“He has a calming influence and just brings strength to all of our messages,” Vogel says. “I’ve asked Nate to really help me manage the game … because he’s been in that seat. What rotation is best against this team? Or what rotation is our best lineup? Who needs minutes? Who needs touches? All those decisions. (The players) really respect him, really respect where he’s been. And his message resonates with these guys. He’s had a very strong bond with them already in the short time he’s been here.”
George says McMillan has dramatically improved his defense. Hill says McMillan has helped his offense, his leadership and his mental makeup. Lance Stephenson says McMillan has done wonders with his shot, his confidence and his will.
“He talks to me before every game and makes sure my head is right,” Stephenson says. “He calms me down. He’s just a voice that brings positive thoughts to me even when I’m down. He picks me up.”
But McMillan, in what surely will not come as a surprise to Blazers fans, doesn’t sugarcoat his message. Early in training camp, McMillan brought a practice to a screeching halt with a tongue-lashing because he was displeased with the Pacers’ effort and focus.
Yes, “Sarge” has surfaced in Indianapolis, too.
“He knows how to win, he knows good teams and he knows bad teams and he knows what good teams need to do to win,” Hill says. “He sees something special in us and he challenges us every day in practice, and his voice echoes through the room when he’s talking. We listen with open ears because we know that we need that to be the best we can be.”
I really liked Wallace, but playing him because of his contract size rather than because him being the best fit was a mistake. I have to respect Nate for being able to admit that.
