Reggie Miller raised NBA fans’ eyebrows over the weekend when he seemed to compliment rising Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards at the expense of the legendary LeBron James, accusing “guys with status” in the NBA of deflecting blame when youngsters like Edwards rise to the moment.
Many assumed Miller’s comments were aimed at James, who is known to take digs at teammates and coaches through the media and social media. Edwards, on the other hand, said he came out flat in a Game 3 loss at home to the Denver Nuggets before responding with 43 points in Game 4.
Who do we think Reggie Miller was referring to here:
“We’ve got certain guys with veteran status in our game that are on a lot of people’s Mount Rushmore that like to deflect and point fingers at others.” 👀 pic.twitter.com/7mtlHdk8aG
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 13, 2024
In an interview on The Dan Patrick Show on Tuesday, Miller insisted the comments were meant broadly to praise Edwards and castigate other NBA stars who shirk the mantle of leadership.
“I remember when I was 21, 22, I don’t know if I could have gotten in front of a camera with the world watching and said, ‘this is on me,'” Miller said. “I know a lot of people want to think and assume it’s LeBron I’m taking shots at because I’ve been in those locker rooms when certain veterans shy away from that. And it’s quick to always pile on LeBron. If it was LeBron, I would have said it was LeBron James.”
Miller refused to name names even after Patrick pushed him to be specific.
“I’ve seen a lot of guys deflect those criticisms when here’s a 22-year-old stepping up, taking responsibility,” Miller said. “Is it a shot at LeBron? Absolutely not, because I’ve seen him do the same thing Ant-Man has done too.”
Patrick then asked if Miller had a particular play in mind when he said it, and Miller wouldn’t budge.
“I will leave it up to interpretation,” Miller said.
The interview came after FS1 commentator Nick Wright called Miller “incredibly cowardly” for the quote and challenged Patrick to bring the longtime NBA sharpshooter on to hold his feet to the fire.
Nick Wright calls Reggie Miller “incredibly cowardly” for his LeBron James shade last night in Minneapolis… and somehow Dan Patrick gets roped in? 😅 pic.twitter.com/KdTOjAHDeK
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 13, 2024
Maybe Miller just got caught up in the moment of calling a big playoff game and the magic of Edwards’ performance in Minneapolis, but it’s pretty empty to make a bold claim and then back off it immediately. Miller may have meant it as simply praise toward Edwards, but by leaving his perspective vague, fan theories will now run wild.
