Brandon Miller 2023 NBA Draft profile: The perfect 3-and-D fit for the Mavericks?

The 2023 NBA Draft is loaded with talent, and Brandon Miller is a top-five prospect that is projected to go as high as second overall.

The 6'9 wing from Alabama averaged 18.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 0.9 steals while shooting 38 percent from downtown. He is a prototype 3-and-D wing with solid size and would fill in the Dallas Mavericks' hole at the small forward position immediately.

But just how lucky does Dallas have to get to land the star wing?

Brandon Miller 2023 NBA Draft profile: What would the Alabama star bring to the Dallas Mavericks?

Dallas has a 13.9 percent chance to land in the top four picks of the draft. This may seem like a shot in the dark, but we've seen crazier things happen in the lottery.

In 2019, the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies both jumped six spots to land in the top two to select Zion Williamson and Ja Morant. The Los Angeles Lakers jumped seven spots in that same draft lottery before trading the pick.

Maverick fans' eyes will be glued to their TVs on the evening of May 16 for the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery as they will find out if Dallas keeps their pick and if they jump into the top four.

Miller is all but a guarantee to go in the top four, so the only way he ends up in Dallas is the Mavericks moving up in the lottery. Trading up is out of the question, given the Mavs lack of assets, so fans are left to dream. How would he fit next to Luka Doncic in Dallas if the franchise moves up?

Brandon Miller's strengths

Miller is a dynamic scorer that will be a day-one player in the NBA. Here are two of his strengths observed from a breakdown of his film.

1. Shooting

Miller is a lights-out shooter that connected on 38 percent from 3-point range during his lone season at Alabam and did so while attempting over seven threes per game. He also shot 85.9 percent from the free-throw line, which often shows that his shooting ability should translate smoothly to the next level.

Miller is confident off-the-catch and off-the-dribble to go with his deep range. The 6'9 wing has a lightning-fast release and shoots well off of movement.

He is best from the wings, particularly the left wing, but his shooting from the corners could be better. Miller shot 26.7 percent from the left corner and 31.2 percent from the right corner. He didn't get as many shots up from these two spots, but it could and should improve by getting a higher volume of attempts in the NBA.

The best thing about his shot is the speed of his release. He gets his shot off quickly without jeopardizing his form and can hit jumpers over a hand. Miller has the chance to be an elite shooter in the NBA, but that's not all he can do.

2. Upside as a pure scorer

Miller is great offensively. There's no question about that.

His shooting is the obvious thing that sticks out, but everything else he does offensively is good. His handle is improving every day and his shooting ability is going to force teams to run him off the line. Miller didn't take a ton of mid-range jumpers but his 3-point shooting ability should allow him to do it effectively. His handle is fluid and he utilizes the "hesi" constantly to sell the three and drives to the bucket.

Miller also has solid athleticism that he uses to throw down fierce dunks in transition or even in half-court sets off a put-back. This is one area that scouts are cracking down on, but it's really not an issue. His handle lets him get downhill and every defender should be on watch to get posterized as he is fearless once he takes off.

Brandon Miller's weaknesses

Brandon Miller has a complete game but does have weaknesses, just like any player. Here are two that were observed from a film breakdown.

1. Burst

Although Miler is springy and does throw down some high-flying dunks, his burst isn't great. He can't blow by defenders with his quickness alone. His handle does allow him to beat slower defenders, but he does struggle offensively with players that are quicker and stronger than him.

Miller struggles with physical defenders that bump him off his spots. He isn't the most physical guy with the ball in his hands, and he can't move people around well because of his lack of strength.

He can definitely improve in this area but don't expect him to be blowing by guys early on.

2. Inefficiency at the rim

Miller threw down plenty of highlight-reel dunks last season, but his shooting percentage around the basket was not good as he made just 51.7 percent at the rim.

That is an extremely low mark for a player as high on draft boards as Miller. He did improve his finishing as the season went on, but it's still something that still needs to be noted. Miller has to elevate through contact when he isn't dunking the ball. He sometimes fades away and doesn't finish through defenders like a player his size should.

Due to his lack of strength, he struggles to finish through contact. This will have to be a point of emphasis as he develops as a player.

How does Brandon Miller fit on the Dallas Mavericks?

Miller fills a desperate need for the Mavericks. He's a 3-and-D wing that moves without the ball, and this type of player complements Luka Doncic beautifully as defenses focus intently on him. His elite level of off-ball movement would fit perfectly in the Mavericks offense. It would help open the floor for Doncic and create easier shots for Miller.

Another aspect of Miller's game that would benefit the Mavericks is his ability to switch on defense. He has the length to defend multiple positions, and his often-critiqued athleticism allows him to stay with most players. Miller could guard anyone one through four, and Dallas desperately needs that versatility.

If Miller gets blown-by by a quicker player, he usually recovers and gets a chase-down block. He averaged 0.9 swats per game and showcases his ability to get chase-down blocks in transition and half-court sets alike due to his high motor and effort.

Brandon Miller would have the chance to start from day one, and he would be the perfect building block in Dallas next to Luka Doncic. If the Dallas Mavericks lands a top-four pick, they must consider Miller to strengthen their depth at the wing position.