If they are not Hall of Fame-worthy, can it now safely be proclaimed that Andre Miller’s career accomplishments in the NBA are at least somewhere in the vicinity?

Miller, the Nuggets’ 36-year-old guard, has numbers that others in the Hall of Fame might have traded for. The former University of Utah star needs only 74 points for 15,000 in a pro career that started in 1999 with Cleveland. He ranks 10th in NBA history in assists with 7,598. In his first 12 seasons, he missed three games.

Assuming he passes 15,000 points soon, Miller would be one of only eight players in the history of the NBA with that many points and at least 7,500 assists. Shouldn’t that combined stats package already get the conversation started about a possible spot of immortality in Springfield, Mass., when his career is through?

The quiet, unassuming Miller doesn’t pump his own tires much, but those who have benefited from his service sure do.

“I think it’s just great to see a veteran guy show the young guys how it’s not all about speed, quickness and jumping,” said one of Miller’s biggest evangelists, Nuggets coach George Karl. “It’s about playing the game the right way, and if a few of the younger guys can just pick up on a few of his little tricks … if Ty (Lawson) could get a couple of his little tricks, he’d be great.”

The strikes against Miller for Hall of Fame candidacy are no All-Star Game appearances and no NBA championships. His statistics have never been eye-popping — just quietly, doggedly consistent.

Karl remains amazed at how some of Miller’s little tricks keep working, such as:

“That one where he fakes the pass and shoots the layup — the big guy takes (the bait) every time,” Karl said.

Karl was in a particularly eager mood to talk about Miller after a typical unsung but critical performance Friday night in the Nuggets’ 99-94 victory over Memphis. Miller came off the bench to score 18 points, including four key free throws during the final 10 seconds.

“We don’t win (that) game without Andre Miller, without question,” Karl said. “He is amazing with some of the stuff he does and how he gets it done.”

For all of the talk about the Nuggets looking to younger players for leadership, Miller is probably the team’s most respected voice in the locker room. He doesn’t say a lot but when he does, teammates listen.

Case in point: Miller went up to Andre Iguodala, who had been struggling, before Friday’s game at the Pepsi Center and gave him some pointers on how to get out of a shooting slump. Iguodala responded with 20 points and 8-of-11 shooting from the field.

But Miller, as he usually does, deflected any praise.

“For any player in this league that’s been struggling, maybe the first two shots should try to be layups or some dunks or whatever, to get yourself going. And he did that,” Miller said. “His defense allowed him to get into the open court offensively and get some easy buckets.”

Miller said his approach to the game is the same as it was when he was a rookie with the Cavaliers.

“Just stay healthy and consistent, that’s the main thing,” he said. “I don’t try to do things I’m not capable of doing, and just keep the game simple.”

Simple basketball might not get him into the Hall of Fame. Then again, his career isn’t over yet.

Adrian Dater: 303-954-1360, adater@denverpost.com or twitter.com/adater