The LA Clippers might not have branched out to find a backup power forward on the trade market or in free agency because of Kobe Sanders. He has the ideal size for a four-man at six-foot-eight, can space the floor, and is a solid defender. Though he’s accustomed to playing guard or wing, Sanders’ frame gives Tyronn Lue plenty of flexibility.
However, due to a hip injury, Sanders may not play much in the preseason, leaving the backup power forward minutes to Baba Miller, a recently drafted second-round pick who could easily win the job by taking advantage of the opportunity.
If Miller does well, Tyronn Lue will hand the keys to Miller and likely use Sanders elsewhere off the bench, as the team is currently short-staffed with injuries to Bradley Beal and Jordan Miller.
Consistent impressive showings in the preseason are all Baba Miller needs to win the backup PF spot
Behind Rui Hachimura, head coach Tyronn Lue and the LA Clippers need a power forward that can make a presence in the paint. What does that mean? Scoring, rebounding, protecting the rim, and doing the dirty work most guys avoid.
This must sound like music to Baba Miller’s ears, as he specializes in exactly that.
We saw it firsthand in the summer league, where he averaged 12.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.4 blocks across five contests, shooting 61.8% from the field in 23.3 minutes. Not to mention a 50% clip from beyond the arc, which is extremely impressive.
Miller just needs to translate this production, plus whatever he picked up on in training camp from the veterans around him, to the preseason. And, based on his opening performance, one can easily conclude the 22-year-old is off to an excellent start.
In a crunch-time match against the Golden State Warriors that ended in a win, Miller logged nine points and six boards in 20 minutes. During the game, he flashed some nice post moves and rock-solid defense.
Had he not been in foul trouble, he likely would’ve been able to produce more towards the victory.
With two games ahead, one against the Toronto Raptors and the other versus the Denver Nuggets, each will be a test. To do that, Miller must follow the same recipe for success he already has, and before he knows it, he’ll have a role most second-round picks don’t land until later.
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