Fresh off negotiating a buyout with the Trail Blazers, it appears veteran forward Mike Miller could be a Nugget for the 2015-16 season.
Word is that the Nuggets have offered Mike Miller a one-year deal he can accept afrer clearing waivers this week
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) September 28, 2015
The Nuggets have room for one more guaranteed contract on the roster. It’s not the first time the Nuggets have tried to sign Miller.
Nuggets have been trying to get Mike Miller for at least 5 years … Is this year if finally happens? https://t.co/ZSXguVT7fk
— Mark Kiszla (@markkiszla) September 28, 2015
At 35 years old and with 15 years of NBA experience, Miller would bring some veteran experience to a green Nuggets roster.
The Blazers acquired Miller along with Brendan Haywood in July, receiving two future second-round picks in a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Miller has bounced around the league, having played for six other clubs thus far. But that’s not to say that he has played for bottom-tier clubs either. He was with the Cleveland Cavaliers last year during their run to the NBA Finals and won back-to-back championships with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013.
Miller’s career numbers aren’t too shabby. Through 15 seasons, he’s averaged 11.3 points, 2.7 assists and 4.4 rebounds.
But there’s no denying his numbers have suffered of late. In 52 games played last year for the Cavs, Miller averaged 2.1 points, 0.9 assists and 1.8 rebounds. The last five seasons, Miller has averaged well below the 28 minute-average he’s compiled throughout his career. Wrist, thumb and back issues have contributed to this decline.
It seems that if Miller does sign with the Nuggets, his influence will take on a more intangible leadership role than one marked by double-digit contributions.
Calvin Jouard is a Mile High Sports intern and a student at the University of Denver