Miami Heat add playoff nemesis from 10 years ago

It was a scoring explosion from Mills in the third quarter of the deciding game that ended Miami's three-peat hopes. It also ended the LeBron James era in South Beach, as he returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers a month later.

Mills scored 14 points off the bench as his San Antonio Spurs pulled away to end the quarter with an insurmountable 19-point lead.

Now, Mills is joining a new-look Heat backcourt after the Atlanta Hawks released the veteran last week. He is the third veteran guard to take his talents to South Beach in recent weeks, following Miami's trade for Terry Rozier and signing of Delon Wright, who was bought out by the Washington Wizards.

Buyout guys don't generally move the needle in the NBA, unless they're going to Miami. Last year, Kevin Love started 18 playoff games for the Heat following a buyout from the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was a huge part of their improbable run from the play-in tournament to the NBA Finals. They also received quality minutes from Cody Zeller, who was waived by the Utah Jazz before the season.

There is a long history of Miami rejuvenating the careers of unwanted veterans. During the 2015-16 season, Joe Johnson became an instant starter for the Heat after the Brooklyn Nets bought out Iso Joe. They earlier added Alonzo Mourning in 2005 and he won a ring as Shaquille O'Neal's backup in 2006.

Will Mills contribute as well? The Heat need backcourt depth with Josh Richardson banged up and love smart veterans who can shoot. The 15-year veteran may have lost a step over the years, but he remains a threat from behind the arc, making 38.2% of his three-pointers this year, right around his career average of 38.9%.

Like anyone who's gone through the Spurs system, Mills is an intelligent team player who should be able to quickly adjust to his new squad. Don't be surprised if Mills is breaking the hearts of the Heat's opponents – rather than their fans – in this year's playoffs.