Le Basketbawl

There are two different ways of handling any situation when comes right down to it. Quite simply there is the right way of dealing with it and the wrong of way.  Here is an example; if you are an NBA player unhappy with your current situation you can deal with like a Scumbago such as “Captain PUD” aka Stephen Jackson of the Golden State Warriors is doing. Or you can take the high road, letting your displeasure be known but do it in a diplomatic manner as Andre Miller of the Portland Trail Blazers has decided to act. When you think about it; it makes sense because Jackson has never shown himself to be anything but a Douchebag while Miller has always shown he is one of the true class guys in the NBA.

Miller one of the most underrated veterans in the NBA hit the Free Agent market this summer and signed with the Blazers. Andre has been a starting point guard in the NBA since the midway point of his rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was a huge part of the reason that his former club the Philadelphia 76ers did so well in the Playoffs the last two seasons; giving the Detroit Pistons in 2008 and the Orlando Magic in 2009 all they could handle before eventually losing both series.

Miller signed with Portland fully expecting to be the starter with the Blazers this upcoming season. However at this point things do not seem to be pointing in that direction. Incumbent point guard Steve Blake right now seems to have the edge as he started the first two preseason games for the Trail Blazers although Miller did get the start in the third game.

Miller is not a happy camper right now as he told “Yahoo Sports” this has been an unpleasant surprise for the veteran. Miller told reporters “If I was told right out when I had my meetings that I would be a backup, then I wouldn’t have come here. I feel like I have to continue to prove myself,” Miller said. “I don’t think I’m respected as a player. I have no idea (why that is the case). There are only so many point guards you can talk about and their accomplishments and stuff like that. I have a pretty good, solid resume, but I don’t think it’s respected. Head up, I think I’m just as good as any point guard in this league, defensively and offensively.”

So Miller is going to be a malcontent, a divisive force in the Blazers locker room until he gets his way, right? Actually just the opposite Miller promised that he was not to let this effect his attitude or his performance. The veteran the “Oregonian” on Sunday “Regardless of the situation, this is a talented team. I’m not here to cause any controversy. I’m here to play basketball. Whatever goes on off the court, I’m not going to worry about that. I’m here to play basketball and be on the court.”

The NBA has its share of PUDS, Morons and Low-lifes just like every other place in our current society. However it also has it’s share of quiet heroes; classy guys who refuse to rock the Frickin boat. Andre Miller has always been one of those guys and remains that way even this far into his career. If the NBA had more Andre Millers and less Stephen Jackson types the league would be in a lot better shape than it currently is.