Coming up in the G-League is a grind that many NBA players can relate to.

They feel the exhilaration of hearing their names called on Draft day, envisioning their future on an NBA team at the top of the basketball world, but what has to come first is the grind of a two-way or assignment contract in a stadium that may be not what you dreamed of at first, but is still professional basketball and just one step away from the ultimate dream. 

Making it through that grind and earning an opportunity in the NBA can make that journey even sweeter, and for the Los Angeles Clippers' Jordan Miller, that journey has taken him to a crucial role playing opportunity with the Clippers as they turn their season around. 

In 18 games this season, Miller is averaging 6.7 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game, but his last three games have been elevated roles for him, playing over 20 minutes per game and turning in double digit scoring performances, like he did against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday with a crucial 14 point game to help give the Clippers the win. 

But Miller's journey to becoming a key piece of the Clippers' bench didn't happen right away this season. Miller, like many other Clippers this season, was sidelined for a major portion of the year with an injury, forcing him to delay his third NBA season. 

"It was tough... This was my first year ever really dealing with injuries," Miller said (via The Sporting Tribune). "In college, I only missed one game [in] five year, so all of this was really new to me...'m not using that time to sit and do nothing. [I've been] preparing for the moment so when the moment and my number does get called I can do what I know I'm capable of."

Even though Miller was kept away from the court with a hamstring injury, he was happy that his absence left a window for some of his fellow G-Leaguers to make it to the Clippers' roster. The grind of the G-League forms tight bonds between teammates as they all chase the same dream and even if it wasn't happening at that moment for him, he was able to celebrate his teammates. 

"Me going down gave Kobe Sanders an opportunity to shine," Miller said. "He's been playing great. So, I can't really sit here and be upset about it because other guys have been flourishing.

The G-Leaguers that get called up from their two way contracts share a  different experience than some of the day-one roster members, which means that they have even more incentive in their shared history to celebrate when someone gets a chance to impress at the highest level, or better yet, when they're able to do it together the way that Miller and Sanders have.

"We play Summer League together. We've got a lot of older dudes on the team so we can relate to each other a little bit better. We're just like a family man. Everyone is, but we take pride in being the young guys so whenever someone is doing good or gets to go in the game we're cheering for them a little extra."