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On Point: Miller Ready for 2008-09 Season

Philadelphia 76ers point guard Andre Miller spends every off-season back in his home state of California, but that wasn’t enough to keep him from hearing the news that he will have a new teammate for the upcoming season: Elton Brand.

The Sixers signed Brand the first day allowed per the NBA – July 9 – and word spread around the league and across the country just as fast.

In an exclusive conversation with SIXERS.COM, Miller’s reaction to the Brand acquisition was what one would expect.

"I was excited when I found out," Miller said. "I played with him in L.A., and he is one of the best power forwards in the league who can open up the floor, commands double-teams and can help all of us raise our games to another level. I’m excited to see what we can do as a team this year."

During his introductory press conference, Brand expressed an equal amount of respect for not only what the Sixers accomplished last year, but for Andre Miller’s game, as well.

"They are definitely one of the better teams this season, so I was drawn to them," Brand said. "My first All-Star Game was in Philadelphia. Andre Miller was the point guard, I played with him and I knew what they could do."

The Sixers are coming off a season in which they turned on the ignition down the stretch, their fast-break offense and pressure defense propelling them to 22 wins in their final 34 games and their first playoff berth since the 2004-05 season. It was during the playoffs that they scored an upset win in Game 1 at Detroit and took a 2-1 series lead after Game 3, ultimately pushing the first-round series to six games. The Sixers young core mixed with solid veteran leadership could produce even better things this year.

"I think it’s great that Elton Brand chose to sign with us," Miller said. "The way we came together at the end of last year was the first step, and adding one of the best power forwards in the league shows that we aren’t satisfied with just making the playoffs."

"I really think we can do great things this year and I’m excited to be a part of it."