San Diego State’s Miles Byrd won the spotlight with his defensive skills at the 2025 NBA Combine. His performance not only made the scouts write down his name as a potential top pick but also made the fans gush over him on social media. His seven combined steals and blocks in a single scrimmage game showcased how much untapped potential he had.
As Reddit’s r/NBA_Draft community got busy with praise, Byrd’s stock soared, with fans labeling him a “phenomenal bet” for teams seeking a 3-and-D wing. Keep reading to know more about the community’s thoughts on this future star.
Miles Byrd Rallied His Fan Following NBA Combine Performance
Byrd’s 2025 NBA Combine showing was some of the best the event witnessed this year. In Game 2, the 6’6″ wing from San Diego State tallied seven combined steals and blocks. His length, reach, and anticipation made him a nightmare for opponents.
SDSU’s Miles Byrd Puts on a Defensive Clinic: 7 STL + BLK in Combine Game 2!
byu/Fit-Structure-9395 inNBA_Draft
As noted by user u/Fit-Structure-9395 on r/NBA_Draft: “SDSU’s Miles Byrd Puts on a Defensive Clinic: 7 STL + BLK in Combine Game 2!”
Despite a slim frame, Byrd’s ability to disrupt passing lanes and protect the rim drew comparisons to big-name defenders.
The r/NBA_Draft community was quick to rally behind Byrd, with fans highlighting his potential as a 3-and-D wing. “Incredible stock numbers with high 3pt volume with good FT%. He’s a phenomenal bet as a 3&D wing who is useful on a good team,” wrote one user.
Another added, “His defense is better than I expected, especially for his slim frame. If he can hit open threes and finish through contact, he’ll be a diet Mikal,” drawing comparisons with Phoenix Suns star Mikal Bridges.
However, not all reactions were universally positive.
“I love the way he plays and his approach, but man, his shooting really scares me. He’s not really efficient anywhere on the court,” one fan said, concerned about Byrd’s shooting efficiency. “I’m rooting for the kid, but he definitely looks like an NBA player, but the shooting numbers are down right scary.”
Unfortunately, this sentiment is also present in scouting reports, as ESPN’s latest mock draft ranked Byrd 28th, citing his 32.1% three-point shooting in his junior year at SDSU as a red flag.
However, his defensive metrics, including 1.2 steals and 0.6 blocks per game at SDSU, keep interest in his stock alive.
“He plays way bigger than his size,” a fan shared on the thread.
KEEP READING: Miles Byrd Shines at NBA Combine With Stuffed Stat Line in Scrimmage No. 2
This observation is supported by his 6’10” wingspan, which compensates for his 185-pound frame. Byrd’s ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on the glass (4.5 rebounds per game in 2024-25) adds some serious appeal to his case.
Byrd’s 2025 NBA Combine performance has sparked a wave of optimism among fans, who see him as a “phenomenal bet” for teams seeking defensive impact. While concerns about his shooting are there, his defensive clinic in Omaha has cemented his place in the draft conversation.
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