Brandon Miller is facing questions from NBA teams at the draft combine about his role in the alleged murder that dominated coverage of his Alabama team last season.
Meeting with reporters in Chicago on Wednesday, the Crimson Tide star said he was responding to teams calling the incident “a lesson learned” and repeatedly saying they should have been more aware of their surroundings.
Miller's comment:
“The message I have given them is all they have learned. You always have to be aware of your surroundings and know who you are surrounded by. I think that night could have changed my career in less than a heartbeat. Always be aware of your surroundings.
Miller is currently projected to go second overall to the Charlotte Hornets in the 2023 NBA Draft by Kristen Peek of Yahoo Sports. He is widely regarded as a top 3 talent after a stellar freshman season at Alabama, although there is little chance of leapfrogging Victor Vembanyama as the top selection.
While his talent as an NBA wing of the future is not in doubt, Miller's decision-making will hang over his head on that fateful night in January, even if his comments indicate he feels he's trying to influence his career. beyond possibility.
Jamia Harris, a 23-year-old mother, was shot and killed on January 15. Miller was reported months later to have given a gun to then-Alabama teammate Darius Miles, which was allegedly used by another man, Michael Davis. Shooting. Miller's attorney later released a statement saying that his client was not aware that Miles had left the gun in his car and learned about it on the way to pick up Miles.
Both Miles and Davis now face capital murder charges—Miles has pleaded not guilty—while Miller was not charged with a crime nor disciplined by Alabama. The story continued to gather steam due to Alabama's repeated unsuccessful attempts to move on from the incident, with Alabama head coach Nate Oates saying the player was simply “in the wrong place at the wrong time” and Miller continuing to use the first patdown intro. kept. Play.
Whichever team drafted Miller would have to answer questions about why they were comfortable with him despite being reported. So far, it doesn't seem like that will stop teams, but they'll certainly want to take a closer look at his off-the-court character.