Reggie Miller came close to coming out of retirement to play for the Celtics prior to the 2007-08 season, but he opted against doing so.

He has said that he was very close to accepting Boston general manager Danny Ainge's offer, but he never explained why he didn't.

“I thought there was a good chance he was coming to come play for us,” Ainge says. “He was going hard at it with two-a-days and really working to make it happen. We were very serious. …We wanted him.”

Kevin Garnett, Miller's workout partner in Malibu at the time, came to Boston with glowing reports of the guard's fitness.

Miller's longtime teammate in Indiana and close friend, Mark Jackson explained why he ultimately decided not to sign with the Celtics.

“It was not wanting to wear another uniform, and not wanting to feel like somebody else got him a ring,” Jackson says.

Miller played for the Pacers for 18 seasons and also turned down offers from the Mavericks and Cavaliers.

“I knew Reggie wouldn’t do it unless he felt he could still contribute,” Ainge says. “But you know, I think Reggie was probably wise in turning it down. A lot of players hang on too long and start playing against the guys of the next generation and they end up just remembering the 42-year-old Reggie Miller – and not the guy who was one of the best players in the game for almost two decades.”

Boston's Ray Allen will likely pass Miller for first place on the NBA's all-time three-point list on Thursday night. He needs one made shot to tie Miller.