...But there's another side to Miller. One that is more open, eager and ready to give.
"Andre Miller is a great guy," said Portland small forward Martell Webster, who worked out with Miller one summer in Los Angeles. "He's a good dude."
It is Miller's willingness to think of others first — and team before self — that most impressed Blazers president Larry Miller and general manager Kevin Pritchard during contract negotiations.
"I've seen so much of Andre and how he makes everybody else better," Pritchard said.
Miller added: "He wanted to be here. From the very beginning, he told his agent, 'Portland's where I want to go.' To me, those are the kind of guys that we want."
It's also the kind of guy Blazers guard Brandon Roy wanted.
Roy, the new face of the franchise, said he watched from afar this summer while Pritchard and the team were picked apart and critiqued for an inability to land free agents Turkoglu and Milsap.
All the while, Roy said he wanted a player like Andre Miller.
Roy stated he had several conversations with Portland coach Nate McMillan last season, based around the idea the Blazers could use a veteran leader who would guide and lead the team as the pressure intensified and the stakes increased.
Roy went so far as to say that he wanted — perhaps needed — to team up with a strong, solid veteran, someone who could help him shoulder the weight as he ascended from a role player into an All-NBA selection.
"I thought that was answered," said Roy, referring to Miller signing with the Blazers.
Portland's new point guard said he shares No. 7's cannot-wait enthusiasm.
Miller referred to Roy as a mature, athletic player who can do many different things on the court. Miller also praised Roy's work ethic, as well the Seattle native's methodical path from high school to college to the pros — a journey similar to his own.
"I have a lot of respect for a player who paid his dues that way," Miller said.
New game
Miller wanted to come to Portland because the fit was right. The Blazers are a young, like-minded team loaded with talent, potential and depth. A new house still being constructed, but one that could soon take on the appearance of a dynasty.
But there were also simpler reasons.
Miller said he grew up admiring the play of McMillan, a former point guard for the Seattle SuperSonics, also widely respected during his playing days for his leadership, selflessness and maturity.
In addition, Portland presents Miller with a situation Philadelphia could not. The 76ers competed with the Eagles, Flyers and Phillies for fan interest and media coverage. However, Miller said the Blazers are the "only sports franchise in the area."
"There's a little bit more concentration on the team," said Miller, who will also be returning to the West Coast. "I think that allows me to be a little bit more focused."
Then there's Blazermania. Miller is aware of Rip City. And he is looking forward to playing point for a team on the rise — and with the devoted supporters to back it.
"Fans are passionate about their teams and their cities," Miller said. "And just going (to Portland) and being a visitor in that environment is a fun atmosphere."
But for all the talk of a bright, limitless future, Miller is also grounded. He is confident but not cocky.
Even the minor shockwaves he created by stating he intended to win the Blazers' starting point guard position were tempered with sincere praise of incumbent starter Steve Blake and a reminder that "nothing is handed to you."
Right now, Miller said he has one goal: making it past the first round of the NBA playoffs.
It's the same goal that eluded his new team last season.
"I'm not going to fall into the trap of 'I'm the missing piece,' " Miller said. "It's a basketball team, so I'm just part of the puzzle. It's based on what the team does as a team, not what one player can do."
