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Timberwolves Free Agency: C.J. Miles

By Cooper Langby

Feb 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard C.J. Miles(0) points during a game against the Detroit Pistons at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard C.J. Miles(0) points during a game against the Detroit Pistons at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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C.J. Miles is a defensive-minded sharpshooter who has plenty to offer the Minnesota Timberwolves, and he’s expected to opt out of his contract and test free agency this year.

Forward C.J. Miles has spent 12 years with three different teams at the NBA level. Most recently, Miles has been a part of the Indiana Pacers, where he has enjoyed career-best seasons.

In 2016-17, Miles averaged 10.7 points and three rebounds in 23.4 minutes in 76 appearances, including 29 starts. Miles’ biggest strength lies in his three-point shooting, which he shot at a career-best 41.3 percent this year.

Miles has played both small forward and shooting guard of late, and the 6′-6″ shooter could see game time at either position should he come to Minnesota.

C.J. Miles could fill in for Zach LaVine as the starting shooting guard, should he not be fully recovered from his ACL injury come season start. Even if LaVine is ready by the start of the season, Thibodeau may think it’s safer to bring him back into the rotation off the bench, leaving the starting shooting guard spot open.

Miles’ per-36 numbers from last year would adjust to 16.5 points per game, not far behind LaVine’s 18.3. Miles is also safe with the ball, ranking fourth-safest last season in TOV%, expected to make only 5.5 turnovers per 100 possessions.

Another option would be to see Miles coming off the bench, where he could fit at either shooting guard or small forward, depending on the Wolves’ needs. Should Miles head to Minnesota, I believe this would be the most likely option.

The Timberwolves are in need of depth off the bench, and C.J. Miles adds scoring and veteran leadership in a place the Timberwolves need it most, after having the fewest bench points in the league last year. The Timberwolves’ bench also had the worst three-point percentage in the league, the fewest rebounds and the least blocks. For the sake of the Timberwolves, I’ll list one positive: the bench had the least turnovers in the league.

As these stats clearly show, we need some solid bench contributors in Minnesota. C.J. Miles could instantly improve the team’s three-point rating and rebounding whilst boosting the defense. In order to win games and make a playoff push next year, the Timberwolves are going to need a stronger bench, and Miles could be a part of that.

Yes, C.J. Miles was a Cavalier!

His experience would be a boost for the young Timberwolves, who sometimes seem to lack direction and confidence. His six trips to the postseason will make him invaluable to the Wolves, should they plan on making an appearance next year, yet his first round exit five of those times will have left him hungry to make a deeper run.

Lastly, his contract shouldn’t break the bank for the Timberwolves. Miles is believed to opting out of his contract for next season, which would have been his highest-ever at $4.7 million.

Next: Timberwolves Free Agency: A List of Team Needs

While defensive-minded shooters such as C.J. Miles will certainly be in demand this off-season, they won’t be commanding superstar money. Miles could come surprisingly cheap for a player that could be a key force off the bench for the Timberwolves next season.