Trail Blazers 2023 NBA Draft Big Board 3.0: Final pre-lottery rankings

3. Brandon Miller, Alabama

Big Board 2.0 rank – No. 2

Miller’s poor NCAA Tournament shouldn’t be a reason for NBA teams to forget how talented and unstoppable he looked during the regular season.

Miller averaged almost 19 points and more than 8 rebounds per game as a freshman for the Crimson Tide. He shot 38 percent from deep on 7.5 attempts a night.

His 6-9, 200-pound frame, 6-11 wingspan, and offensive skillset are perfect fits for today’s NBA. Miller makes scoring look easy, whether it’s off the dribble, in catch-and-shoot situations, or as either player in a pick-and-roll. His size allows him to get his jumper off over most defenders.

His playmaking might be almost as good as his scoring. Regardless of where he is on the floor, Miller can find and make the right pass.

As a defender, the 20-year-old uses those same tools to stick with his man while remaining aware of what’s going on around him. He’s as good of a help defender as he is an on-ball defender.

Miller’s ability to score, create and make shots, and defend at a high level set him apart from almost any prospect in the 2023 class.