Pacers fans unanimously applaud Miller selection
Aug 3, 2022 8:29:45 GMT -5
20s, Yawn of the Dead, and 1 more like this
Post by Herby New Year! on Aug 3, 2022 8:29:45 GMT -5
- Indianapolis, Indiana
Sometimes history is made and other times you have to make it up yourself.
The latter is true for the Indiana Pacers franchise, who made what was anticipated to be an unfavorable fan choice selecting the skinny shooter from Los Angeles over former Indiana Mr. Basketball from New Castle, Steve Alford or 4.0 Pacer icon, William Donovan.
Coach Clyde Drexler gave us some invaluable perspective. "First and foremost, I knew whatever I did I'd earned (Pacers owner) Herb's trust. It comes down to talent and, to a lesser degree, positional need. In terms of talent, it wasn't close. In terms of positional need, Larry, Ricky, and 'Dre are outstanding, but they are getting up there in age and we needed to being in reinforcements. Were we nervous taking Reggie over Steve or Bill? No. Because we know the fans here in THE Basketball Capital of the World, Indiana, and we knew they would agree with our scouting assessment."
Tony Erwin, a downtown bar owner and lifelong Pacer fan, agreed. "I don't think there's any question he was the best player available. Have you seen the kid shoot? He's a player who has a lot of confidence in himself, he has a lot of drive to succeed, he has a level of aggression where he won't back down, he's coachable and I think he can be an asset to this team."
Fans are also excited about the potential of a UCLA reunion between Miller and presumed number 1 selection, Bill Walton.
When asked about the prospect of teaming up with his former center, Miller was excited. "He's physical, he's a relentless defender, and he says some of the wildest shit you've ever heard in your life."
Reached by phone in the parking lot of an outdoor amphitheater near Des Moine Iowa, we got an instant reaction to possibly teaming with Reggie from Walton himself.
"Reggie is great, but the Grateful Dead, they're my best friends. Their message of hope, peace, love, teamwork, creativity, imagination, celebration, the dance, the vision, the purpose, the passion all of the things I believe in makes me the luckiest Deadhead in the world. Music is critical in our lives and culture. It's the inspiration that drives us. It's also the window to our souls. It's a reflection as to who we are, what we stand for and where we're going."
Let's hope for the Pacers sake that Bill is going to Indiana next season.
