Baylor Freshman Strengths: An incredibly skilled prospect, Miller has ideal size and a ridiculously lengthy (7’3) wingspan for a scoring small forward … Displays precise footwork, making every step a purposeful one … Despite previous ACL surgery, Miller is a mobile athlete that can slip and slide off his defender … With the ball in his hands, Miller is a crafty shot-creator on the perimeter, doing most of his offensive damage in the midrange … Uses impressive handle on the ball to create shots off the dribble on the perimeter, showing a high awareness of his defender’s positioning and an understanding of how to take advantage of that … Possesses balance after using effective pivots to get his shot off … Effectively uses off-ball screens to get open … As a finisher and scorer down low, Miller’s scoring instincts allow him to convert in a number of different ways despite lacking the strength and explosiveness to get easier buckets … Mentally tough , competitor …
Weaknesses: Miller looks to have lost some speed and explosiveness after tearing his ACL as a senior in high school, which could make it difficult for him to free himself for open looks and shoot a respectable percentage at the next level … Not very impressive on the break and in the open floor … He gets little elevation on his jump shot with a low release, leaving his three-point shots easier to contest … Over his last 12 games, Miller shot 2 for 18 from downtown, making you question whether his hot shooting start was flukey (finished at 34%) … Needs to add bulk to his wiry frame … Not a force on the glass … Inconsistent from a game to game basis as a freshman … Only averaged 3 free throw attempts per game … Appears lackadaisical at times defensively, and could be vulnerable defending stronger, faster players in isolation situations …
Overall: Miller had a rough end to his freshman year, averaging only 6 points in four NCAA tournament games … As a prospect, his ceiling remains high due to his pure basketball talent and unique physical attributes for a small forward … But the gamble for teams will be whether his physical abilities will improve after surgery … Miller’s decision to enter the draft after one year gives the impression he’s been told he’d be a first round pick, because returning as a sophomore seemed like the appropriate move …
Jonathan Wasserman 5/9/12
