Nate Taylor

IndyStar

Reggie Miller’s advice to Indiana Pacers fans about the hiring of Nate McMillan as the team’s next coach is simple and reasonable.

“Let’s just take a breath, take a step back and let’s freeze a little bit and see where it goes,” Miller said Tuesday afternoon during a TNT conference call.

Sure, Miller understands why some fans were surprised, shocked or saddened by President Larry Bird hiring McMillan on Monday to replace Frank Vogel. Miller also understands why fans could question Bird’s decision after McMillan, the top assistant under Vogel and known to emphasize defense, did not appear to fit Bird’s desire for the Pacers to hear a new voice that would improve their offensive production.

“People are assuming a brand new coach is coming in to be that voice and that the offense has to be a little bit more efficient,” said Miller, who was a Hall of Fame player during his 18 seasons with the Pacers. “When you hire Nate McMillan, who was a defensive player and a defensive coach with Seattle and Portland, that’s why people are like, ‘Well, that’s not a new voice, and how’s that going to improve the offense?’”

Miller references the coaching records of McMillan and Vogel. In 12 years, McMillan was 478-452 and advanced past the first round of the playoffs once. Vogel, in his six years with the Pacers, went 250-181 and led Indiana to consecutive appearances in the Eastern Conference finals.

“Obviously, Vogel has the better numbers,” Miller said.

He, though, sees a path for the Pacers with McMillan that could lead to success. He noted how McMillan will continue to develop a relationship with Paul George and should continue to help improve Myles Turner after developing LaMarcus Aldridge during his tenure in Portland. Plus, the Pacers could acquire better players in July during the NBA’s free agency period.

“No. 1, we don’t know the inner workings of what’s gone on behind the scenes and, you know, I think only time will tell (with) the chemistry (with McMillan and the players),” Miller said. He added: “With Kevin Pritchard, who is very familiar with Nate McMillan, I think this is a solid hire. I think, you know, if anyone knows the pulse of that team, it’s the guy that’s been there the last three years. I think there’s going to be a wrinkle in the offense.”

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Miller is also not willing to lose his faith in Bird, who, despite his decision to not retain Vogel, has kept the Pacers competitive in the Eastern Conference as an executive.

“We’ve got to give Larry some type of leash,” he said. “Again, the results will be what happens, you know, obviously, next year and the years to come. We’ve got to have a sample size and see what goes on first before we can actually comment (on the hiring).”

Call IndyStar reporter Nate Taylor at (317) 444-6484. Follow him on Twitter: @ByNateTaylor.

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