While the G League is the NBA's developmental league, its operational approach is a far cry from the glitz and glamour of the main league. While NBA teams live in five-star hotels, fly in private jets and are waited on from head to foot with everything they could need, G League teams have a much different experience.
For former NBA player Andre Miller , who used to coach the Denver Nuggets ' G League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold, this was the reality he had to hammer home to his players, especially when he saw them dress up in lavish, designer clothes.
Today's NBA often feels more like a Paris fashion week runway. While there were certainly players who dressed to impress back in the day (Michael Jordan and Clyde Frazier's outfits were always sharp), the current league has taken it to a whole new level.
From pre-game tunnel walks to post-game press conferences, players are dressed to the nines in designer suits, flashy jewelry and expensive shoes.
However, Miller emphasized that the G League isn't the place for these garish displays of fashion. Instead, it's a place for hard work, dedication, and proving oneself on the court.
"It was definitely a grind. I learned a lot about myself, a lot about the players, just seeing how they approached basketball," Miller told Matt Barnes on the "All The Smoke" podcast.
Miller, who played 17 seasons in the NBA, said the G League isn't for everyone and those who walk on that path must be prepared to have their eyes opened to the realities of trying to make it to the big league. While hoop fans see the plush lifestyles of NBA players and may think that's the norm for all professional basketball players, Miller said the reality is much different in the G League.
"Oh yeah, you definitely got to love it, man. I mean, we were on eight, nine-hour bus rides in blizzards," Miller relayed. "To Iowa, Indiana, Detroit, Cleveland. You really had to love the game."
Miller's playing years were characterized by the savvy he always displayed on the court. Never rattled despite the relentless pressure defenses placed on point guards, it seemed like he always knew where he was on the floor at all times.
It's a virtue he still possesses and uses in his role as a coach, especially when he sees some players dressing in extravagant clothing. He never fails to remind them of their current location and standing in pro basketball.
"We were traveling commercial and riding the bus and you had guys dressing in Gucci, Louis Vuitton — all types of stuff," Andre said. "And I'm like, 'Hey, man, this ain't it. Look, we're staying at the Comfort Inn. We're not staying at no Ritz, no nothing like that.'"
Although Ryan Bowen had replaced Miller as the Gold's head coach, he said he's still looking forward to a coaching position, wherever it may be.
"For me, I just wanted to be around the players, pay it forward and pass on the information," he said. "Whatever's out there. I think I have the brain and the tolerance to coach on any level. I also believe the NBA and college, especially, need retired players to come back and actually teach the game the right way."
Even in coaching, Miller still functions like a true-blue point guard, always guiding players and placing them in the best positions to succeed. Whether it's teaching them the finer points of the game or reminding them of the things that matter in the G League (it's not clothes), Miller has been a godsend for those fortunate enough to play for him.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 13, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
