C.J. Miles ready to bring shooting, professionalism to the Toronto Raptors

C.J. Miles, now officially signed, began his Toronto Raptors career on Tuesday by saying all the right things.

C.J. Miles officially signed with the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, finalizing the three-year, $25 million pact to that he agreed on July 9.

Dressed in a sharp green blazer and brimming with excitement, Miles met with the Toronto media alongside Raptors team president Masai Ujiri after putting pen to paper. If all goes according to plan, his first press conference as a Raptor will set the tone for his tenure up North.

After two years of inconsistent shooting on the wings, three-point marksmanship is Miles’ greatest asset. Unsurprisingly the first two questions he fielded were about shooting. “It’s just about being a weapon,” Miles said, “being a threat, and making sure the defense has to be aware of you at all times.”

After former Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll indirectly slighted DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry for their reluctance to move the ball, Miles seemed unworried about feeling like a bystander on offense.

Speaking of Toronto’s two stars, Miles noted, “The respect factor [that I have] on the floor and the respect factor they have on the floor – it’s kind of a pick your poison type of thing.” On paper, Miles is correct. The former Indiana Pacer shot 41.3 percent from three last season on 5.4 attempts per game.

DeRozan and Lowry, meanwhile, were two of the most efficient isolation and pick-and-roll players in basketball. While defenders could cheat off Carroll to help on DeRozan or Lowry-centric actions, they’ll be more wary with Miles camped on the perimeter. If not, they’ll pay.

Ujiri forwent an opening statement altogether before speaking to reporters. Instead, he opted for, “We just signed a sniper, so I’m happy.”

But there are other reasons to be happy, perhaps even greater reasons, which Miles explained on Tuesday. “First of all, winning was humongous to me,” he said.

Molded by 12 seasons playing a variety of roles on teams good, bad and in between, Miles knows the level of professionalism needed to win in the NBA. His work ethic will set an example for younger Raptors players, and his adaptability and willingness to sacrifice will help on the court.

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Asked to give his position, Miles answered that he’s comfortable anywhere 2 through 4. Most players – especially swingmen who stand 6’6” – want to play down a position, not up. The 30-year-old, however, sounded ready to contribute in any way possible, regardless of what position he plays and even whether he starts or comes off the bench.

Toronto head coach Dwane Casey can leverage that adaptability to put some unique lineups on the court. He can play Miles at the 4 and spread the court with speed and shooting. On the other hand, he can play Miles with Delon Wright in the backcourt and switch every ball-screen on defense.

“I’ve been able to attack the game in such a manner that it’s allowed me to blend in with whoever I’m playing with,” Miles explained. “That’s one of the reasons I was able to come to an agreement to come here.”

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Miles said all the right things Tuesday. If his genuine excitement was any indication, he said the right things because he’s willing to do the right things. Miles knows his role and knows why he’s in Toronto. Now, it’s up to him to perform.