Much has been made about the Reno Bighorn's revolutionary system, which implores players to either get to the rim or shoot three-pointers, while playing full-court press on the defensive end. The offensive tempo can be compared to watching Russell Westbrook go coast-to-coast -- blistering. There have been critics and supporters of the David Arseneault Jr. style of play, but regardless, it excels in getting players to put up insane statistical numbers. Brady Heslip reached a level of stardom unknown for a D-League prospect, due to playing in this system and could be on the verge of an NBA call-up due to his shooting. Now, another young stud is making strides due to this system.
The Reno Bighorns acquired former Denver Nuggets player Quincy Miller off waivers less than a week ago. The acquisition immediately made the Bighorns that much more lethal, with Miller having played in 59 NBA games between two season. However, the system in Reno also benefitted a player in Miller who was searching for a way to get back to the NBA. A system that encourages a player to get to the rack or fire from three, something the 6'9", 210 pound forward specialized in. The former Baylor guard's height gives him the length to tower over opponents at the small forward position, while he also hit the three at a 31 percent clip for the Nuggets back in 2013-14. His three-point shooting needed to show improvement in Reno, and the system would give him the opportunity to prove it.
Even though the 6'9" forward was acquired just a few days ago, he's already skied up in RU's Prospect Pyramid. His two game sample with the Bighorns has vindicated his ranking, as he's scored 25 and 31 points respectively. The Baylor product has shown off in exactly what the Bighorns offense predicates -- shots at the rim and from deep. Miller is 8-of-14 from three (57%) in the two games, while shooting 20-of-32 from the field (63%).
The biggest improvement in his game appears to be his ability to shoot the three at a consistent rate. Obviously the sample size is small, but his mechanics on his jumper are smooth -- a quick and fluid release. If he can continue to hit the three at a high percentage clip, then a call-up will happen. Robert Covington has excelled with the Philadelphia 76ers so far this season, mainly as a spot-up three-point shooter (45% from three this season). The success Covington has seen with Philadelphia could be something Miller can replicate if his shooting remains consistent. Miller has to have a defined skill he can bring to an NBA team to merit a call-up.
Miller already has the looks of an NBA rotation player and his improving play with the Bighorns is just adding more pudding to the bowl. If NBA teams hold off on signing him to a deal until the 10-day contract's begin on January 5, then he will be an immediate candidate for a 10-day. His path back to the NBA might be shorter than he imagined when he was picked up by Reno, but the system he's playing in is exposing his talents on the offensive end, the exact thing that gets NBA player called up to the League.