Utah Jazz: A spot in the starting lineup was a nice surprise to Miles
No longer could he think about fighting for a potential starting spot with the relocated Seattle Sonics. Now, instead, the Texas high school product had to figure out a way to stay off the bench in Utah.
"I was just trying to make sure I got some minutes, somewhere," he said.
A funny thing happened on the way to the start of the 2008-09 NBA season, however.
First, Matt Harpring was set back by infection in his surgically repaired right ankle.
The usual backup small forward still hasn't played in the preseason, and won't travel with the team on a three-game exhibition trip that opens Wednesday night in Denver.
Then Jazz coach Jerry Sloan got to thinking about the many possible pluses prompted by bringing 2004 All-Star Andrei Kirilenko — Utah's incumbent starting small forward — off that very same bench.
All of a sudden an invitation to a potential starting job had been delivered to Miles on a platter. Before he can ponder just what he might do with the work, however, Miles must win it.
"We'll have to see what C.J. does," he said. "Maybe somebody else steps up and plays a little better somewhere along the line. He (Miles) has to play, and compete. He can't just be out there, you know?"
Sloan acknowledged he'll consider other possibilities.
One would be to start usual backup shooting guard Kyle Korver along with starting shooting guard Ronnie Brewer at the interchangeable 2 and 3 positions. Another is scrap the Kirilenko-as-a-sub plan altogether. Or maybe Harpring will start, whenever he gets healthy enough to play.
For now, though, the role is Miles' to claim.
"I've got to really lock in," the 21-year-old fourth-year pro said.
He's still struggling, however, with the combination.
Miles — who could have been a senior at the University of Texas this season had he not declared for the 2005 NBA Draft, in which the Jazz made him a second-round selection — shot 3-for-6 in Utah's preseason-opening win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
But he was just 1-for-5 in last Thursday's home loss to Phoenix, and 0-for-3 in an exhibition victory Sunday at Portland.
In that regard, he doesn't seem too concerned.
"I haven't shot well in the preseason for two years," said Miles, who hit a career-high 47.9 percent — more than 10 better than previous best — last season. "But as soon as the season starts, I find my rhythm.
"I think coach is comfortable with me, if I'm open, shooting the ball. I think I've proven I can do that last year," he added. "I mean, not to get crazy and start getting crazy shots. But I think if I get a good shot, hopefully within the offense or off a pass from (starting point guard) Deron (Williams) or (power forward Carlos) Boozer, then I can make them."
Recent comments
Is Sloan trying to turn AK into a Ginobili? What I mean is that Manu…
AK=Manu? | Oct. 14, 2008 at 10:38 p.m.
The owners made a commitment to Miles so just as well see what…
You can't teach Athleticism | Oct. 14, 2008 at 10:13 p.m.
Many people think that CJ cannot play in NBA. I tend to trust…
Jazz logician | Oct. 14, 2008 at 5:27 p.m.
