NBA Draft: Second Overall Pick Odds Sway Between Miller and Henderson

After San Antonio selects Victor Wembanya first overall, things can get hectic. Charlotte holds the second overall pick followed by Portland at third. But the NBA Draft second overall pick odds keep shifting between Alabama forward Brandon Miller and G-League star Scoot Henderson. Who will Charlotte take? The odds favor the former… for now.

Michael Jordan’s Pick: Miller or Henderson?

Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player ever, caused a lot of joy and heartache with his decisions on the court. Now, as the Hornets’ chief executive, he’s about to cause chaos with his decision.

Jordan and the Hornets appear set on Miller following his second workout and interview with the team. It’s why the NBA Draft second overall pick odds quickly flipped a few days ago. Last week, Henderson was the favorite after he impressed in his first workout with the team. But now, the Hornets’ eyes are on the college forward.

“It is definitely cool meeting him. He definitely sounds like how he sounds on TV, always trash-talking. I just really had a fun time with him,” Miller said in regards to his meeting with Jordan.

The NBA Draft second overall pick odds now have Miller as the -240 favorite to be selected second. Henderson is at +165. Analysts remain split on who Charlotte takes. While Miller may seem like a better fit, Henderson is seen as having the higher upside.

Henderson has elite athleticism and reminds many of a young Russell Westbrook. He has the makings of a franchise point guard. In fact, had Wembanyama not declared for the draft, Henderson may have been the favorite to go first overall.

“In any other draft, he’d be a No. 1 pick, in my mind,” a high-ranking NBA executive told CBS Sports. “We can kill the jump shot and kill his lack of efficiency in the second part of the year, but I think when that dude is locked in, with the right pieces around him, we’re talking about a Westbrook, a Ja, a John Wall.”

Other executives echoed the sentiment and it feels like the point guard is the preferred player. But it’s not up to them. And Jordan has always had a way of going against the grain.

Fooling Everyone: Oddsmakers and Insiders Can be Duped

Last year, something similar transpired. A three-way “battle” between Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, and Jabari Smith Jr. for the top pick of the 2022 NBA Draft had scouts switching their mock drafts and NBA rankings. That was until top NBA insider, Adrian Wojnarowski, reported that the Orlando Magic, the team picking first, were leaning on Smith. The betting odds followed suit favoring Smith. They were wrong.

Come draft night, commissioner Adam Silver announced Banchero’s name as the top choice shocking everyone. Sportsbooks cleaned up as fans who wagered heavily on Smith saw their bets go up in flames.

But to many NBA executives, this was just part of the gamesmanship involved during the NBA Draft. Decision-makers hold their proverbial cards close to their chest until just minutes before the draft. It’s anyone’s guess as to what goes on in Jordan’s head. His closest advisors, like general manager Mitch Kupchak, may not entirely know either.

There are two other aspects that could impact the pick here. The Hornets’ pending sale could influence Jordan’s decision as the new owners may want Henderson as he’s the more spectacular and “bankable” star. And there are rumors that the team could trade the pick for another star, say, Brandon Ingram, from New Orleans.

The Pelicans are also shopping former first-overall pick, Zion Williamson. The power forward is frequently on the NBA injury report but is an exciting young player who could make magic with Hornets star LaMelo Ball.

The best way for bettors to approach this is to continue to be glued to the NBA news. The NBA odds may change again if more information slips. But come 8:00 p.m. ET tonight, be ready to be surprised.

For NBA betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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