There are no lovers of the Pacers’ former Knicks-killer Reggie Miller in these parts, but the club’s newest addition, Kris Wilkes, makes for one.
Wilkes, the 6-foot-8 swingman sniper who signed a two-way free-agent contract with the Knicks after he went undrafted, grew up in Indianapolis idolizing Miller. He patterned his game after Miller’s and, like Miller, attended UCLA.
Wilkes, no relation to UCLA legend Jamaal Wilkes, gained insight into Miller’s modus operandi from his father, Greg, an Indianapolis police officer often assigned to the Pacers’ home arena which also doubles as their practice facility.
Wilkes’ father would tell his son about Miller being the first player to show up to the arena, the last to leave.