13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |Reggie still weighing comeback decision

Reggie still weighing comeback decision

Indianpolis - Reggie Miller is still debating whether to make a comeback at age 42.

The NBA's career leader in 3-pointers tried to dodge reporters' questions about his possible return on Tuesday as he attended Peyton Manning's charity bowling tournament, saying he wanted to talk about the Super Bowl MVP and his event.

Eventually, though, Miller acknowledged no decision was imminent.

"I'm in shape to bowl," Miller joked. "But I don't even know what I'm going to do."

Miller was among dozens of celebrities participating in Manning's annual tournament but was one of the feature stars because of the speculation he would return to the NBA in search of the championship ring he never won in 18 seasons with the Indiana Pacers.

Miller retired from the league two years ago and his No. 31 now hangs in the Conseco Fieldhouse rafters after being retired by the Pacers last season. He ranks 13th on the NBA's career scoring list with 25,279 points.

Danny Ainge, the Boston Celtics' basketball boss, has acknowledged he and Miller have had discussions, although Miller said Tuesday a decision might not come for another month.

"I think I'll let my body and the people I've called and talked to, help me make that decision," he said. "It will all come together."

Miller spent last season as a television analyst for NBA and WNBA games on TNT and has run a movie production company called Boom Baby Productions since retiring. He's also co-hosted "Live with Regis and Kelly."

But Miller has said it felt strange not to be part of an NBA team when training camps opened in 2005.

And Boston presents Miller with a unique opportunity to win a title. The Celtics have added seven-time All-Star Ray Allen and 2004 NBA MVP Kevin Garnett in offseason trades, and many believe those additions have made the Celtics an instant contender in the Eastern Conference.

Miller would fit in, primarily, as a backup to Allen on a team that needs depth after trading seven players to Minnesota for Garnett.

Will that be enough to convince Miller to make a comeback attempt?

Miller isn't saying, but former Pacers teammate Rik Smits believes there's a 65 percent chance Miller suits up this season.

"I think if his body holds up after a month or so of practice to get ready for training camp, I think he can do it," Smits said. "Part of it's mind-set, part of it's physical. He'd be a guy who could do it and probably still be able to contribute."

(Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)