Cold Shoulder

After a secretive flirtation with Peyton Manning went nowhere, the 49ers turned back to their steady, re-signing Alex Smith. It's a three year commitment (less than Manning got from Denver) at $8 million per year (far less than Manning got). When Smith found out the Niners were two-timing him in negotiations he went to Miami for a little side action of his own, but in the end he got back together with the only NFL team he's ever known.

Andre Miller has been an iron journeyman in his NBA career, but a shoulder injury has sidelined him for the time being. Miller was hurt when a Dallas defender came down hard on his shoulder in Monday's game. Miller did not return to the game, and is expected to miss at least tonight's game with the Pistons.

UPDATE:

With the left hand

Andre did not miss the game against Detroit, although he did miss both shot attempts, as he was hampered by the sore shoulder. He still contributed 7 assists (including this lob to JaVale McGee) and 6 rebounds in Denver's 116-115 victory. On Friday night he shot the ball better, going 4-8 from the floor, 1-2 on threes, and 5-5 on free throws. Miller scored 14 points, passed for 6 assists (with another fancy feed to McGee), and grabbed 2 rebounds in Denver's 102-121 loss to Utah.

Coach Karl had this to say about his point guard:
"He’s the best. I don’t think there’s any question that, mentally, we would not be where we are without Andre Miller. His leadership, his veteran-ism. To do what he does on the basketball court ... he has [so] much impact on games." (Salt Lake Tribune)