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76ers' Miller reluctant to discuss future

Point guard Andre Miller made several positive comments about his 76ers teammates on their exit day, after Thursday's 100-77 loss to the Detroit Pistons that eliminated them from their first playoff series in three years.

While he had good things to say about the players and coach Maurice Cheeks, Miller wouldn't say whether he would like to stay in Philadelphia long-term.

He is signed through the 2008-09 season and will earn nearly $10 million. When asked, after yesterday's final team meeting, about his future here, Miller was noncommital.

"Right now, I'm here and can't control what happens with the team," he said.

Would he stay if the Sixers wanted him beyond next season?

"I don't know," he said. "It's hard to tell right now. I am just going to sit back and watch the playoffs and other teams and see what happens from there. I will take care of my body and enjoy the off-season and worry about that later."

The 32-year-old Miller had perhaps his best season. The nine-year veteran averaged a career-high 17.0 points and shot a career-best 49.2 percent from the field. He also averaged 6.9 assists.

During the six-game series with Detroit, Miller averaged a team-high 15.3 points.

"I'm happy for the players, the coaching staff, with the changes and type of style this team is playing," he said.

So why would he be hesitant about making a long-term commitment?

"I'm not hesitant at anything," Miller said. "I'm older and more patient in the situations I put myself in."

He was pleased with the impact he made on the younger players.

"You could look at the numbers and say, yes, this was my best season," Miller said. "Just as far as leadership, my work habits as far as rubbing off on the other players. It affected guys on the team. When I played with other veterans [on other teams], it kind of went unnoticed."

There is no question how Miller's teammates feel.

"I hope I play with him a long time," Andre Iguodala said. "He makes the game easier for me."

Miller said he would be more than happy to listen to any sales pitch from the team.

"Of course I'd listen," he said. "I like the team. These guys had a chance to get a lot of experience, and it can only get better, hopefully. There is room to build."

Building will be much easier if Miller decides to stay beyond next season.


Contact staff writer Marc Narducci at 856-779-3225 or mnarducci@phillynews.com. Read his blog at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/deep-sixer.

 
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