Opinion: Jordan Miller's NBA Draft Ranking Is Too Low
After the magical season the Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball team had, it was inevitable that some of the players would move on towards the NBA.
One of those players was all-around talent Jordan Miller.
He absolutely gave his heart and soul to the Canes. Based on his play, it’s also likely that he will make a smooth transition to pro basketball, despite what some in NBA Draft circles have been saying.
As for what impact means with Miller, consider the following subpoints to his game: Capable of defending a point guard to a power forward, rebounds well, run the court and finishes as well as leads the break before making a pass, can score in bunches, and has been a clutch performer on both ends of the basketball court overall.
How many prospects combine all of those attributes heading into this NBA Draft? Not potentially, mind you, but have proven it?
The NBA has always been a different game. It’s much more about one-on-one basketball than the college game. That’s why some college players do not transition as well to the next level. Here’s an example.
NBA players use size more than college players because of the defensive rules. That stated, Miller’s 6-foot-7 and 195-pound frame has the potential to be used against guards and small forwards when playing defense from the outset of his career.
After gaining 10-15 pounds, he’s just going to be even more impactful. Having watched him play a lot of basketball it would also seem likely that he’s going to do well in clutch moments (just like in college). Remember his performance against Texas?
Jordan Miller made impact plays all over the court versus Texas.
Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
13 for 13 from the foul line, as well as 7 for 7 from the field, Miller was clutch in helping the Canes to make a late comeback and win.
Despite all of his attributes, many NBA mock drafts still have Miller going in the middle to late second round. That’s too low.
Maybe it’s honestly what some of the sites covering the NBA Draft have been told by members of NBA teams. Who knows.
I’m just here to say that’s funny to me. Miller has proven to be one of the rare players that can defend a variety of players, and he’s also someone that can score in a variety of ways. Those combined attributes should lead to a first round selection.
Why would he be a second round pick? As someone that’s followed basketball since I was a child growing up in basketball-crazed Indiana, I find Miller’s NBA Draft status to be way off. Just my opinion.
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