Reggie Miller
Reginald Wayne Miller, commonly known as Reggie Miller, is an American former professional basketball player and television broadcaster who spent his entire 18-year National Basketball Association (NBA) career as a shooting guard for the Indiana Pacers from 1987 to 2005.[1] Born on August 24, 1965, in Riverside, California, Miller overcame a childhood hip condition to become one of the league's premier long-range shooters, standing at 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) tall and weighing 195 pounds (88 kg) during his playing days.[2] After starring at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he led the Bruins to the 1984 NCAA Final Four, he was selected by the Pacers with the 11th overall pick in the 1987 NBA draft.[1] Over his career, Miller appeared in 1,389 regular-season games, averaging 18.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game while shooting 47.6% from the field and 39.5% from three-point range; he retired as the Pacers' all-time leading scorer with 25,279 points and the NBA's all-time leader in three-pointers made with 2,560.[1] His accolades include five NBA All-Star selections (1990, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000), three All-NBA Third Team honors (1995, 1996, 1998), and the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 1988.[1] Miller's postseason prowess defined much of his legacy, leading the Pacers to the NBA Finals in 2000 and earning fame for iconic moments like scoring eight points in just 8.9 seconds against the New York Knicks in the 1995 playoffs, fueling a storied rivalry.[3] He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 as part of the Class of 2012.[4] Following his retirement, Miller transitioned to broadcasting, serving as a lead game analyst for TNT Sports for 20 years starting in 2005, where he covered numerous All-Star Games and playoff series alongside play-by-play announcer Kevin Harlan.[5] In February 2025, he announced a move to NBC Sports as the network's lead NBA game analyst beginning with the 2025-26 season, continuing his influential presence in basketball media.[5]Early life and college career
Family background and childhood challenges
Reginald Wayne Miller was born on August 24, 1965, in Riverside, California, to parents Saul and Carrie Miller. Saul, an Air Force sergeant and jazz musician, and Carrie, a homemaker, raised their five children in a close-knit, athletically oriented household that emphasized discipline and perseverance. The family resided in Riverside, where the Millers instilled a strong work ethic, often through competitive play and shared activities that would later influence their children's professional pursuits.[6][7] Miller grew up with four siblings: older brother Saul Jr., a jazz musician; older brother Darrell, who played five seasons as a catcher and outfielder in Major League Baseball for the California Angels; older sister Cheryl, a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer renowned for her collegiate dominance at USC and her later role as a coach; and younger sister Tammy, who competed in volleyball at California State University, Fullerton. The Miller siblings formed a highly athletic dynasty, with basketball and other sports serving as central family bonds, fostering intense rivalries and mutual motivation from an early age. Cheryl's exceptional talent, in particular, set a high bar, pushing Reggie to refine his skills in backyard games despite the physical disparities among the siblings.[3][8][9] Miller faced significant childhood challenges stemming from a congenital hip deformity that caused his feet to splay severely outward, severely limiting his mobility. At birth, doctors warned his parents that he might never walk without assistance, leading to the use of leg braces until around age five to strengthen his muscles and correct the alignment. Despite these obstacles, Miller gradually built the leg strength needed to run and participate in sports, drawing inspiration from his siblings' achievements and the family's supportive environment. This early exposure to basketball through sibling competitions helped him overcome his physical limitations, transitioning from basic mobility exercises to organized youth sports by elementary school.[3][10][8]High school achievements
Reggie Miller attended Riverside Polytechnic High School in Riverside, California, where he began developing his basketball skills despite early physical challenges. As a youth, Miller dealt with hip issues stemming from a childhood condition that initially limited his mobility and kept him shorter than average, but he underwent surgery and experienced significant growth, eventually reaching a height of 6 feet 7 inches by his senior year, allowing him to transition effectively from a point guard role to a shooting guard. During his high school tenure, Miller's scoring prowess emerged prominently in his senior season of 1982–83, when he averaged 25.4 points per game and led the Raiders to the CIF Southern Section 4-A championship title. His competitive drive was fueled by his family's athletic achievements. Miller's standout performances earned him national recognition, including selection as a Parade Magazine All-American, highlighting his potential as one of the top high school prospects in the country.UCLA Bruins tenure
Reggie Miller committed to UCLA in the summer of 1983 as the top freshman recruit for the Bruins, enrolling that fall under head coach Larry Farmer.[11] Farmer guided Miller through his freshman season before being replaced by Walt Hazzard in 1984, under whom Miller played his final three years.[12] Over four seasons from 1983 to 1987, Miller averaged 17.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 54.3% from the field and 82.9% from the free-throw line in 119 games.[13] As a junior in 1985–86, he exploded for 25.9 points per game, ranking fourth nationally in scoring, and improved to 22.3 points per game as a senior while earning team captaincy.[13] His early-life hip deformity, which limited his mobility, influenced a compact, high-release shooting form that emphasized precision over athleticism.[12] Miller contributed to several team successes, including leading UCLA to the 1985 NIT championship as a sophomore, where he was named tournament MVP after scoring 18 points in the final against Indiana.[14] The Bruins also secured the Pac-10 regular-season title in 1987 under his leadership, marking their first conference crown since 1979.[12] UCLA made NCAA Tournament appearances in 1987, advancing to the second round before a loss to Wyoming, but missed the field in other years despite strong individual performances.[15] Individually, Miller earned first-team All-Pac-10 honors in both 1986 and 1987, along with Pac-10 Player of the Year recognition in 1987.[13] He received third-team All-American honors as a junior in 1986 for his scoring prowess.[12] In recognition of his impact, UCLA retired his No. 31 jersey on January 30, 2013, during a halftime ceremony at Pauley Pavilion.[16] At UCLA, Miller refined his signature playing style, developing into an elite perimeter shooter with quick release and accuracy from beyond the arc, averaging 2.2 three-pointers made per game in his senior year on 43.9% shooting.[13] His free-throw proficiency peaked at 88.2% as a junior, ranking among the national leaders and setting a foundation for his later NBA dominance from the line.[13]Professional basketball career
Draft and early NBA seasons (1987–1993)
Reggie Miller was selected by the Indiana Pacers with the 11th overall pick in the first round of the 1987 NBA Draft out of UCLA.[1] The Pacers, seeking to bolster their backcourt, chose Miller over other prospects like Steve Alford, viewing his sharpshooting potential as a fit for their rebuilding roster.[17] In his rookie season of 1987–88, Miller appeared in all 82 games, averaging 10.0 points per game while shooting 48.8% from the field.[1] He joined a Pacers squad in transition, featuring veteran center Herb Williams, who averaged 14.2 points and 8.6 rebounds, and forward Wayman Tisdale, who contributed 16.1 points and 6.2 rebounds as key scoring options alongside Miller's emerging perimeter game.[18] The team finished with a 38–44 record, missing the playoffs, but Miller's quick adaptation to the NBA's physicality and pace laid the foundation for his growth.[19] Miller's development accelerated in subsequent seasons, with his scoring rising to 16.0 points per game in 1988–89 and peaking at 24.6 points per game during the 1989–90 campaign, when he earned his first NBA All-Star selection as an injury replacement.[1][20] By 1992–93, he averaged 21.2 points per game, solidifying his role as the Pacers' primary offensive weapon.[1] Drawing on the precise shooting mechanics refined at UCLA, Miller adapted to the league's faster tempo by emphasizing off-ball movement and catch-and-shoot opportunities.[21] His proficiency from the free-throw line became a hallmark, leading the NBA with a 91.8% success rate in 1990–91 during this early phase of his career.[22]Mid-career peak and rivalries (1993–2000)
During the mid-1990s, Reggie Miller entered his prime as one of the NBA's elite shooting guards, earning four All-Star selections between 1995 and 2000, contributing to his career total of five such honors.[1] His consistent scoring prowess was evident in his average of 19.7 points per game across the 1993–94 through 1999–2000 seasons, showcasing the refined shooting mechanics honed in his early years that allowed for efficient long-range production.[1] Miller's ability to stretch defenses with his three-point shooting became a cornerstone of the Indiana Pacers' offensive identity, enabling him to thrive in high-stakes playoff environments. Miller's most storied rivalry unfolded against the New York Knicks, with the Pacers facing them in six playoff series from 1993 to 2000, splitting the matchups three apiece.[23] The intensity peaked in the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals, particularly Game 1, where Miller erupted for 39 points, including a legendary sequence of eight points in just 8.9 seconds to overcome a six-point deficit and secure a 107–105 victory.[23] This performance, marked by two three-pointers, a steal, and two free throws, epitomized Miller's clutch gene and fueled the personal animosity, often highlighted by his taunts toward Knicks fans and celebrity supporter Spike Lee.[24] Clashes with the Chicago Bulls further defined Miller's era, culminating in the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals, where the Pacers pushed Michael Jordan's defending champions to seven games before falling 4–3.[25] Miller delivered pivotal moments, such as a game-winning three-pointer with 0.7 seconds left in Game 4 to tie the series at 2–2.[25] The Pacers' deepest postseason runs came in 1998 and 2000, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals both years; in 2000, they defeated the Knicks 4–2 behind Miller's 34-point explosion in Game 6, including 17 in the fourth quarter.[26] Advancing to the NBA Finals, the Pacers lost 4–2 to the Los Angeles Lakers, with Miller averaging 24.3 points per game across the series, highlighted by 35 points in Game 4.[27] Overall in the 2000 playoffs, Miller averaged 23.9 points per game over 22 contests, underscoring his leadership in the Pacers' franchise-best championship appearance.[28]Final seasons and retirement (2000–2005)
Following the Indiana Pacers' appearance in the 2000 NBA Finals, Miller averaged 18.9 points per game during the 2000–01 regular season, helping the team secure a playoff spot despite a first-round exit to the Philadelphia 76ers.[1] His scoring output began to decline in subsequent years as age and injuries took a toll, with averages dropping to 16.5 points in 2001–02, 12.6 in 2002–03, 10.0 in 2003–04, and 14.8 in 2004–05.[1] The Pacers, bolstered by Miller's veteran leadership, advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2004, where they fell to the Detroit Pistons in six games, marking the team's deepest playoff run since 2000.[29] Injuries significantly impacted Miller's availability and performance during this period. He underwent surgery on his right ankle in May 2003 to remove loose cartilage and bone spurs, which had caused lingering pain from a prior sprain.[30] In October 2004, Miller broke a bone in his left hand during a preseason game against the Denver Nuggets, sidelining him for the first six to eight weeks of the 2004–05 season and limiting him to 66 regular-season games.[31] Over his entire career, Miller shot 39.5% from three-point range, establishing himself as one of the league's premier long-distance shooters.[1] Miller announced his retirement on February 11, 2005, after 18 seasons exclusively with the Pacers, citing a desire to end his career on his terms amid the team's challenges.[32] His final game came on May 19, 2005, in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Pistons, where he scored 27 points on 11-of-16 shooting in an 88–79 loss, providing a poignant capstone to his playing days.[33] The 2004–05 season served as a farewell tour, underscoring Miller's unwavering loyalty to the franchise that drafted him, as fans across the league honored his contributions.[34] Miller concluded his career with 25,279 total points, ranking 12th on the NBA's all-time scoring list at the time.[3] An emotional jersey retirement ceremony for his No. 31 took place on March 30, 2006, at Conseco Fieldhouse, where the banner was raised to the rafters amid tributes from family, teammates, and fans, celebrating his legacy as the Pacers' all-time leading scorer.[35]International career
1994 FIBA World Championship
The 1994 FIBA World Championship was held from August 4 to 14 in Toronto and Hamilton, Canada, marking the first time the tournament was hosted north of the United States. The U.S. national team, dubbed "Dream Team II" in reference to the legendary 1992 Olympic squad, featured a roster of prominent NBA stars including Reggie Miller, Shaquille O'Neal, Alonzo Mourning, and Grant Hill, under coach Don Nelson.[36] This team dominated the competition, achieving an undefeated 8–0 record and securing the gold medal with an average margin of victory exceeding 37 points per game.[37] Reggie Miller, serving primarily as a key reserve guard, provided sharpshooting and scoring punch off the bench for the U.S. team. Over eight games, he averaged 17.1 points per game while shooting an impressive 52.6% from three-point range (30-of-57 attempts), earning selection to the All-Tournament Team alongside teammates O'Neal and Shawn Kemp.[38] His perimeter efficiency complemented the interior dominance of big men like O'Neal and Mourning, contributing to the team's undefeated run.[3] In standout performances, Miller exploded for 28 points, including 8-of-10 from beyond the arc in the first half alone, during the quarterfinal win over Puerto Rico (134–83 on August 10).[39] He added 14 points in the semifinal rout of Greece (97–58 on August 13) and 11 points in the final against Russia (137–91 on August 14), contributing to the team's third World Championship title.[36][40] Miller's international success highlighted his mid-career NBA shooting prowess, where he was already establishing himself as one of the league's premier long-range threats.[3]1996 Summer Olympics
The 1996 Summer Olympics, hosted in Atlanta, Georgia, featured the United States men's basketball team, often referred to as Dream Team III, which achieved an undefeated 8–0 record en route to the gold medal.[41] The roster included NBA stars such as Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Karl Malone, with the team emphasizing suffocating defense and fast-break transition play to dominate opponents.[42] Reggie Miller, selected following his strong showing in the 1994 FIBA World Championship, joined as a key perimeter shooter to provide spacing and scoring punch from beyond the arc.[42] Miller appeared in all eight games for the U.S. team, averaging 21.8 minutes, 11.4 points, 4.1 field goals made on 51.6% shooting, and 2.1 three-pointers on 41.5% accuracy per contest.[43] His efficiency from deep complemented the team's interior dominance, allowing for quicker outlets and open looks in transition, while his free-throw prowess (88.9%) added reliability in close situations.[43] Miller's standout contributions included 17 points on 5-of-8 three-point shooting against China in the preliminary round, helping secure a 133–70 rout, and 14 points with three triples versus Lithuania.[43] In the gold medal game against Yugoslavia, he delivered 20 points in 32 minutes, including 3-of-7 from three-point range and 5-of-6 free throws, providing clutch scoring in a 95–69 victory before a record 34,600 fans at the Georgia Dome.[42][43]Career statistics
Regular season
Reggie Miller spent his entire 18-season NBA career with the Indiana Pacers from 1987 to 2005, appearing in 1,389 regular-season games. He established himself as a prolific scorer and elite shooter, averaging 18.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game across his career, with shooting efficiencies of 47.1% from the field, 39.5% from three-point range, and a league-leading 88.8% from the free-throw line.[1] His consistent production underscored his role as a key offensive weapon for the Pacers, particularly from beyond the arc, where he attempted and made more three-pointers than any player in NBA history at the time of his retirement.[44] Miller's scoring peaked during his mid-career years, with averages exceeding 20 points per game in several seasons from 1989–90 through 1996–97, reflecting his evolution into the Pacers' primary perimeter threat. His performance evolved over time, starting with modest rookie numbers and building to sustained high-volume shooting, before tapering in his later years due to age and reduced minutes. The following table summarizes his per-game statistics by season:| Season | G | PTS | TRB | AST | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987-88 | 82 | 10.0 | 2.3 | 1.6 | .488 | .355 | .801 |
| 1988-89 | 74 | 16.0 | 3.9 | 3.1 | .479 | .402 | .844 |
| 1989-90 | 82 | 24.6 | 3.6 | 3.8 | .514 | .414 | .868 |
| 1990-91 | 82 | 22.6 | 3.4 | 4.0 | .512 | .348 | .918 |
| 1991-92 | 82 | 20.7 | 3.9 | 3.8 | .501 | .378 | .858 |
| 1992-93 | 82 | 21.2 | 3.1 | 3.2 | .479 | .399 | .880 |
| 1993-94 | 79 | 19.9 | 2.7 | 3.1 | .503 | .421 | .908 |
| 1994-95 | 81 | 19.6 | 2.6 | 3.0 | .462 | .415 | .897 |
| 1995-96 | 76 | 21.1 | 2.8 | 3.3 | .473 | .410 | .863 |
| 1996-97 | 81 | 21.6 | 3.5 | 3.4 | .444 | .427 | .880 |
| 1997-98 | 81 | 19.5 | 2.9 | 2.1 | .477 | .429 | .868 |
| 1998-99 | 50 | 18.4 | 2.7 | 2.2 | .438 | .385 | .915 |
| 1999-00 | 81 | 18.1 | 3.0 | 2.3 | .448 | .408 | .919 |
| 2000-01 | 81 | 18.9 | 3.5 | 3.2 | .440 | .366 | .928 |
| 2001-02 | 79 | 16.5 | 2.8 | 3.2 | .453 | .406 | .911 |
| 2002-03 | 70 | 12.6 | 2.5 | 2.4 | .441 | .355 | .900 |
| 2003-04 | 80 | 10.0 | 2.4 | 3.1 | .438 | .401 | .885 |
| 2004-05 | 66 | 14.8 | 2.4 | 2.2 | .437 | .322 | .933 |
Playoffs
Reggie Miller's playoff performances with the Indiana Pacers showcased his ability to elevate in high-stakes situations, appearing in 144 postseason games over 16 seasons and establishing himself as a clutch scorer. Across his playoff career, he averaged 20.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game while shooting 38.9% from three-point range, slightly below his regular-season mark but critical in spacing the floor during Indiana's deep runs. His free-throw accuracy, a hallmark of his regular-season game at 88.9%, held steady in pressure-packed moments, exceeding 90% in several postseason series.[1] Miller's postseason output varied by year, often peaking in intense Eastern Conference matchups. In the 1994–95 playoffs, he averaged 25.5 points per game over 17 contests, including a standout 22.6 points on 38.1% three-point shooting in the seven-game Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks, where his scoring surges helped push the series to the limit. The following table summarizes his points per game and shooting percentages by playoff season:| Season | Games | PPG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989–90 | 3 | 20.7 | .571 | .429 |
| 1990–91 | 5 | 21.6 | .486 | .421 |
| 1991–92 | 3 | 27.0 | .581 | .636 |
| 1992–93 | 4 | 31.5 | .533 | .526 |
| 1993–94 | 16 | 23.2 | .448 | .422 |
| 1994–95 | 17 | 25.5 | .476 | .422 |
| 1995–96 | 1 | 29.0 | .412 | .333 |
| 1997–98 | 16 | 19.9 | .426 | .400 |
| 1998–99 | 13 | 20.2 | .397 | .333 |
| 1999–00 | 22 | 24.0 | .452 | .395 |
| 2000–01 | 4 | 31.3 | .456 | .429 |
| 2001–02 | 5 | 23.6 | .506 | .419 |
| 2002–03 | 6 | 9.2 | .283 | .160 |
| 2003–04 | 16 | 10.1 | .402 | .375 |
| 2004–05 | 13 | 14.8 | .434 | .318 |