Cavs extend Miller time

CLEVELAND, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- The Cleveland Cavaliers exercised the fourth-year contract option on point guard Andre Miller for the 2002-03 season Tuesday.

Miller, 25, is eligible to become a restricted free agent following the 2002-03 season with the Cavaliers holding the right of first refusal.

Most NBA executives regard Miller as a rising star. The 6-2, 200-pounder averaged 15.8 points to lead the Cavaliers in scoring and ranked first in the Eastern Conference with 8.0 assists per game last season.

Miller also averaged 4.4 rebounds, 1.5 steals and shot 83 percent from the free throw line.