Mike Miller has returned to the Heat, but his right thumb injury isn't completely healed.

Miller told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that he will be required to wear the protective splint on his shooting hand for the balance of the season.

"They just want it the whole time," he said, "because they said the tendons and ligaments won't heal otherwise. It takes a year to heal those."

Miller said he would prefer not to wear the splint.