Miami Heat: 5 Ways Mike Miller Will Make The Heat Dominant

Marc Serota/Getty Images

According to NBC Sports, Mike Miller could be just a few short weeks away from being ready to join the Miami Heat. 

One of the reasons LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh took less money was so a player of Miller's caliber would increase their odds at winning a championship.

Let's break down how this guy helps them out.

5. A Pure Shooter

Marc Serota/Getty Images

It's no secret Miller is a hell of a shooter. 

He has shot 40.5 percent on threes for his 10-year NBA career, including 48 percent (2nd in NBA) last season. 

So, the Heat have James Jones, right? Although Jones has been superb from the outside thus far (43.7 percent on threes), Miller is a much different type of shooter. 

He isn't simply a catch-and-shoot guy like Jones. He can put it on the floor and kill the defense with his mid-range game. He is a pure shooter, capable of catching fire from anywhere on the court in a variety of different situations. 

He is similar to Ray Allen from a shooting stand point, except not nearly as quick off the dribble. 

Miller should shoot career highs this year. He has never played with a team as talented as Miami's. He will find himself wide open and will have every opportunity to contribute. 

4. An Underrated Rebounder

Marc Serota/Getty Images

Is Miller, a great rebounder? Absolutely, and there is proof. 

He led all shooting guards in rebound rate last season, a measure of efficiency on the glass. He averaged more than seven rebounds per 40 minutes for the third consecutive season. 

It's an overlooked feat because of his strong presence as a shooter. Whether he's playing at shooting guard, small forward, or even at the point, Miller is going to make this team better on the glass. 

3. Another Playmaker

Marc Serota/Getty Images

Another underrated skill Miller possesses is his passing.

He led all shooting guards last season in assist ratio, a stat that measures the percentage of a player’s possessions that ends in an assist. 

In fact he is often too unselfish of a player at times. He only shot the rock eight times a night last year. 

Miller is a smart player who can put pressure on the defense with his strong offensive awareness and excellent passing ability. 

2. He Can Fit In Seamlessly Alongside Lebron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Sometimes it takes players a long time to fit in on a new team.

It's taken some time for Bosh, James and Wade to get used to playing together. Even now, albeit a four-game win streak, it's still a work in progress.

However, Miller isn't one of those players. 

Any type of offense can use an unselfish shooter like Miller. He isn't an Eddie House type, so streaky he can shoot you out of a game. He has great shot selection and plays off of a team's facilitators. 

Mike is like a gun. He's there when you need him, chilling in the holster. And not of the Plaxico Burress variety.

5. Versatility

Marc Serota/Getty Images

Miller led all shooting guards in true shooting percentage (calculates what a player’s shooting percentage would be if we accounted for free throws and 3-pointers), assist ratio and rebound ratio. 

Although he is by no means a lockdown defender, he is a smart, instinctive help defender. The Heat have enough strong perimeter defenders that Miller wouldn't have to guard an opposing team's top players. 

Mike is a great fit for this Heat team not just because he can shoot.

He is a complete basketball player. His versatility will seamlessly incorporate into the Heat's plans. 

Whether he's playing point, shooting guard, or forward, he has a unique skill set that would greatly benefit any type of team. The fact that he has never played on a great team before makes his return all the more appealing. 

A guy this skilled thrown into the fire with superstars like LeBron, Wade and Bosh is going to be a dynamic combination. In fact, he will be as good as any sixth man in basketball upon his return. 

For more Heat analysis please check out MIASPORTSGUY.COM, your home for Miami sports.