Mike Miller's journey in professional basketball began when he was selected by the Orlando Magic as the fifth overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft. Known for his sharpshooting ability, Miller quickly established himself as a reliable player in the league. During his rookie season, he averaged 11.9 points per game and was named the NBA Rookie of the Year, an accolade that set the tone for his career.
Miller's tenure with the Orlando Magic lasted until 2003, during which he honed his skills as a shooting guard and small forward. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc made him a valuable asset to the team. In 2003, he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he continued to develop his game. With the Grizzlies, Miller became a consistent scorer and a key player in their rotation. His time in Memphis was marked by a career-high average of 18.5 points per game during the 2006-2007 season.
In 2008, Miller was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he played for one season before moving to the Washington Wizards in 2009. His stint with the Wizards was brief, but he continued to demonstrate his shooting prowess and veteran leadership on the court.
The next chapter of Miller's career began in 2010 when he signed with the Miami Heat. This move proved to be a turning point, as he became an integral part of a team that included superstars like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. Miller's role with the Heat was primarily as a three-point specialist, and he played a crucial part in their back-to-back NBA Championships in 2012 and 2013. His performance in Game 5 of the 2012 NBA Finals, where he hit seven three-pointers, was particularly memorable and helped secure the championship for Miami.
After his successful run with the Heat, Miller joined the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014, reuniting with LeBron James. Although his playing time was limited, he provided veteran experience and leadership to a young Cavaliers team. In 2015, Miller was traded to the Denver Nuggets, where he spent two seasons before signing with the Memphis Grizzlies once again in 2017.
Miller's second stint with the Grizzlies was marked by his role as a mentor to younger players, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience. He retired from professional basketball in 2017, concluding a career that spanned nearly two decades.
Throughout his career, Miller was known for his exceptional shooting ability, particularly from three-point range. He ranks among the top three-point shooters in NBA history, with a career percentage of 40.7% from beyond the arc. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations and his contributions to multiple teams made him a respected figure in the league.
After retiring as a player, Miller transitioned into coaching and player development.
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