NOTE: This list is for the most IMPORTANT players, not BEST. This isn't a ranking system for who is better or has the most potential, although rankings will be pretty indicative of that. Also, I will leave Danilo Gallinari out of this list because he is currently injured and won't be able to play at the start of the season. I'll probably do a separate profile on Gallo when he is set to return.
Let's get started!
Rank #10: Andre Miller
'12-'13 Season Summary
Last year was a long season for the 37-year-old Andre Miller. After signing a fresh contract worth $12 million guaranteed over 3 years, Miller had the worst season of his career averaging career-lows in points (9.6 ppg), rebounds (2.9 rpg) and averaged the lowest assists per game since his rookie season (5.9 apg). I know statistics don't always tell the whole story, but Miller might have also had his worst decision-making season as well. Too often did he convince himself he was the best offensive option on the court and take a questionable shot or drive to the rim against three defenders. The heartbreaking 3OT game against the Boston Celtics does a good job displaying his offensive deficiencies last season.
Just one season removed from his resurgence as a Denver Nugget, where a back court involving him and starting point guard Ty Lawson was heralded as one of the best change-of-pace guard tandems in the country, Miller experienced a considerable regression. But why?
It's pretty simple: Andre Miller plays like an old man. Unfortunately, now he is becoming old. His tricks in the low-post that once elevated his game are now getting slower, more predictable and easier to dismiss. This has forced him to compensate by taking more jumpers (have you seen his shooting stroke?) and by making poor decisions via driving against several defenders and trying too many spin moves when he convinces himself he is still 25.
'13-'14 Season Outlook
Miller is still an intriguing piece to the weird hodgepodge of players Nuggets President Josh Kroenke has formed. He really is the only player on the roster who is comfortable playing slow. But he may be getting too slow.
But one thing is certain. With high flyers like JaVale McGee, Kenneth Faried, Anthony Randolph and even Nate Robinson, there will lobs for days. Miller is without a doubt the best lob-thrower in the entire NBA and even though he lacks the same offensive punch he used to provide, he can still get a crowd on its feet with his dazzling half court alley oops placed to perfection.
Rankings:
#10: Andre Miller
#9: Evan Fournier
#8: Anthony Randolph
#7: JJ Hickson
#6: October 25th
#5: October 26th
#4: October 27th
#3: October 28th
#2: October 29th
#1: October 30th
Last year was a long season for the 37-year-old Andre Miller. After signing a fresh contract worth $12 million guaranteed over 3 years, Miller had the worst season of his career averaging career-lows in points (9.6 ppg), rebounds (2.9 rpg) and averaged the lowest assists per game since his rookie season (5.9 apg). I know statistics don't always tell the whole story, but Miller might have also had his worst decision-making season as well. Too often did he convince himself he was the best offensive option on the court and take a questionable shot or drive to the rim against three defenders. The heartbreaking 3OT game against the Boston Celtics does a good job displaying his offensive deficiencies last season.
Just one season removed from his resurgence as a Denver Nugget, where a back court involving him and starting point guard Ty Lawson was heralded as one of the best change-of-pace guard tandems in the country, Miller experienced a considerable regression. But why?
It's pretty simple: Andre Miller plays like an old man. Unfortunately, now he is becoming old. His tricks in the low-post that once elevated his game are now getting slower, more predictable and easier to dismiss. This has forced him to compensate by taking more jumpers (have you seen his shooting stroke?) and by making poor decisions via driving against several defenders and trying too many spin moves when he convinces himself he is still 25.
'13-'14 Season Outlook
Miller is still an intriguing piece to the weird hodgepodge of players Nuggets President Josh Kroenke has formed. He really is the only player on the roster who is comfortable playing slow. But he may be getting too slow.
But one thing is certain. With high flyers like JaVale McGee, Kenneth Faried, Anthony Randolph and even Nate Robinson, there will lobs for days. Miller is without a doubt the best lob-thrower in the entire NBA and even though he lacks the same offensive punch he used to provide, he can still get a crowd on its feet with his dazzling half court alley oops placed to perfection.
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| Perfect lob |
His veteran leadership is also going to be important on such a young team. And even though he is showing his age as of late, Miller is still the best post player the Nuggets have. Which is understandable, sad, and hilarious all at the same time. But with the addition of streaky point guard Nate Robinson late in off-season, it is a little confusing what will happen to the slow-pace veteran.
Also, Miller's slow moving feet often make him a huge liability on defense. This does not help his stock being on a team where defense is a huge question mark. Regardless of if he plays well or not, Denver's defense will still be full of holes and their offense will still be fast. It's more a question of whether or not Andre Miller will be able to add anything with his seemingly contradictory playing style to the rest of the roster.
Prediction
Andre Miller will have an awkward start to the season where his abilities will be smushed in with the other Denver players. He'll have a few flashes of greatness but the coaching staff will soon realize he just won't fit in the current roster. He will either be traded for absolutely nothing or will find himself disgruntled and at the end of the bench by the halfway point of the season.
#10: Andre Miller
#9: Evan Fournier
#8: Anthony Randolph
#7: JJ Hickson
#6: October 25th
#5: October 26th
#4: October 27th
#3: October 28th
#2: October 29th
#1: October 30th
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