When Brian Shaw joined the Indiana Pacers as an assistant coach in 2011, he became intrigued by a lanky 21-year-old forward entering his second NBA season.
Paul George soon blossomed into an All-Star.
Now in his first year as coach of the Denver Nuggets, Shaw has become intrigued with a lanky 20-year-old forward entering his second NBA season.
That prospect is Quincy Miller.
“I didn’t know much about (Miller) before I got here. I’ve been pleasantly surprised,” Shaw said Wednesday. “He is really, really talented. At 6-10, he can handle the ball. When he gets his feet set, he can shoot it well from the outside.
“When I got to Indiana, I didn’t know very much about Paul George. Once I got there and I started working with him, I was like, ‘Wow, this guy could really be good if he puts in the work.’ It reminds me of that situation.”
At 6-foot-8, 210 pounds, George has the length to create problems defensively. He also can handle the ball, make plays for his teammates and knock down 3-pointers.
Though still developing, the 6-10, 214-pound Miller has a similar body type and skill set. He appreciates the comparison and is working hard to follow George’s flight path.
“I love watching Paul play – so smooth and efficient,” Miller said. “Coach mentioned that he was basically the same kind of guy I was, just trying to learn and get better. He took advantage of his opportunity. I’m just trying to get better and hopefully be like him.”
Miller certainly put in the work this summer, spending much of the offseason on the court and in the weight room at Pepsi Center. He is trying to improve as a student of the game under a coach that makes sure to spend a few minutes talking to him every day.
“Every day,” Shaw said. “I think he has a chance to be a real special talent.”