Portland Trail Blazers should call Andre Miller at midnight, July 1st

June 30 09

Breaking NBA news mixed with analysis ...

Their News: "The Blazers, one of the few playoff teams with significant cap space, remain interested in an upgrade at point guard and appear to have focused on Sixers free agent Andre Miller" Ken Berger, CBSsports.com

Our Very Quick Analysis: It would be a mutually beneficial relationship for the team and player.

Those are my thoughts on reports Portland is looking at inking free agent point guard Andre Miller to a multi-year pact. After all, the veteran mentored a young 76ers squad and could again play Mr. Miyagi for an improving Blazers squad that is close to contending.

Signing Miller would provide ‘Rip City’ with an upgrade at the one-spot. Unlike Steve Blake, the Utah grad attacks the basket and, because of his considerable size, commands double-teams down low. Also, he’s a classic pass-first point guard, with career averages of 7.5 assists per game. These positives would more than compensate for Miller’s mediocre range.

He’s a West Coaster. Miller was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and enjoyed playing for the Clippers and close to home with the Nuggets. However, he prefers smaller markets and once told Denver media ’The Mile High City’ was a perfect location because there were few distractions (I’m paraphrasing, but you get the idea). So Portland would be the best of both worlds.

There is also a sense Blazer-mania will return. LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy are an emerging inside-outside duo, while the rest of the roster is stacked with young, blue-chip talent. All they need is a wily table-setter, like Miller, to take the next step.

Free agency opens tonight at midnight. Don’t be shocked if Portland’s executive brass knocks on Miller’s door at 12:00 with an offer he can’t refuse.

Would Miller be an ideal fit for the Blazers? Why? Why not? Get at us in the comment box with thoughts and return to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of wmirek.

9 Comments: Portland Trail Blazers should call Andre Miller at midnight, July (...)

Posted by
O.Sandor
on 07.1.2009

Hi Brian Sprouse, thanks for commenting. I agree that Miller is a fit except for the three-point shooting. As for small-forwards, well, Hedo Turkoglu has been linked to the Blazers, so who knows? Thanks for commenting! .

Posted by
Brian Sprouse
on 06.30.2009

I think Andre Miller is a good gard and would do very well next to Bardon Roy, in the Blazer offence. we also need a small foward out of the free agent market as to. .

Posted by
Andre Miller
on 06.30.2009

MIller would be great as long as Portland had a consistent threat at the 3. If Aldridge developed a bit more range this summer, Miller would be perfect. We need another guy to take it to the basket, and he could be it. .

Posted by
Steve
on 06.30.2009

Miller is probably the worst 3pt shooting guard in the league, 21% for his career. With all the isolations Portland runs for Roy it’s important that the PG can knock down open 3s that Roy will create for him. I suspect people who think Andre Miller is a great fit for Portland are burning tree. .

Posted by
kush
on 06.30.2009

that’s the only thing you wold lose is the 3...ive been watching miller for a long time he’s a really good passer way better than blake so your gaining there....he can get to the hoop and he has a great mid range game and he can post other guards up and runs the offense very efficently....he however won’t hit you many 3’s maybe like 5 or 6 on the season....but with the young portland team getting him and blake off the bench i think would be very good .

Posted by
O.Sandor
on 06.30.2009

Hi there ... I like Bayless’ long-term upside, but he isn’t ready to start or play major minutes. Miller is an upgrade over Blake, except with respect to range. And Miller has enough presence to really lead a young, developing team. That is what this would be about. Just my thoughts. Thanks for commenting. .

Posted by

on 06.30.2009

I just don’t think portland would gain much, and certainly would lose a pretty decent long range shooter and good passer. And I really don’t think Miller has better ball handling skills than Blake, and certainly not better thanBayless! Plus - Bayless gets to the hole better than both! .

Posted by
O.Sandor
on 06.30.2009

Hi no-name poster: thanks for commenting. You are right. As I have written Miller struggles from beyond the arc. However, he can create three-point chances for teammates by driving and dishing or taking smaller PGs down-low and drawing double-teams, so it’s a different look. I just think he adds a lot to the Blazers and seems a fit. As for Blake, it just seems like he would be a better back-up. Get at me with thoughts on this. Thanks for your thoughts. .

Posted by

on 06.30.2009

I believe the Blazers need a PG with the ability to shoot the 3 off Roy’s penetration. As far as I’ve read, Miller is pretty pathetic from long range. I’d rather see them pursue someone else at PG, or even keep Blake over acquiring Miller. .

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	About Oly Sandor
Daily take on NBA Oly Sandor is an NBA analyst and sports journalist based out of Vancouver, Canada.After years of the free-lance game, Oly Sandor is bringing his unique brand of NBA analysis exclusively to (...) More

Portland Trail Blazers should call Andre Miller at midnight, July 1st

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