Brandon Miller, a 6’8 sharpshooter with exceptional mobility, is a highly coveted prospect in the upcoming NBA Draft. His impressive freshman year at Alabama, culminating in SEC Player of the Year honors, solidified his position as a potential top-three pick. However, concerns regarding his ball-handling and inconsistent tournament performance raise questions about his NBA potential. This article explores potential NBA player comparisons for Brandon Miller, ranging from worst-case to best-case scenarios.
Low-End Comparison: Cam Reddish
Physically, Cam Reddish is Brandon Miller’s doppelganger. Both possess impressive size and a smooth playing style. Reddish, a former Duke standout and first-round pick in 2019, entered the league with high expectations. However, his NBA career has been marred by inconsistency and inefficiency. He struggles with shooting accuracy, passing, and defense, resulting in multiple trades.
While Miller is expected to surpass Reddish, the latter’s struggles serve as a cautionary tale. They highlight that even players with immense physical gifts and potential can falter in the NBA if they fail to develop crucial skills. Reddish’s career underscores that Miller’s size and shooting alone don’t guarantee success. He needs to refine his overall game to avoid a similar fate.
Mid-Range Comparison: Bojan Bogdanovic
Bojan Bogdanovic, a seasoned NBA veteran, represents a realistic middle-ground comparison for Miller. Despite lacking elite athleticism, Bogdanovic has carved out a successful career as a reliable scorer and floor spacer. He excels at off-ball movement, creating scoring opportunities through intelligent positioning and a deadly three-point shot.
Bogdanovic’s career trajectory offers a viable path for Miller. Even if Miller doesn’t develop into a primary scoring option, he can still become a valuable contributor by honing his off-ball movement, shooting consistency, and crafty offensive game. Bogdanovic’s success demonstrates that a player with Miller’s skillset can thrive in the NBA without relying on exceptional athleticism.
High-End Comparison: Paul George
The most frequently cited comparison for Miller is Paul George, a perennial All-Star and two-way force. While Miller currently lacks George’s defensive prowess and explosiveness, their offensive similarities are striking. Both possess the rare combination of size, shooting range, and ball-handling ability for their position.
Reaching George’s level would require significant development from Miller, particularly on the defensive end and in terms of athleticism. However, Miller’s offensive potential, characterized by his ability to create shots and space the floor, fuels the lofty comparison. While becoming a six-time All-NBA player like George is a long shot, Miller’s ceiling suggests he could become a highly impactful offensive player in the NBA. If he can improve his defense and consistency, he might just live up to the hype.
