Timberwolves Leonard Miller showing serious fit in heated S/L competition

Coming off an explosive showing in his NBA Summer League debut, Minnesota Timberwolves rookie Leonard Miller continued to display his potential last night. Miller was selected with the 33rd overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft last month and looks like he could make a significant impact off the bench during his rookie season.

Even though the Timberwolves came up short against the Utah Jazz in Game 2 Miller totaled a team-high 20 points to go with five rebounds, three steals, and two assists. There’s an argument to be made that Miller has been Minnesota’s best player throughout the Summer League so far alongside second-year forward Josh Minott.

In three NBA 2K24 Summer League games so far, Miller has produced:|

Game 1  24 min | 16 pts | 50.0 3P% | 11 reb | 2 ast | 2 stl | 1 blk
Game 2  31 mins | 20 pts | 50.0 3P% | 5 reb | 2 ast | 3 stl | 0 blk
Game 3  29 mins | 18 pts | 33.3 3P% | 6 reb | 2 ast | 0 stl | 3 blk

Timberwolves Leonard Miller showing serious fit in heated S/L competition

After getting a chance to see him in person during the NBA 2K24 Summer League, it’s clear that Miller will have an opportunity to contribute at a high level in the coming years. Despite falling to the second round, Miller looks like he will provide instant production due to his dynamic skillset and high energy on both ends of the floor. He has the handles of a point guard, the size of a center, and the non-stop motion of a small forward.

The Timberwolves have a loaded frontcourt so it’s likely there will be stretches that Miller’s playing time varies.  Still, his potential should keep him on the court regularly. With frontcourt trio Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert, and Jaden McDaniels set to start for Chris Finch’s team, Miller will add more depth but probably in limited minutes.

But it looks like Miller will find his way to the floor.

Rookie Leonard Miller will provide depth in the crowded Wolves frontcourt

Behind the aforementioned starters, the Timberwolves are expected to lean on bench contributors Kyle Anderson, Naz Reid, Nickeil Alexander-Walker,  and others. Minott should earn increased action next year as well after showing off his excellent athleticism and two-way ability in a pair of impressive performances in Las Vegas.

Miller certainly looked the part of an impactful player in the first two games but it’s difficult to know how quickly he will be able to crack the Timberwolves rotation. The former G-League Ignite standout put up 16 points and 11 rebounds to help secure a 102-88 win over the New Orleans Pelicans in his Summer League debut on Friday.