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OKC Thunder 30 for 30 part 22 – Analyzing Veteran wing CJ Miles

By Lawrence George

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 17: C.J. Miles #0 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during the anthems prior to the first half of an NBA game against the New York Knicks at Air Canada Centre on November 17, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 17: C.J. Miles #0 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during the anthems prior to the first half of an NBA game against the New York Knicks at Air Canada Centre on November 17, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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CJ Miles, OKC Thunder 30 for 30 series (Charles Trainor Jr./Miami Herald/TNS via Getty Images) /

Strength

3-Point Shooting

While his 36.1 career percentage is just above league average, Miles possesses a quick trigger finger who needs only a smidgen of daylight to let the ball fly. He was the Raptors leading 3-point taker, attempting a whopping 454 three‘s (20th in the league) and converting at a 36.1 percent rate.  Of 20 players who attempted 6.5 attempts or more, Miles shot better than Houston Rockets sniper Eric Gordon and was on par with Portland All Star Damian Lillard.

Miles’ best shooting performance came in Toronto‘s 123-103 win over the Charlotte Hornets. The veteran posted 24 points (8-11 from the field, 6-9 3-Point, 2-2 Free Throws) in just 18 minutes of action.

The veteran was excellent on corner three’s, converting on 46 of his 94 attempts (49.1 percent) but struggled mightily from above the break (118 of 365 for 33.1 percent). In catch and shoot situations, Miles shot a solid 36.1 percent but was even better on pull-up three’s, converting on 37.7 percent of his opportunities.

Miles slightly regressed in 3-point percentage last season after shooting 41.3 percent in Indiana in 2016-17. If he is able to get back to shooting near 38-39 percent, he becomes an even bigger threat beyond the arc.

Weaknesses

Defensive Concentration

Miles posted an excellent plus-7.2 net rating for Toronto last season, the best of his 13 year career. Toronto had the fifth best defensive rating (103.4) in the league in 2017-18 and were 1.2 points better with him on court than off it.

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Miles’ problems on defense stem from his lack of length and strength in individual match-ups. At just 6’6, 225 pounds with an average wingspan, Miles struggles to contain elite wings and bigger forwards in one on one match-ups. He lacks athleticism, foot speed and strength to keep players in front of him. When his opposing match-up is moving, he’s picked off far too easily and is prone to ball watching against motion heavy offenses.

However, the veteran is a strong team defender and understands how to usher his match-ups toward help. Miles’ biggest weakness on defense is his concentration rather than being a turnstile. He hustles and shows effort on the defensive end. If he is able to limit his ball watching and show more fight through screens, teams will target him less. Until he shows consistency, he is a weak link on defense..

Scoring inside the arc

While he shows a tremendous feel to shoot the ball from deep, Miles struggles royally just outside the restricted area and from the mid-range. The veteran shot a horrendous 23-82 from both areas and finds difficulty creating a shot off the dribble. He shot a miserable 6-25 on runners or floaters and struggles to find separation when expected to find his own offense.

Miles excels playing off ball handlers who can create shots for him or in offensive sets designed for him to fire away from deep. Expecting him to create a shot for himself is a tough ask.

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