By Jordan Long
Earlier this week, the Denver Nuggets kept free agent Mike Miller. He agreed to a two-year contract worth $6 million on Tuesday. This insures a veteran with 16 years of NBA experience on the bench.
Miller didn’t have a lot of playing time last season. He saw action in 47 games, averaging 7.9 minutes, 1.3 points, and 1.1 rebounds per game, all career lows. Miller started two games, but he was mostly coming off the bench. At the end of the regular season, Miller was undecided if he wanted to return to the Mile High City. He knew his role would be mentoring a young team. According to the Devnerpost.com, Head Coach Mike Malone said, “If I have to make him an assistant coach, player-coach, whatever. Mike Miller has been tremendous.”
This is a puzzling move for Miller. He knows that he won’t start for the Nuggets. The Nuggets might not make the playoffs for the next two years because they are rebuilding. The Denver Nuggets’ core players include Gary Harris, Will Barton, and Emmanuel Mudiay who are young players in the NBA. They also drafted Jamal Murray in the first-round. Miller could have retired or signed with a team that was contending for an NBA Championship.
Miller felt it was right to stay in Denver. He may not collect a lot of minutes during the regular season, but can teach these young players the game of basketball. He would be like a coach on the bench. As athletes are substituted during games for rest, Miller can describe to them what the opponents are doing on offense and defense. From there, Miller can explain to them where they can improve to possibly win the game.
The Nuggets are lucky to have an NBA veteran like him on the bench. Miller understands his role on this team. These young players need to listen and buy in. It may not improve the Denver Nuggets in the standings but it might help them develop their game.
What do you think of Mike Miller staying with the Denver Nuggets?
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