NBA Draft Player Profile: Leonard Miller

Jun 13, 2023, 8:00 AM | Updated: 10:22 pm

Leonard Miller #11 of G League Ignite brings the ball up the court against the Ontario Clippers in ...

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

With the 2023 NBA Draft is about 10 days away, it’s time to look at some prospects that will be hearing their names called at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on June 22nd.

The Sacramento have the 24th overall pick this time around, thanks to a remarkable 2022 season that saw the Kings make the playoffs for the first time in 17 years. After drafting All-Rookie First Team forward Keegan Murray (fourth pick) last summer, Sacramento will look to build off a revitalized unit by hitting on this year’s selection as well.

But what type of player does the Kings need to add to a team that just enjoyed its first NBA Playoff experience in nearly 20 years?

Over the next week or so, Sactown Sports 1140 will provide you with profiles and players expected to be on the board near the Kings’ 24th pick, and some that the team should consider trading up for next Thursday.

So without further ado, let’s dig into some film.

Leonard Miller | SF/PF | G League Ignite

Age: 19

Height: 6’9″

Weight: 213

2022-23 stats: 18 points, 11 rebounds, 55.4% FG, 32.7% 3PT, 79.2% FT

ESPN Mock Draft: 22nd

While overshadowed by potential top-3 pick Scoot Henderson on the G league Ignite, Canada’s Leonard Miller came into his own during the 2022-23 season. Averaging 18 PPG and 11 RPG, Miller showed flashes of elite potential at the next level, still growing into his 6’9-ish frame.

Miller is a bit of a polarizing prospect in NBA circles. On one hand, he’s coming off an incredibly productive season in the G League in which he averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds as a 19-year-old. On the other hand, teams question his shooting mechanics and feel for the game, as it’s not quite clear what position or role he’s best suited for long term. Ultimately, it’s hard to find teenagers with the type of length, activity and scoring instincts Miller brings, which gives him real upside to grow into and makes him a strong candidate to be picked in the first round.

ESPN’s NBA Draft Insider Jonathan Givony on Leonard Miller – June 2023

Still raw in certain areas, his development over the next few years will be key to his production down the road.

How would Miller fit with the Kings?

At 6’9″-6’10”, with a 7’2″ wingspan, Miller has the natural physical tools to hold up in the NBA. He has good lateral movement and quickness to cover ground fast. Then, he has the verticality to posse a threat as a shot blocker in the future.

His offensive game is more intriguing though, possessing guard-like ball skills at his size.

top Draft prospect Leonard Miller 🇨🇦 best 5 plays of the szn! 📈 pic.twitter.com/yKQ1KuMI7K

— NBA G League Ignite (@gleagueignite) June 4, 2023

Miller has a dribbling arsenal that is rare for a 19-year-old big man, able to run the break with ease. He loves to get physical going downhill, often drawing contact as he attacks the rim. He also has a crafty euro step, going left to right, that keeps his defenders off balance.

The key to his potential is his development offensively. His three ball needs some work (sub-33%) which may be the result of wonky shooting mechanics. Miller is also still learning how to play like a big man, just recently growing into the power forward role. He’ll need a good coaching staff around him to see the end result blossom.

At the end of the day though, Leonard Miller is the type of player Sacramento could use in the frontcourt, growing into a bigger role over time. Mike Brown may need to harp on him for lackluster defense at times. But if the Kings can get the most out of him, he’ll be a key player for years to come.

Will the Kings be adding another defensive player to their lineup? We’ll find out on June 22nd.

Sacramento Kings Offseason Schedule