Warren2ThaG Posted July 26, 2009 Report Share Posted July 26, 2009 http://www.portlandtribune.com/news_graphics/124855416850903300.jpgSizing up Andre Miller: A difference-maker for Trail Blazers?"Those who regularly watched Andre Miller play for the Philadelphia 76ers last season suggest the Trail Blazers have landed a difference-maker. The veteran point guard, 33, Friday signed a three-year, $21-million free-agent contract, with Portland owning the option for the third year. "Andre was terrific for us last year," says Philadelphia assistant coach Jimmy Lynam, who served on the staffs of Jack Ramsay and Maurice Cheeks in Portland. "Maybe somebody would argue that he's not as good or better than he ever was, but that's the way I see it." "He wasn't the best player on the Sixers last season, but the most important," says Phil Jasner, the Hall-of-Fame beat writer with the Philadelphia Daily News. "There's a distinction there. "Portland has a young, talented team that won 54 games last year and has a chance to go further in the playoffs next year. Andre might wind up being the catalyst to that. The Blazers could profit from a dose of experience and high basketball IQ. He could be the right guy at the right time for the right team." Asked what he most likes about Miller's game, Lynam responds, "What don't I like? He's as good as they come at running a game, and I'm talking about both ends of the court. He's very good at directing things at the defensive end, to the point where I haven't seen too many guys do it at (the NBA) level. He has a tremendous understanding of the game. 'Coach on the floor' is a term that gets overused, but it's apropos in Andre's case." Jasner says while Miller is a solid team defender, his defensive skills have slipped from his peak years. "That was the concensus of the (Philadelphia) coaching staff and front office," Jasner says. "When a point guard's defense slips, he needs an eraser behind him. Portland has guys who can play the paint." "Does Andre have trouble keeping the Rajon Rondos and Tony Parkers in front of him? Maybe," Lynam says. "But let's be honest - that's what those guys do for a living." Jasner compliments Miller on what he calls "excellent quarterback skills." "He has an ability to direct a team," Jasner says. "He has a saying. He wants to be the quietest guy off the court but the loudest on it. Watch video of Sixers games the last couple of years. At timeouts, after the coach is through talking, you'll see Andre gather the guys and point out a, b or c. His teammates respect the things he says on the court. "He watches more video than any Sixer player since maybe Aaron McKie or Eric Snow (in the early 2000s). He really knows his basketball." Miller is a good scorer, getting many of his points at the foul line, where he is a career .802 shooter. His field-goal percentage is excellent - .473 last season, .460 career - because he takes the ball well to the basket. He is a lousy 3-point shooter - .283 last season, .210 career."----http://www.portlandtribune.com/sports/story.php?story_id=124855404181432400 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flight Posted July 26, 2009 Report Share Posted July 26, 2009 Andre is really going to put Portland up with the elite this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
His Greatness Posted July 26, 2009 Report Share Posted July 26, 2009 Everything written in the article is spot on, in particular pertaining to Miller's defense. He, justifiably, receives flak for his inadequate lateral quickness, but like the article points out, he's a smart, savvy veteran. He understands the schemes, nuances, and demands of defense and will direct his unit on that side of the ball like he does offensively. You generally don't want him on an island against the Derrick Roses, but he will hold his own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Feelgood Posted July 26, 2009 Report Share Posted July 26, 2009 Great article and it perfectly describes Dre's game. I predict we'll win about 56-59 games this season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaxaMillion711 Posted July 28, 2009 Report Share Posted July 28, 2009 blazers are tied with the spurs but still not good enough to beat lakers. if odom leaves? then things get interesting... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Feelgood Posted July 28, 2009 Report Share Posted July 28, 2009 Well, we did tie the season series with the Lakers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sun Tzu Posted July 28, 2009 Report Share Posted July 28, 2009 Miller definitely makes the Blazeres a top 3 team in the West. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Multi-Billionaire Posted July 28, 2009 Report Share Posted July 28, 2009 His teams have also never been past the first round. He can overdribble and stall the offense. He's not an off ball player by any means and taking the ball out of his hands will render him virtually useless on offense. On a team with Brandon Roy who needs the ball a lot to make decisions, it's interesting to see how Blazers fit them together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
His Greatness Posted July 28, 2009 Report Share Posted July 28, 2009 His teams have also never been past the first round.He's an impact player, not a carry-your-team superstar. Regardless of his postseason shortcomings, he's been a solid playoff performer his entire career, and posted an outstanding series for us against Orlando. He can overdribble and stall the offense. He's not an off ball player by any means and taking the ball out of his hands will render him virtually useless on offense.I categorically disagree here. Miller is still among the league's top playmakers and distributors (despite what the numbers may say), and is absolutely a pass-first point guard. If he ever gives the impression of dominating the ball, that's just his tremendous wherewithal kicking in. He knows exactly when his team needs that shot in the arm, and he's very capable of taking over the game. Miller is a competent player off the ball. He's very smart and has a good instinct of where and when to slash and move. He can't shoot, but he'll probably still space the floor better than half of their players, and give that offense a lot more cohesion and rhythm. Even if he's just standing around he's still an asset because he's always keen to impart instructions, something invaluable that players like Oden will soon come to appreciate. On a team with Brandon Roy who needs the ball a lot to make decisions, it's interesting to see how Blazers fit them together.Lightening Roy's workload is part of why he's there. I'm positive they won't have problems coexisting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueDevil Posted July 28, 2009 Report Share Posted July 28, 2009 I think the best part of the Miller signing is what he can do for Bayless. Miller will hopefully take him under his wing, and in 2 years or so we will see a new Bayless ready to lead the Blazers. They dont need Bayless yet, but soon he, Roy, Aldridge, and possibly a heathy Oden will make a formidible lineup that could very well be the best in the west. I give it 3 yrs for this trade to truly show its colours. Miller though is a savy vet and should no doubt help this team, although his lack of the 3 ball will hurt a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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