Brandon Miller sees the Charlotte Hornets going to the NBA Finals next season

People in Charlotte may not be too thrilled with the selection but Brandon Miller is a Hornet. Selected No. 2 overall in Thursday’s 2023 NBA Draft, the Alabama product is looking to make an immediate impact. A rather large one in his eyes, wanting to accomplish something the franchise has never done.

Miller said he believes Charlotte can be in the NBA Finals next season. A talented rookie class — Miller, Arkansas‘ Nick Smith Jr., UCLA‘s Amari Bailey, and once a trade goes through, FC’s Barcelona’s James Nnaji — are set to link up with franchise player LaMelo Ball.

“I think I see the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA Finals next year,” Miller said. “So, hopefully, we can get that big trophy at the end.”

“That big trophy” of course is the Larry O’Brien Trophy — something the Hornets have never won. In fact, they have never even made a Conference Finals, only advancing as far as the Eastern Conference semifinals. It’s not a franchise filled with success in the postseason, despite being in a basketball-crazy part of the country.

Beginning to make the playoffs would be a start for Charlotte. They have not made a postseason appearance since the 2015-2016 season. You have to go even further back to find their last playoff series win. That came during the 2002 NBA Playoffs. It’s been so long, the Hornets switched their name to the Bobcats and changed back.

Charlotte is fresh off a 27-55 record, good enough to earn them the No. 2 overall pick. Just one out of the last seven seasons has resulted in the Hornets going over .500. Quite the confidence from Miller.

And potentially for good reason. Miller endured a ton of success during his one season at Alabama. An SEC regular season and tournament championship came back to Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide was also named the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament before bowing out in the Sweet 16.

Miller will be wanting to bring the same type of success with him to Charlotte. Scoot Henderson could have easily been the pick and nobody would have batted an eye. While Miller might have confidence, there will be pressure on him being able to deliver.

Fans might be hoping for playoff success in the future but Miller is eyeing to make a real statement as a rookie. The Eastern Conference has officially been put on notice.