Standing 6-foot-11 with guard-like mobility, this versatile Spanish forward offers Sacramento a high-upside defensive anchor if they can unlock his perimeter shooting with a second-round selection.
The Sacramento Kings have two second-round picks -- Nos. 34 and 45 -- in next month's draft, and they could take a look at Cincinnati forward Baba Miller, who is in their projected range.
Miller is 6-foot-11 with guard-like skills, having played that position at a young age before a late growth spurt. He is a fluid athlete at his size, which could grab the team's attention and raise his draft stock.
Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor projected the Denver Nuggets to select the former Bearcat with the 49th pick. Miller would most likely be available at No. 45 for Sacramento, and the Wednesday withdrawal deadline could move him up a few spots.
The 6-foot-11 forward had a nice showing during five-on-five scrimmages during the combine. He slashed to the rim from the perimeter, operated as a screener in the pick-and-roll game, showed some passing chops and handled multiple defensive assignments.
Miller played for three programs in college: Florida State (2022-24), Florida Atlantic and Cincinnati. He improved in every season, starting at 4.6 points and ending his career averaging 13 points.
His defensive activity was one of his strengths in college, averaging over a block per game for three seasons. The Mallorca, Spain native finished last season averaging a double-double.
The blend of size and scoring makes Miller an intriguing prospect, but the biggest drawback is his lack of shooting. He shot 29% from three throughout his collegiate career, and his best shooting season happened at FAU when he shot 34.2%.
His poor shooting also shows itself in his free-throw percentages. Miller shot 61.9% from the free-throw line across four seasons. Leaving valuable points on the board allows teams to target Miller as a late-game free-throw shooter as an advantage.
Improving his three-point shooting would transform his impact on the court. Miller would become a 3-and-D, which, paired with his size, turns him into one of the most coveted archetypes in the NBA.
Miller has combine-like experience, participating in the G League combine two years ago. He said he feels like he's evolved, using feedback from scouts and teams to sharpen his skills.
"I feel like I've been on the radar for a minute," Miller told Charlotte Hornets reporters on May 13. "People have known me have seen the potential, and I feel like I'm starting to realize that potential and show actual productivity and not just flashes."
The versatile 6-foot-11 forward is within Sacramento's draft range in mocks. Miller could become a second-round gem, like Maxime Raynaud, with his size, versatility and shooting -- if he can improve.
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