Reggie Miller to Stay in Indiana
I N D I A N A P O L I S, Aug. 8 -- All-Star shooting guard Reggie Miller has reportedly agreed to a three-year, $36-million deal with the Indiana Pacers, who would keep another key cog in a bid for another championship run.
The Indianapolis Star, citing NBA sources, reported todaythat the five-time All-Star would receive $12 million in each ofthe next three seasons.
Pacers’ Most Popular Player
The 6-foot-7 Miller, who on draft day 13 years ago was booed byIndiana fans who had hoped the Pacers would pick native son SteveAlford, became the biggest star and most popular player infranchise history. Five times an All-Star, he needs just over 200points to reach 20,000 for his career, and he already holds NBAcareer records for the most 3-point attempts and field goals.
Led by Miller, the Pacers advanced to the Eastern Conferencefinals five times in the past seven years and this year won theirfirst conference title and reached the NBA Finals for the firsttime, losing in six games to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Miller often spoke of his desire to finish his career with thesame team he started out with, and although as a 13-year veteran hewas eligible to receive up to $14 million next season, hereportedly settled for the lesser amount — $12 million for each ofthe next three years — in exchange for a contract that would extendthrough his 37th birthday.
Averaged 18.1 Points a Game
He earned more than $9 million last year, when he averaged 18.1points a game, his lowest since 1988-89. In 13 seasons, he hasplayed in 1,023 games and scored 19,792 points, with NBA 3-pointrecords of 1,867 baskets and 4,629 attempts.
Miller also is the fourth of the Pacers’ six free agents whohave re-signed since last week. Only guard Mark Jackson, who isexpected to re-sign, and center Rik Smits, who is still consideringretirement, have not signed new contracts.
Jalen Rose, who edged out Miller as the team’s scoring leaderlast season and was named the NBA’s most improved player, signed aseven-year deal worth $93 million. The 6-8 Rose, who became astarter at small forward, averaged 18.2 points in the regularseason and 20.8 in the playoffs. He had a career-high 40 pointsagainst Philadelphia.
