The Boston Celtics Were About to Lure Reggie Miller Out of Retirement With A Tempting Offer

The NBA works in mysterious ways. There are players who have had Hall of Fame careers and achieved plenty of individual success but somehow never won a championship. This includes Karl Malone, John Stockton, and Reggie Miller.

Miller has teams like the New York Knicks, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal’s Lakers, and Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls to thank for not bringing back a title.

But that did not mean he was any less valuable than the other players in the league. Considered one of the best shooters to ever live, with a side of some trash-talk, Miller was even offered to come out of retirement and bring his talents to the Boston Celtics.

What the Boston Celtics could have been

Reggie Miller had retired in 2005, but the Boston Celtics had pulled off a blockbuster trade just two years later. They had added Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett to join Paul Pierce, forming the ‘Big Three’. On top of that, there were also talks of bringing Miller out of retirement to join this trio.

Back then, when Miller heard about the Celtics wanting him, he said, “I’m always flattered when my name is mentioned as someone who
can still help an NBA team win a championship. I’ve had limited discussions with Celtics management about their roster and a potential role for me. At this time, I’m enjoying my role as an analyst with TNT.”

Celtics GM even Danny Ainge also said, “[I have] contacted Reggie, and he is contemplating a comeback with us.”

Reggie Miller would have been a champion?

Teaming up with Ray Allen, Pierce and Garnett would have been the ultimate dream team. So, why didn’t Miller take up the offer? After taking suggestions from everyone possible, Miller got clarity that he stilled liked playing for recreational purposes.

However, he wasn’t willing to put himself through that mental and physical exertion of playing an 82-season game. On top of that, it would have taken him an ample anmount of time to come back in shape and play as good as he did before he retired.

Only if Miller had somehow managed all this, he would have one championship under his name. Would have been worth it, right?

Read also- “It Was Too Much Pain”: Former Teammate Reveals Reggie Miller Never Wanted to Interview for Michael Jordan’s The Last Dance