Denver Nuggets forward Quincy Miller donated shoes, went home barefoot

April 10, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Quincy Miller (30, left) fights for a rebound with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30, right) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The day the Denver Nuggets drafted Quincy Miller, they hired a talented, smart small forward who looked to develop into a solid NBA player with just a little bit of time. Whether they knew it or not, the Nuggets were also getting a man with a focus on giving back to others. A recent interview with Cheryl Preheim of 9 News offered Miller’s perspective on the world and a couple of stories that evidence his charitable nature.

Upon being drafted, Quincy Miller’s immediate reaction was one of grace.

"“I was as at a loss for words,” Miller said. “I knew my mom was going to be alright now [which was] the best feeling ever” The day Miller arrived in Denver, his first question for the Nuggets front office was: “How can I help?”"

via Nuggets player gives 110 percent off the court, too.

Opportunities to help in the community abound, and Miller demonstrates that little efforts can matter just as much as financial contributions and establishing foundations.

"Around the Nuggets organization, you’ll hear a story about the time Miller was serving dinner at a homeless shelter called The Crossings. It is a shelter that serves families and is run by the Denver Rescue Mission. Miller noticed a man in the dinner line who was not wearing shoes because didn’t have any. “I said, ‘you can have these,'” Miller recalled. He handed over his favorite pair of Nike basketball shoes without hesitation. “Why not bless someone else?” he asked. Miller left that shelter barefoot that day. “That was one of the best moments of my life,” Miller said."

It’s a lesson Miller learned from his mother — the person to whom his mind first raced when he became a professional basketball player — and one that Nuggets officials say is simply part of Miller’s character.

"“It comes from my mother,” Miller said. “I feel the responsibility to help other people.” “These are things that he does purely to help the kids in the community.” Steve Hess, an assistant coach who oversees strength and conditioning, said. “This is nothing about cameras. It’s who he is.”"