Mike Miller helped the Miami Heat win back-to-back NBA championships and now he could be helping the Oklahoma City Thunder to NBA glory in 2013.
According to CBS Sports’ Royce Young, the 33-year-old Miller is expected to sign with Oklahoma City for the league minimum. Miller cleared amnesty waivers but is still owed nearly $13 million over the next two seasons from the Heat.
Miller has practically fallen into the Thunder’s lap and I’m sure they couldn’t be happier about it.
The sharp-shooter has made his claim to fame over the past couple of seasons by shooting lights out when it matters most–including against OKC in the 2012 NBA Finals en route to a title. In fact, Miller went 7-of-8 from downtown against the Thunder in Miami’s series-clinching Game 5 win.
Miller followed up that postseason effort with another huge one in 2013, hitting 11-of-18 3s in the Finals against the San Antonio Spurs that saw the Heat win consecutive titles.
Miller likely won’t play a huge role in Oklahoma City’s offense during the regular season, which is the same role he served in Miami. In all honesty, the Thunder could essentially rest Miller for the entire regular season and just unleash him come playoff time, because clearly he has a knack for postseason play.
While I am kidding about resting him the entire regular season, the Thunder do need to be careful that they don’t overuse Miller, who’s now known for his chronic ailments, including a back injury, as Young notes in the article referenced above.
The greatest thing about the addition of Miller is the fact that he can come off the bench or enter a game after not having played in a while and knock down shots. Similar to a good pinch hitter in baseball, Miller can come in cold and make a difference.
The fact that OKC is getting Miller for the league minimum is practically a steal, considering his body of work.
I do believe the Heat will probably win a third consecutive title in 2014, but I also wouldn’t be surprised to see this move come back and bite them. Hard.
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