‘Love doing stuff with the community’: Brandon Miller tosses first pitch at Knights game

After long-tossing on the first-base line, Brandon Miller threw the first pitch at Wednesday’s Charlotte Knights game, then moved his hands to simulate taking a jump shot.

“I love doing stuff with the community,” Miller, the Hornets’ No. 2 overall pick, told reporters at Truist Field. “I grew up playing baseball. Love the sport.”

Miller, who said he played baseball until he was a sophomore in high school, was dressed in a home white Knights jersey and black athletic shorts. A teal No. 24 covered the pinstripes on the back of his jersey, just like that number — the same one he donned at the University of Alabama — will appear on his uniform at Spectrum Center.

A Nashville native, Miller has been in Charlotte since being drafted in June. He said he compares the Queen City to his hometown.

“I actually like Charlotte better than Nashville due to the fact that it has less people,” Miller said. “Not as many people are walking around on the street. I like it here.

“If I was an explorer, I think it’d be even better, so I’m definitely gonna explore some more. Definitely need some more eating spots, for sure.”

He’s not the only recent Crimson Tide star in Charlotte, joining Panthers’ No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young. Miller said he hasn’t seen Young outside of the football stadium or in a basketball gym but thinks highly of him.

“That’s my guy!” Miller said excitedly. “I’ve heard he’s a great basketball player. I also know he’s a great person, outside of the sport he plays. He’s extremely smart. Just being a phone call away from him is a good thing just to have away from home.”

Miller’s been taking care of his body over the summer, focusing on eating healthy and putting on calories. He’s excited to begin this journey with the Hornets, noting that he thinks he’ll fit in well with the team’s younger players, especially point guard LaMelo Ball.

“LaMelo’s a great point guard that’s gonna make the right plays,” Miller said. “Our duo will be a great duo in the league.”