"Andre Miller has played well in spurts for the Trail Blazers, but he has frequently been unhappy about his role.TUALATIN -- A season of frustration for Andre Miller came to a head Thursday when Trail Blazers practice ended after the veteran point guard had a heated, 30-minute exchange with coach Nate McMillan.

The louder parts of the exchange, which intermittently featured raised voices and expletives from both sides, were audible through a closed door where media were waiting to enter the practice court.

The exchange culminates Miller's simmering discontent that has been evident since the end of training camp when Steve Blake was awarded the starting point guard position even though Miller outplayed him.

Although he never made a scene about his frustrations, Miller brooded for much of the early season and periodically took veiled shots at McMillan and management, insinuating he was lied to when the team courted him this summer in free agency.

He has mildly complained about the team's "methodical" playing style, and more than hinted that McMillan is a "controlling" coach that stifles free play. He also has slipped into interviews he is confused about his role, which has twice alternated between reserve and starter, and recently has expressed bewilderment over a growing trend of playing little, if any, in the fourth quarter.

On Thursday, the normally quiet and introverted Miller erupted. Shortly after leaving the team's practice facility, Miller sent a text message to his agent, Andy Miller, the agent said.

When reached by phone, Andy Miller said he had yet to speak with Andre, but when he heard an account of the day's events, Miller didn't sound that surprised.

"What happened today is probably the culmination of events and conversations that have taken place since the start of the season," Andy Miller said. "What's happening is that unfortunately, the transition of Andre to the Blazers wasn't as seamless as hoped or imagined from the outset. Whether Andre is able to be integrated over time remains to be seen. Certainly, it is taking longer than anticipated.""