Leonard Miller: The Bulls' Under-the-Radar Gem
The Chicago Bulls made waves at this year's trade deadline, bringing in a slew of new faces. While big names like Anfernee Simons and Jaden Ivey grabbed headlines, Leonard Miller quietly joined the roster. But with his recent standout performances, Miller is making sure Bulls fans know exactly who he is.
The Journey to Chicago
Miller arrived in Chicago as part of the deal that sent Ayo Dosunmu to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although Rob Dillingham was the centerpiece of that trade, Miller wasn't just an afterthought. He came alongside four second-round picks, adding layers to the Bulls' strategy.
Now, with his recent surge, Miller is proving he could be a lasting piece next to talents like Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis.
Leonard Miller's Draft Day and Potential
Originally picked 33rd overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2023 NBA Draft, Miller was traded to Minnesota for future assets. His appeal was clear: a 6-foot-10 forward with a 7-foot-2 wingspan and the agility of a wing.
During his time with the G League Ignite, Miller averaged an impressive 18.0 points and 11.0 rebounds, sharing the court with Scoot Henderson. While his 3-point shooting raised eyebrows, Miller's strengths were undeniable. He’s a tenacious rebounder, a skilled finisher, and a versatile player in transition and pick-and-roll situations.
Miller's Breakout with the Bulls
Though his NBA career averages are modest at 3.1 points and 1.8 rebounds, Miller's recent games have been eye-opening. In his last three starts, he's averaged 15.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals, shooting an impressive 64.3 percent on 2-pointers. His double-double against Golden State, featuring 17 points and 11 rebounds, showcased his knack for grabbing offensive boards.
Miller's skills are shining through: he’s a natural rebounder, finishes well at the rim, and makes smart cuts for easy points. Notably, he's hitting 42.9 percent of his corner 3-point attempts, adding a valuable dimension to his game.
Fitting into Chicago's Young Core
Miller, alongside Giddey and Buzelis, has logged significant minutes, forming a trio with intriguing potential. Though their stats together aren't groundbreaking yet, the combination offers promise.
With Giddey at 6-8 and both Buzelis and Miller at 6-10, the group boasts elite size and athleticism. They excel in transition, crash the boards, and can all drive to the basket. Giddey and Buzelis are already reliable from deep, and Miller's emerging corner threat helps spread the floor, enhancing his attacking prowess.
Defensively, having two versatile forwards like Buzelis and Miller provides a boost to a team needing improvement in that area. As Miller continues to develop, his role in Chicago's future looks increasingly vital.