The Sixers are kicking veteran point guard Andre Miller to the curb. They're willing to let Lou Williams be the starting point guard which is going to be an adventure.
Miller has to feel like the guy who is told to take a hike by a woman who looks like former Sixers power forward Tyrone Hill. It doesn't get much worse than that.
I didn't like the end of the conversation when Stefanski called Andre Miller, "Andy". It didn't sound good to me.
Here's a conversation between Sixers GM Ed Stefanski and Philly.com's Kate Fagan.
Have you made a formal offer to point guard Andre Miller?
“We have made an offer to Andre and [agent] Andy Miller. But they’re looking for a better offer from other places. And I’d say right now we’re in the mode of if there is a sign-and-trade that makes sense for both parties.”
How far apart are you?
“I’d say we’re far apart.”
Does anything change in what you’re willing to offer Miller because other point guards like Mike Bibby and Jason Kidd received longer, bigger contracts?
“To me it’s a market for Andre Miller, not what other people get.”
Are you far apart in years, money, both?
“It’s both.”
What’s the next option, if it’s not Miller?
“Lou Williams is going to have an opportunity here; we’ve been grooming him for 4 years. We gave him a contract last year to play basketball, so he’ll have a great opportunity. The kid, here, [Jrue] Holiday, we’ll see how he progresses. And we’ll obviously go out and look for a guy for that position, too.”
What kind of guy would you try to get for that position?
“I think we’d look for a veteran who would help and compete for that starting position. This would be Eddie Jordan's [decision]: Is it Lou Williams job to lose, or bring that vet in to compete with him and then see how the rookie progresses … that’s an option, sure, you have to plan for all the options that will be available.”
Is Stefanski okay with the option of Lou Williams running the point?
“I’m fine with the option, I think Lou Williams has a chance to be that guy. Give him a shot. We’re in a situation where we have a young nucleus of guys who have playoff experience, but we’re going to grow with them. And to go long-term on a contract with an older point guard, we don’t see that as being a viable option right now.”
Has Stefanski’s view of Miller’s value changed since last season’s mid-season trading deadline?
“It changes when the market place changes, yes. The market place has changed dramatically …Andre Miller did a very nice job for us, but where we are stationed right now and what type of team we have, to go long-term is not a prudent decision for our franchise.”
But Stefanski is willing to do 1 year with Miller?
“Well, that’s something you’ll have to talk to Andy Miller about.”