Summer League is a time for optimism and hope. Front-office personnel, coaching staffs, and fans get to see their rookies and other promising young players go head-to-head. Most of the time, we are told to take Summer League games with a grain of salt. Usually, if a player has a stand-out campaign in Las Vegas, that doesn’t translate into regular-season play. However, it’s hard for fans not to envision some young prospects who are showing out in early July helping their favorite team come October.
While Summer League is much different from the grueling NBA regular season, there always seem to be exceptions for some young players who captivate fans in Las Vegas. That is especially true for Leonard Miller, the Minnesota Timberwolves lone 2023 draft pick competing in the desert.
In Minnesota’s first Summer League game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Chris Finch joined the NBA TV broadcast and discussed Miller.
We love his feel. He’s still got a lot of things to figure out, as you would expect. Rebounded at an elite level in the G League. That translates 99% of the time. He’s got a natural feel for the ball and nose for the ball. His offensive game we’re a little unsure of what it’s going to be. But we know with his feel and his skill, and his ability to handle and pass, that he’s going to fit what we are trying to do.
By playing for the G League’s Team Ignite, Miller went right into NBA play immediately out of high school – a path more players are taking. Miller was only 6’4” in high school but had solid guard skills, such as playmaking, ball handling, and the ability to attack defenders off the bounce. However, none of those skills stood out to college scouts. Since then, Miller has blossomed into a 6’10” frame and hasn’t lost any of those guard skills.
As I stated, some level of overreaction always occurs during the exhibition games in Vegas. And Minnesota’s fanbase is no exception. However, certain skills will translate to NBA play, such as rebounding, a knack for loose balls, and free throw shooting.
After Miller’s 16-point, 11-rebound showing in his Summer League debut, it’s safe to say that the 19-year-old has a promising NBA future. However, I’d go even further than that. Miller understands the game at a level I’m not accustomed to seeing from someone his age. He seemingly knows where to be and when to be there. Some of that is hard work, and some of that is a God-given ability. Regardless, Miller is ready to help the Timberwolves compete in meaningful games as soon as next season.
If you were able to watch Minnesota’s first Summer League game, you would have quickly realized how versatile Miller is. He reminds me a lot of Jarred Vanderbilt and what he could do in the dunker’s spot and on the defensive end. However, Miller poses a much deeper offensive bag with his ability to knock down outside shots, play off the ball, and still initiate his own offense when he needs to.
Versatility will be crucial for Miller, who will be playing on a deep Timberwolves team. Up front, Miller seems to have the capability of being able to run effectively next to Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Jaden McDaniels. However, a rotation spot will likely be Miller’s Achilles heel next season. He has the potential to do great things in the NBA. And from what we’ve seen, he isn’t far from making an impact at the highest level.
“So far, so good,” said Miller. “We’re just taking it day by day. Summer League is first, and then going on to preparation with the team. I’m just trying to get better. I’m just trying to be more a part of this group of guys, this franchise, and get more settled in than I am right now. But, so far, it looks so good, and I’m liking it.”
However, until that point, all Miller needs to do is soak up everything the coaching staff and his teammates will be telling him. As a result, the 19-year-old combo forward will find himself in the rotation sooner rather than later.
