Darius Miller earns New Orleans Pelicans Trust; New Contract
The New Orleans Pelicans have re-signed Darius Miller to a two-year, $14.25 deal according to Adrian Wojnarowski. Is this David Griffin’s first questionable move?
No one would accuse David Griffin of procrastinating in retooling the New Orleans Pelicans roster. Griffin wasted little time, winning the Anthony Davis trade negotiations and the start of free agency. One of the final touches for next year’s roster was signing Darius Miller.
The New Orleans Pelicans were still in need of shooters, even after JJ Redick was signed. Retaining Darius Miller is an effort to alleviate any remain spacing concerns. Woj tweeted the contract details.
Miller got well over double his salary from last season but did not get the second year guaranteed. This is still very much a ‘prove-it’ deal for the Pelicans 2012 second-round pick. At, 29, he only has a few more seasons left to cash in on his shooting proficiency.
Miller attempted 722 three-pointers in the last two seasons, making 280 (38.8%) of those shots. Only 12 players have shot at a better clip on such volume. The Pelicans now have two of the top 13 shooters in the NBA.
Miller averaged just over five three-point attempts per game. Even with the roster overhaul, Miller should be able to match that usage rate again this season. He may have gotten a raise in salary but Zion Williamson, JJ Redick, Jrue Holiday, Brandon Ingram and Derrick Favors are all above Miller in the shot selection pecking order.
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Miller will find his shots working around the bigger stars on the court. That is how average NBA players find time to shine and get salary raises. Miller did well working off of Davis last season. He is a team player, coming back to a roster build towards team depth, not Davis dunks.
Miller posted per 100 offensive ratings of 110 and 115 the last two seasons in New Orleans. His defensive ratings of 116 and 113 were among the team’s best.
Miller’s below-average Player Efficiency Ratings should not sour anyone on the deal. Miller was worth 4.6 Win Shares the last two seasons. Miller was far from a finished product when New Orleans drafted him.
After years of toiling on the bench occasionally getting meaningful minutes, Miller is finally cashing in. His spell overseas refreshed his spirits for the game, as he got lead teams, instead of feeling left out of future plans.
dark. Next. Pelicans Effectively Replacing Lost Production?
Miler’s new contract makes him a valuable asset beyond the court as well. An affordable shooter who plays passable defense will always have a trade market. This could just be a financial chess move, not another bench body.
Griffin has set up the roster well to replace lost production Retaining Miller aids that process, while the contract details maintain the Pelicans financial flexibility going forward.