Don't Confuse M. Miller With Korver
Some have suggested after reading the wish-list that begins with Mike Miller, that he is not much of an upgrade over Kyle Kover. Nothing could be further from the truth.
There are some posters such as Seude, who point out that Miller is a bi
Don't Confuse M. Miller With Korver
Some have suggested after reading the wish-list that begins with Mike Miller, that he is not much of an upgrade over Kyle Kover. Nothing could be further from the truth.
There are some posters such as Seude, who point out that Miller is a big upgrade over Korver and we couldn't agree more with that assessment.
This is not to denegrate Kyle Korver, because he did a fine job for the Sixers and has been a major addition to Utah. It's just at Miller is bigger, just as good a shooter, can create his shot better and is a better defender (although he will never make any all-defensive teams).
One person questioned whether Mike Miller is a team player. He was a team player while competing for the U.S. Olympic Team last summer and with his ability to stretch a defense, should be included on this year's team (especially if this reporter was the coach).
We're not saying that Mike Miller would be the savior for the Sixers, but he would be a serious upgrade. And he'd give them much more than they received from Korver, which was pretty substantial..
One writer, JJG, said he prefers Rashard McCants. Another Jason Ringler, asks why not consider Kyle Lowry instead of Miller. Again, the Sixers need somebody who can spread a defense with outside shooting. McCants and Lowry are good players, but they wouldn't be top priorities here.
The priority remains a power forward and Josh Smith would top that wish list, but the Sixers have to have a number of game plans. We're just saying Mike Miller is somebody to strongly consider.
NOTE: There have been suggestions about how to make this new format better. I take all suggestions and give them to those in charge. Morty suggested enlarging the box that you type in. These will be passed along. The people are working with us and have responded to any suggestion/complaints that I have sent them.
Also, the readers have to be commended for the potential deals proposed here. Whether we agree or not, all the opinions are appreciated. Keep up the great work.
Marc: Thanks for passing on our format related concerns. ** As for Miller, does anyone else think he might be a "one step forward, one step back" type of player in that he improves the offense, but is a drag on the defense? If you look at the stats, the Sixers won games on their rebounding and defense. While the offense needs improvement, how far will you really go if the defense suffers as a result?— Morty_- Miller is a true SG and if we get him its a huge step up. if you are worried about Miller getting beat off the dribble and taken to the hoop by Kobe and Lebron, thats a risk that i would take. Sammy D and his 4 blocks a game (and countless altered shots) would have to step up. Frankly, thats his strong point anyway. We would need to get miller in some sort of trade (if thats possible) because we want to use our money on Brand. but if we can somehow get Miller in a sign and trade involving Iggy, that would be a huge improvement(im no cap expert so please dont blow me up on this). Brand, Sammy D and Thad up-front. Miller and Miller in the backcourt. See you in the Finals. Have a nice day. And Philly Prevails!!!!— AaronMcKie4MVP
- Morty, I think he is better than Iggy. But in regards to his defense, look at it this way; Iggy guards eitheer the 3 or 2 on the other team that is the biggest scoring threat.Ex. On Orlando, Miller would guard M.Evans and Iggy would guard Lewis, but on l.a., Iggy gets Koby and Miller gets Walton or Ariza. The best thing I like about Iggy is his versatility, especially on defense.— seude
- Hugh, Reggie as good as Gooden; is Reggie 6!10",has he averaged 12 pts. and 9 reb. ever.Can he post up. Can he hit a 15 footer.Can he be the 3rd best player for his team in an eastern conference final series as Gooden was for Cleveland. The day Reggie does any of these than he will be as good as Gooden.— seude
- suede: no question that Miller is an upgrade talent wise, especially on offense. I am raising the question of how much a player like him (good offense, suspect defense) would raise the team on an overall basis. If we tried to quantify his effect on a +/- basis, how much would it be? I won't claim to be an expert on Miller, so if someone wants to school me about his defense, please go ahead, but I prefer to hold out for all around players. Thus why patience is my mantra. Better to wait for the right addition, rather than an available addition. For jjg, I will specify that the amount of time I am willing to wait is next season's trading deadline.— Morty_
- Marc, Thanks for the mention of Kyle Lowry. Sixers should look to bring in a shooter through the draft. Chase Budinger, of the University of Arizona, fits the bill. He can run, shoot, defend, and jump out of the gym. Followed a lot of his Pac 10 games and he would rarely disappoint. Sixers have to groom a young point guard under Miller, and Lowry's intensity combined with Memphis' willing to part with him make it a perfect fit. Jason- Los Angeles— JASON RINGLER
- Morty, not sure what your looking for but is he a ball hog, no; is he a good passer, yes, good basketball I.Q., yes. Defense? He is not great but he is very athletic and can probably be considered average at least. The fact he is 6!8" and can play some 2 tells you he is quick for his size.— seude
- "I prefer to hold out for all around players." - THANK YOU MORTY! I have been preaching this approach in every basketball conversation I have. I am ok with specialists type players (korver) as role players not as a top 3-4 player on the team. Also with all the Miller talk - what position is he playing if we were to get him?— ReclinerGM
- Suede, Couldn't agree with you more on Richard Jefferson. Rod Thorn is going to make major changes with the new arena, and an underperforming team. Hopefully he gives his dear friend Stefanski a call over the summer, and makes RJ available. Jason- Los Angeles— JASON RINGLER
- suede: I was at the Memphis game this year and saw Miller get abused, but that may have juts been a bad game for him. I also saw him shoot well, but he didn't make much of a difference on the game. Again, maybe just a down game for him. ** Obviously he is a talent upgrade, but is he a difference maker? How much is it worth giving up for him?— Morty_
- Jason: Where would Jefferson fit in? Seems like yet another swing man to me. We've got swing men, we need big men.— Morty_
- mORTY, looking at it cap wise he makes 9 mill. next year, good value, probably what Iggy deserves. I think he is as good as Iggy, just my opinion. Iggy does one thing better, defend, nothing else. I think it is all for naught any way, our cap money is probably going to a 4 anyway.— seude
- Morty, Miller=point guard. Iggy=2. Richard Jefferson=3. Thad Young=4. Sammy=5. Pretty Athletic. Jason- Los Angeles— JASON RINGLER
- Jason, he is the only scorer that might be available that is a very good defender. Morty, I think E.S. plans on Thad coming off the bench this year as a combo forward, like Prince did early in his career.If we add a 3 Iggy can play 2 and viceversa. The only place a perimeter scorer can be added is a wing position if A.Miller is still the pt.— seude
- Morty, I want the BEST player available to be added and draft other needs. To be honest, Jefferson may be a better player than Brand now. Get a young p.f. than go from there.— seude
John Mitchell is in his second year covering the 76ers for the Inquirer after joining the paper in November 2011. He covered the Washington Wizards for the Washington Times from 1998 to 2008. He's also worked at the Philadelphia Tribune, the Wilmington News Journal, Courier-Post, Trenton Times and Elmira Star-Gazette.Born and raised in West Philadelphia - not too far from Will Smith - he graduated from Overbrook High School the same year the 76ers won their last championship. He's a proud graduate of Howard University and the proud father of two sons, Jared and Jordan.
ABOUT MARC NARDUCCI
Marc Narducci has served in a variety of roles with the Inquirer since beginning in 1983. He has covered the 76ers as a backup and a beat writer. In addition, Narducci has covered everything from the Super Bowl to the World Series and a lot in between. Narducci also has a true passion for South Jersey scholastic sports, which he has covered for many years.
