So the Celtics are already annointed as the likely champs in the Eastern Conference, all but assured of winning 50+ games with the dominant trio of KG, Pierce, and Ray Allen. But Danny Ainge may not be done building this team yet. Reports surfaced yesterday that Ainge had been in contact with former Pacer great Reggie Miller about a possible NBA return. While they’ve already added perennial stars Scot Pollard and Eddie House (surely this is the first time you’ve seen perennial star and Scot Pollard in the same sentence- he does have nice sideburns, though), Reggie Miller could be the 15 minute man that puts this team over the top.
Care To Get Nice?
Surely there will be some detractors out there that say Miller is just going to be the next MJ- playing well past his prime and not contributing like he used to. There’s a huge difference here though- Jordan came back to play because he wasn’t happy doing anything other than playing ball (how many holes of golf can you play in one week?). Miller would be coming back because he, like the 3 main cogs on this team already, doesn’t have that ring. And we all know the NBA is all about the bling these days.
When Jordan returned to play for the Wizards, he came into a bad situation. Young players that didn’t want to listen, locker room disputes, and generally bad locker room chemistry. Jordan was in a situation where he couldn’t win, despite playing 37 minutes and scoring 20 points a game. Far less would be asked of Miller, who, if he joined the Celtics, would play a much smaller role- likely that of a spot up shooter opposite Ray Allen available for kick outs when Garnett drew double teams. And if you can name for us a better guy to have slinking around the 3-point line waiting for a kick out to bury a big 3 than Reggie Miller, we’re all ears.
Currently, Miller is working as an analyst for TNT, and he’s not bad at all at that job. However, his talents as a commentator almost make it more likely that he’d return to play this year. The job with TNT, or any other network, will be there for him next year, or the year after, or 10 years down the road. His body will not be. And if he really wants to have that ring when it’s all said and done, time is running out.
“I’m always flattered when my name is mentioned as someone who can still help an NBA team win a championship,” Miller said Wednesday. “I’ve had limited discussions with Celtics management about their roster and a potential role for me. At this time, I’m enjoying my role as an analyst with TNT.” We should know in the next few weeks just how much he’s enjoying his role as an analyst, and how serious these discussions are with the Celtics. But if there is a player from our childhood that we’d like to see play a part in a title run for a team in the East, Reggie would certainly fit the bill. One thing is for certain: If Miller came back, it wouldn’t be like Willie Mays on the Mets or Johhny Unitas with the Cargers- a guy trying to re-live the last gasp of his glory days. He’d be coming in as a celebrated player who wants to help lead a team of talented, yet undecorated, players to a title. (Ed. Note: For the sake of making us interested in running back NBA Live 2000 on Nintendo 64, do this Reggie. Please.)
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As a former Pacer fan that quit following the team when Reggie retired (that’s not the reason…I just couldn’t take the league anymore and the team was an off-court embarrassment…and I’ll never like a different team more), I was horrified when I first heard the story. But then I started thinking about it more and more…you see, my all-time favorite MLB player is Mark Grace, and I was quite excited when he won a ring with the DBacks. Obviously the Cubs winning would have made my life, but if he couldn’t win one with “us” why not take one elsewhere.
I guess I’m just saying that I hope Reggie comes back the Celtics (and I can’t believe I’m saying this) win it all. Reggie deserves a ring.
But I’m biased. I love Reggie. What can I say, I grew up in central Indiana.