Reggie Miller will return for 18th season

[pacersrule03]

Indiana Pacers guard Reggie Miller confirmed his intention to return for an 18th season during an appearance on "The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn" on Wednesday night.

"We were close this year," Miller told Kilborn, referring to the Pacers' loss to Detroit in the Eastern Conference finals. "I'm surrounded by a great nucleus of young players and a fantastic coach in coach (Rick) Carlisle. And I want to go after it one more time."

Miller's return was anticipated by the Pacers, who put him on their protected list for the June 22 NBA expansion draft.

He stated before last season he planned to play at least two more years, and signed a three-year contract. He had said nothing since to indicate he had changed his mind, but his refusal to answer questions about his plans for next season following the Pacers' loss to the Pistons left some doubt.

Miller, who turns 39 on Aug. 24, is the NBA's 14th all-time leading scorer and the Pacers' all-time leader. He averaged 10 points during the regular season and 10.1 points during the playoffs while accepting a reduced role in the offense.

Miller's shooting percentages last season were in line with his career averages. He shot 44 percent from the field, 40 percent from 3-point range and 88.5 percent from the foul line. He had hit 47 percent of his field goal attempts, 40 percent of his 3-pointers and 88.6 percent of his foul shots his previous 16 seasons.

There has been speculation Miller might be asked to come off the bench next season. Carlisle, however, has stated he expects Miller to continue to start.

[Pooh]

He's right...we were close. This year, we take the whole damn thing.