Leonard Miller, a Canadian high-school recruit, has withdrawn from the NBA draft. He will sign with NBA’s G League Ignite Program, he said to ESPN.
Monday is the NBA draft withdrawal deadline. ET. This applies mostly to international players, since the NCAA withdrawal deadline was June 1 for those who want to maintain college eligibility.
Miller stated, “My decision not to participate in this year’s draft was made based upon my long-term growth.” I believe that with another year of development on and off the court, my position will be even better for the 2023 draft. The pre-draft process taught me a lot about the requirements of being a successful professional. I gained a better understanding of what it takes to be a successful professional, whether it is the daily on-court and off-court work as well as diet and recovery.
Miller, the No. The No. 43 prospect in ESPN 100 chose to enter the NBA Draft after a strong performance at the Nike Hoop Summit in March, when he was recognized as the best long term prospect on the international team. Miller also had a week of practice in front a variety of NBA decision makers in Portland. At the NBA draft combine last month in Chicago, he measured 6’10 and had a 7-2 wingspan.
Miller, who turns 19 in November, was the youngest prospect in class. He is only 35 days away of being ineligible for the 2023 draft. He stated that he believes the feedback from his private workouts and interview sessions at combine will allow him to take the next steps in his development next season as G League Ignite.
Miller said, “I was incredibly fortunate to have many great options.” “My final decision was based upon what I believed was the right environment for me to achieve my ultimate goal, which was to play and excel in the NBA. Feedback I received was mainly based on my continued improvement in shooting and ball handling. I am also looking forward to improving my body’s strength, conditioning, agility, and flexibility. Training with professional athletes every day and playing against them will help me adapt to the energy and pace of the NBA.
Miller’s late-blooming career — he was 6-foot-5 two year ago, before returning to Canada to play pre-school basketball at Fort Erie International Academy. He emerged as a five star-caliber recruit and has lottery-level potential next season with the physical tools and scoring instincts that he displays. Miller can make difficult shots all over the court, can spot easy baskets off the ball or crashing the offensive line, and his defensive versatility is impressive with his length and his instincts. He gains high-level experience and his frame expands.
He scored over 30 points per game, and won the OSBA title. He was also heavily pursued in programs such as Arizona and Kentucky before deciding to follow the professional path.
Miller joins Scoot HendersonThe projected No. The projected No. 2 pick in 2023 NBA draft, according to G League Ignite’s roster. With the fierce competition from Overtime Elite, NIL-fueled college basketball teams and other international players, the NBA’s developmental program has many more signings this summer.
Miller stated that Miller’s versatility will enable him to make an impact on the game in any way the Ignite coaching team feels will maximize our chances of winning. I look forward to learning from them and being a sponge to help me take my game to new heights.
Ignite currently has four potential players who will be selected in the NBA draft, which takes place on June 23rd in Australia Dyson Daniels or Americans. Jaden Hardy, MarJon Beauchamp Michael Foster.
Miller, along with Zvonimirimir Ivisic and Karlo Matkovic from Montenegro, will be withdrawing from the 2022 NBA Draft. Sources tell ESPN that Ousmane, Nikola Jovic, Ismael Kamagate and Ziga Samar will continue to draft their names after the deadline.
Jonathan Givony, an expert on the NBA Draft, is also the co-owner and founder of DraftExpress.com. This private scouting service and analytics platform is used by NBA, NCAA, and International teams.