While there were no doubts that Victor Wembanyama was going to be picked #1 by the San Antonio Spurs, the Charlotte Hornets seemed torn between two prospects with their #2 pick. Earlier in the year, Scoot Henderson had been the overwhelming favorite to go #2 overall right after the French phenom. However, over the past few weeks, Brandon Miller saw a rise in draft stock, leaving Michael Jordan and co. in a dilemma. After the North Carolina side drafted Miller, NBA insider Shams Charania started getting a ton of backlash from different sections for allegedly ‘tampering’ with the betting odds following his tweet on the matter.
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Up until the moment of the draft, the Hornets had not fixated their gaze on any one of the two talented youngsters. This would lead to constant changes in the betting odds of the draft picks. FanDuel released odds for the top 3 picks with Miller being a +145 to be the 2nd pick. In simpler terms, a person who bet $100 on the Alabama prospect getting drafted at #2, would end up winning $145. Being a FanDuel partner, fans accused Charania of tampering with the betting odds after he tweeted that Scoot Henderson was gaining momentum in the race for #2.
NBA Twitter called out Shams Charania for supposedly ‘tampering’ with betting odds
While the Hornets were still indecisive, Charania’s tweet suggested that the G-League Ignite prospect was “gaining serious momentum at No.2”.
Sources: Scoot Henderson is gaining serious momentum at No. 2 with the Charlotte Hornets in tonight’s NBA draft. Hornets have been torn over the last week between Henderson and Brandon Miller. Team has final meetings today to settle on decision.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 22, 2023
Now, Charania is widely regarded as a reliable source. Trusting his information, several bettors put their money on Henderson getting picked up by the Hornets. However, the North Carolina side selected 6ft 9’ Miller instead.
Moments after the pick, fans ripped apart The Athletic Insider for allegedly tampering with betting odds. Among many, @mansurshaheen called out the 29-year-old reporter for manipulating people into making a wrong bet. Incidentally, numerous fans betting for the wrong pick ended up being lucrative for FanDuel.
– shams (employed by fanduel) tweets this
– tons of people put money on scoot at #2 at sportsbook like fanduel (odds massively shifted immediately after the tweet)
– hornets don’t draft scoot
– fanduel makes a ton of money
is this not just blatant fraud ??? https://t.co/Vf6yKFOrYu
— mansur🕊️ (@mansurshaheen) June 23, 2023
Remember shams is partnered with FanDuel. Don’t lose y’all money
— jLove (@johnlhew) June 22, 2023
However, Joe Pompliano suggested that the reward wasn’t enough for Charania to take such a huge risk.
Calling it “blatant fraud” is a reach.
Sports betting companies don’t make any money on drafts & it would be incredibly shortsighted for Shams to risk his entire reputation to move a single betting line for FanDuel.
Not to mention Brandon Miller’s odds also shifted as a result. pic.twitter.com/0mnNI8btsq
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) June 23, 2023
In response to all the speculations, FanDuel made it clear that no prior intimation was provided before Charania sent out that tweet. Have a look at Darren Rovel’s tweet.
FanDuel breaks silence on @ShamsCharania Scoot to No. 2 backlash from bettors in a statement:
“FanDuel is not privy to any news that Shams breaks on his platforms.”
More to come on @ActionNetworkHQ.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) June 23, 2023
As of now, there aren’t any legitimate claims to back the accusations that Charania has been facing.
Michael Jordan and co. add Miller to the roster
Miller and Henderson are two top-tier talents. Both youngsters can prove to be an asset to their respective organizations. While Scoot is commended for his incredible athleticism and defense, Miller possesses an exceptional jump shot and brilliant court vision.
While many fans aren’t content with the front office’s decision, Miller will add size to the Hornets’ starting lineup. A unique blend of size, shooting, and defense, the 20-year-old is expected to help LaMelo Ball lead the franchise to clinch a playoff berth. It’ll be interesting to see whether Miller lives up to the expectations.
