Last night against the Phoenix Suns, Jordan Miller scored 20 points for the second time this season. He was sharp against the defense, changed pace effectively, and showcased an array of unorthodox finishes that disrupted the timing of whoever was guarding him.
However, during certain possessions, it was clear which direction Miller was headed, as he typically drives towards where he is comfortable: left. The Suns’ announcers called it out, and on multiple occasions, the third-year guard was blocked or heavily contested. This needs to change, as extensive tape on his game could work wonders against him.
Though Miller debuted in the NBA in 2023, his skill set has evolved, particularly as of late. Thus, an opponent plotting against the LA Clippers has only roughly half a season to watch and learn his sweet spots.
As they say, “the more the merrier,” once Miller unleashes his entire scoring bag, defenses will be able to use film study make his life harder.
How can Jordan Miller remain hard to guard?
Being left-handed is unique in basketball, and it becomes a superpower when a player knows how to score effectively with it. Just ask James Harden, who is the greatest left-handed scorer in NBA history.
Furthermore, Jordan Miller has already taken bits and pieces from Harden’s game. He loves the euro-step, has a proven step-back jumpshot, is comfortable draining a turnaround fadeaway in the midrange, and is an expert at drawing fouls, given that he is top-five on the LA Clippers in free-throw attempts despite only playing 514 minutes this season.
But the next step for Miller is to make his left hand difficult to anticipate. Once he is at the rim, he can finish where he would like, yet it should not be clear from his drive and first step where he is going.
While this will obviously take time and require more behind-the-scenes work with the former MVP, Miller must speed up the process. He is easily one of the Clippers’ best scorers, and he needs to remain this way through the postseason; there should never be a point where a defense figures him out.
Head coach Tyronn Lue could also help the youngster by setting up plays and assigning screens, giving Miller leg room to dribble and go to work.
That said, as great as Miller is, for him to continue to grow, he must polish his skillset with minor tweaks. Transitioning into an entirely unpredictable player could very well be the difference between a role-playing scorer and a star talent.