Greg Miller reflects on what he learned from his dad

One thing became very evident during an interview the Deseret News recently conducted with Greg Miller: The new Jazz boss loves his dad very much.

During the 23-minute Q-and-A session in late January, the younger Miller often turned the conversation toward Larry H. Miller, who a week before had his legs amputated 6 inches below his knees and had nearly died for the fifth time since having a heart attack and a multitude of type-2-diabetes-related health issues last summer.

It was quite the touching tribute from Greg Miller, who shared several stories that showed how much he cares for his late father.

Here are a few:

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For one of the questions, Greg Miller was asked to name his favorite Jazz memory. Truth be told, it was anticipated that he would reminisce about the excitement surrounding the famous shot by John Stockton against Houston — you know, the one that sent Utah to its first NBA Finals in 1997.

His answer indeed included Stockton, but it wasn't about "The Shot."

It was, rather, "The Re-entry."

Miller remembered a game back at the Salt Palace in the late '80s or early '90s. During the action, the Jazz point guard was hurt and had to be taken to the locker room. A concerned Larry H. Miller followed him out of the arena. The Jazz's lead also departed.

"You could just kind of feel the air leaving the building. It was like, 'Oh, we're losing,' " Greg Miller said. "I just remember this sense of kind of being in a tailspin."

About 15 minutes later, Stockton returned into the arena and jogged back to the bench. The elder Miller was right behind him.

Greg Miller has never forgotten that comforting moment.

"I just (had) that feeling of 'OK, we're in good hands again. Not just with John, but with my dad,' " he said. "Just having that leadership and that presence back in the room. It kind of took the weight off and it's like, 'All right. Everything's going to be OK.' "

Interestingly, Miller can't recall if Utah pulled out the win.

It really doesn't matter, either.

"I don't even remember if we won the game or not, but I just remember for me that was a great lesson in leadership and examples and how you carry yourself and the value of reputation and hard work."