Baba Miller has wasted no time making himself look like a problem in Clippers summer league action. Through two games, the rookie has stood out so clearly that the bigger question isn’t whether he can play - it’s how much better he can become once his body catches up to his game.
The talent is already obvious. Miller has shown athleticism, rebounding, defense, scoring, three-point shooting, and playmaking.
But there’s a catch if he wants that production to hold up when the games get bigger and the competition gets stronger: he has to add muscle. His current listed weight of 208 pounds simply won’t be enough if he’s trying to turn this summer-league dominance into something real in the regular season.
That issue was on display in the Clippers’ 22-point win over the Utah Jazz. Miller looked every bit like the most imposing player on the floor, and he backed it up with 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in 26 minutes. He shot 5-7 from the field and 2-3 from three, doing a little bit of everything on offense.
His first outing was just as loud, even in a six-point loss to the Sacramento Kings. Miller finished with 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 blocks while shooting 3-4 from the field.
Across both games, he’s looked flat-out unstoppable. The way he’s moving and producing makes it hard to believe he belongs in summer league at all, and that’s meant in the best possible way.
There doesn’t seem to be much doubt about whether his game can translate. He’s too athletic, too defense-oriented, and too well suited for the way basketball is played now.
What comes next is the real test. Miller needs time in the weight room and a serious push to add muscle, and the source of that growth is simple: the Clippers’ training staff and a lot of work. Even 10-20 pounds over the next few seasons could change everything, separating a useful role player from a player with All-Star upside.
For now, the signs are already loud. If Miller keeps building the right way, the Clippers may be looking at their next great center in an LA uniform.
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