MIAMI — If his dramatic finish to the NBA Finals was the last game of his career, Mike Miller can live with that.
“If that’s the one thing I’m remembered for, I’ve fooled a bunch of people,’’ Miller said about scoring 23 points in 23 minutes last Thursday when Miami eliminated Oklahoma City to win the Finals 4-1.
The Heat swingman said after Monday’s championship parade he could know more soon about whether heath problems might force him to retire. He said it’s “50-50’’ he will need back surgery for a bulging disk, and he expects to see a doctor later this week for an MRI.
“It will be hard for me to walk away, but at the same time I got to make the right decision,’’ said Miller, a 12-year veteran who starred at the University of Florida. “I want to be able to play with my kids at some point.’’
Miller’s back really was hurting during the playoffs, but he was vague about it because he “didn’t want to be shut down, so I didn’t let them dig too far into it.’’ If his back checks out, Miller would like to return next season to the Heat.
“I’m going to play as long as I can,’’ said Miller, who also was scheduled Monday to have an exit physical. “If (the back is) something that can be fixed and I can play, I’m going to play. But there are a lot of variables. What’s best for everybody, I got to really seriously take a long look at that.’’
Miller has three years and $18.6 million left on a five-year, $29 million contract he signed before last season. It’s possible the Heat could amnesty Miller during the allowed July 1-7 period, which would result in him get all his remaining money and the Heat being able to remove him from salary-cap and luxury-tax considerations.
According to the new collective bargaining agreement signed before this season, teams can amnesty one player during the life of the CBA who was on the roster when the rule was enacted. If the amnesty rule isn’t used by the Heat next week, they could use it next year or after then.
“For sure, we’re going to have discussions,’’ Miller said about talking to Heat officials before the upcoming amnesty period expires. “They may want to amnesty me anyhow. Who knows? It’s just the way this business is. I’m just happy I was able to be part of this.’’
If Miller is not an amnesty victim and he no longer can play, other options could include Miller being bought out or league doctors eventually ruling he's permanently disabled, and some of his money later could come off Miami's books.
Miller joked he’s simply an “old man.’’ But he sure didn’t look like one last Thursday.
Chris Tomasson can be reached at christomasson@hotmail.com or on Twitter @christomasson
