There are multiple reports that the Denver Nuggets are close to an agreement with veteran swingman Mike Miller. Adding any player this late will come with some skepticism, but with Miller there are pros and cons for the Nuggets to weigh.
Pro: Miller adds veteran leadership and championship experience
In the last few seasons, Miller has grown extremely close with LeBron James. He played an important role with the Miami Heat as they won back-to-back NBA titles. There is no substitute for experience, and Miller has plenty of that in his 15-year career. He can be a positive role model for this young Nuggets roster, and teach them what it takes to win.
Con: The Nuggets need to give their available minutes to the younger players
Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler each need to demand big minutes for the Nuggets this year. Miller, who can be a swing between shooting guard and small forward, will not beat either of those two out. If he is going to get time as a shooting guard he will be taking away minutes from Gary Harris, Will Barton and potentially Nick Johnson, and the Nuggets need to see if they have anything with those young guards.
Pro: Miller is a significant upgrade as a three-point shooter
As a team last year, the Nuggets shot a mere 32.5% from behind the arc. Miller has never shot that poorly for a season in his entire career. In fact, he holds a career average of just over 40%.
Con: Miller is not a great defender
While the Nuggets want to get back to the run and gun offense, head coach Mike Malone has already begun to stress the importance of defense to this roster. At 35 years old, Miller no longer has the athleticism to match up one-on-one with guards in the Western Conference.
Pro: Miller will push Gary Harris
As noted in the first con, Miller could potentially take minutes away from players like Harris. However, Harris is in a make or break scenario with the Nuggets. Having a veteran mentor like Miller could push him to be a better professional on and off the court.
Con: Miller is not reliable due to health concerns
Miller has only played all 82 games twice in his entire career, and one of those times was in his rookie season. Only once in his last six years has he even broken the 60 game mark. The best ability is availability and Miller has not proven throughout his career that he can stay healthy.
The Nuggets have a decision to make on Mike Miller, but there’s a lot of upside and potential downside to possibly adding the veteran.
Stay tuned.
