by Conrad Brunner
Thursday, April 17, 2003
If you'd like to pose a Question of the Day to Conrad Brunner, submit it along with your full name and hometown to Bruno's_mailbag@pacers.com
Q. What's up with Brad (Miller)? Is he injured or being rested or what? He has played very well against Milwaukee but only got 10 minutes the other day and then didn't play (Tuesday) night? (From Tim in Valparaiso, IN)
A. Brad has been suffering from what is commonly known around the NBA as Shaqsquash syndrome. In other words, he is one of the many players to have been squashed by Shaquille O'Neal, who inadvertently fell on his left foot and ankle in the March 5 game in Los Angeles. Originally thought to be just a bruised foot, it turned out to be a combination foot and ankle injury and Brad sat out for six games in a seven-game stretch. Since returning, he has obviously been bothered by the pain. Though he jokes about his vertical leap being inconsequential, he actually is quite athletic and when his mobility is compromised, so is his effectiveness. In hopes of being closer to full strength for the playoffs, Brad sat out the final two games of the regular season, though he was in uniform for both if an emergency arose.