Former Alabama forward Brandon Miller was among the best players in college basketball this past season.
As a freshman, he spearheaded a team that was ranked No. 1 in the country for a good portion of the regular season. Unfortunately, there was also an off-court incident earlier in the year that could have threatened his future in the NBA. Read the details here.
Teams now have a certain level of confidence that Miller has the maturity to make it at the next level. It has him right up there with Scoot Henderson as the second-best prospect in the 2023 NBA Draft behind consensus No. 1 guy Victor Wembanyama.
With the 2023 NBA Draft set to get going on June 22, let’s check in on Brandon Miller’s scouting profile and his three-best potential landing spots in the annual event.
Related: Sportsnaut’s updated 2023 NBA mock draft
Brandon Miller measurables
- Height: 6-foot-9
- Wingspan: 6-foot-11
- Weight: 200
Brandon Miller scouting report
- Positives: Rangy scorer. Solid from the mid-range and outside of the three-point line. Can take players off the dribble and finish inside. His quick release and ability to shoot over wing defenders stands above the rest. Pretty darn good creating his own shot and not afraid to pass the ball. Great work ethic and team player.
- Negatives: Lacks elite athleticism. Needs to add some muscle to his frame to bang with the big boys. Needs to do a better job inside on defense. Will be an older rookie (21).
Best fits for Brandon Miller in 2023 NBA Draft
Given Miller’s overall skillset, there’s a darn good chance that a team will look to trade up with the Portland Trail Blazers to nab him should he be available at three. That’s a sweet spot for trade-up scenarios. If he does fall outside of the top three, interest level from teams picking lower in the first round will increase big time.
- Brandon Miller stats (2022-23): 18.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.1 APG, 43% shooting, 38% 3-point
Charlotte Hornets (2nd pick)
Depending on the off-court situation relating to suspended forward Miles Bridges, this could very well be a major position of need for the Hornets. P.J. Washington’s status as a restricted free agent magnifies that further.
Either way, the three and four are major areas of needs for a Hornets team that lost 55 games a season ago.
The idea of teaming Miller up with star guard LaMelo Ball might be too hard for the Hornets to pass up on even if the preference is Scoot Henderson. The two would work so well together. Ball’s shooting ability coupled with his willingness to distribute would play well into Miller’s strengths.
Detroit Pistons (5th pick)
Now that Monty Williams finds himself as the Pistons’ head coach, a big decision will have to be made at five. Similar players in that of David West, Cameron Johnson and Mikal Bridges have had a ton of success in Williams’ system. If Brandon Miller somehow falls to five, that has to be taken into account.
From a roster perspective, Charlotte exhausted each of its past two lottery picks on guards (Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey). The Pistons also have bigs in that of Isaiah Stewart, James Wiseman and Jalen Duren. Simply put, they need that option at the three and four. Miller’s versatility would be a great fit.
Related: 2023 NBA Draft rumors
Toronto Raptors (13th pick)
We have read rumors about the Raptors looking to move up to No. 4 overall with the Houston Rockets. However, the likelier move-up scenario would be at three with the Portland Trail Blazers. We already know Portland is looking to trade this pick for a proven asset to team up with Damian Lillard.
In this scenario, forwards Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby would be Portland’s targets. For a retooling Raptors squad, this sets up a rather interesting scenario. Teaming Miller up with fellow forward Scottie Barnes would seem to be somewhat of an unnatural fit. We don’t see it that way. Barnes is known more for his elite defense and ability to pass from the frontcourt. Miller’s strengths are out on the perimeter and scoring. They’d complement one another extremely well.