Potential free agent replacements for Dion Waiters
By Simon Smith
C.J. Miles, Indiana Pacers
Although he will enter free-agency somewhat under the radar, C.J. Miles makes sense on a number of levels. A 12-year veteran, Miles has carved out a niche as one of the more prominent three-point shooters in the league. In 76 games this season, Miles averaged 10.7 points and 3.0 rebounds in 23.4 minutes per game. Notably, he shot at a 41.3 percent clip from behind three and 90.3 percent from the free-throw line.
Despite playing in his 12th season, Miles is still just 30, courtesy of entering the league straight out of high school. Miles attempted 5.4 three-point shots per game this season, which was 34th in the league. But from all players attempting at least 5.4 per game, Miles ranked fifth in accuracy.
In breaking down Miles’ three-point shooting, when attempting shots considered wide open (6+feet from an opponent) per NBA.com, this season he converted at a 46.9 percent clip. Amongst all players who attempted at least 2.0 wide open three-pointers per game, Miles ranked second in percentage, only behind Tony Snell at 47.6 percent
His best performance this season came in a double overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Coming off the bench, Miles scored 27 points in 34 minutes on 8-of-13 from the field, including 5-of-9 from behind three.
As can be seen, Miles demonstrates not openly the ability to catch and shoot in no time, but he can also enter the lane and finish in the dribble. In combination with incumbents Josh Richardson and Wayne Ellington, Miles would significantly enhance the Heat’s perimeter firepower.