Scoot Henderson’s breakout couldn’t have come at a better moment for the Portland Trail Blazers, who stole Game 2 on the road against the San Antonio Spurs. And if Henderson keeps elevating his play and pushes Portland into the Western Conference Semifinals, it’s fair to wonder whether a hint of regret might start creeping into the Charlotte Hornets’ front office for choosing Brandon Miller instead.
Heading into the 2023 NBA Draft, Henderson was widely viewed as the second‑best prospect behind Victor Wembanyama. But Charlotte prioritized fit over upside, opting for Miller rather than pairing Henderson with LaMelo Ball—a combination that didn’t seem ideal at the time.
Years later, the decision still feels unsettled. With the Hornets once again on the outside looking in at the postseason, the question lingers: what if?
Scoot Henderson leads Portland to a crucial Game 2 win
With Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama sidelined by a concussion, the Trail Blazers seized the opportunity. Henderson, in particular, took command, dropping a game‑high 31 points on 11‑of‑17 shooting, including 5‑of‑9 from three. It was an efficient, poised performance from a young guard who missed more than half the season due to injury.
Delivering like this on the road, in the playoffs, under pressure, is exactly the kind of moment that validates the pick for the player. And for what it’s worth, Miller hasn’t produced this kind of high‑stakes statement game. While Miller didn’t necessarily play poorly, he didn’t rise to the occasion against the Magic.
The emerging storyline of this series might simply be Scoot’s arrival. He looks dynamic, confident, and every bit the prospect many believed he was on draft night. Miller, meanwhile, hasn’t matched that level…yet. Henderson is reminding everyone why he was considered a top‑tier talent, and why Portland is thrilled to have him.
Brandon Miller still gets the benefit of the doubt, but…
None of this is meant as an indictment of Brandon Miller. He’s been a legitimately good player this season despite dealing with a shoulder wrap and a development curve that’s been disrupted more than once.
Averaging 20 points per game while posting the best efficiency numbers of his young career is no small feat. He’s hit big shots, delivered in pressure moments, and probably owns the best dunk reel on the roster.
Miller has shown enough to justify a sizable rookie extension. The real question is whether he’s shown enough to justify a maximum one. It’s difficult to make a definitive evaluation when he still hasn’t had a single fully healthy offseason to build on.
At the same time, small‑market teams don’t have the luxury of waiting around. When you have a potential cornerstone, you pay him. That’s why extending Miller remains one of Charlotte’s top priorities this summer.
A fully healthy offseason with no lingering setbacks could be transformative for him. This is where players can make their biggest developmental leaps. And while hindsight is always 20/20, the Hornets still finished with 44 wins. There’s no reason for the franchise to feel remorse about the pick.
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