Tag: Leonard Miller

Leonard Miller listed as potential Bulls offseason trade target

The Chicago Bulls should look to target Leonard Miller on the trade market this summer.

The Chicago Bulls are facing a weird offseason ahead of them. Following their second straight sub-.500 season, they need to take a look in the mirror and figure out the direction of their franchise. Should they decide to endure another youth movement, Dan Favale of Bleacher Report believes Minnesota Timberwolves forward Leonard Miller could be a target.

“Status quo is the best bet. Because, well, these are the Bulls,” Favale wrote. “Regardless, their need to vary up the frontcourt will persist no matter how they carry themselves over the summer. Andre Drummond could leave in free agency, and even if he doesn’t, neither he nor NIkola Vučević is a long-term answer. Leonard Miller could be.

“Drafted 33rd overall last June, the 20-year-old has spent hardly any time on the court for the Minnesota Timberwolves. But he has done filthy things during his time with the G League’s Iowa Wolves. At 6’10”, he is stronger than he looks. He screens and seals and goes up for boards like a burlier big. His floor game is a work in progress, but when it’s humming in conjunction with his outside shot, he plays like a hybrid 3-4-5.”

If Leonard is gettable, the Bulls should hit the phones.

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Timberwolves’ Leonard Miller registered first career triple-double in G League

Timberwolves rookie Leonard Miller is now one of 19 players to record a triple-double in the G League this season.

Minnesota Timberwolves rookie Leonard Miller registered his first career triple-double on assignment in the G League on Saturday to lead the Iowa Wolves in a loss to the Sioux Falls Skyforce.

Miller produced 21 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and one steal in the 157-156 loss at Wells Fargo Arena. He went 8-of-18 from the field, including 2-of-6 from 3-point range, in 39 minutes as the Wolves dropped to 3-13.

The 33rd pick is one of 19 players to record a triple-double in the G League this season. He was a monster on the glass and dazzled with his passing and decision-making throughout the contest.

Miller has spent the majority of the season with Iowa to develop and refine his skills as a player. The organization believes Miller can become a regular contributor in the NBA, though he will need time to reach that level on a consistent basis.

He is averaging 20 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and one steal on 37% shooting from 3-point range in 23 games with the Wolves. He has registered three 30-point games, including a career-high 35 points and 13 rebounds on Jan. 3.

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch believes the stint for Miller in the G League is enabling him to improve on the court and learn how to become a professional. Miller is buying into his role in the G League, resulting in some strong performances this year.

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Timberwolves’ Chris Finch reveals goals for Leonard Miller in G League

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch revealed a key point of emphasis for Leonard Miller is learning how to become a professional.

Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch on Tuesday revealed that a key point of emphasis for rookie Leonard Miller in the G League is learning how to become a professional on and off the court.

Miller has spent the majority of the season with the Iowa Wolves to develop and refine his skills as a player. The Timberwolves believe he can become a regular contributor in the NBA, though he will need time to reach that level.

The team, Finch said on Tuesday, has seen progress with Miller.

The production, points and games are only good if you can replicate them. The replication comes from finding a routine, a process, leaning into who you are as a player and going out and doing it every single night. Those are things I think are starting to take root in him, which are the most important things because they provide a foundation for him to get better.

Miller is averaging 18.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists on 36.7% shooting from 3-point range in 15 games with the Wolves. He registered two 30-point games, including a career-high 35 points and 10 rebounds in his last time out on Jan. 3.

The 33rd pick has had some strong moments with the Wolves, but he hasn’t consistently been a leading scorer and rebounder. However, the team believes he is buying into his role in the G League, which should help his on-court production.

“He has a unique skill set, but at the same time, you have to define his game,” Finch said. “Those are things you can do down in the G League. We tell him all the time that players don’t necessarily want to go down there, but you only have success when you embrace being there. I think he is starting to do that and is starting to show a difference.”

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Timberwolves’ Leonard Miller drops monster 30-point double-double in G League

Leonard Miller became the seventh player in the G League to record at least 35 points and 10 rebounds in a game this season.

Minnesota Timberwolves rookie Leonard Miller had a career performance on assignment in the G League to lead the Iowa Wolves in a loss to the Memphis Hustle.

Miller produced a game-high 35 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and one steal in the 136-132 loss. He finished 14-of-20 from the field, including 4-of-7 from 3-point range, in 34 minutes as the Wolves dropped to 0-4 in the regular season.

The 33rd pick became the seventh player in the G League to record at least 35 points and 10 rebounds in a game this season. He scored 15 points in the fourth quarter and hit several clutch shots as the game went down to the final seconds.

The performance by Miller continued a strong year in the G League. He has spent the majority of the season with the Wolves after making four appearances with Minnesota and has emerged as one of the most productive rookies in the G League.

Miller is averaging 18.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists on 36.7% shooting from 3-point range in 15 games with the Wolves. He has two 30-point games and has registered five double-doubles this season in the G League.

The organization is high on Miller, given his ability as a playmaker and rebounder. He has made strides in improving as a shooter and looks to be developing into a consistent floor spacer.

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Timberwolves’ Chris Finch explains how impactful Leonard Miller can be

Leonard Miller may not have a role yet defined for him, but the 33rd pick offered a glimpse of the production he can bring on Tuesday.

Leonard Miller may not have a role yet defined for him with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but the 33rd pick offered a glimpse of the production he can bring to the lineup on Tuesday.

Miller produced 22 points, 15 rebounds, two assists and two steals in a 138-111 win over Maccabi Ra’anana of the Israeli National League. He went 10-of-14 from the field, including 1-of-3 from 3-point range, in 27 minutes off the bench.

His 15 rebounds were the second-most in a game this preseason. He hauled in eight on the offensive end, which helped the Timberwolves hold a 19-12 advantage in second-chance points.

“The first part about being a good offensive rebounder is you have to go all the time, and he does,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said. “He has a nose for the ball and pursues it. He gets a lot of 50-50 balls that are in or around. We just desperately need that.”

Miller was a walking double-double last season with the G League Ignite. He was tied for ninth in the league in that category, largely thanks to his exceptional rebounding ability. He hits the glass hard on both ends of the court and has seemingly an endless motor.

“I just go get it,” Miller said. “I feel like either you want it, or you don’t. With the competitive spirit that they have, they just go. (I) try to attack the glass, that’s what I do, so I guess it is how you see a lot of boards. … I feel like either you got it or you don’t.”

The 19-year-old falling to the second round was viewed as one of the biggest surprises in the draft this year. He has an overall ability that can affect games in various ways. He can handle the ball and is very active as a cutter on offense, and he can defend multiple positions.

The team is still figuring out where he’ll fall into the rotation. However, Miller appears to be a player the Timberwolves will need to get on the court in some capacity because of the way he can make an impact on both ends.

“You can see he has some real, natural feel with the ball in his hands,” Finch said. “He is fearless, and we like that. … He shoots it well and has got a good foundation to improve that shot. There is a lot to work on there, but he is an exciting young player and a really good kid.”

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5 second-round picks in 2023 who already look like draft steals during NBA Summer League

How did Leonard Miller and Andre Jackson fall to the second round?

While it is never a good idea to overreact to strong performances at NBA Summer League, there is a lot we can learn from these games.

For example, so far, we have already seen some standout showings from several prospects selected outside the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft. Although it doesn’t mean these players are destined for continued dominance during their professional careers, there are other conclusions we can make.

Early in the Las Vegas-based tournament, some of the top players include second-round picks like Minnesota Timberwolves forward Leonard Miller. We took a deep dive to explain what we have seen from Miller, as well as a few other notable second-round picks, thus far.

This story used AI-Powered statistics provided by the Stats Perform database.

RELATED: Celtics rookie Jordan Walsh is dominating NBA Summer League thanks to better floor spacing

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Brooklyn Nets projected to take Leonard Miller with 22nd overall pick

Bleacher Report believes that the Brooklyn Nets will select Leonard Miller with the 22nd overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

With the 2023 NBA Draft happening later this month, every team in the NBA, including the Brooklyn Nets, will have to think about what they will do with their draft picks come June 22. One of the picks that Brooklyn has in the draft is the 22nd overall pick and Bleacher Report projects them to take G League Ignite forward Leonard Miller with the pick.

Miller, 19, averaged 18.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 55.4% from the field and 32.7% from three-point land in 24 games player for the Ignite. Miller, standing at 6’10” and 210 pounds, appears to profile as a forward who can score on the inside and has the physical tools to be a force on the defensive side of the floor.

However, Miller has to improve his perimeter shooting as his mechanics still look a bit raw at this point in time. Until Miller gains some muscle and fills out his frame, he may get playing time as a wing who could make an impact thanks to his athleticism.

Here’s a video breakdown of Miller by Adam Spinella to see where Miller excels on the court and where he struggles:

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2023 NBA Mock Draft 5.0: 58 projections after the early entry withdrawal deadline

Rookie Wire took a look at where the next draft class stands following the early entry withdrawal deadline.

The NBA pre-draft process crossed another important checkpoint on the schedule with the early entry withdrawal deadline coming and going this week.

Prospects had the opportunity to test the waters and meet with teams to gain feedback on their potential draft stock. To maintain their remaining college eligibility, they had to withdraw from consideration by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday.

The deadline saw several potential second-round picks withdraw from the draft and return to school. With name, image and likeness playing a prevalent role in college basketball, players were likely swayed to stay one more year to work on their games and capitalize financially.

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The 2024 draft is also projected to be weaker than in past years, which also may have played a role in some players opting against turning pro. They likely believe they will have a greater chance of being a first-round pick next year.

With several players off the board, teams can prioritize workouts and interviews with those individuals remaining in the draft. As a result, players’ stock will continue to fluctuate with less than three weeks to go until the draft.

Rookie Wire took a look at where the draft stands following the early entry withdrawal deadline. Team needs were taken into consideration for these picks.

2023 Lakers draft prospect profile: Leonard Miller

A look at Leonard Miller, a big man from the G League Ignite.

Plenty of reasons exist to be hopeful and even excited for the immediate future of the Los Angeles Lakers. One reason is they will pick No. 17 in next month’s NBA draft.

Armed with that pick, as well as the No. 47 selection, they should end up with at least one useful player.

The Lakers’ biggest needs seem to be a true 3-and-D wing and better frontcourt depth, and a number of players that could fill those needs should be available.

One such player whom the team worked out recently is Leonard Miller of the G League Ignite.

2023 NBA Mock Draft 4.0: The latest projections after the draft lottery

Rookie Wire took a look at where the next draft class stands following the lottery.

The order of the 2023 NBA draft was decided this week by the lottery, and the San Antonio Spurs received the No. 1 pick for the third time in franchise history.

Of course, that means the Spurs will have the first opportunity to select 7-foot-4 French phenom Victor Wembanyama. They are apparently the team he had his sights set on, and he will now likely look to continue his basketball journey in San Antonio.

Elsewhere, Charlotte and Portland made jumps in their lottery positioning, and they now have more options to consider on draft night. Detroit dropped the furthest from No. 1 by virtue of having the worst record to No. 5.

With the order set, teams will ramp up their draft preparations.

This week, the league converged in Chicago for the G League Elite Camp and draft combine. Though many prospects skipped the 5-on-5 scrimmages and other testing, several seemingly helped themselves with great showings on the court.

Teams will continue to prioritize seeing those individuals that declared as early entrants since the deadline for them to return to school is May 31. Several prospects will have tough decisions to make in the coming days but should have more clarity after the combine.

Rookie Wire took a look at where the draft stands following the lottery. It is important to note that team needs were not necessarily taken into account with each pick. The projections are rather a look at where each individual player stands at this point of the process.