After overcoming illness, the 6-foot-11 Spaniard showcased his physical evolution and point-forward versatility, positioning himself as a high-motor defensive solution for Sacramento’s looming second-round draft picks.
Cincinnati Bearcats' versatile forward Baba Miller returned to Sacramento for a rescheduled Kings pre-draft workout on June 15, proving his commitment and resilience after illness derailed his first visit.
With the NBA Draft just days away, the 6-foot-11 Spaniard is making every rep count, and Sacramento may be paying very close attention.
The Kings hold three picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, No. 7 in the first round and Nos. 34 and 45 in the second round. Multiple mock drafts have Miller landing in Sacramento at pick No. 44 or 45, making him a realistic and logical target.
Miller Speaks: Competing Through Adversity
Miller didn't sugarcoat what went down the first time around.
"I actually got here the night before the workout," he said, via Sean Cunningham. "I got sick. I just had tonsillitis, a little infection or whatever. It was rough, but I'm happy that I made it back."
When Miller did step back onto the court, he thrived in the competitive environment. "It was great. High-level guys. Obviously, really good level guards and wings. So it was a good workout. Competitive," he said.
The Kings' willingness to reschedule wasn't lost on him either: "I feel like pretty much, I mean, they brought me in, so I think pretty immediately we tried to reschedule it. Obviously, I wanted to come back too, so it was a win-win for both of us."
Miller made clear what he was showcasing on the floor. "Just basically build on what I showed this year at Cincinnati. Play physical, high motor, compete, and then obviously my improvements on my jump shot," he said.
He also reflected on his physical evolution: "Probably this year, going to Cincinnati, I took a really big leap physically with our coach, Mike Rayfeld. I was with him from day one in the weight room, just working on my body."
With a packed schedule ahead, "I got workouts all the way until the 22nd, so it'll be a pretty busy week," Miller's excitement is undeniable. "It's what we work for," he added.
Why Baba Miller Fits With Kings
At 6-foot-11 with guard-like instincts, Miller is precisely the type of versatile, switchable forward that Sacramento's rebuild could use. In his lone season with the Bearcats, he averaged 13.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 52.9% from the field.
His length makes him a shot-altering menace in the paint, and his floor vision as a point-forward gives Sacramento a two-way chess piece that fits perfectly in a modern NBA scheme.
Miller himself sees the league as a natural home. "I feel like the game is kind of made for guys like me, just taller guys that can do a bit of everything. So I think it's going to be a good transition," he said confidently.
For a Kings front office still piecing together its young core, Miller offers something rare in the second round: a near seven-footer who can guard multiple positions, push the ball himself, and keep growing into his frame. If he's still on the board at 44 or 45, Sacramento may not hesitate to make the call.
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