Pooh
09-28-2004, 08:43 PM
Jackson a Much-Needed Complement to Veteran Miller
By Conrad Brunner
Sept. 28, 2004
For nearly two decades, this has been the position of least concern because of Miller's indefatigable presence. Even though Miller is in the final stage -- and quite possibly the final season -- of his legendary career, the position is well-stocked for both the present and future.
The major offseason move was the trade that acquired Stephen Jackson from Atlanta for Al Harrington, and its impact promises to be bigger than the headlines it generated. Jackson has skills that complement Miller well. A capable perimeter shooter, he is effective off the dribble with the ability to create as well as get to the free-throw line (he averaged 6.0 attempts in the final three months of last season). He also offers flexibility in defensive matchups because of his size and athleticism.
Coach Rick Carlisle said Miller will open camp as the starter but how the playing time evolves remains to be seen. Jackson is coming off a career year in Atlanta (18.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.78 steals) but has said he would be content to come off the bench.
"We’ll have to see how the whole thing unfolds," Carlisle said. "We could go many different ways. We could play Reggie how we played him last year, which was to play him short minutes to start the game, bring him back and keep him around 28 (minutes). Or it’s possible we could play him in longer stretches and look to play Stephen in longer stretches. A lot could change as the season develops but, to start with, Reggie’s the starter, Steve is the backup and Freddie Jones gives us unbelievable depth at the position."
The importance of productivity from this position was evident in the statistics. The Pacers were 15-1 when Miller scored at least 15 points. In victories, Miller averaged 11.0 points and shot .441 from the arc. In losses, he averaged 7.3 points and hit .287 from long range.
Because Jackson has the requisite size (6-8, 218) , he could also spend some time at small forward, making it possible that he could be paired with Miller when the need arises.
"If we’re in a situation where we need our best shooting team out there," Carlisle said, "you could certainly put Jackson at the three, Reggie at the two, run the ball down and get it in the air."
Just how Jones fits in is uncertain. The NBA Slam-Dunk champion had a strong finish to the regular season but may be hard-pressed to carve much of a role. Free-agent invitee Desmon Farmer, an explosive scorer from Southern Cal, will get a look during camp.
The depth offers Carlisle plenty of options.
"The thing I like about this team is there is great depth and great flexibility," he said. "On the other hand, it calls for a lot of decision-making, which could make it a complex process. But you’d rather have that problem than not have enough players."
By Conrad Brunner
Sept. 28, 2004
For nearly two decades, this has been the position of least concern because of Miller's indefatigable presence. Even though Miller is in the final stage -- and quite possibly the final season -- of his legendary career, the position is well-stocked for both the present and future.
The major offseason move was the trade that acquired Stephen Jackson from Atlanta for Al Harrington, and its impact promises to be bigger than the headlines it generated. Jackson has skills that complement Miller well. A capable perimeter shooter, he is effective off the dribble with the ability to create as well as get to the free-throw line (he averaged 6.0 attempts in the final three months of last season). He also offers flexibility in defensive matchups because of his size and athleticism.
Coach Rick Carlisle said Miller will open camp as the starter but how the playing time evolves remains to be seen. Jackson is coming off a career year in Atlanta (18.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.78 steals) but has said he would be content to come off the bench.
"We’ll have to see how the whole thing unfolds," Carlisle said. "We could go many different ways. We could play Reggie how we played him last year, which was to play him short minutes to start the game, bring him back and keep him around 28 (minutes). Or it’s possible we could play him in longer stretches and look to play Stephen in longer stretches. A lot could change as the season develops but, to start with, Reggie’s the starter, Steve is the backup and Freddie Jones gives us unbelievable depth at the position."
The importance of productivity from this position was evident in the statistics. The Pacers were 15-1 when Miller scored at least 15 points. In victories, Miller averaged 11.0 points and shot .441 from the arc. In losses, he averaged 7.3 points and hit .287 from long range.
Because Jackson has the requisite size (6-8, 218) , he could also spend some time at small forward, making it possible that he could be paired with Miller when the need arises.
"If we’re in a situation where we need our best shooting team out there," Carlisle said, "you could certainly put Jackson at the three, Reggie at the two, run the ball down and get it in the air."
Just how Jones fits in is uncertain. The NBA Slam-Dunk champion had a strong finish to the regular season but may be hard-pressed to carve much of a role. Free-agent invitee Desmon Farmer, an explosive scorer from Southern Cal, will get a look during camp.
The depth offers Carlisle plenty of options.
"The thing I like about this team is there is great depth and great flexibility," he said. "On the other hand, it calls for a lot of decision-making, which could make it a complex process. But you’d rather have that problem than not have enough players."