[The following scouting report is part of a series on potential 2023 draft prospects from Sports Business Class alumni.]

Brandon Miller
Frame: 6’9″ 200lbs
Position: Forward
School: Alabama
Year: Freshman
2023 Draft Age: 20
Stats via sports-reference.com

Offense

The first thing that sticks out about Brandon Miller’s game is his offensive versatility. With a fluid jumper and the tools to be a multi-level scorer, he’s shooting close to 50 percent from deep and connecting on 40 percent of his overall attempts from the field early in Alabama’s season.

As a freshman, it wasn’t clear if Miller would come in with long-range accuracy. The sample size is still small and primarily against lower-ranked opponents, but it appears that he has improved on that aspect of his game already. Perhaps that’s from better decision-making or finding an early rhythm–it’s something to monitor closely throughout the season.

In the midrange, Miller is doing most of his damage with his ability to face up his defender or rely on his turnaround. Miller also has displayed consistency on his floater when needed. His shot preparation before receiving the pass is impressive as well. He is gathered and ready to spring up from a solid base with his feet set beneath him. Most attempts from deep are coming off catch-and-shoot action from secondary motion or freeing himself up off a screen in the flow of the game. He is still successfully finding the split seconds to collect himself to square to the basket for a good look.
Already 20 years old, he displays a maturity in his game that many potential one-and-done players may not grasp just yet. Although Miller has a wiry frame, he finds a body to box out and seeks out the ball when rebounding. He rebounds at a high rate, both offensively and defensively.

Defense

On the defensive side of the ball, Miller’s frame and footwork suggest the potential to be a top-notch defender. Lateral quickness in his game allows him to stay in front of an assignment, and if he does get beat, his length allows him to make up the difference and block or alter the shot attempt from behind. Miller has had at least one block in each of his first four games this season.

Improvements can be made defensively as well. Miller’s attention to detail can be lacking. On multiple occasions, he doesn’t appear to be fully locked in. That can be frustrating as, with his natural ability, he can be a great two-way player on the floor. He has shown strong defensive awareness and an ability to stick to his assignment or switch to multiple positions. That’s a major skill that translates to the next level as the NBA game is more wide-open and positionless.

As a scorer, Miller is a tough matchup for defenses. But top defenders can cause him fits and lead to forced shots. He’s much more comfortable shooting over smaller defenders. He can blow by bigger opponents with footspeed and quickness. His energy level is there each and every night, and when he sees his shot falling, it ratchets up to another degree. His athleticism has not been on full display yet, but it should emerge as he gets accustomed to Coach Nate Oats’ system and learns attack points.

He has shown the ability to jump out of the gym if he has a defender beat for a ferocious slam. His ballhandling is serviceable enough at the collegiate level to make the defense play him honestly as he brings the ball up the court. He does look to involve teammates if the pass ahead is available.

Looking Ahead

Miller offers a lot to be excited about. He may have some similarities to Antawn Jamison, with the way he carries himself, his shooting touch and his ability to play inside out. Jamison is the type of player who could also be interchangeable in either forward spot and defend well enough not to be a complete liability in a scheme. Miller can surpass Jamison as a defender if he commits to the work. While Miller’s body has yet to fill out like Jamison’s when he played, Miller needs to put on more weight without sacrificing the mobility and fluidity in his game.

To this point, Miller’s numbers are good, but that needs to be weighed against lighter matchups early in the season. He’s had a more pedestrian showing when matched up with players closer to his equal athleticism and skill level, like Leaky Black from UNC. As the season moves forward and conference play commences, we will be able to get a more well-rounded view of Miller’s ability to affect the game and if his skills can hold up to early season flashes.