Posted: Tuesday, July 28, 2009, 4:39 PM | 13 comments |
 

Miller doesn't care about the critics
options
 

Former Sixers guard Andre Miller says he is out to prove the critics wrong — again.

This time, his targets are the critics who are underwhelmed with Portland’s decision to sign Miller to a 3-year contract that could be worth as much as $21 million.

“I don’t really care what they think,” Miller said in an interview 95.5 The Game in Portland. “They probably didn’t want me in Philadelphia when I got moved there and there was no expectations when I got traded for Allen Iverson, so I mean, I went in to that situation and pretty much proved the critics wrong. I helped the team get to the playoffs and definitely could have helped the team get to the second round - we were close to getting to the second round for two years.

“So, I can’t worry about what’s going on off the court as far as critics, or whether it was a good or bad move. I think people will see that I’m a hard worker and I definitely make people better, I make people around me better.”

Miller also said with the Trail Blazers that he will just try to “blend in,” unlike what was asked of him with the Sixers.

“I feel coming in to a situation I won’t have to do as much,” he said. “When I was in Philadelphia, they relied on me to get the ball up the court, forcing the issue ...

“In order for the team to win we had to fast break, and if we didn’t fast break, we struggled. So, just me coming to the team I can go back to some of my old school ways as far as passing, moving without the ball, cutting, and spacing, and things like that. It’s gonna be a challenge, but I’m looking forward to it.”
 
Posted by Daily News staff @ 4:39 PM  Permalink | 13 comments
13
Comments   
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 5:30 PM, 07/28/2009
    he earned it,gl andre
    — soliteryman
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 5:43 PM, 07/28/2009
    The Sixers just want to free up money .. they paid Iggy and Elton Brand too much (I don't know if I spelled Brand right cause I am not really a fan) The dumbest thing the Sixers did was not blow Miller's first season and play younger guys and get a higher draft pick. The only way out of mediocrity and to the top is to tank it.
    — sportsdead
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 6:50 PM, 07/28/2009
    I agree that he earned it and the Sixers should've tanked it. That being said, Miller himself can not be successful without pushing the ball and running the break.
    — HandNik
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:02 PM, 07/28/2009
    I think they plan on tanking this year.
    — Stat1
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:54 PM, 07/28/2009
    Miller sounds like a bitter man.
    — Irish Frank
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:04 PM, 07/28/2009
    You idiots agree with miller... its the system that gave him the stats. he is too slow and when he shoots the other team is happy.
    — maximus
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:47 PM, 07/28/2009
    i agree tanking
    — movvshake
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:16 PM, 07/28/2009
    Miller is a pro's pro. Good luck to him -
    — Bake McBride
  • Comment removed.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 12:27 AM, 07/29/2009
    Could have if he and the rest of guards could shoot the three. Nobody on that team could dial up long distance and they ended up at home both years. A change was needed. Please don't compare yourself to Allen Iverson again. He actually took this team to the finals by himself in 2001.
    — Mickey0123
  • Comment removed.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:54 AM, 07/29/2009
    Miller doesn't sound bitter. He sounds like guy that was disrespected by the GM. What kind of player do you think your going to get for a one year contract. It was disrespect for guy that help this team get to the playoff. People mistake his demeanor as him being unhappy here. Miller was a way better teammate than AI could ever hope to be. As for GOOD RIDDANCE, all I can say is be careful what you wish for. Basketball isn't about speed. When was Stockton the fastest player on the court. Its about court awareness understanding your teammates and the game. Miller did that. Miller help the Blazers, another young team he won't even need to score there. People must not remember how this team played before Miller.
    — BigVilFromWestPhil
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:59 AM, 07/30/2009
    It seems like the sixer,s are up to their same old tricks again, no loyalty, what,s so ever, they also will never when another Championship in my lifetime, look at their past track record, it speaks for itself, no fan no-more, out here!!!
    — james.w.mangum


13 comments
About Bob Cooney
Bob Cooney has been at the Daily News for more than 20 years, working in the sports department for the past 15. This is his third season on the Sixers beat. He has covered just about everything, but mostly college basketball, where he was the La Salle beat writer for six seasons. E-mail Bob at cooneyb@phillynews.com and follow him on Twitter.

Join on Facebook   

Advertise Here
Latest Sixers Videos