The Cavaliers Contacted Reggie Miller?
Yesterday, Dan Patrick had a chance to converse with the “greatest three-point shooter” in the history of the NBA in Reggie Miller. DP (the other DP) cut to the chase right out of the gate with proclaiming that he “believes” that Miller is retired – mostly due to the fact that his 42-year old name continues to float at the top of rumor mills as a player that could be picked up mid-season by any team in need of a shooter.
Among the rumored suitors for this season, Miller played off the invite of Kobe Bryant. But he also went on to list a few other names that have extended invitations for his services.
DP: If the Lakers had called at the beginning of this year…
Miller: It still would have been a “no.” Boston had called again too.
DP: They did call?
Miller: Yes.
DP: Who else called?
Miller: I’m not going to tell. But I would say that they are in the top four in terms of record.
DP: LeBron called you!?
Miller: (laughes) I’m just saying…
The discussion then went on a bit longer, where Patrick phrased a question specifically regarding the Cavaliers, and then Miller denied that the Orlando Magic had reached out his way. (As if they need any more three-point shooting)
Miller shook off all of the abovementioned, saying that he “isn’t a bandwagoner.” He’s the kind of guy that likes to “pull his own weight” instead of just trying to win a championship. Miller claims that he would prefer to be on a team for the entire season. He did give props to players like Delonte West and Sasha Pavlovic for their shooting, which I guess deserves some sort of credit.
But with all of this said, would Miller be worth committing any sort of short-term capital? The obvious answer would include some sort of “it depends on how much money.” But think of it from the point that if we were to move Wally for a big man, we would be down one shooter. I’m not sure that a middle-aged Miller would be much of a help, but if the guy could still stroke it, I can’t knock LeBron (or whomever) for testing the waters.
Audio (via SI.com): New Window
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January 27th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Needs more Spreewell.
January 27th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
If we trade Wally, he’s coming back via a buyout (a la McDyess with Detroit).
January 27th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
No, no, no, no, no. Tell Reggie to stay home.
January 27th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
The only reason this would be good is that I would not have to listen to his terrible commentating any more.
January 27th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
We had this first! Although actually Brian Winhorst had it first. Although acatually Dan Patrick had it first. Well eitiher way, we don’t want you Reggie!
January 27th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
If he’s coming as an assistant of some kind, I won’t mind. As a player, no!
January 27th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
42-years-old doesn’t seem very good to me..
January 27th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
In Miller’s final season in the NBA in 2004-2005 as a 39-year-old (the guy actually turned 43 in August, good research WFNY), he appeared in 66 games for the Pacers. He are his per-game and per-48-minute breakdowns:
14.8 points, 2.2 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 1.5 threes per game
22.21 points, 3.33 assists and 5.56 rebounds per 48 minutes
Those numbers are quite similar to a player like Francisco Garcia or Willie Green in the NBA last season, or Eddie House or Flip Murray this season. So what this situation is coming down to is whether or not the Cavaliers are interested in paying serious money for a 43-year-old who is playing similar basketball as Eddie House or Flip Murray four years from now?
January 27th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
if he can still shoot i say why not, as long as he’s cheap that is
January 27th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
if his current playing ability is as bad as his broadcasting ability, then please stay away!
January 27th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
[...] that I left of the Waiting for Next Year blog earlier today, in response to their post about the possible return of Reggie Miller. I think that it would be ridiculous of Miller to attempt a comeback and here is my explanation [...]
January 27th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
@Eli Totally agree 100%
January 27th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
I was at a Cavs pre-game event tonight hosted by Danny Ferry-the Cavs have had NO contact this year with Reggie Miller. They did approach Reggie LAST YEAR via his close relationship with Mike Brown. False rumor……nothing to this.
January 28th, 2009 at 7:55 am
My bad on the math, JR. Not sure that that constitutes as ‘research’ but to each their own…