Pacers Insider: Blue & Gold Throughout - Reggie Miller

[Pooh]

August 21, 2003
Blue and Gold Through and Through - Reggie Miller

By Johnnie Clay - Pacers Insider

He's "Mr. Clutch." he's basketball, he's e Lee's nemesis, he's Indiana...he's Reggie Miller.

And he's loyal.

For the last 16 years, he's been the cornerstone of the franchise. Coaches have come and gone, yet Reggie still remained. He's the David Robinson of his team, the silent leader, the one they look to when all else is lost. Now the city of Indianapolis, and the Pacers fans around the world can once again say "it's Miller time".

However twilight is slowly casting its' shadow over Miller's stellar career. Miller's new contract is only for two years, more than likely, it's his final contract before retiring. In the back of Reggie's mind, I'm sure he watched as another "cornerstone franchise" player ended his career this year in Robinson, and said if he can do it...why can't I?

This off-season has brought some changes to the squad that was embarassed in five games to the Boston Celtics. Brad Miller, (whom some thought brought stability to the middle since the retirement of Rik Smits) was traded to Sacramento for Scot Pollard. Back up guard Ron Mercer was also part of that trade as well, he was dealt to San Antonio in exchange for journeyman Danny Ferry.

While Ferry more than likely be released, Pollard is the real question mark here. Can Pollard, who played limited while in Sacramento go a full 82 games in the middle. Is he durable? Can he fill big Brad's shoes? Only time will tell.

Another big surprise was the return of former Pacers' coach and native son Larry Bird. Bird, who led the Pacers to its' only trip to the NBA finals back in 2000, returned after a three year hiatus. His departure we now learned was due to health problems, but now Bird is re-energized and ready to go.

While all of this was going on, there were other major dealings going on. One was the signing of Jermaine O'Neal. O'Neal, the cornerstone of the future was locked up shortly after the July 16th period. His contract assures Pacers fans that he is committed to this franchise for years to come.

While other teams tried to lure O'Neal with the notion of winning a le in their town. Jermaine chose to remain out of loyality. Three years ago, Pacers G.M. Donnie Walsh took a chance on a then unknown and unused O'Neal, who sat on a Trailblazers' bench...waiting for a shot. Walsh gave him that shot, and O'Neal always remembered that. When it came to signing up, it was a "no brainer". Loyality is what kept him here.

Cap money was very tight. The Pacers knew that after locking up O'Neal, especially with a huge contract, the odds of keeping both Miller's would be difficult, let alone impossible. But try they did. In the end, Brad Miller was the odd person out, leaving Reggie as the only Miller left.

Miller could've easily went to a contender, G.M. Walsh admitted shortly after Miller's re-signing that the New Jersey Nets were very interested in obtaining the all-star guard. But Reggie Miller would have no such thing, when he commits to a team, he stays there until the end.

"I know I'll get to finish my career here. I'll be a lifetime Pacer. I always knew I was coming back," said Miller. "I didn't want to be like some of these other guys to jump on another team's bandwagon just to get a ring. That's never been my style."

Miller reflected on his nearly 16 years as an Indiana Pacer. "I remember coming in here as a snot-nosed rookie, skinnier than I am now, and having to prove myself to the great fans of Indiana," said Miller. "It's been a two-way street and they've seen me grow from a young boy into a young man. It's rare, especially in today's professional sports, to be able to finish where you start."

With an emerging superstar in O'Neal, and a young core of supporting players, including one with a personality that would make Jeckyl and Hyde cringe, perhaps the old gunslinger has a few more rounds of ammunition left.

As the Spurs gave David Robinson an "anchors away" to remember his final season, the Pacers can send Reggie Miller to his "field of dreams", the dream of a le...the exclamation point on his career. For that is the reward for those who remained "loyal".

[alamo50]

"In the back of Reggie's mind, I'm sure he watched as another "cornerstone franchise" player ended his career this year in Robinson, and said if he can do it...why can't I"?

Always think positive indeed Reggie.......