, he goes, Okay, where's the
hot seat? So he was all excited and ready to
go crazy. That was his first podcast interview. I think
he knocked it out of the park, but super excited.
You've seen the behind the scenes on Hornet social media
as well about the kind of kid that Brandon is
(10:00):
and the personality that he has and will he'll bring
to this roster as well. So a lot of young
vibrant stars into making here in Charlotte, between a guy
like Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball as well.
Speaker 2 (10:08):
His first taste of NBA action of any kind is
going to be Summer League, and that's gonna tip off here.
It's just a matter of days. We knew already that
the Hornets were going to be involved in the Las
Vegas Summer League. That's the thing for every team in
the NBA. We also had heads up that they were
going to participate in the California Classic, which starts, believe
it or not, on Monday. Hornets will take on the
(10:30):
San Antonio Spurs and then they'll also take on the
Golden State Warriors, two games in a matter of three days,
directly before Summer League. But now we've got the entire
schedule out as well. Everything's available for you at Hornets
dot com. Another head to head matchup with the Spurs
to tip off the Las Vegas Summer League on the seventh,
Then a head to head matchup with the Los Angeles
Lakers on the ninth. Number two pick versus number three pick,
(10:53):
Brandon Miller versus Scoot Henderson. When the Hornets take on
the Portland Trailblazers. That one will be on the eleventh,
that's on Tuesday, and then they'll wrap things up with
the schedule. At least the one that we know of
for now against the New Orleans Pelicans that's on Thursday,
the thirteenth. There is the possibility for additional possible games
one or two depending on how the Hornet's fair. But
(11:14):
just seeing the schedule now it's all laid out, Rob Longo,
your overarching thoughts really excited.
Speaker 6 (11:20):
We kind of had an inkling that the Hornets are
probably going to play San Antonio and Portland in Summer League.
That's just the way that the league kind of operates
when they make the sumber League schedule, just because they
want to see the number one, number two, number three
prospects play against each other. It's great exposure for the league.
It's a great idea to kind of get these young
rising stars some more national exposure as well. So we
kind of had an idea that this was going to happen.
(11:42):
And it seems like over the last couple of seasons
that the Hornets have always played the Lakers out in
Las Vegas in Summer League, at least they did last
season as well, and the Pelicans matchup is a little
bit intriguing also. So I think the most important thing
is the fact that the Hornets are going to have
an extra two games kind of up on a majority
of other teams going to Summer League because they're playing
(12:02):
in that California Class and now of course they will
be playing San Antonio, so the Spurs will have a
couple of extra games as well, and there's always those
games out in Salt Lake City also to think about.
But for the majority, I think that Summer League a
lot of it has to do with chemistry because these
guys don't have a lot of practice time together with
one another, and just having those extra two games out
in Sacramento will really help here. I think with the
Hornets moving forward in Summer League with these four games
(12:25):
as well, but really excited to see everybody in action.
There's gonna be a lot of great matchups, and the
Hornets are in primetime a lot of these. There are
a lot of those later games. Everybody wants to see
the number two overall pick and Brandon Miller go up
against guys like Scoot Henderson and Victor Wee Binyama. So
I'm really excited.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
I am as well. My overarching thought on this, I
agree with you. I think there's a lot we kind
of had an inkling of going in. We figured that
there would be a Hornets versus Blazers matchup two versus three.
We assume there would be a Hornets versus Spurs matchup
one versus two. That's talking about the Las Vegas portion.
We've obviously known the Sacramento, the California Classic portion of
(12:58):
it for quite some time. The biggest thing for me,
I really like the way that this schedule is laid out.
Sometimes in Summer League, if you've been there, there's a
hurry up and wait kind of mentality, like you're hurrying
up to play back to back games. There's not a
lot of practice time, as you mentioned, leading up to
Summer League, so it can be very difficult when the
schedule has peaks and valleys and you're playing say two
(13:20):
games in back to back days, then you have two
or three days off here from the start to finish
Sacramento all the way through what is scheduled currently for
Las Vegas. It's a really consistent rhythm game day, off day,
slash practice day, game day practice, game day practice, So
you're going to have a chance to really build a
rhythm out there and have nothing too out of the
ordinary hit these guys once they hit the road for Sacramento.
Speaker 5 (13:43):
So that's the biggest thing for me.
Speaker 2 (13:44):
And then obviously on top of that, it's the primetime
Premier matchups. It's Brandon Miller getting a chance to go
up against the number one pick, Victor webbin Yama getting
a chance to go against the number three pick, Scoot Henderson.
Those are going to be the matchups the NBA wants
to pump up in. To be fair, that's the one
that we're most excited to see as well.
Speaker 5 (14:02):
Time for some superlatives.
Speaker 3 (14:04):
ROB.
Speaker 5 (14:04):
You know the rules, Well, the ROB rules.
Speaker 2 (14:06):
Are in effect for this, so you are not allowed
to pick or I'm not allowed to pick whoever you
select for any of these categories. Your most anticipated game
of the Las Vegas Summer League, since that's the schedule
that's most recently come out.
Speaker 6 (14:18):
Yeah, I think there's two to really keen in on,
and I think there's one that's maybe a little bit
more obvious than the other. But I got to take
the first one right out of the gate. That's July
seventh against the Spurs, nine o'clock on a Friday night,
all eyes on ESPN. Victor Wenbinyama versus Brandon Miller, one
versus two. I think that kind of is self explanatory,
but the one thing to take it a little bit
of a step further is we don't really know what
(14:41):
Victor Wenbinyama's plans are for the California Classic. I would
assume that he probably would play. He talked about wanting
to play in Summer League, so we know we will
a least see him on the seventh. But if we
go back and we see him on the third, then
I want to see how the Hornets respond to playing
the same team twice in the span of four days.
So you kind of get a mini series in that sense.
That other game in there against Golden State as well
(15:02):
on July fifth, but regardless, you're playing the same team
in the span of four days. So I'm interested to
see how the team adjustin responds in that regard. July
seventh against San Antonio.
Speaker 5 (15:10):
I like it.
Speaker 2 (15:10):
I think that's the obvious one and it's probably the
correct one. That's the one most eyeballs are going to
be on. It should be a great test, and just
seeing those two superstars go head to head, it's going
to be a lot of fun.
Speaker 5 (15:23):
So I like the pick.
Speaker 2 (15:25):
I'm going to go with the second most obvious, the
one that I think you're thinking of as well here,
and that's head to head against the Portland Trailblazers on
July eleventh. That's going to be important for a number
of factors, and there's a variety of reasons why I
personally am excited about it. One, obviously, it's number two
versus number three. It was the conversation for weeks leading
(15:45):
up to draft night, going right up into the selection itself,
a lot of intrigue, a lot of drama. But Brandon
Miller is the pick for the Charlotte Hornets. Scoot Henderson
falls to three and goes to the Trailblazer. So that
head to head and matchup is going to be a
big part of the discussion here. But another thing to
look at, and this is part of what I'm really
intrigued about, is it's a head to head matchup for
Brandon Miller, specifically with Chris Murray. And Murray is someone
(16:09):
who obviously, his brother Keegan was an all rookie selection
with Sacramento. He himself was a top five pick. Chris
dropped a little bit into the twenties. He's picked up
by Portland. Position Wise, he's someone who lines up pretty
well with Brandon Miller, and so it's likely those two
are going to have head to head matchups. And when
you look at the rest of the board, if you will,
(16:31):
the rest of the games that the Hornets have on
their schedule, I don't know that there is another matchup
that lines up quite the same for the entirety of
the schedule, like maybe Brandon Pratzimski on the Warriors pickout
of Santa Clara.
Speaker 5 (16:44):
He might be it.
Speaker 2 (16:46):
There are some other options out there, but in terms
of most high profile direct head to head position against
position matchup, Chris Murray might be it. So for both
Scoot Henderson and Chris Murray, I think this is the
most intriguing one, even though in reality I think it's
more likely that Scood Henderson goes up against Nick Smith
Junior or some of the other guards for the Hornet's
(17:06):
head to head, But regardless, I think that's the one
I am most in anticipation for the head to end
matchup with the Blazers. One more for you, what is
success here in Summer League? You get to the fine
at first.
Speaker 6 (17:17):
Well, I jokingly said before we started the podcast that
nobody gets hurt, but in all seriousness, I think that's
kind of the goal, is just to get everybody healthy,
just see that development moving forward with some of these guys.
But yeah, I mean I don't really quantify summer league
and wins and losses. Would it be great to win
Summer League, Sure, why not. I mean, it'd be great
to play some high pressure basketball and some high pressure
(17:38):
situations to get ready for the season. But at the
end of the day, you just want everybody to get
those six seven games under their belts if you include
the California Classic as well, and just gain from that experience,
understand the speed of the NBA, some of the maybe
the rule changes that you're not quite used to yet
going from the college game to the NBA level. So again,
(17:58):
it's just basically a feeling out process. I feel like
for these next couple of weeks, just getting acquainted to
the NBA game, the style of play and those sorts
of things. And we got to be honest, too, there
might be times where we just see some downright ugly
basketball because we got to keep in mind too that
these guys will only have a couple weeks of practice
together and then they got to get thrown right into
the fires. So There's a lot of things that could
look a little bumpy or a little dicey, but at
(18:20):
the end of the day, everybody's staying healthy is basically
the most successful Summer League.
Speaker 2 (18:24):
I think in my mind, well, I'm glad rob rules
are in effect because that is clear and obvious, and
I kind of didn't want to take it, So I'm
glad you took it. Yes, health is the most important thing.
Want everyone to come into and out of Summer League healthy,
that's first and foremost. But mine it's actually the one
that you kind of poop pooed. I want winning this time.
I think the Hornets had an incredible draft in terms
(18:46):
of the talent they brought in number two pick, Brandon
Miller leading the way. Nick Smith Junior was very highly rated.
Amari Bailey is someone I'm extremely excited about in James
not she assuming he plays. He's someone that was very
highly rated in particularly in comparison to where he was
actually selected at the top of the second round. But
beyond that, this is a time now where the Hornets
have drafted so young for so long that even some
(19:09):
of the quote unquote experience guys on this Summer League
roster they're still on the young side and likely to
play in Summer League, so I'm thinking two draft classes ago.
I think there's a good chance James Booknight and Kai
Jones end up on this roster whenever it's released. Those
guys have been through Summer League before, and I think
could have a lot of success in this class with
all the experience they've gained. So those would be two
(19:29):
guys in particular i'd be excited to see. I think
there's a good chance Bryce McGowan's is So those three
guys right there, Jones, book Knight, and McGowan's playing in
Summer League for their second in one case, their third
successive year, I think they're gonna have a chance to
really lead the way. Plus the infusion of talent, plus
whomever else Mitch Kup checking the front office put on
this team.
Speaker 5 (19:49):
So I kind of want winning right now.
Speaker 2 (19:51):
I think that this is a time where there's enough
young talent that's been accumulated that I'm not gonna say
winning Summer League is the goal, but a winning record
I think over the course of both tournaments I think
should be something that can be expected here. So that's
what I'm looking forward to. Success right out of the
gate set the tone for the twenty three to twenty
four season.
Speaker 6 (20:11):
I'm not going to argue it. I'm just kind of
taking a low hanging fruit in that sense. It would
be great to have a wing record for some league,
don't get me wrong, but I'm just gonna dumb it
down a little bit, go back to basics and say,
everybody stay healthy for the sake of God.
Speaker 2 (20:22):
Please, absolutely, Rob, I think you're right on the money
right there. All right, that's gonna do it for this
edition of the Hornets Podcast. Again, big thanks to Brandon Miller,
the number two overall pick, for sitting down with us,
joining us here his first ever podcast interview on the
Hornets Pope Cast. Thanks as well as Rob Longo for
coming in and jumping on. We got the summer league schedule.
We were so excited to talk about it finally, so
(20:43):
we chee horned it into this episode. Coming up in
our next episode. Well, Jim, the other first round pick
of the Charlotte Hornets, Nick Smith Junior, sits down with
us here for his first voyage on the Hornets Podcast.
Plus we'll sprinkle in some other news as we get it.
We're in anticipation of the Hornet Summer League roster. We
can talk about the draft as a whole lot going on,
(21:03):
and of course Summer League is less than a week away.
Speaker 5 (21:06):
At this point.
Speaker 2 (21:07):
We have games to preview for you starting on Monday
the third, so that's gonna do it. Thanks again to
Rob Longo, Brandon Miller. Most of all, thanks to all
of you for tuning in. I'm Sam Farber saying it's
been a pleasure of privilege having you along here on
the Hornets Hypecast.
Speaker 1 (21:20):
Thank you for listening to the Hornets Hypecast, brought to
you by Senta, the official I Hear Nosen Throatcare provider
of the Charlotte Hornets. For more coverage, visit Hornets dot com.
Hosts And Creators
Sam Farber
Rob Longo
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Therapy Gecko
An unlicensed lizard psychologist travels the universe talking to strangers about absolutely nothing. TO CALL THE GECKO: follow me on https://www.twitch.tv/lyleforever to get a notification for when I am taking calls. I am usually live Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays but lately a lot of other times too. I am a gecko.