Andre Miller doesn't want to be traded.
"There is where I want to be. I'm comfortable. Everything's not going to be gravy when you get into a new situation. So I just take it in stride."
"It's a business. I don't get caught up in pointing fingers. I'm here to play basketball. I came in here with a professional attitude, and that's how I want to keep it. If people want to point fingers at me, I could care less about that. I'll be all right.''
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There's a few really interesting tidbits from Roy about Miller starting.
“People are reading a little too much into things, and the comments when coach (Nate McMillan) went to a three-guard lineup (from Nov. 6-20),‘’ Roy said. "I wanted to be a (shooting guard rather than a small forward) and people assumed that I wanted Blake to be the point and Andre out. And that wasn’t the case at all, I didn’t mind if Dre started or Blake. I wanted to be the (shooting guard).
“Coach knew where I was standing, but people around with him felt that I didn’t want to play with Andre. But that’s not the case. I think in this locker room he’s grown and we’re getting to understand him even more.’
by Nick Van Excellent on Dec 7, 2009 5:56 AM PST reply actions
Yup, this is exactly what I was assuming despite all the Brandon vs. Dre hoopla
Brandon speaking out about his lack of a comfort zone, not knowing his role, etc, was not implicating Miller.
It was because he doesn’t want to play SF. And why would he?
My apologies to Brandon for misconstruing his earlier comments.
"She turned me into a newt!
A newt?
...I got better."
They were easy to misconstrue
He was unwise in some word choices, and the press took full advantage of it….
#52
Yeah.
I still feel bad for coming down on him as harshly as I did in comments and my 1 annual post though.
"She turned me into a newt!
A newt?
...I got better."
Doubly bad, I guess :)
We have to be careful about what we read — even if it is “accurate”, we might not have been given the real context, tone of voice, etc. If something puts a person in a bad light, think twice. If it disagrees with what you think you know of the person, think three or four times.
By the way, I’m not entirely persuaded by Roy’s latest comments, either. I’m not prepared to make any judgments on this situation one way or another. At best, Brandon was unwise before in his words. At worst, he meant it the way it came across and is now lying to cover his tracks because it made him look bad. In between, he meant it but not as bad as it came across, has learned from the mistake, and is trying to say and do the right thing.
I don’t really have enough knowledge to judge the matter, nor any need to do so, really. If there is a bad Brandon hiding in there, it will keep popping out often enough that we’ll all know, soon enough. For now, I think he’s earned the benefit of the doubt from us.
#52
Good
It would be daft to trade him, IMO, unless Bayless makes a quantum leap in his game over the next couple of months. We saw the real Andre against Houston, and we need that now, and we’ll need it even more next year, when we really make a run.
#52
Well
It depends on what we’re offered, of course. But under no circumstances should we dump him.
#52
For sure.
It’s a strange situation now, because Miller will surely pick up his game and I’m betting his numbers look like a borderline all-star from here on out. He was averaging around 17points 7 assists and 4 rebounds for the last couple seasons and It wouldn’t be crazy for him to start hitting those numbers again.
His trade value is already decent. One GM already anonymously said the Blazers would be able to find a trading partner for him, but is he going to end up being too valuable to us?
If the Bobcats said they would part with Wallace, would you do it if they wanted Andre as part of the deal?
by Nick Van Excellent on Dec 7, 2009 7:36 AM PST up reply actions
Yes, probably
Because
A) I think between Blake, Bayless, and spot roles for Rudy we can hold down the PG situation.
B) Because next year a three man forward rotation of Nic, LMA, and Wallace would be superb, with Martell or Travis as a fourth forward if they are here.
C) Because we would immediately be better for this year — when LMA slides to center, Wallace would make a lot better PF beside him than anyone else we have.
It would depend on what else we would have to give up, of course. But Wallace is, IMO, one of those “tweeners” who actually can be highly effective at either the 3 or 4 — he isn’t really a “tweener”, he’s a “both-er” — plays both well.
But I don’t see Charlotte doing that, why Miller? They already have Felton and DJ.
To me, the Miller situation is actually a big silver lining. Instead of adjusting to both Miller and Oden as an offensive threat, we’re just adjusting to Miller. It may be that this means Brandon and Andre meld together more quickly — and next year, it will “just” be adding in Oden. I suspect that by the all-star break Brandre Royler is the top backcourt in the league.
#52
Yeah, but
have you seen Felton’s percentages?! Career 40% shooter, 32% from beyond the arc. Waay overrated.
However, he IS only 25 years old.
I’ve just seen Charlotte make some questionable decisions in the past…
--
by CaptainSexyJacob on Dec 7, 2009 3:26 PM PST up reply actions
I especially agree with this.
To me, the Miller situation is actually a big silver lining. Instead of adjusting to both Miller and Oden as an offensive threat, we’re just adjusting to Miller.
Larry Brown would love Miller. He said he might not even play DJ Augustine anymore (because he’s terrible), so he’s basicaly down to Felton and Flip, which is a really bad PG rotation. Brown doesn’t seem to care a whole lot about three point shooting and he’s certainly not afraid to add veterans even though that team should be getting younger.
by Nick Van Excellent on Dec 7, 2009 4:34 PM PST up reply actions
Possibly depending on who else was involved, but...
-Don’t the Bobcats have 3 point guards already?
-A healthy Wallace would be welcomed by most teams, but he is injury prone.
-Though this may be a pipe dream, I’d love for Bayless to watch and learn a thing or two from Dre.
But why does Charlotte keep shopping the dude? The past year they’ve been clear he’s on the block but never pull the trigger. Because MJ’s an idiot? Because he gets hurt a lot?
Wallace hasn't missed entire seasons, just stretches of games.
He doesn’t have terrible reoccurring problems, unless you count the concussions. I think they have been shopping him because he has a long expensive contract and the owner wants to save money so he can sell the team.
Think about this; Wallace is averaging 16 points and 12 rebounds a game. Not only would he fit as a SF/PF in the future, but he pretty much makes up for Greg’s rebounds, points, and most of his defense. It really would be the perfect short and long term fix.
by Nick Van Excellent on Dec 7, 2009 4:40 PM PST up reply actions
Portland would need a different head coach if Gerald Wallace was acquired, with Mike ...
Fratello being my first option if Kevin Pritchard goes that route. At the 3, Wallace is a baseline driver and mid-range jump shooter would be an awful fit under Nate McMillan; that’s because ol’ “Sarge” likes guys who play the 3 to most oftentimes shoot it from deep while stationed at the weakside corner. So, depending on the circumstances, I’d get behind a Wallace and D.J. Augustin for Andre Miller, Travis Outlaw, and Jerryd Bayless trade.
Though, yeah, Portland would really need someone like Fratello — who coached a souped up version of Wallace in Dominique Wilkins during the 1980s — to call the shots and run the Hawk offense created by his mentor Hubie Brown.
http://www.basketballsense.com/DVDs/hawk_offense.aspx
That’d leave the Charlotte Bobcats with an interesting roster, though, especially regarding its 10-man rotation.
C: Tyson Chandler
PF: Boris Diaw
SF: Stephen Jackson
SG: Raymond Felton
PG: Andre Miller
C: Nazr Mohammed
PF: Derrick Brown
SF: Gerald Henderson/Stephen Graham
SG: Ronald Murray
PG: Jerryd Bayless
If Travis Outlaw returned to health before the season’s end, then he’d easily supplant Derrick Brown in the rotation. I, moreover, would just find the second unit backcourt pairing of Ronald Murray and Jerryd Bayless to be absolutely hilarious, as it’d be similar to when Philadelphia has paired Willie Green and Louis Williams together.
Dear Paul Allen:
Fire Nate McMillan & hire Jeff Van Gundy.
Sincerely,
AK1984
I wouldn't take Augustine for free.
He might not even be in Brown’s rotation anymore and Brown was the guy who drafted him. I don’t think Wallace would do bad with Nate, although I don’t have any proof of that. Here’s two things I do know:
- No matter what, Wallace is going to rebound. That doesn’t have anything to do with Nate’s system. He’s got a knack for finding the ball and is probably the best rebounding 3/4 in the league. That won’t change with the Blazers and we desperately need rebounding. Once Oden comes back, with Wallace at the 3, we could end up being one of the best rebounding teams in history, no joke.
- Wallace will defend. I personally consider him the best defensive SF in the league with the exception of Battier. This won’t change with McMillan’s system, GW will help our defense no matter what.
My point is, no matter how poorly Nate uses him on offense, he’s still going to rebound and defend, the two things we’ll miss most from Greg. He’ll still score 15 points off layups and garbage buckets, just not three pointers. Also, he’s a 30% three point shooter in a system where he is seeing the MOST defensive pressure. It’s not like he’s getting a ton of open looks.
by Nick Van Excellent on Dec 8, 2009 4:45 AM PST up reply actions
I'm not a fan of D.J. Augustin, either, as he's a putrid defender and Brook Lopez ...
should’ve easily been selected over him by the Charlotte Bobcats in 2008. Anyway, you’re right that Gerald Wallace would still be able to provide excellent defense and rebounding even if Nate McMillan misused him on offense — which would happen — so that’s a definite plus to such a trade proposal.
Dear Paul Allen:
Fire Nate McMillan & hire Jeff Van Gundy.
Sincerely,
AK1984
Didn't Jordan want Lopez, but Brown went to the owner and had him veto it?
Could have turned around MJ’s whole general manager legacy,
by Nick Van Excellent on Dec 8, 2009 5:50 AM PST up reply actions
I'm not sure how that went down in Charlotte, even though I recall Bernie ...
Bickerstaff wanting Rudy Gay over Michael Jordan’s choice of Adam Morrison back in 2006.
Dear Paul Allen:
Fire Nate McMillan & hire Jeff Van Gundy.
Sincerely,
AK1984
I do know Jordan didn't want D.J.
I just can’t remember who he wanted instead. It was sort of a big deal at the time because the coach vetoed his choice, which is sort of weird for an organization.
by Nick Van Excellent on Dec 8, 2009 7:42 AM PST up reply actions
Wallace would be fine in Nate's system at PF
This year, we’d see a lot of him at PF next to Aldridge/Przybilla at center.
#52
Gerald Wallace isn't a pick-and-pop 4, however, so I don't see him fitting in Nate ...
McMillan’s offense at either forward position. Regardless, Wallace would bring much-needed defense and rebounding to the table.
Dear Paul Allen:
Fire Nate McMillan & hire Jeff Van Gundy.
Sincerely,
AK1984
I like it
and have been waiting for something like this to happen. Miller needs to be a little more outspoken like this, letting people know that he wants to be here. I think it would quite a lot of the trade Miller talk. Plus as you said NVE he’s bound to start playing very good again, I don’t want to trade him before that happens.
When the Blazers play bad I don't like them less... I like Blazers Edge less.
miller quiet his whole carer
miller was never very outspoken in college or in the nba, but has quietly played his game. last 2 seasons in philly he was more aggressive on the court in positioning his teammates.
it was an adjustment for him not starting, and a hard one because he is so much better than blake. portland does not “need” their point guard to be a 3 pt shooter, regardless of perceptions, and miller clearly isn’t one though he can get streaky hot from the outside. just do not believe there ever was a roy/miller issue, but that there was a real macmillan/blake issue. macmillan strikes one as very much a control freak.
I tend to agree with that.
Nate likes being in control. He also likes winning though so hopefully the Oden injury will help him realize that playing Miller more than Blake will help us do that.
Brandon needs to score 52 for Greg.
by In Walks Rudy on Dec 7, 2009 11:29 AM PST up reply actions
I agree. Also I think that Roy was having problems with Oden's rising star.
And Miller was trying to contribute to that. I think Brandon and André will play just fine together. And I continue to wish Miller would start. McMillan needs to be replaced.
Andre drives me nuts with that "it's a business" refrain...
OF COURSE, it’s a business — but it’s also bigger than that…
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
To you.... and to this city maybe?
I guess we are lucky to have such a passionate fanbase.. My wife who never really pays too much attention, was watching a game with me the other night… They showed some Charlotte highlights and the stands were literally empty. Like…empty courtside seats… it was kinda embarrasing.
The players love playing the game, and they all would like to win I am sure, but when you are Andre Miller and you’re looking at a career thats maybe got five years left to it, Its a business. You’re looking to secure your finances for the rest of your life….at 30.
I have no doubt that if given a little more time, Andre will become a beloved blazer. He might even warm up a little to the media (except Canzano…he should be dead to him.) Not sure if Andre has ever played in a city that cares about their team even remotely like Portland does. Its just going to take a little time.
quiet man
andre has always been reluctant to interact with media much, and in his last 2 locations didn’t really need to. in philly the media was in love with igdougla and then brand, and in denver with carmelo anthony, camby, nene, boykins and george karl, miller’s being quiet was hardly noticed.
Nope, it's just a business to some of these guys. That's fine, too, as professional and personal lives ...
don’t always go hand in hand with countless folks. So long as Andre Miller does his job out on the court and is effective doing it, then I’m cool with him. Heck, that’s exactly what he’s getting paid for to be here—nothing more and nothing less.
Dear Paul Allen:
Fire Nate McMillan & hire Jeff Van Gundy.
Sincerely,
AK1984
Really...how can you not like Dre after reading this interview?
This team would be failing in so many levels if we turned around and traded him. Of course, if the trade brings in a superior player, it should be discussed. But, Dre shouldn’t be moved for any other reason besides that.
If anything, we need to move Blake’s expiring contract for a big body. Between Dre, Rudy, Roy, and Bayless, there’s really nothing that Blake brings to the table that cannot be covered by one or more of these guys.
trade blake
Show your support for Greg Oden: Join the get well soon Facebook fan page.
by Starvin' Marvin on Dec 7, 2009 8:30 PM PST reply actions 2 recs
Steve played 37 minutes, tonight
and Nate was back in Portland
You can spin that as a “showcase” if you want, but I suspect that Brandon and the entire Blazer’s coaching staff likes their Blake binkie/Linus blanket
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Brandon said he doesn't care if he plays with Blake or Miller.
He just wants to be a SG.
by Nick Van Excellent on Dec 7, 2009 10:39 PM PST up reply actions
which is pretty much what I was saying
when Bedgers were trotting out the wonderful +/- stats re: Roy and Rudy playing together, last summer. Not going to happen, I said. Roy doesn’t like guarding SFs
Evidently Roy has changed his tune since preseason, when he was pretty vocal re: Blake as a starter. I guess all it took was a cold shooting month+ from Steve to make Brandon retrace his steps? I suspect that when Blake starts knocking down 3s again, #7 will be back on the #2 bandwagon
Let the players play, the coaches coach, and the armchair GMs figure out who needs to be traded. Just another season circling the drain in Blazer history, it’s not like it’s the first one ever
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I said the same thing.
Rudy needs to get traded. What are you going to do, play him 15 minutes a game in the playoffs? Once we have real small forwards back it won’t make much sense to keep him.
by Nick Van Excellent on Dec 7, 2009 11:37 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah, I'd be cool with trading Rudy Fernandez next summer and then using the MLE ...
to sign a guy of that same caliber on offense off the bench who can actually guard small forwards. Y’know, there’s one guy who comes to mind when I thought of that: Mike Miller.
Dear Paul Allen:
Fire Nate McMillan & hire Jeff Van Gundy.
Sincerely,
AK1984
When it comes to roster discussions, two things are never far away
1) AK proposing a trade of Jerryd Bayless to someone, somewhere, anywhere.
2) AK proposing acquiring Mike Miller, Hinrich, or Collison.
Book it.
#52
Well, the only way there'd ever be room for Mike Miller is if Rudy Fernandez ...
isn’t a long-term answer as a high-scoring sixth man. So, if Fernandez heads out between now and the summer of 2010, I’d happily offer Miller a two-year contract — with a non-guaranteed third season — that’s worth the MLE.
Dear Paul Allen:
Fire Nate McMillan & hire Jeff Van Gundy.
Sincerely,
AK1984
For sure.
Mike Miller at the MLE is way better than keeping Rudy. He’s going to be fine coming off the bench, doesn’t feel like he needs to earn that big check.
I doubt Rudy will stay happy.
by Nick Van Excellent on Dec 8, 2009 7:44 AM PST up reply actions
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