By Sam Amico
ProBasketballNews.com
Philadelphia 76ers veteran guard Andre Miller recently sat down for a one-on-one interview with Pro Basketball News. Here is what he had to say:
Pro Basketball News: How have the 76ers managed to stay in the thick of the playoff race?
Miller: "We’re just playing tough basketball and it’s a result of hard work. We’ve developed good practice habits, and when you do
that, it carries over to the game. There’s really no
other way to explain it."
PBN: How much have younger players such as
Louis Williams, Thaddeus Young and Rodney
Carney meant to this year’s success?
Miller: "They’ve meant a lot, but you have to give a lot credit to the coaching staff for pushing those younger guys. The younger guys deserve credit for listening, and again, developing good habits. It’s definitely been a good thing."
PBN: After being traded from Denver last season, no one really expected much from this team. How gratifying is it for you personally to be in this situation?
Miller: "It’s gratifying, of course. But we still have a long way to go and a lot of business left to do. There is still a lot of work in front of us, as a group, and it’s sometimes tougher to maintain a high level that it is to get there. We’ve really only done it for a second. Now we have to continue to avoid letdowns."
PBN: What are the team’s strengths overall?
Miller: "I’d say our strength right now is our energy. We’ve been playing with a lot of energy and a little bit of an edge. Plus, this is one of the more athletic teams in the league. We wanted to take advantage of that athleticism, and so far, I think we’ve done that."
PBN: Prior to the trading deadline, there were a lot of reports that you might be dealt and finish the season elsewhere. What type of effect did that have on you?
Miller: "Well, I just tried to ignore it. It’s a part of the business and there are a lot of people in this league who have to deal with trade rumors during their careers. I tried not to make a big deal about it. I just focused on staying professional and playing basketball. It’s all you can do."
