What Is The Hold Up With Denver Nuggets Point Guard Andre Miller?

Jan 19, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Brian Shaw sits between assistant coaches Lester Conner (left) and Melvin Hunt against Phoenix Suns in the second half at US Airways Center. The Suns won 117-103. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

Brian Shaw would tell you it is Andre Miller himself who is causing the hold-up. If you are not familiar with the situation with Denver Nuggets point guard Andre Miller, let’s get you caught up. The point guard hasn’t appeared in a game since December 31st after getting into an argument with rookie head coach Brian Shaw on New Year’s Day when the Nuggets were taking on the Philadelphia 76ers. Shaw refused to put Miller in the ball game as the 37-year-old veteran point guard felt disrespected and has left the team for personal reasons while still earning his paycheck.

The topic of conversation now is should the Nuggets bring back the vet? Denver has stalled in trading the point guard as they now face a tough issue in the back court. Denver’s back-up point guard Nate Robinson went down in the first quarter of last Wednesday’s game against the Charlotte Bobcats with what was originally diagnosed as a sprained left ACL that later turned out to be a partially torn ACL. Here is what head coach Brian Shaw had to say about the situation with Miller:

"Miller has been excused from the Nuggets, and coach Brian Shaw says it’s up to the veteran point guard to re-establish communication with the team, NBA.com reports. “If there’s any reaching out that needs to be done, the reaching out has to come from him,” Shaw said. “At this point, we’re still trying to evaluate the situation… Whatever happens will be dealt with between him, his agent and the front office.”"

Miller still has 2-years remaining on his contract while making roughly $5.0 million. For right now, Denver needed to make a move if they are going to trade the point guard and fast. After a much-needed win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, they are just 3 1/2 games out of the eight seed in the Western Conference where the Dallas Mavericks are currently placed. Miller has been linked to teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, and the New Orleans Pelicans. If they do plan on trading him anytime soon, they will need to address the point guard position as Denver cannot expect to play Ty Lawson 45+ minutes every night. But as of right now, Miller’s absence is just a waste of a roster spot that the Denver Nuggets do not need at this point with all of their injuries.