Ian Miller is seizing his opportunity for the Summer League Pistons
By Joe Dexter
Former Florida State point guard Ian Miller entered the Orlando Summer League as the Pistons third string point guard last Saturday.
After taking advantage of a opportunity that opened up due to a hamstring injury to Peyton Siva, he will more than likely leave it with a chance to prove himself on either a European or Developmental League roster.
The lead story of Summer League play has been that of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and his domination.
The last two games though, Miller is proving that he’s not afraid to lay it all on the line when there’s nothing to lose.
Flash back to third quarter Tuesday, when the rookie point guard got his chance to shine against the Miami Heat.
Without their top two scorers, the Pistons were looking for the next man to step up.
Miller came off the bench in the second quarter and got things started with a fade three near the far side corner on a dish from DeAndre Liggins, Miller would then nail another corner jumper on the next Pistons possession.
He ended his 7 point scoring barrage on another assist from Liggins, who pushed the ball up the floor after a Heat turnover to find Miller for an open layup.
Looking to make a push at the start of the third quarter, Detroit leaned on Miller’s offense. He’d score 6 of the Pistons 8 points during an 8-0 run to start the frame that tied the game at 38.
The ACC Sixth Man of the Year last season was given his first Summer League start against the Celtics on Wednesday.
Miller didn’t disappoint — scoring 16 points for the second straight day while shooting an efficient 5/9 from the floor.
Like most players though that perform well in the Summer League, it’s about more than just putting up numbers that impresses scouts.
Last year, It was Phil Pressey who impressed with his speed, defense and passing ability. The undrafted free agent ended up with a three year deal from the Celtics.
His five made field goals on Wednesday were on five different ways to score. When he got into the lane, he made the decisions that gave him the best probability to score. Whether it was runners, running jumpers, floaters, or dishing it off to a teammate.That aggressive approach it’s what’s impressing scouts and coaches down in Orlando.
Guarding Miller yesterday, Pressey helped force five turnovers.
Yet it was Miller’s offensive game that stuck out.
His five made field goals on Wednesday were on five different ways to score. When he got into the lane, he made the decisions that gave him the best probability to score. Whether it was runners, running jumpers, floaters, or dishing it off to a teammate.
That aggressive approach it’s what’s impressing scouts and coaches down in Orlando. It’s also what gets Miller to the free throw line frequently — which is becoming a lost art in the NBA.
In three games played, he’s been to the line 11 times.
That’s with two games with under 26 minutes of play and another with just 12 minutes on the floor.
Ian Miller attacks the game with efficiency.
Despite his style of play, he’s averaging a +10 efficiency rating. He’s shooting 56% from the field and draining half of his three point attempts.
Hopefully Grand Rapids Drive officials are just as aggressive in pursuing him as their starting point guard next season.
You have to love players that take advantage of the challenges that are in front of them. Pistons fans had no idea who Ian Miller was four days ago.
Now they’re rooting for him to ride this basketball wave into a professional future.