Max Mandel's Blog

Oct 18

When the Portland Trail Blazers signed Andre Miller during the summer, fans knew that they were getting a point guard with great experience and success in the NBA. Miller, who has averaged 14.6 points and 7.4 assists in his 10 years in the league, has had a terrific preseason for the Trail Blazers, as he has shown the ability to play both at the point guard position and also off the ball.

Even with the stats that show the impact he has made in the league, it's clear that Miller gets the most respect from the guys who have had to play against him in the league.

"I love Andre Miller's game," Chauncey Billups explained after the game. "I always felt like he was probably the most underrated point guard in the league, just from my battles with him over the years. So that's a big pick up for them (Trail Blazers), and he is going to make them better."

Miller has also earned the praises of George Karl, who had the opportunity to coach him when he took over the Nuggets coaching position.

"For me, Andre is a wonderful point guard. I am a huge Andre Miller fan," Karl said. "I think he is a top 7 point guard in the league, and has been for many years. He is quiet and doesn't get the recognition that he deserves. I think he will be better the more familiar he gets with these players and the more familiar he gets with their offense."

When Karl became the head coach in Denver, it was Miller who helped make the transition easier for both Karl and the team.

"I have always joked that when I came to Denver in the middle of the season, my name was the head coach, but Andre Miller really coached the team for about two weeks. He called the plays. He would call plays, and I would go 'what's that?'. He knew the playbook and he knew the concepts. We ran one play tonight for Chauncey, and we called it in the 4th quarter, and he (Andre) knew it. Our guys don't even know the play and he knew it. So that's the type of quarterback and leader you have."