Breaking news for the Denver Nuggets as ESPN's Marc Stein reports that the team will reportedly sign 35 year old shooting guard, Mike Miller. Details on the terms of the contract have not yet been released.
What it means: Most likely it means tough sledding ahead for either Eric Green or Nick Johnson. One of those two would seem to be the odd man out now that Miller will require a roster spot. Green and Johnson have a fairly redundant skill set between the two and both project as combo guards at the end of the bench so letting one of the two go makes the most sense here. However, Nuggets GM Tim Connelly could still have something up his sleeve in the form of a trade that could potentially clear a roster spot without having to give up one of the two young guards.
Zach's Analysis: I know when I think Mike Miller, I think luxurious hair…followed by solid 3-point shooting which has been the staple of his contributions to the plethora of teams for which he has played. Most recently, Miller was with the Cleveland Cavaliers where he experienced an injury mired 2014-2015 season that left him averaging a meager 13.5 minutes per game. More troubling was his vaunted three point shooting came in at an extremely pedestrian 32.7% success rate last season. The Nuggets will hope that Miller can provide the type of contribution he gave Memphis in 2013-2014 where he averaged 20 minutes per game and had a 3pt shooting percentage of 45.9% on 2.8 shots per game while appearing in all 82 games of the season.
Beyond what he will bring on the court, Miller is also renown for what he brings off the court as a veteran leader and all around good guy. Signing him is yet another indication that the Nuggets management is all in on a culture change. In fact, I'd argue this move is more about having another veteran presence in the locker room than it is about getting some 3pt shooting off the bench. The 2 guard slot is already muddled with Will Barton, Gary Harris and Randy Foye all vying for minutes, though Miller could potentially play some small forward in certain lineups.
Update (3:49PM): According to Denver Post's Chris Dempsey, the signing is official.
After clearing waivers, #Nuggets have signed G Mike Miller to a 1-year deal, league sources say
— Chris Dempsey (@dempseypost) September 30, 2015
More updates to come as news breaks.
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