Bobby Miller amazes with the Clippers in the Summer League and is already seen as the steal of the Draft

Baba Miller couldn't have started his NBA adventure any better. The Spanish power forward is leaving an extraordinary impression in his first two games of the Summer League with the Los Angeles Clippers, to the point that voices in the United States are already labeling him as one of the biggest steals of the 2026 Draft. His performance aligns with a strong commitment from the Los Angeles franchise, signing him to a four-year contract worth 9.6 million dollars, with the first two seasons fully guaranteed, a clear sign of the confidence in his potential.

The combination of a long-term contract and such a promising start fuels optimism around the Spanish international. The Clippers not only believe that Baba can become an NBA player, but they are also willing to give him time, stability, and minutes to develop his huge competitive ceiling. If he maintains the level shown in Las Vegas, it is not unreasonable to think he could carve a place in the rotation from his rookie season.

This minute of BABA MILLER against Utah.

To enjoy it 💯 pic.twitter.com/8fUoeoEtDh

— NBASpain (@NBAspain) July 13, 2026

The Clippers make it clear they believe in his potential

In the NBA, contracts speak for themselves.

When a franchise signs a player chosen in the second round for four seasons, guaranteeing the first two, they are sending a very clear message: they consider him part of their future project.

That's precisely what happened with Baba Miller. The 9.6 million dollars in his contract make him one of the best-paid second-round picks in recent years, an unusual investment reflecting the organization's immense confidence. The Clippers understand his potential surpasses the 36th pick he was chosen at, aiming to prevent other teams from capitalizing on his growth in the coming years.

Moreover, the sporting context is particularly favorable. The franchise is going through a transition phase, with several significant departures in recent months, needing young players to step up quickly. Baba arrives at the perfect moment to seize that opportunity.

The feelings in the Summer League couldn't be better

Beyond the statistics, what is truly striking is how he plays.

In his first two games, Baba has exactly conveyed what the Clippers were expecting to find: energy, defensive versatility, ability to run the floor, court vision, and surprising ball-handling confidence. Following a solid debut, he took it further by scoring 15 points and 5 rebounds, showing great shooting efficiency and making it clear he can contribute more than just defense.

American analysts especially highlight his mobility for a player over two meters, his ease in defending perimeter players, and tactical intelligence unusual for a rookie.

That's precisely why comments are emerging positioning him as one of the potential steals of the Draft. Many executives believe that, if he maintains this progression, he would hardly have fallen to the second round had the Draft taken place a few weeks later.

The parallel with Jalen Johnson fuels hope

One of the most interesting aspects about Baba is the comparison that some experts, and even the player himself, have drawn with Jalen Johnson.

It's not about saying they will reach exactly the same level, but about identifying very clear similarities in their profiles. Both stand out for their versatility, their ability to play multiple positions, initiate fast breaks, create advantages through passing, and defend practically any matchup.

Johnson took several seasons to fully develop with the Atlanta Hawks, but when he found continuity, he eventually became one of the most complete small forwards in the league and an impact All-Star player. That's the kind of evolution many imagine for Baba Miller if he continues to physically develop and gains confidence in his outside shot.

The comparison doesn't mean the Spanish player will follow exactly the same path, but it helps understand the type of player the Clippers believe they have found.

Can he enter the NBA rotation now?

Just a few weeks ago, it seemed like a distant possibility.

Today, it is being viewed with much more optimism.

Baba's great advantage is that he doesn't need to dominate the ball to be useful. He can defend multiple positions, secure rebounds, space the floor with his shot, push the fast break, and facilitate ball movement. Players of that kind usually quickly find minutes in competitive teams.

Furthermore, the Clippers are going through a transition phase where the coaching staff will seek players capable of providing energy and versatility off the bench. If Baba maintains the level shown throughout the Summer League, it is entirely possible for him to start the season within the rotation, even if initially with a limited role.

The fact that he has two guaranteed seasons clearly works in his favor. The franchise has no need to rush processes or make hasty decisions. They can calmly develop the Spanish player, a fundamental aspect for a player of his profile.

Spain looks once again with optimism to the NBA

The biggest beneficiary of all this is Spanish basketball.

After the Drafts of Aday Mara, Sergio de Larrea, and Baba Miller himself, there's a sense that a new generation is starting to make its mark in the best league in the world. In the case of the player from Mallorca, the context seems particularly favorable as he lands in an organization that has demonstrated through actions, not just words, that they fully trust in his development.

That's almost as valuable as the contract itself.

Many second-round picks enter the NBA with short-term agreements or two-way contracts that require them to prove their level from day one. Conversely, Baba has stability, financial backing, and a franchise determined to invest time in his development.

The dream start... now it's time to confirm it

The Summer League doesn't guarantee success in the NBA, but it allows for the detection of very interesting trends.

And, so far, everything points to optimism with Baba Miller. He has responded with personality, shown that the pace of the game doesn't intimidate him, and confirmed many of the strengths he already displayed during his college days. The Clippers have responded by reinforcing their commitment with a historic contract for a second-round pick, while in the United States, the feeling is growing that several franchises let slip a talent far superior to the 36th pick in the Draft.

Now comes the hardest part: translating those magnificent feelings to the regular season. If he maintains this level and continues to seize every opportunity, Baba Miller can not only solidify his spot in the Los Angeles Clippers' rotation. He also has the arguments to become one of the major revelations of the upcoming season and confirm that, indeed, he was one of the biggest steals of the 2026 Draft.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Baba Miller asombra con los Clippers en la Summer League y ya es visto como el robo del Draft