Much of the draft conversation has been centered around the Walker vs Hendricks debate so I thought I’d enter a third candidate in Leonard Miller
His praise of the organization and connection to Nembhard and Mathurin was notable. Carlisle has expressed lots of positive statements towards Canadian talent recently. Liked that he mentioned coachability as a defining trait
[https://twitter.com/Pacers/status/1664027553965948928](https://twitter.com/Pacers/status/1664027553965948928)
Former #2 overall recruit, as a Freshman-aged player with GLI he was highly productive and in his last 15 games of the season averaged 19.6 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 1.0 BLK, 0.9 STL, 54.2% FG, 38.7% 3FG
Has some guard-like ball skills as he was a 6’3″ HS prospect though they are still unrefined and sloppy, there’s some point forward potential there as he actually ran the offense in Scoot’s absence
Most productive transition player of the 3 forwards with a high motor defensively but maybe a little slower than Hendricks. 38″ vertical so he’s got the pop for rim protection. Also the best length of the 3, 2+” taller than Walker and 2″ more ws than Hendricks
Pacers could use help in the halfcourt, and his 62% non-dunk halfcourt rim FG stands out in comparison to Walker’s and Hendricks’s \~40%. The body control is there as well. I like that he’s a lefty as his slashing would help with spacing as well
Shooting is the major knock but 79% FT indicates realizable potential. Defenses not taking his 3 seriously, almost half of his 3’s were unguarded shooting at 30% (NBA range)
Don’t think I’d risk taking him at 7 but like the package up scenario lumping in a player + 26 + 29
Who might be interested? Reloading teams such as BKN at 21 or 22 maybe, LAL at 17? Could see TOR wanting to reload but their 13 would probably be too pricey
Some noise that OKC might take him at 12 but they might also trade up given their abundance of picks next year
In closing I don’t think he’s the best fit of the 3 right away but offers perhaps the best upside if the shot continues to improve and value if he’s still there in the late teens
by Available_Ad_8662
4 Comments
Well, looks like Carlisle gave some special coaching to his 3 point shot alot like when we took Ijax
Downside is we already have Ijax and Smith
Don’t hate the idea, just haven’t fallin in love with it either
i’m fairly high on Leonard Miller, one hope is that he falls but i also hope we trade up and secure him. his frame and intangibles are great AND he has the skill to go with it.
I really like this kid,hope their is someway we can draft him ,not at 7 though.
Definitely not at #7 but I’d be OK with acquiring him via a reasonable trade offer. I don’t want to overpay at all, however, as there are guys even late in the first round and early second round I think are intriguing such as Bobi Klintman and Trayce Jackson-Davis or maybe Julian Strawther as an shooting specialist. I wouldn’t give up 3 first round picks or an equivalent unless it’s a top tier player.