Kings Fans to Brad Miller: Get in Shape

#1
First of all why is someone with only 4 posts, make that 5, creating a thread? How arrogent (VF21, add a spell checker on this mofo; warning: possible spelling errors ahead).

Second of all, I really like the idea of keeping the Bonz and creating massive amounts of matchup problems against whoever we play. My main concern is Brad Miller. There were so many games this season when everyone was so all over Brad Miller with his exemplar play. Which by the way didn't go unnoticed by Colengelo and the Extreme Dream Team (go ahead and use it, I'm hoping it will catch on). Brad is the most unique center in the league becasue of his ability to create for other players and to hit the open shot. There is no way we should trade him. Having a 2 dominate the post and a 5 hitting three's makes the Riley's and Jackson's out there wet themselves at night. But my point is that Brad simply broke down through out the season. If you go back and look at the tape, which Mussleman will surely do, Brad's shooting technique got worse and worse through out the season. To the point where he really lost his confidence and became a total liability on the floor in the San Antonio series. I don't know if it was Jerry Reynolds or whoever, but they brought up the point that Brad needs to get in better shape and I think that will make a huge difference in his consistancy next year. So from the all the Kings fans out there I think we should give Brad a little more support, and encouragment to hit the gym hard this offseason. Less time gourging on moose with Ostertag and more time pushing weight. Good Luck Brad.
 
#2
Brad played 37 minutes a game. That's quite a bit for a center. If we could get a decent backup center who could give us 15-20 minutes a night, then we could play Brad somewhere in the 30 minute range. That may help him stay fresh throughout the season and allow him to be more active during the time he is out there.
 

SacTownKid

Hall of Famer
#6
#1. Brad needs to be better conditioned but..

#2. I completely agree with Walker60, Adelman played him WAY TOO MANY MINUTES. Completely wore him out. 37-38 minutes is retarded for a guy like Brad Miller. Hopefully that changes under Eric Musselman, of course we'll have to find a back up C. But it sounds like they are headed that direction anyway.
 
#7
Well I have been on the trade Miller bandwagon for sometime now. But, if he gets in shape, if he gets in shape and shows some commitment towards defence he should be very useful.
Another thing about him, other than playing a lot of minutes was that he suffered from some kind of fracture to his leg during the season and was never the same after that. So that might have been another reason.

But he better get in-shape and show some passion, if we are to make any noise coming season.

I think we should give him some time next season to prove himself. Also his trade value would be pretty low after his playoff performances.
 
#8
Apart from Brad Miller getting conditioned, I would also like to see more effort from him. Many times during the season, he would give up if his jump shot wasn't falling and really didn't seem to care. Though big minutes during the season was a big part of him playing poorly in the playoffs, he could have at least tried to other things such as rebounding or trying to play some defense. I don't that he will get traded unless for someone of equal value or in bigger trade. he is a good center and top 5 in the league easy.
 

Bricklayer

Don't Make Me Use The Bat
#9
37 min is not particularly big, ESPECIALLY when you are a jump shooting softie who doesn't accumulate any more bangining wear and tear than absolutely necessary over the course of a season. Not exactly like he's going to war in there. Its the same number of minutes he averages 2 years ago when he played well, last year when he played pretty well, and now this season. His numbers also remained quite steady over the course of the season with no obvious fatigue falloff (andf likely that's a cop oout for the playoffs too). In fact in April, he averaged 14.9pts 7.8rebs. Ont he season? 15.0pts 7.8rebs. There is no minutes explanation for his falloff, unless it actually be true that he simply is in worse shape now than he used to be (a possibility BTW -- I don't think he does anything over the offseason).
 
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HndsmCelt

Hall of Famer
#10
Bricklayer said:
BTW -- I don't think he does anything over the offseason).
Drinking beer and riding quads doesn't count?


Ok the original poster is dead on aout rad needing to chekc in in better shape, but one of the keys may also be bringing in a solid back up not just to reast him more (not a big concern really) but to frce him to play defens in practice more. On the bright side palying on the US National team should fore him to stay in shape and to play more D. :cool:
 
#11
Bricklayer said:
37 min is not particularly big, ESPECIALLY when you are a jump shooting softie who doesn't accumulate any more bangining wear and tear than absolutely necessary over the course of a season. Not exactly like he's going to war in there. Its the same number of minutes he averages 2 years ago when he played well, last year when he played pretty well, and now this season. His numbers also remained quite steady over the course of the season with no obvious fatigue falloff (andf likely that's a cop oout for the playoffs too). In fact in April, he averaged 14.9pts 7.8rebs. Ont he season? 15.0pts 7.8rebs. There is no minutes explanation for his falloff, unless it actually be true that he simply is in worse shape now than he used to be (a possibility BTW -- I don't think he does anything over the offseason).
I've got a possible explanation for his falloff...he's older...

Also, 37 minutes is quite a lot, especially for a C. Brad played more minutes per game than stars such as Steve Nash (a supposed workout/conditioning feak), Vince Carter, Chauncey Billups, and Carmelo Anthony among others...I don't think resting the guy a little more would hurt any.
 
#12
How about getting a back-up center? We haven't had one since Pollard/Clark were around. Everyone since hasn't been used for various reasons, or had to start because of injury (Brad/Skinner). Potapenko isn't going to do it with Brad here. Need a guy like Francisco Elson/Gadz/Wright. Who will bring energy and athleticism off the bench...
 
#13
Brad Miller work out in the off-season? Who we foolin'? Ain't gonna happen. He said he was gonna hit the weights last year after getting used by Jerome James in the playoffs. Did he? Uh, no.

Lifting Coors light cans is all we can hope for.

3 rebounds per game in the playoffs is just pathetic.

Sorry, but Brad just isn't dedicated IMO.
 
#14
I think he will have to since he's trying out for team USA. Brad is supposed to be a really patriotic guy, and you'd figure he wants to make the roster badly.
 
#15
Bricklayer said:
37 min is not particularly big, ESPECIALLY when you are a jump shooting softie who doesn't accumulate any more bangining wear and tear than absolutely necessary over the course of a season. Not exactly like he's going to war in there. Its the same number of minutes he averages 2 years ago when he played well, last year when he played pretty well, and now this season. His numbers also remained quite steady over the course of the season with no obvious fatigue falloff (andf likely that's a cop oout for the playoffs too). In fact in April, he averaged 14.9pts 7.8rebs. Ont he season? 15.0pts 7.8rebs. There is no minutes explanation for his falloff, unless it actually be true that he simply is in worse shape now than he used to be (a possibility BTW -- I don't think he does anything over the offseason).
Fair points but before this season he always broke down after the All-Star break. For the first time as a King he had a relatively injury free season. Yeah he had that busted thumb but he didn't miss too many games because of it. He played 79 games this year.

Now its true that he played similar number of minutes as in previous years as a King BUT he was pretty much a lone big man for us. He didn't have Vlade and/or Chris to take off some heat.

IMHO, both Miller and Bibby are playing too man minutes. If we can get some solid back ups for them and reduce their minutes to 32-35mpg, they would both be much fresher come play offs. Over the last couple of years Bibby was "burnt out" by the time play-offs came around.

True, Miller needs to be in better shape but I also think that minutes are an issue.
 
#17
True that. Skinner and SAR were no centers, not even PF/C's in the Pollard, Clark mold.

I'm inclined to suggest backup PF/C's because that's what tended to be Kings are sucessful with, but I realize that having one combo backup big man was a product of Adelman's 8-man rotation. Does anyone know how Muss usually uses the bench? Too early to tell here, I guess...
 
#18
LPKingsFan said:
True that. Skinner and SAR were no centers, not even PF/C's in the Pollard, Clark mold.

I'm inclined to suggest backup PF/C's because that's what tended to be Kings are sucessful with, but I realize that having one combo backup big man was a product of Adelman's 8-man rotation. Does anyone know how Muss usually uses the bench? Too early to tell here, I guess...
Most coaches are pretty similar in their rotations. I suspect Muss will have his 8 or 9 guys he will rely on night in night out.

In his press conference, he did say that he has learned to "touch" players 9-12 because they aren't getting to play much.
 
#19
Brad is a 7 footer that has pretty good passing and offensive skills, but is horrible at defense and does not have an ounce of basketball savvy (where to go for rebounds, and block shots, etc.) Getting in shape would get him nowhere.
 
#21
-Brad is only 29. The same age as me. I have bad knees and can move better than him.

- He does work out in the offseason. At least last season he talked about what he was going to do in the off season. But, he doesn't believe in lifting heavy weights. I'm not too keen on him bulking up, beacuse it will slow him down more. Just add some strength and TONE UP. His muscle is loose, he doesn't have much definition. And, working out his legs won't make him faster. He's just a slow guy that wasn't blessed athletically.

-I think everyone is underestimating Potopenko as a back up. I think he has some nice moves. Everytime he came in he has this nice turn around, fall away short jumper from the side.

- I'm all for trading Brad out for somebody, and keeping Potopenko as a back up, and ACTUALLY using him as a back up. That's one thing I found ridiculous about Rick. Not using Skinner or Potopenko.
 

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
#23
I'd like to at least see Potatohead ;) play enough minutes to see if he can actually do anything in a REAL game situation. And I think we'll see it next year. Muss has made it clear he wants to better utilize his bench.

That's been one of our biggest complaints over the years, so I think it could be very interesting.

I'm not sure why, but I think Brad will be fine. It's an exciting time to be a member of the Sacramento Kings again and I think we're going to see some of that excitement reflected in the veterans more this year.
 
#24
I think Brad's vulnerability will wear on our true power players (artest and bonzi). They worked their butts off to give us an advantage inside only to find his man victimizing us inside.

I got in trouble for saying this about CW and Vlade (post screw in the knee), but I don't think the Kings can win a title with Miller as a starting center. We've seen him outmuscled, jumped and hustled inside for too long. He's a decent player, a "king" that we've rooted for - but a detriment to beating the best teams - IMO of course.
 
#25
I don't understand why anyone thinks Potato should get a crack at the backup C spot. He's been in the league for 10 years now and all he's proven is that he isn't very good. He's short for a C, isn't athletic, doesn't block shots or rebound particularly well, and doesn't provide much offensively. The only thing he's good at is fouling. That's it....
 
#26
He's a good post-defender, has a jumpshot, can bang. That's about it.

I absolutely expect a revised front-court this summer. One of Brad/KT gone, and a NEW back-up center. I'd be okay with Pot here if Brad's gone though.
 

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
#27
walker60 said:
I don't understand why anyone thinks Potato should get a crack at the backup C spot.
Why? Because we're paying him anyway. Might as well see if he can actually do something/anything to earn even a modicum of that salary.

Yes, he's been in the league a long time but if we're not going to use him at all, why not just buy out his contract?
 

Bricklayer

Don't Make Me Use The Bat
#28
Kings113 said:
He's a good post-defender, has a jumpshot, can bang. That's about it.

I absolutely expect a revised front-court this summer. One of Brad/KT gone, and a NEW back-up center. I'd be okay with Pot here if Brad's gone though.
Pot wasn't good enough to be a rotation player on a lottery team with a gaping hole in its middle up in Seattle. Doubt we're going to make any noise with Vitaly logging major minutes inside.
 
#30
kingkung said:
Potapenko...

My Cavs drafted him 12th in the 1996 draft...

13th pick...

Kobe Bryant.



Awesome.
Lol, now that is funny, imagine if the Cavs drafted Kobe instead.... They wouldn't have Lebron now probably. And Shaq wouldnt have 3 rings either.