RealGM

Hi Guys,

As a Laker fan, I understand that if this team seriously wants to take a shot at a 3-peat, we're gonna need to improve our bench play. I've long considered Mike Miller to be a good shooter and overall solid NBA player. I was mildly disappointed when we weren't able to acquire him from Memphis when the Gasol deal went down.

But it's been a couple of seasons since I've been able to follow him more intently. As he's most recently played for you guys, I wondered if you can comment on the following questions that I have:

1) What was his overall health situation this past season?

2) Do you see him as being productive averaging 17-20 mpg?

3) What's his B-ball IQ like?

4) At this point in his career, would you assume that he thinks of himself as anything more than a split-MLE type of player?

I appreciate your thoughts. Good luck in the draft.

Welcome. A few of my thoughts:


1. Miller missed 28 games last year, the most he's ever missed in a season, mainly with a shoulder problem. He'd played no less than 70 since 01-02. We're cursed like that (at least we were; fingers crossed!).

2. I think he can be a productive player off the bench. He's been a 30 minute a game guy his whole career, but he is 30 and looking to latch on to a winner, so he might be willing to cut down his minutes. By all accounts he's a good locker room guy, so I wouldn't expect any drama from him.

3. He's a smart player. Don't expect much D, although he tries. He's obviously a great shooter (shot 48% from 3 and 50% from the field overall last year), but he also rebounds well for a small forward. I think he pulls down around 6-7 boards a game. Doesn't commit a lot of fouls, only about 2.5 a game. He's pretty much a spot up shooter, having shot only 85 free throws in 54 games last year.

4. Don't think he'll need to settle for split-MLE money because he's still pretty much a sixth starter. Split-MLE may be what the Lakers can offer because of their contract situations, but I have no doubt a contender will throw something close to the full mid-level at him. Boston might have a hole there if they don't resign Allen. Orlando if they let Barnes walk. San Antonio with Jefferson...you get the picture.


Hope I helped. Congrats on the title.