Wolves forward is in jeopardy of missing the start of the season after recent update

NBA training camp is officially underway for all 30 teams. Unfortunately, Minnesota Timberwolves forward Leonard Miller suffered a right finger laceration during Tuesday's practice. On Wednesday, it was announced that Miller will be out for at least two weeks due to this injury.

This timeline indicates that Miller will be re-evaluated on October 15, which puts him in jeopardy of missing the Wolves' season opener on October 22. It's certainly possible that Miller gets cleared to play when he's re-evaluated in two weeks. Regardless, the term re-evaluated means that he could miss more time, which makes his status for the start of the year unclear.

Miller is hoping for a bigger role in his third season

Miller, a 2023 second-round pick, has only played 84 minutes in his two seasons with the Wolves. The 6-foot-10 forward has averaged 1.6 points and a rebound for his career. Despite losing Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the offseason, it's unlikely that Miller will crack the Wolves' rotation with the development of Terrence Shannon Jr., Jaylen Clark, and Rob Dillingham all being a priority. Nevertheless, it's possible that Chris Finch sprinkles the 21-year-old in for some spot minutes.

Due to Miller's lack of shooting but versatile defense and hard-nosed rebounding, he is best utilized as a backup big man. When Miller plays, it wouldn't be surprising to see him as a big man rather than a forward. If rookie Joan Beringer isn't ready for NBA minutes, it's possible that Miller becomes the Wolves' emergency big man. Still, Miller's path to earn a real role in the Wolves' rotation is slim, and his injury further complicates matters.

Despite having solid upside and a versatile skill set, Miller is largely an afterthought in the Wolves' rotation. Without getting reps in training camp and preseason, it will be harder for Miller to make a case for a bigger role. Of course, it's a long season, and things could change if Miller thrives in the opportunity he receives. This year is a crucial one for Miller, who has a team option next summer.

Currently, it feels likely that the Wolves will decline his option, and Miller seeks a landing spot where he can earn real minutes, much like Josh Minott before him. Regardless, possibly starting the season sidelined and missing much of training camp and preseason is less than ideal for Miller.

While this move impacts the Wolves very little on the court, everyone is hoping for a speedy recovery for Miller.