Thursday
Jan072010
McMillan, Miller Clash Loudly
Andrew R Tonry | Thursday, January 7, 2010 at 1:10PM 
After today's practice concluded, a nearly 30 minute, searing argument between Andre Miller and coach Nate McMillan spilled off the court and through the closed door into the media room. Things were dead quiet, but after a lifetime of punk rock shows and motorcycling, my hearing is completely busted anyway. Luckily, the Columbian's Brian T. Smith was able to decipher a few bits, most notably:
Miller loudly disagreed with McMillan, at one point stating, "I ain't going to take this (stuff)."When we were allowed in to the facility Miller was nowhere to be found, and Coach McMillan refused to comment, though GM Kevin Pritchard offered some spin. "What we want is an open dialogue," said Pritchard. These sorts of things happen, he continued, "if you're a good team."
McMillan later fired back: "You don't play the way we want to play."
Asked to weigh in on what transpired between McMillan and Miller, Brandon Roy looked far off into the distance. He wanted no part of it, but said Miller is "trying to feel his way through this team," and that "everybody is a little frustrated. It happens when expectations are high."
It seems safe to say now, that Miller's ticket out of Portland is as good as punched. It's only a matter of time. What confounds, however, is how things got to this point. When the Blazers were considering signing Miller in the off-season, and when he and McMillan dined together, what gave them the illusion that they were on the same page? Was interest in Miller so low that he said all the right things to get the best contractual situation? Or did the two just completely misread each-other?
The more I look at it, the situation reminds me somewhat of Allen Iverson's recent dilemma. Basically, a guy who felt he could help the team is pushed to the backseat because the franchise feels like going in another direction. And maybe in the long term the franchise is correct, but in their current situation Miller--like Iverson--feels he can help the Blazers win. The feelings would seem justified, especially since he's been rather hot in the last two games.
Miller's 22 point, 16 assist performance at the Clippers could be argued as the most productive game by a Blazer point guard this season. Hosting Memphis the next day, Miller had 16 points and 10 rebounds, yet didn't play any substantial fourth quarter minutes. And when the team stagnates, then flounders completely down the stretch as they did against the Grizzlies--scoring one point and no field goals in the final 3:45--Miller would seem to have a valid argument.
It's too bad McMillan won't come clean with his two cents on this issue. Because by the numbers, it's hard to understand his point of view. But I will say, it does feel a little reminiscent of the Sarge persona that just can't let up on the reins.
Reader Comments (15)
i agree that this feels kind of like the 'sarge' coming out of nate again. the only thing i can see is that nate wants brandon to have the ball in his hands during the 4th, and thats why miller doesnt play late in games. which is fine with me, if it is working, otherwise miller should probably be in,
I find it interesting when coaches and management demand a team approach to playing basketball, but in the same breath say 'get it to the star'.
Guys like Walton (Bill), Magic, Bird are stars that make other people better.
Guys like Jordan, Kobe, LeBron need other guys so that they can be stars.
Reigns vs. reins?
Thanks Bart. It's fixed.
Bottom line - we didn't win our last two games when Miller got his numbers. He is not a winner he is an individual. Time to move on.
David-
How can Miller be blamed if he was kept out of the fourth quarter? Especially in the Memphis game? I sure respect his competitive spirit, believing he could help out and wanting badly enough to be given the chance that he speaks out to the coach, jeopardizing peace.
How many playoff series did we win letting Roy dominate the ball?
How many playoff series did we win letting Roy dominate the ball?
How do you justify sitting a man with 14 dimes for most of the 4th? Sarge is fockin up
I don't see why a shouting match between a player and coach would cause the playler's "ticket out of Portland [to be] as good as punched." I know these are all nice guys and everything, but I don't think that fire is something that should be discouraged.
John -
I totally agree with you. I guy argues with his coach and now he has to leave the team? Doesn't Jerry Sloan argue with all his players? How about Stan Van? It is a joke than some fans are so fickle and reactionary. And this new true hoop come in and basically puke out the same garbage as Jason Quick and call it journalism. You guys are off to a LAME start.
I agree with John. Remember two seasons ago, when the team fought at practice, then went on to win 13 in a row? I'm not saying I know what's going on in the locker room or in Nate's office right now, but I think Pritchard is right: it could be a good thing.
Site looks good, guys. Keep it up.
Miller has played for demanding coaches throughout his career - Rick Majerus, George Karl. He thrived under them. The difference here is that "Sarge" is that dreadful combination of demanding and inexperienced. He reminds me of a new teacher who is more scared of losing control over management of the classroom than he is concerned about where its actually going.
Oooooooh. I love reading this thing, especially after the "dreadful combination of demanding and inexperienced", with a player whose "ticket out of Portland is as good as punched." could pull together a 50 WIN SEASON.
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