With Miller Back, the Heat May Be More Dangerous Than Ever

Miller (13) and Big Z (11)

Mike Miller has missed the vast majority of the season due to a thumb injury he received early in the year.  After a somewhat rocky start, the Miami Heat have gelled into one of the NBA's most dangerous teams without him.  Now, at 31-13 (and after some minor injuries to Bosh, Wade and LeBron), the Heat are getting healthier and are poised to make a big run in the second half of the season.  Miller's health, however, may be the surprising determining factor in the Heat's championship aspirations.



Miller has averaged a respectable 13.5 PPG throughout his career while playing on mostly subpar teams such as the Grizzlies, Timberwolves and Wizards.  His skill set, however, should blend quite well with the Miami Heat.  A career 41% 3-point shooter, top-20 in NBA history, Miller could prove to be a valuable asset as the Heat's 4th scoring threat behind James, Wade and Bosh.  Specifically, Miller's outside presence could put Miami over the top as teams are forced to focus on LeBron and Wade's driving ability and Bosh's post game - leaving Miller open to do what he does best.  In the past, Miller had to work a bit for his shot, and at times had to shoot with a defender in his face.  In Miami, opposing teams will not have the luxury of being able to cover one of the NBA's best pure shooters. Since the defenses will be scrambling to help out when James or Wade drives, there should be plenty of wide open looks, as the players simply dish it outside to Miller, who can rack up points, and even take scoring pressure off of the big 3.  Simply put, its hard to stop 3 superstars... its even harder to stop 3 superstars and an elite shooter.  If Miller's last game is any indication, things are looking good for Miami.

Miller posted 32 points in his second home game for the Heat, going 6-11 from 3-point range.  More importantly, he helped lead his team to a 120-103 win over the Raptors, without Chris Bosh or Dwayne Wade.  If he is able to keep this type of shooting up throughout the remainder of the season, with a healthy Wade and Bosh, the Heat will not only have a deeper bench, but they will have another serious scoring threat that will only help their already solid 3-point shooting percentage (5th overall in the league). 

Miller has made some comments that he believes his thumb will be an issue all season, but as I mentioned earlier, he will get some of the easiest scoring opportunities of anyone this season.  If he can keep his finger in good enough condition to catch and shoot like he did against the Raptors, the Heat might emerge as solid NBA title favorites in the second half of the season.