Don't be fooled by the gangly 6-7 frame. Reggie Miller is one tough customer, according to Indiana Pacers coach Isiah Thomas.

Miller played last season on a severely sprained ankle that, during postseason arthroscopic surgery, was found to be worse than anyone -- Miller included -- had imagined.

"He had to be bionic to play through that pain," Thomas said Friday. "He was injured really bad last year, and to his credit he gutted it out and played with it."

Thomas is optimistic that he'll have a healthy Miller in training camp in October. The guard has to sign a new contract first.

A free agent after wrapping up his 16th season with the Pacers, Miller's agent, Arn Tellem, has a contract offer. Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh said Friday that an agreement appears imminent.

"We're getting closer," he said. "Next week, we'll bear down and get all this done."