Minnesota Timberwolves two year draft analysis and comparison
By Bret Stuter
2023 NBA Draft: 33rd overall pick – Ignite F Leonard Miller
The Minnesota Timberwolves did not enter the 2023 NBA Draft with a shopping list of positions that needed to be addressed, which allowed the team to shop for the best prospect on the board. That opportunity to shop the draft for BPA (Best Player Available) allowed the Timberwolves to select an exciting forward in Leonard Miller.
Pros
The versatility and extensive wide-ranging basketball skills of Leonard Miller are exciting. But the reality is that the potential will almost certainly fall short of the overly optimistic expectations that he inspires in his rookie NBA season. After all, while he has the ball-handling skills of a point guard, the height and rebounding of a center, and the defensive clinginess of a small forward, Leonard Miller is only one player. And he is new to the NBA.
Opposing teams will have no idea how to defend him. If they go with a guard, he will simply use his size to dominate. If the opposing team goes with a forward, he will explode with elite ball-handling skills. If they double him, he can simply pass out to the open teammate.
The Timberwolves need help on the boards, and Leonard Miller is the cavalry riding over the hill. Even at 19 years of age, he bangs the boards like an NBA veteran, blessed with the height of a skyscraper and the wingspan of a U2 aircraft, Miller is still growing.
Cons
The abundance of riches that rookie Leonard Miller brings to the NBA can simply complicate the transition of finding his niche on the Timberwolves roster. Even as opposing teams won’t know what to make of him, the Minnesota Timberwolves coaching staff haven’t any idea how to make use of his impressive basketball skills either.
Best Roles
Rather than try to give rookie Leonard Miller a sampler of all NBA positions that he can play, the Timberwolves may wish to focus him in one or two positions where he can provide the best support this season. Until that happens, he may commute between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Iowa Wolves to help ascertain where he can best help the team.