Jerry Stackhouse is the latest All-Star to join the Miami Heat. The 35-year-old wing signed a one-year deal with the Heat the same day the team found out it'd be without Mike Miller for the next two months due to thumb surgery. Stackhouse played with the Bucks last season, joining the team in January for the stretch run.Stackhouse, an All-Star in 2000 and 2001 as a Piston, played decent minutes for Scott Skiles' Bucks, averaging 20 a night in 42 games last season. He was plugged in as a mid-usage roleplayer, much in the same the Heat were expected to insert Miller into lineups featuring ball-dominant wings LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.
Strangely enough, despite Miller's reputation as a firestarter on the perimeter, the aging (and slowing) Stackhouse shot more frequently than the younger Miller last season. As I wrote in July, Miller has changed dramatically over the past two seasons, becoming a reluctant shooter focused on rebounding (which he does well) and passing (which he does surprisingly well for a non-traditional playmaker). Given that Miller has been such a sharp shooter over the years, this metamorphosis isn't necessarily a good thing.
Stackhouse, though, is strictly a scorer. His efficiency has predictably dropped off as his athleticism has waned, and given that Stackhouse has never mastered the three-point shot at above-average levels, that means the Heat shouldn't rely on him too much for offense. Of course, with Wade, James and Chris Bosh in tow, offense should be the least of Miami's worries. That makes the acquisition a bit surprising, considering it now seems likely West Virginia second-round pick Da'Sean Butler and point guard Patrick Beverley will be cut before opening night Tuesday in Boston. The Heat have 17 players, and can start the season with no more than 15.
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