Scouts eye Cincinnati’s Baba Miller as a versatile secondary-round steal, offering the length of Jonathan Isaac and a polished Spanish basketball pedigree to bolster Orlando's rising roster.
The Orlando Magic have numerous roster pieces to evaluate this offseason, including the additions needed to support their "core four" of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane, and Jalen Suggs. Barring any unexpected changes, that quartet is the definitive group heading into next season.
With free agency and the draft approaching, the Magic have the opportunity to upgrade their roster. This strategy includes maximizing the single second-round pick they own in the 2026 NBA Draft after trading away significant draft capital for Bane and Noah Penda last year. In Bleacher Report’s latest post-NBA Combine mock draft, they predict the Magic will select Cincinnati forward Baba Miller with the No. 46 overall pick.
“Baba Miller is trending upward after measuring almost 6'11" barefoot, testing well during foot speed drills and going for 20 points during Wednesday's NBA Combine scrimmage,” Bleacher Report wrote. “Even if shooting remains a problem, his ability to finish/rebound like a big and handle/pass like a wing remains intriguing.”
Miller recorded 20 points and six rebounds in his first Combine scrimmage, earning comparisons to Magic forward Jonathan Isaac due to his length and defensive versatility, though scouts note he possesses a higher offensive ceiling. During his NBA Combine media availability, Miller shared his thoughts on the pre-draft process and the work ethic he brings to an organization.
On the NBA Combine Process and Meeting with Teams:
"It’s been great. I was able to come out here two years ago for the G-League combine, so I already had a little bit of experience. This whole process has been cool—just being able to share the court with great players, learning from guys who are in the same situation as me, and talking to NBA teams to show them what I can do."
On Using His Previous G-League Combine Experience as Fuel:
"I feel like more than anything, that was just motivation. Getting called to the G-League combine instead of the main combine back then left a little chip on my shoulder, and I really wanted to work to make it here. I got a lot of feedback from NBA teams on what they thought I should get better at, and I really looked into that and worked hard to be in this position today."
On the Evolution of His Game:
"I feel like I've evolved. I've been on the radar for a minute, and people have known me and seen the potential. I feel like I'm finally starting to realize that potential and show actual productivity rather than just flashes."
On the Influence of Spanish Basketball Culture:
"Probably just team basketball. From an early age, they teach you that winning is all that matters. It doesn't matter who gets the credit, who scores the points, or who does all the other stuff. Winning is the main thing, making the right reads, and just learning how to play the game the right way. That's something they teach really well back in Spain, and I've tried to carry it with me my whole career."
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