NBA AM: No Retirement Plans For Andre Miller

Wizards point guard Andre Miller says put any talks of retirement on hold

The NBA game continues to evolve. Gone are the days of dominant centers roaming the lane. Those guys have been replaced with stretch big men who can play a variety of roles and positions. But while the game on the floor continues to change one aspect of the league still holds true: The NBA is a young man’s league and even the greatest of athletes ultimately fall victim to Father Time.

Wizards point guard Andre Miller,  in his 16th NBA season, has been able to defy time and still remains highly effective in a young man’s game. The 38 year old floor general, in the final year of his current deal worth $4.6 million will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.

With over 40,000 career minutes already logged most guys this would be most guys’ swan song but the 38 year old Miller says he has zero plans to retire and is looking to secure a multi-year deal with the Wizards if the opportunity is presented.

“I would like to close it out here,” Miller told Basketball Insiders on finishing his career with the Wizards. “I’m just enjoying this [success] and taking it one game at a time. Putting all my effort into practices and getting the most out of myself as far as being a team player.

“So I haven’t really thought about my contract situation. But of course I will continue to play next year barring any injuries.  So let’s see what happens this summer.”

Miller, who was never selected to an All-Star game during his prime years, currently ranks ninth all-time on the NBA’s career assist list (8,268). The veteran guard is also only 12 steals away from becoming No. 40 all-time in steals while ranking 31st in total games played (1,222).

As guys get up in age, most have an internal countdown on their plans to step aside. For Miller, with his love of the game still resonating strong in his life, his goal is to continue playing until his body can no longer stand the rigors of a grueling NBA season.

“I’d like to say that’s my mentality,” Miller said of playing until the wheels come off. “But I’m preparing for the day the ball stops rolling and bouncing. I know I will eventually have to do something else. I’d like to keep saying, yes, I can keep going but you never know how thing play out.”

The Wizards (26-12) are currently in second place in the Eastern Conference and own the seventh best record in the NBA. The team is led by All-Star guard John Wall, but the roster is stacked with veteran players such as Miller, Nene and Paul Pierce who have set the tone for the emerging club in regards to consistently winning at a high level in the league.

Armed with a distinct knowledge of the game, Miller will have multiple options to consider once he finally hangs the laces up for good whether it is coaching, joining an organization’s front office or teaching the game at clinics.

But there’s one profession, surrounding the game, Miller admits to not having a chance of securing his services in retirement.

“You try to keep your options open because anything can happen,” Miller said of his post NBA aspirations. “The only thing I would probably rule out is broadcasting. But anything else is possible, so I’m leaving my options open.”

Miller has career averages of 13 points, 6.8 assists and 3.8 rebounds in 1,222 career regular season games. The veteran is averaging four points, three assists and 1.5 rebounds in 12.6 minutes per game playing behind Wall – who is likely headed to another All-Star selection.

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