Andre Miller Injury Update

Andre Miller has been the glue that holds the Sixers together.  Night in and night out, he has been relied upon to fuel the 76er’s quick strike offense, be it by creating for other players or taking matters into his own hands and scoring.  Thus far in the 2008 - 2009 season, Andre has averaged 15.8 points, 6.4 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game.

Maybe Andre cutting his hair has something to do with the potential end of his 501 straight games played streak

Not only has Miller’s game been consistent, but coming into Wednesday night’s contest with the Nuggets, Miller had played in 501 consecutive games.  That streak, the longest of any active NBA player, may be in jeopardy on Saturday when the Sixers take on the Miami Heat.  Andre was forced to the game in the 3rd quarter with a strain to his right calf, and underwent an MRI Thursday morning.  His injury put the kibosh on any potential trade (thankfully), as the NBA’s trade deadline quietly came and went at 3PM today.  The injury sure won’t help the Sixers get back on the right track following pathetic losses to Indiana and Denver following the NBA All-Star break.

Miller is currently listed as day-to-day, and even though I don’t expect a long absence, the Sixers will be missing his court general mentality greatly until he’s back at full strength.  If there is any silver lining here, Miller’s injury gives DiLeo and Stefanski a chance to see Lou Williams and Royal Ivey platoon the minutes that Andre’s injury will create.  When it comes to Lou, the extra playing time will provide an opportunity to prove he can start in the NBA and continue to refine his skills at the point.  Royal “Wit Cheese” Ivey has much more to gain, as his contract expires at season’s end.  So far this season, Royal’s been a solid contributor off the bench and has exceeded expectations with impressive defense and 3-point shooting.

Get well soon, Andre.  We will need the game’s best head/ball fake back ASAP in order to get back on track in the second half of the season and upcoming playoff push.