Taipans’ Patrick Miller in the MVP mix: ‘How can you deny him?’

Taipans coach Adam Forde has declared import Patrick Miller deserves to be in the discussion for NBL MVP as the experienced guard strives to return from a back injury.

Taipans coach Adam Forde has declared import Patrick Miller deserves to be in the discussion for NBL MVP and, at least, All-NBL First Team selection as the experienced guard strives to return from a back injury.

Miller is in a race against the clock to be fit for this weekend’s road double, which includes games in New Zealand against the Breakers on Friday then South East Melbourne on Sunday afternoon.

He landed heavily after a collision with Kings forward Makauch Maluach in the 87-80 win in the side’s return to Cairns on Saturday night, and left the game one minute before half-time.

Before the fall, he averaged more than 35 minutes of court time, and with 20.8 points, 6.5 assists and 5 rebounds.

Patrick Miller looks on during the round five NBL match against the Kings. (Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)

They are numbers which add credence to the call that Miller should be in the early conversation for the league’s most valuable player. Forde didn’t disagree.

“If he didn’t go down, he leads the league in scoring, assists and free throws,” he said.

“If we’re doing well and he’s leading categories in points and assists and we’re in playoff contention, how can you deny him at least a First Team, if not MVP?”

There were initial fears he could be in for an extended stint on the sideline, but Miller trained with the group on Tuesday as they prepare for their first road double as part of the NBL24 season.

Forde said the challenge for coach and staff was to ensure Miller didn’t put himself at more risk as he strives to play on.

But that speaks volumes for the key import signing’s professionalism.

Patrick Miller has brought plenty of experience to the Taipans this season. (Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)

During half-time of the Kings game, Miller was seen undergoing fitness tests on the court, and while you could sense he was no hope of a return, that willingness to push through for the team is a reflection of his character.

“Pat wants to train and play now and we’re trying to hold him back,” Miller said.

“He is the ultimate competitor, he’s a warrior, and that’s what we brought him in for.

“Tahj (McCall) knew him and spoke highly of his character and the type of person that he was going to be in this group. It’s no surprise that’s what he was doing.

“If your best players don’t want to play defence, you’re not going to be a good defensive team.

“For all things Pat’s doing well on the offensive end, I think we don’t acknowledge how good defensively he is, too.

“He’s a warrior on and off the court, both ends, and I hope we can get him back.”

In a wide-ranging interview about how the Taipans prepared for their hectic travel schedule to start this campaign, head of high performance Dr Joshua Guy praised Miller for the way he went about his business.

Patrick Miller reacts during the win against the Kings at Cairns Convention Centre. (Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)

Dr Guy said Miller was the kind of player who went above and beyond what the team required, and was known to record and send individual pool recovery videos to the medical team, which kept himself accountable.

That professionalism and instinct to maintain a high level of accountability and effort for the team proves time and again his role as a leader in the NBL’s most youthful roster, and it’s hoped the Taipans’ cohort of rising talents will learn from the standard set by the 31-year-old guard.

It’s a side of Miller those outside the Taipans don’t see, but one which proves why he was such a shrewd recruitment move by the Snakes.

Question marks remain over Miller’s availability for Friday’s clash with the Breakers, while McCall and Taran Armstrong could also return.

McCall remained in the United States for the birth of his first child and will meet the team in New Zealand, while Armstrong trained with the team on Tuesday.

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Originally published as Taipans’ Patrick Miller in the MVP mix: ‘How can you deny him?’