The NBA education of Denver Nuggets forward Quincy Miller was accelerated last season when he played more minutes in the first two months (31) than he had during his entire rookie season (26).
Miller’s playing time continued to increase throughout the year, and he responded by averaging 4.9 points and 2.8 rebounds as coach Brian Shaw sought options in the wake of injuries to big men Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, J.J. Hickson and JaVale McGee.
Next month, Miller will take another advanced placement course when he headlines Denver’s roster at the Samsung NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
Nuggets.com caught up with the 21-year-old this week to discuss the summer league, the 2013-14 season and his continued NBA development.
Q: How’s your summer going?
A: It’s been a great summer for me. I did a little bit of traveling, but I’ve really just been in the gym with (strength and conditioning) coach Steve Hess and (assistant) coach Chris Farr and (assistant) coach Lester Conner working on my game.
Q: Last year, you said you were still growing physically. Is that still the case?
A: I for sure got bigger. I weight about 233 right now and I think I grew another inch. I’m still physically getting bigger, still growing into my body. I look bigger and better every year (smiles).
Q: How much did you weigh when you were drafted in 2012?
A: I weighed 211 on draft night. This is good weight, though. There’s a difference between good weight and bad weight. I’m at 6 percent body fat.
Q: How about your growth mentally?
A: “I’m taking the steps toward being a leader and learning more things about being professional. That’s the main thing to me.
Q: Were you surprised at the opportunity you got last season?
A: I wasn’t surprised. I feel like I can play. But opportunity-wise, it was definitely a blessing. I appreciate coach Shaw. I appreciate coach Lester. They really believed in me – and they still do. They helped me stay positive.
Q: Summer league is less than a month away. Are you looking forward to it?
A: It’s exciting because I like competing. Summer league is time for me to show what I’ve been working on and I can show I can be a leader.
Q: Is there anything in particular you want to work on in Las Vegas?
A: There’s nothing specific. I just really want to play and win games. If we can do that, I’ll be satisfied.