Rockets NBA Draft: Brandon Miller Best Defensive-Minded Prospect?
HOUSTON — Victor Wembanyama is the only prospect entering the 2023 NBA Draft who knows his fate. The San Antonio Spurs won the draft lottery on Tuesday, and Wembanyama will engrave his name into the franchise on June 22 inside the Barclays Center.
The Houston Rockets received the No. 4 pick. And unless they trade the selection, general manager Rafael Stone believes in the Rockets' ability to add a promising player.
Overtime Elite's Amen Thompson is the projected lottery pick who could land with the Rockets. But in the event Alabama's Brandon Miller falls to No. 4, his defensive-mind set would make for a great addition to Houston's young corps.
"I take pride on the defensive side of the ball," Miller said. "There's more to the game than offense. When your shots are not falling, what can you do to help when a game? I feel I would be able to help with my defense by diving on the floor for 50-50 balls, rebounding, blocking shots and taking charges."
Miller believes his defensive mentality makes winning plays. And the 20-year-old forward described himself as a winner.
His player comparison has been a young Paul George during his days with the Indiana Pacers. Miller did not downplay the correlation due to sharing the same defensive pride as the eight-time All-Star.
The Rockets will emphasize improvements on the defensive end with new coach Ime Udoka. Houston gave up an average of 118.6 points while averaging a defensive rating of 118.6, which marked the second-worst defense in the league during the 2022-23 season.
Miller has excellent size at 6-foot-9. His versatility on the defensive end makes for a prospect who can defend all five positions, similar to the Rockets' soon-to-be sophomore forward Jabari Smith Jr.
Miller showcased his best defensive attribute as a rim-protector by recording a block in 24 out of 37 collegiate games. He set a career-best three rejections during the Alabama Crimson Tide's 90-85 victory over the Auburn Tigers in March.
But in addition to his defense, Miller brings reliable shot-making and some playmaking capabilities.
He showcased his entire skill set as a versatile forward during the Crimson Tide's 78-76 overtime victory against South Carolina. Miller finished the game with a career-best 41 points on 8-for-12 shooting, 6-for-13 from behind the arc, eight rebounds, three steals and a pair of blocks.
"You make shots some games, you miss shots some games," Miller said. "If you have an off game, I feel like you could make it up with a defensive play...Any team that gets me is getting a winner...The most important part is defense, being able to guard one through four."
Miller has established himself as arguably the second-best prospect entering the draft, along with G League Elite's Scoot Henderson.
The Charlotte Hornets hold the No. 2 pick. The consensus has Miller as the Hornets' selection, but a subpar showcase at the scouting combine may cause his draft stock to fall.
Per ESPN, Miller's physical condition and interviewing skills have not been good. Miller said improving his weight room training has been the most common feedback he has received from several team personnel members around the league.
He has met with the Hornets, Pacers, Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons.
As an SEC Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honoree, Miller led the Crimson Tide to a 31-6 record and a spot in the big dance in March. He averaged 18.8 points on .430/.384/.859 shooting splits and 8.2 rebounds during his lone season at Alabama.
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