Stephen A. Smith Defends Malika Andrews Over Draft-Day Controversy

Incoming Charlotte Hornets rookie Brandon Miller appears to have plenty of potential, but an off-the-court incident has cast a cloud over him and his reputation.

Earlier this year, he was involved in a firearm incident in which he gave a gun to a college teammate who then used it to shoot and kill a 23-year-old.

Miller isn’t facing any legal charges for his role in the shooting, but ESPN’s Malika Andrews talked about it on draft night, which led some to criticize her.

Her colleague Stephen A. Smith defended her, saying that she was merely doing her job as a journalist, via NBACentral.

Stephen A. Smith defends Malika Andrews

“She’s getting crucified during the Draft because… Brandon Miller…bringing up somebody’s past. She had an obligation to ask those questions. She did her job. If she doesn’t do her job, she’s off the air.”

(Via @PodcastPShow / h/t… pic.twitter.com/MVjejXuzl8

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 16, 2023

Miller played well in his lone season at the University of Alabama, averaging 18.8 points and 8.2 rebounds a game while hitting 38.4 percent from 3-point range.

At 6-foot-9, he can play either forward position and possesses tremendous athleticism, not to mention the ability to be a standout on the defensive end.

However, he struggled with his shooting during NBA Summer League play, which suggests that perhaps it may take some time for him to find his way at the next level.

The Hornets have been seemingly rebuilding forever, and they’re hoping Miller is the real deal so that they will finally become relevant.

They won just 27 games this past season and haven’t made the playoffs since 2016 — even worse, they haven’t won a playoff series since 2002.

They have a star in guard LaMelo Ball, but other than that, their roster seems to be in flux.

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