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Best of Luck to CJ Miles
Posted by: David J. Smith on August 6th, 2012
The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of the Utah Jazz.There have been several Utah Jazz players over the years that have served as interesting lightning rods, attracting a lot of passionate reactions from fans. Carlos Boozer, Andrei Kirilenko, Greg Ostertag, Chris Morris, and even Jarron Collins are among these.
Add to that list, former Utah Jazz swingman C.J. Miles, who late last week agreed to a multi-year contract with Byron Scott and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Count me as one who is rooting for CJ to succeed in Cleveland. I genuinely think this is the perfect situation for Miles. It is a young, up-and-coming squad led by an already elite point guard in Kyrie Irving, as well as other young cogs like Tristan Thompson, Dion Waiters, Tyler Zeller, and Omri Casspi. Even at a young 24-years old, CJ can help that team thanks to his experience. They could use some scoring punch from the wing position and Miles can offer that. I also think Scott is an excellent coach for him. His game can grow due to the more featured role in Cleveland.
Back to Jazz fans’ perceptions of Miles. First, were there times I was frustrated by his play? Absolutely. And I’ve mentioned it a few times in UJ360 blog posts in the past. The biggest issue for me was consistency. He could be stellar–and I mean absolutely stellar–one night, but then quite subpar the next. The yo-yo of his performances was sometimes maddening. He could also fall too in love with his jump shot, even when his slashing ability to get to the basket was perhaps his best offensive tool.
But does he deserve the vitriol that he has received during much of his seven-year tenure in Utah? I feel much of it was unwarranted. It is easy to forget that CJ Miles was a 17-year old second-round pick out of high school, a fact that I need to remind myself of, to this day. It would be different had he been selected in the first-round or had we drafted him with lofty expectations. With this context in mind, CJ probably exceeded any expectations a second-round player could and should have. Really, how many players like him last as long as he did with his first team?
He did get a nice offer sheet several years back from the Oklahoma City Thunder, one Larry H. Miller and Kevin O’Connor matched. I thought that was a wise move, for when you compare his salary with other swingmen and their statistical results, Miles’ salary was right in line. While his production may have been, for the most part, mediocre, for the money expended, he was comparable with like contemporaries.
Please indulge me with a few CJ memories and highlights:
- CJ was a key member of some of the Jazz’s most successful teams. He was a contributor on those Deron Williams/Mehmet Okur/Carlos Boozer squads that made some nice postseason runs.
- His defense against Carmelo Anthony in 2010 was a big factor in the upset victory over the Denver Nuggets in the first round. Anthony still got his numbers, but they proved to be empty stats. CJ was willing to work hard, bodying up against Anthony in tandem with Wesley Matthews.
- His athleticism and ability to run the court were underrated. Jeremy Evans’ dunking ability is rightfully lauded, but CJ was no slouch in this department as well.
- CJ’s 40-point outing in 2011 was one of the finest offensive efforts I’ve witnessed first-hand. He connected on 14 of 18 from the field, including 6 of 7 from downtown. It really was electric.
- Likewise, I always enjoyed watching his step up in games versus our division rivals in Portland. (consider me shocked that the Blazers did not make their annual offer to a Jazz free agent)
- Off the court, CJ was always earnest and sincere in his interviews. He did sometimes wear his emotions on his sleeves during some shooting slumps, but his willingness to interact with fans on Twitter was always appreciated.
There were certainly ups and downs during Miles’ time in a Jazz uniform, but he did a lot for us over seven seasons. And for that, I wish you all the luck in the world, CJ. Here’s to your success with the Cavs.
Replies: 12
Views: 1253
12 Responses
The only thing I would say is I believe that is was actually Greg that matched CJ offer sheet. At the point Larry was all ready sick and Greg had taken over a lot. This was in fact his first “big” move in the sense it was his first real decision on his own. I think Larry said he would not have matched.
I am not 100% positive but I am like 98% positive
I agree completely, for his pay and expectations, CJ has gone far beyond. I could realistically see CJ finding his consistency and becoming a scoring machine. I’m pulling for him, I always liked him while he was here. He seemed to earn alot of Jazz fan’s ire this season for playing so much, but thats Ty’s fault.
I do think the Jazz made the right move by matching for CJ a few years ago, and its the right move to let him go now. My favorite moment was when he caught up to Derek Fisher in the playoffs on a wide open fast break and viciously rejected the layup, and dumped Fisher really hard into the cameras. Thanks CJ, you were a fun Jazz player – good luck in Cleveland.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtB_C3NO2fs
here is the block, and Reggie Miller says “shades of LeBron from CJ Miles”
Can’t fault CJ and I think he will do better with the Cavs.
It’s not like The Businessman or Fishface, who did their own little numbers on the Jazz. I don’t boo, but I support your right to do so.
CJ, Memo, AK and yes, even DWil, I can still cheer for, as long as they don’t beat the Jazz.
Jazzaholic
Thanks David for this post . I have always liked CJ and I thought that alot of the ire that he received was so malicuos and unwarrented . He did do some dummy things but I have always liked that he gave us his best unlike others that I will not mention . And I continue to say that all our players did some of those dummy things and was revered for it so I ask wheres the justice in that ? All you Cj haters now you can move onto someone else that may not deserve your attacks .
CJ will get better and I do think that he will burn us everytime we play him because of the way he was treated here . Just my take on that .
CJ if you read this I want you to know that you will be missed by a few of your Jazz Fans . I wish the best for you . Good Luck . And please dont burn us as bad as I know you can . (: …. Oh and thanks for all the good you did for us .
Jay
Thanks for this post David. I was not a huge CJ fan, but any interaction I had with him at charity events, appearances, etc was always great. He was very nice, I just felt he was young and somewhat immature even after 5 or 6 years in the league. I do wish him the best in Cleveland and hope he can find a place and system better suited to his talents
CJ Miles: super good guy, pretty bad player.
When drives to hopp and creates contact, he’s good. Terrible shooter, even worse defender.
lol drives to the hoop
CJ was an awesome player to have with the Jazz in every aspect except when he was on the court. I LOVED his attitude, his work ethic, his optimism, his personality, his friendliness, and his potential. I wanted so bad to see him succeed here with the Jazz. But he just frustrated me more often than not when he was on the floor. He certainly had his good times, and he impressed me more than a few times with various abilities. The bad just always seemed to tip the scales.
This basketball player was awesome, except for playing basketball.
I won’t miss his bad fouls, his terrible shot timing and selection, his hurried shot, and his generally low basketball IQ. RIP CJ Jazzman. Good Luck as CJ Cavalier.
CJ is a great example against drafting players out of high school. I always felt he was hurting for not having the experience of having to really work for his success (like many players in college have to do). He was always “protected” from the real world (subjective view here – I have no insight into the person, really).
I am glad he is not on the Jazz team anymore – I believe he hindered the development I’d like to see.
BUT – I really wish him the best with Cleveland, it can only be a very positive experience and help him develop into a more stable player!