The Basketball Podcast: EP279 with Andre Miller on NBA Player to Coach Transition

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Andre Miller Quotes:

“I just try to take something from each coach, whether it’s terminology, whether how they approach practice, and how they communicate with the players.”

“You have to go in with the mindset of helping guys try to get on the same level and the same page, so there’s no confusion . . you don’t want to talk so much that the players start tuning you out . . you have to figure out ways to convince these guys the simple way of basketball is the best way.”

“Everybody has a role to play on a team, it just depends on what type of role it is. You might be a defender, you might be a rebounder, you might be a scorer. For the G League guys that are on the cusp, you have a role to be a good teammate and do whatever the coach asks you when you step on the court, and that’s defend and rebound. And if the ball finds you on the offensive end, then you shoot.”

“Sometimes it’s all about winning, but sometimes it’s also about developing and also teaching these youngsters what it takes to be a professional athlete on the highest stage, whether it be NBA or be overseas.”

“Even though it’s the G-league, I’m going to treat you and communicate with you on the NBA level and there are expectations on that level and accountability.”

“You want to be consistent in the fundamentals of preparation. That’s how you develop into a pro, by having a routine, having certain things that you do every single day, because at times it may get boring, but that’s a part of the process.”

“All players want honesty. They want respect, and they want to be told the truth. Anytime you can be transparent with the players, when anything goes down that you can’t control, at least the players have an understanding that it was communicated to them.”

“After you play a game, whether you’ve won or lost, you’ve got to go play another one. So, how do you manage your emotions? How you interact with your teammates when you’re emotional? How you interact with the coaches when you’re emotional? You’ve got to have a consistent professional mindset when you’re approaching the game.”

Andre Miller Breakdown:

1:00 – Coaches that Influence Him
8:00 – Becoming a Basketball Coach
11:00 – Wasted Possession
15:00 – G-League Perspective
18:30 – Pushing and Challenging Players
19:37 – 20:39 – Hoopalytics AD 3
23:00 – Less Practice Time
26:00 – Handle Winning
28:00 – Modern Game
31:30 – Direction For Players
34:00 – Game Based Preparation
37:00 – Impact of the Trainer
38:00 – Advice to Players

Andre Miller

Rick Majerus

Gregg Popovich

Alvin Gentry

John Lucas

Maurice Cheeks

Nate McMillan

Randy Wittman

Sam Mitchell

Mike Malone