Brandon Miller, last year’s rookie sensation and the second overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft by the Hornets has a dark mark on his past that many people seem to forget. Despite his impressive rookie season, Brandon Miller’s gun was involved in a fatal shooting incident remains a significant part of his history.
Miller played college basketball at Alabama, where he received numerous accolades, including SEC Player of the Year and SEC Rookie of the Year. Despite a challenging NCAA tournament performance, he declared for the NBA draft after his freshman season.
As a pro, Miller with the second overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft. He quickly made an impact, debuting with 13 points against the Atlanta Hawks and later setting a career-high with 35 points against the Indiana Pacers. Miller ended his rookie season with strong statistics, earning the title of Rookie of the Year runner-up.
Brandon Miller’s Gun Incident
While his basketball skills are beyond impressive, all was almost lost for Miller while he was a freshman at Alabama. On February 21, 2023, a Tuscaloosa police officer testified that Miller brought a firearm to teammate Darius Miles, which was later used in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Jamea Jonae Harris. According to Miller’s attorney, Miles had left the gun in Miller’s vehicle after being dropped off at a club. When Miller returned to pick up Miles, he brought the gun as requested via text. Upon arrival, Miles informed Michael Davis about the gun’s location, who then retrieved it and used it to shoot into a vehicle, killing Harris. Miller’s vehicle was also hit by return fire from Harris’s boyfriend.
Legal Outcomes and Controversy
Despite the gravity of the incident, Tuscaloosa County chief deputy district attorney Paula Whitley stated that Miller would not face charges due to a lack of evidence proving his intent to assist in the crime. Miller’s attorney emphasized that Miller had no knowledge of the gun’s intended use. His cooperation with the investigation and the consistency of his account with video evidence and other testimonies were significant factors in the decision not to charge him.
Impact on Career
While the legal system cleared Miller of wrongdoing, the incident remains a shadow over his otherwise stellar career. As Miller continues to establish himself in the NBA, his involvement in the tragic event serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that professional athletes can face off the court.
Brandon Miller’s journey from a high school star to an NBA standout is marked by both his athletic prowess and the serious off-court incident that could have derailed his career. As the Rookie of the Year runner-up, Miller’s past continues to be a topic of discussion, reflecting the enduring impact of that night in Tuscaloosa.