Title: C.J. Miles is playing well for the Raptors. But they could get even more from him
Date: December 19, 2017
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I looked at the Raptors’ usage of C.J. Miles and how they may be able to get even more out of him.
When the Toronto Raptors signed C.J. Miles this off-season, the fit seemed perfect. For an offence trying to reshape its identity and evolve with the pace-and-space NBA game, the addition of an otherworldly three-point shooter was a dream, especially at the mid-level exception. That Miles was also a useful multi-position defender would further help unlock lineup versatility, and his stature as a respected leader and all-around good guy would allow him to mesh with the Raptors’ culture.
Two months into the season, things are going well. Miles has been good, knocking down 37.2 per cent of his threes, averaging 9.9 points per game and helping prop up a bench that’s stumbled of late, but has still been a positive for the Raptors on the whole. When Miles is on the floor, the Raptors are outscoring opponents by 3.9 points per 100 possessions.
On the surface, that’s all good. And still it’s hard not to feel like the Raptors could be getting more out of their prized off-season signing.
Blake Murphy Sports Writing 