Since entering the NBA, Timberwolves fans have seen very little of Leonard Miller playing for their team. The team was clearly high on him, giving up two future second round picks in order to acquire Miller, who was selected 33rd overall in 2023.
Through two years, Miller has only appeared in 30 games with Minnesota for a total of just 84 minutes. Still just 21 years old, he is set to soon gain valuable experience in the offseason.
Leonard Miller will play for Canada in the AmeriCup
While the AmeriCup isn’t exactly a notable tournament, and doesn’t see the star power of the Eurobasket, it still helps allow nations to qualify for larger tournaments such as the FIBA World Cup and the Olympics. The tournament is from August 22-31 and will take place in Nicaragua.
Born in Ontario, Miller is a part of Team Canada’s roster. It is one where he is expected to see ample playing time. The only other active NBA player also on the roster is Wizards guard/forward Kyshawn George.
The AmeriCup tournament will help allow Miller to further gain experience in preparation for the Timberwolves' preseason schedule in October. A great showing at AmeriCup would likely catch Chris Finch’s eye after he has sparingly been called upon at the NBA level.
Looking for rotational role with Wolves for the first time
Turning 22 years old on November 26, Miller certainly still has time to further develop and become a rotational piece in the NBA. He entered the draft after one year playing for the now-defunct G League Ignite.
Thus far, since being drafted, much of Miller's work has come in the G League with the Iowa Wolves. Last season, he appeared in 26 games for them and posted averages of 24.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks.
It’s a pivotal third year for the 6-foot-10 Miller as the Timberwolves have a club option for him in 2026-27. If that option is declined, and he has another season of minimal playing time, it may be difficult for Miller to procure a standard contract as a free agent.
While Nickeil Alexander-Walker has left for the Hawks, it has been other players such as Terrence Shannon Jr., Jaylen Clark, and Rob Dillingham who are expected to earn more minutes in his absence. Perhaps Miller can be used as a backup center if the team doesn’t believe that Joan Beringer is ready yet for important minutes.