Minott & Miller

[Lipoli390]

Cool might call these two young players shiny objects. He’s not wrong. But I look at them as two of the most intriguing and exciting prospects we’ve ever had as part of the Wolves organization. I’m also struck by how similar they are, although there are some differences. So I thought I’d start a thread to focus in on and discuss these two and their future with the Wolves.

I’ll start out with the following highly video of Josh Minott:

https://youtu.be/OVlYUp2Ga9s

[Lipoli390]

Here’s a G-League highlight video of Leonard Miller:

https://youtu.be/V5MuxuXiyBE

[Lipoli390]

Statistically, Minott and Miller are very similar

1. For starters, their last names both have six letters starting with the letter M. Hmm. Further, they are almost exactly one year apart in age. Miller was born Nov. 26, 2003. Minott was born Nov. 25, 2002. Exactly one year, one day apart. Seems almost cosmic that they’re now together on the same NBA team.

2. Their physical profiles are also very similar. Minott is 6’8, 197 with an 8’11.5 overhead reach and a 6’11,75 wingspan. Miller is 6’9.25, 213 with an 8’10.5 overhead reach and 7’2 wingspan. In other words, they’re both really long. But they’re also different. Miller is slightly taller, but Minott is slightly longer vertically. Miller has a slightly wider frame that carries 213 pounds of muscle already at age 19. Miller has the size to develop into a PF/C while Minott looks more like a SF/PF type. Yet, both have SF/SG skills.

3. They both had very similar G-League stats. They both played about 30 minutes a game last season - Miller slightly more than 30, and Minott slightly less. Here’s how their stats compared last season in the G-League on a 36-minute basis:

Minott: 25.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.9 blocks, 2.2 turnovers, 56.9%FG, 29.2% 3-pt.
Miller: 21.2 points, 13.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.0 blocks, 1.8 turnovers, 55.4%FG, 32.6%3-pt

You can see see the statistical similarity in their on-court production, but you can also see some notable differences. Miller is a better rebounder. Meanwhile Minott is a better ball-thief and shot-blocker. They’re both highly efficient scorers inside the arc, but they struggle a bit outside the arc.

4. They both have super high-octane motors. You can’t help but love the high energy these two guys show on the court. They both appear to be super competitive and, by all accounts, they are both really hard workers and very coachable.

I don’t know whether either one will even make it in the NBA. But I see two players who could both become stars in the NBA. And I’m glad they’re both part of the Wolves organization. TC has stressed patience in his recent interviews. Patience will be key to the development of these two players.

When I was growing up in Chicago the Blackhawk had what we called the MPH line: Pit Martin, Jim Pappin and Dennis Hull. I’m going to refer to Minott and Miller as the “M Brothers” until someone comes up with a better moniker. It should be easy to top that. .

[Q-is-here]

Statistically, Minott and Miller are very similar

1. For starters, their last names both have six letters starting with the letter M. Hmm. Further, they are almost exactly one year apart in age. Miller was born Nov. 26, 2003. Minott was born Nov. 25, 2002. Exactly one year, one day apart. Seems almost cosmic that they’re now together on the same NBA team.

2. Their physical profiles are also very similar. Minott is 6’8, 197 with an 8’11.5 overhead reach and a 6’11,75 wingspan. Miller is 6’9.25, 213 with an 8’10.5 overhead reach and 7’2 wingspan. In other words, they’re both really long. But they’re also different. Miller is slightly taller, but Minott is slightly longer vertically. Miller has a slightly wider frame that carries 213 pounds of muscle already at age 19. Miller has the size to develop into a PF/C while Minott looks more like a SF/PF type. Yet, both have SF/SG skills.

3. They both had very similar G-League stats. They both played about 30 minutes a game last season - Miller slightly more than 30, and Minott slightly less. Here’s how their stats compared last season in the G-League on a 36-minute basis:

Minott: 25.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.9 blocks, 2.2 turnovers, 56.9%FG, 29.2% 3-pt.
Miller: 21.2 points, 13.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.0 blocks, 1.8 turnovers, 55.4%FG, 32.6%3-pt

You can see see the statistical similarity in their on-court production, but you can also see some notable differences. Miller is a better rebounder. Meanwhile Minott is a better ball-thief and shot-blocker. They’re both highly efficient scorers inside the arc, but they struggle a bit outside the arc.

4. They both have super high-octane motors. You can’t help but love the high energy these two guys show on the court. They both appear to be super competitive and, by all accounts, they are both really hard workers and very coachable.

I don’t know whether either one will even make it in the NBA. But I see two players who could both become stars in the NBA. And I’m glad they’re both part of the Wolves organization. TC has stressed patience in his recent interviews. Patience will be key to the development of these two players.

When I was growing up in Chicago the Blackhawk had what we called the MPH line: Pit Martin, Jim Pappin and Dennis Hull. I’m going to refer to Minott and Miller as the “M Brothers” until someone comes up with a better moniker. It should be easy to top that. .

Fast forward to two or three years from now and you might have the triple M brothers: McDaniels, Minott, and Miller.

If Miller adds weight and strength, I think he can play Center. If all three reach their potential (and McDaniels is already really good), you could be looking at an extremely versatile frontcourt.

[Lipoli390]

Statistically, Minott and Miller are very similar

1. For starters, their last names both have six letters starting with the letter M. Hmm. Further, they are almost exactly one year apart in age. Miller was born Nov. 26, 2003. Minott was born Nov. 25, 2002. Exactly one year, one day apart. Seems almost cosmic that they’re now together on the same NBA team.

2. Their physical profiles are also very similar. Minott is 6’8, 197 with an 8’11.5 overhead reach and a 6’11,75 wingspan. Miller is 6’9.25, 213 with an 8’10.5 overhead reach and 7’2 wingspan. In other words, they’re both really long. But they’re also different. Miller is slightly taller, but Minott is slightly longer vertically. Miller has a slightly wider frame that carries 213 pounds of muscle already at age 19. Miller has the size to develop into a PF/C while Minott looks more like a SF/PF type. Yet, both have SF/SG skills.

3. They both had very similar G-League stats. They both played about 30 minutes a game last season - Miller slightly more than 30, and Minott slightly less. Here’s how their stats compared last season in the G-League on a 36-minute basis:

Minott: 25.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.9 blocks, 2.2 turnovers, 56.9%FG, 29.2% 3-pt.
Miller: 21.2 points, 13.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.0 blocks, 1.8 turnovers, 55.4%FG, 32.6%3-pt

You can see see the statistical similarity in their on-court production, but you can also see some notable differences. Miller is a better rebounder. Meanwhile Minott is a better ball-thief and shot-blocker. They’re both highly efficient scorers inside the arc, but they struggle a bit outside the arc.

4. They both have super high-octane motors. You can’t help but love the high energy these two guys show on the court. They both appear to be super competitive and, by all accounts, they are both really hard workers and very coachable.

I don’t know whether either one will even make it in the NBA. But I see two players who could both become stars in the NBA. And I’m glad they’re both part of the Wolves organization. TC has stressed patience in his recent interviews. Patience will be key to the development of these two players.

When I was growing up in Chicago the Blackhawk had what we called the MPH line: Pit Martin, Jim Pappin and Dennis Hull. I’m going to refer to Minott and Miller as the “M Brothers” until someone comes up with a better moniker. It should be easy to top that. .

Fast forward to two or three years from now and you might have the triple M brothers: McDaniels, Minott, and Miller.

If Miller adds weight and strength, I think he can play Center. If all three reach their potential (and McDaniels is already really good), you could be looking at an extremely versatile frontcourt.

Wouldn’t that be a fun front court. It’s still the M Brothers, but it’s triplets, not twins.

[Lipoli390]

Here’s a good video draft review of Miller. The guy who does the analysis is really good. He’s been spot on with a lot of his analyses in the past.

https://youtu.be/SLXJ5ZVpou4

[60WinTim]

Here’s a good video draft review of Miller. The guy who does the analysis is really good. He’s been spot on with a lot of his analyses in the past.

https://youtu.be/SLXJ5ZVpou4

Thanks, Lip! I get the sense you're kind of excited about Miller...

I watch some of this stuff, and yeah, he's raw and has a boatload of stuff he needs to refine and add to his game. But he does a lot of good things right now, and does it against better competition than you find in college. I can't help but wonder if he could make a small contribution to the Wolves this year (eg. rebounding)?!?

And if that's the case, why would you put a lot of resources into retaining Naz? Especially beyond this next season when in another year you would expect Miller could contribute even more on the court.

[Lipoli390]

Here’s a good video draft review of Miller. The guy who does the analysis is really good. He’s been spot on with a lot of his analyses in the past.

https://youtu.be/SLXJ5ZVpou4

Thanks, Lip! I get the sense you're kind of excited about Miller...

I watch some of this stuff, and yeah, he's raw and has a boatload of stuff he needs to refine and add to his game. But he does a lot of good things right now, and does it against better competition than you find in college. I can't help but wonder if he could make a small contribution to the Wolves this year (eg. rebounding)?!?

And if that's the case, why would you put a lot of resources into retaining Naz? Especially beyond this next season when in another year you would expect Miller could contribute even more on the court.

Yes, I’m kind of excited about Miller. But I’m also realistic. He has a lot of things to work on. I agree that his rebounding should translate to the NBA immediately, but if we’re serious about competing for a championship, you don’t want him on the court to rebound because his rebounding comes with all his many liabilities that would probably make him a significant net negative right now. I’m not pessimistic about his development. His talent, IQ and competitive drive to get better give him an excellent chance of becoming a good NBA player in a couple years.

Bottom line is that Miller can’t be relied on to provide the things that Naz provides. Not even close. If Miller and/or Minott develop as we hope over the next couple years, it won’t be hard to trade Naz Reid. As we saw at the end of last season, Naz is about to take off. He already has substantial value around the League and he’s only going to get better over the next couple years. Two year from now, he’ll still only be 25 years old.

[Coolbreeze44]

I'm excited about both of our picks this year. I think TC did very well with where he had to start. But you're right Lip, show me the baby. We need to be contenders right now, if one of the young guys steps up to help that would be great.

[Lipoli390]

I'm excited about both of our picks this year. I think TC did very well with where he had to start. But you're right Lip, show me the baby. We need to be contenders right now, if one of the young guys steps up to help that would be great.

Yep. Anything we get from one of our picks from last year or this year would be gravy. TC needs to make sure the meat and potatoes are so good that they don’t need any gravy. Clark will be out all season recovering from his Achilles tear. Miller is only 19 and really raw right now. I’d keep my eye on Moore and Minott for some potential positive contribution later in the season. Of all our three recent draftees who are healthy, Moore stands the best chance of contributing next season. He’s the oldest of the three, played three years in college and had a full season in the G-League with some time for the Minnesota Wolves. He’s the least talented of the three, but by far the most experienced and developed. I could see Minott contributing later in the season based on how he played in the G-league last season and his trajectory of improvement. But I’m sure as heck not counting on it.