Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Miller became one of the hottest commodities this summer when the Miami Heat waived him via the amnesty clause. The Denver Nuggets have joined the race to sign the sharpshooter, according to ESPN NBA correspondent Marc Stein.
Hearing: Denver has emerged as new threat in Mike Miller chase along w/OKC & MEM. Nuggets have wing PT to offer after Iguodala/Brewer exits
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 20, 2013
This wouldn’t be a good move for the new-look Nuggets. The 33-year-old has seen better days.
In his 13-year career, Miller has averaged 12.3 points on 40.6 percent shooting from beyond the arc. Last season, he put up an average of 4.8 points in 15.3 minutes. The off-guard has established himself as one of the best three-point shooters of all-time. He currently sits at No. 22 on 1,424 makes.
The biggest problem with Miller is that he has a history of back issues. He only played in 59 games last season due to nagging injuries. Miller recently disclosed that he’s looking into getting fusion surgery to repair bulging disks in his back. He considered getting surgery in the summer of 2012, but he opted out.
The two-time NBA champion has also considered retiring. The Nuggets would likely have Miller for only one season.
If the Nuggets sign him it would be a desperation move to replace Andre Iguodala and Corey Brewer, who both left in free agency.
With Miller on the roster, it would take valuable playing time away from rookie Erick Green. Green needs to see plenty of minutes in the regular season to continue growing.
Miller has already visited with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Memphis Grizzlies. The Houston Rockets have also expressed their interest in him.
Let Miller play elsewhere, Nuggets. Continue to build with what you already have.
Jordan Morey is a Denver Nuggets writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
