Great breakdown. You referenced literally all of the points I've been telling folks for the past several months... His finishing was much better outside of those first 11 games, and in HS he had the best midrange game in the class that he didn't utilize to adapt to the system he was playing in (this should be viewed as a positive). That midrange game will also likely open lanes up for him even more. One point for Miller that I didn't see (may have missed it), but he is a terrific positional rebounder. He's one of the most complete prospects I've come across.
NBA Draft analysts can be so weird by declaring prospects as draft "locks" before the season even starts, and start slandering other guys that challenge that player they had "locked." The same analysts questioning Miller's finishing (mostly due to just an 11 game sample), will then claim they buy Scoot's three ball after shooting 27% as a professional (a 46-game sample) including 27% this last season.
I personally think of them as 2A and 2B, but it's crazy how against Miller some of these analysts are. Both I'd grade as an above average #1 overall level prospect in most years. Unfortunately, the timing with being in the same class as the best draft prospect ever is some shit luck for both of them.
Another point I'd add to this is that folks tend to look at athleticism in the wrong way. It's not just how bouncy or quick that a prospect is. It's how well do they use what they're given. Whether it's chase-down blocks, posters, slipping by the defender, or sliding in front of the ball-handler, you'll be hard pressed to find someone that uses their athleticism better than Miller does.
Thank you for reading and for the expanded dialogue! I kinda hid the rebounding thing in the end where I talked about how he finds ways to impact the game even when the shot is falling section, but you’re right he is a terrific rebounder and his ability to grab and go and initiate really helped Bama play with pace and get into early offense.
Still not believe in him that high.
That’s totally fine. I love guys like Scoot and Jarace too, don’t fault anyone for having Miller elsewhere
Great write-up Corey. Thanks for diving into Miller, you’ve pushed me into “believer’ territory.
Thanks for reading Jack! Glad I could help give a new perspective
What are your thoughts on him as a prospect now following his underwhelming summer league?
Great breakdown. You referenced literally all of the points I've been telling folks for the past several months... His finishing was much better outside of those first 11 games, and in HS he had the best midrange game in the class that he didn't utilize to adapt to the system he was playing in (this should be viewed as a positive). That midrange game will also likely open lanes up for him even more. One point for Miller that I didn't see (may have missed it), but he is a terrific positional rebounder. He's one of the most complete prospects I've come across.
NBA Draft analysts can be so weird by declaring prospects as draft "locks" before the season even starts, and start slandering other guys that challenge that player they had "locked." The same analysts questioning Miller's finishing (mostly due to just an 11 game sample), will then claim they buy Scoot's three ball after shooting 27% as a professional (a 46-game sample) including 27% this last season.
I personally think of them as 2A and 2B, but it's crazy how against Miller some of these analysts are. Both I'd grade as an above average #1 overall level prospect in most years. Unfortunately, the timing with being in the same class as the best draft prospect ever is some shit luck for both of them.
Another point I'd add to this is that folks tend to look at athleticism in the wrong way. It's not just how bouncy or quick that a prospect is. It's how well do they use what they're given. Whether it's chase-down blocks, posters, slipping by the defender, or sliding in front of the ball-handler, you'll be hard pressed to find someone that uses their athleticism better than Miller does.
Thank you for reading and for the expanded dialogue! I kinda hid the rebounding thing in the end where I talked about how he finds ways to impact the game even when the shot is falling section, but you’re right he is a terrific rebounder and his ability to grab and go and initiate really helped Bama play with pace and get into early offense.