Miami Heat: Players who should or shouldn’t consider playing overseas – NBA Feature (Part 5)
Mike Miller:
Although Miller does have the problem of consistency, but he never went below 10 points per game during a season in his entire career before the preceding one. However, the main reason for that was the injury that he sustained
last season.
Miller endured a thumb injury at the start of the last season and afterwards failed to deliver to expectations. Heat picked him because of his decent run with the Washington Wizards in 2009-10 season. Known to be a brilliant perimeter
shooter, Miller started the season well for the Heat, but faded away as time passed.
Prior to the injury, Mike was shooting 48 percent of his shots from beyond the arc, but once he came back into the line-up during the post season, the shots just refused to go in. However, he still offered a lot in terms of the
defensive intensity and ball movement and will be a major part of the Heat campaign in the next season, whenever it starts
The overseas competitions during this lockout can surely help Miller in gaining his shooting confidence back again. With all team activities and training sessions barred due to the lockout, the international league can offer Miller
more playing minutes and good practice time to get his groove back.
However, in doing so, Miller might aggravate his injury and that can be problem for him and the Heat in the long run.
Udonis Haslem:
Udonis Haslem has been a part of the Heat since the very beginning of his pro career in 2003. Form that time onward, Haslem has been producing solid performances for the South Beach franchise, mostly as a role player. In the last
season due to series of injuries in his foot Haslem spent most of the spell on the side lines and played just 13 games for the Heat.
During these 13 games though, his scoring average was commendable. Haslem spent 26.6 minutes on the court on average and made eight points and clutched 8.1 rebounds per game. He was especially useful, once the Heat took on the
likes of the Boston Celtics and the Chicago Bulls in the finals and provided that extra depth on the back court to the Heat.
As far as the overseas option is concerned, it wouldn’t be hard for Haslem to land a contract, but in case of another injury, he can seriously hamper his chances to represent Heat in the next season. At the same time, Miami will
also lose a player, who is a leader on the court and adds that extra bit intensity to the Heat game and their bench.
Mike Bibby:
Mike Bibby is another player, who failed in the previous season. Although one of the better point guards in the league, Bibby does not have the age or the athleticism to attract top teams from Europe or Asia. He is no doubt a good
ball mover and a decent outside shooter, but his last season performance with the Heat didn’t do him much good.
He is a player who is at the twilight of his career and at this time, he should be looking to preserve his body.
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