A versatile 6-foot-11 playmaker with elite defensive length, this Cincinnati standout brings unique guard-like vision to the frontcourt despite lingering questions regarding his perimeter shooting consistency.
The Brooklyn Nets have two second-round picks -- Nos. 33 and 43 -- expanding the range of prospects to choose from in the 2026 NBA Draft next month.
Lorenzo J. Reyna and Matthew Feldman of the NetsRoundtable have covered various prospects who are likely second-round picks: Tennessee's Ja'Kobi Gillespie, Santa Clara's Allen Graves and Alabama's Amari Allen.
Tuesday’s profile will focus on Cincinnati forward Baba Miller. He is 6-foot-11 coming off a All-Big 12 second team and Big 12 All-Newcomer team honor.
Possesses Guard-like Skills
Miller was a guard before his growth spurt. The handles and passing vision have translated at his height, making him an intriguing prospect.
The 6-foot-11 forward averaged 3.7 assists in his senior campaign at Cincinnati. Miller’s playmaking isn’t flashy; he makes simple passes to feed a big man fighting for positioning or a cutting teammate.
His handle helps him attack the rim and punish smaller defenders with his length. Miller is a fluid athlete, and his time as a guard built a solid foundation for his transition to becoming a forward.
Active Defensive Presence
Miller averaged a double-double for the Bearcats while blocking 1.2 shots per game. He blocked over a shot per contest for three straight seasons.
The Mallorca, Spain native can switch out to the perimeter, showcasing his versatility in various defensive schemes. His length is troublesome for offensive players; he can easily alter shots in the paint.
He grabbed 10.3 rebounds last season, 3.3 more than his junior campaign at Florida Atlantic. Miller is altering shots and preventing extra possessions.
Area of Concern
The most significant weakness in Miller’s game is his three-point shooting. He’s shot 29% for his collegiate career on 2.4 attempts per game.
It is concerning that he spent four years playing for three programs, and his best shooting season was at FAU. Miller nailed 34.2% of his threes, which is decent for his size, but his percentage regressed to 19.2% at Cincinnati.
Draft Projection
Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor projected the Denver Nuggets to select Miller with the 49th overall pick. He is six spots after the Nets’ 43rd pick.
However, with the withdrawal deadline fast approaching, Miller’s stock could rise because prospects returning to college. Malachi Moreno, Matt Able and Flory Bidunga are a few players who withdrew their names from the draft.
Are Nets a Fit?
While Miller is an intriguing prospect with his size and guard-like skills, it’s tough to envision a fit in Brooklyn. The Nets have multiple players who are the same height as Miller and offer more spacing.
Perimeter shooting is key in the NBA, and that being the former Bearcats’ glaring weakness could play a factor in his draft position. Miller would have to hone his three-point efficiency to find significant minutes on the team he’s drafted to.
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