C.J. Miles, a professional basketball player, embarked on his NBA journey straight out of high school, a path less traveled in the modern era. Born on March 18, 1987, in Dallas, Texas, Miles attended Skyline High School, where he excelled on the court and caught the attention of NBA scouts. Forgoing college, he declared for the 2005 NBA Draft and was selected by the Utah Jazz in the second round with the 34th overall pick.
Miles' early years with the Jazz were a period of growth and adaptation. As one of the youngest players in the league, he spent time developing his skills and understanding the professional game. Over the course of seven seasons with Utah, Miles gradually increased his role, becoming a reliable option off the bench and occasionally stepping into the starting lineup. His ability to shoot from long range and defend multiple positions made him a valuable asset for the Jazz.
In 2012, Miles signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he continued to hone his craft. During his two seasons in Cleveland, he became known for his three-point shooting and perimeter defense. His time with the Cavaliers allowed him to showcase his ability to contribute to a team in transition, as the franchise was rebuilding in the post-LeBron James era.
Miles' career took another turn in 2014 when he joined the Indiana Pacers. It was with the Pacers that he found a more consistent role, often serving as a starter and providing veteran leadership to a young team. His tenure in Indiana was marked by several memorable performances, including a career-high 40-point game against the Washington Wizards in 2015. Miles' sharpshooting and experience were instrumental in helping the Pacers reach the playoffs during his time there.
In 2017, Miles signed with the Toronto Raptors, adding depth to a team with championship aspirations. His role with the Raptors was primarily as a three-point specialist, coming off the bench to provide scoring bursts and stretch the floor. Miles' presence was felt during the Raptors' successful regular seasons, although he was traded midway through the 2018-2019 season to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a deal that brought Marc Gasol to Toronto.
Miles' stint with the Grizzlies was short-lived, as he was traded to the Washington Wizards in 2019. Unfortunately, his time in Washington was marred by injuries, limiting his ability to contribute on the court. Despite these setbacks, Miles remained a respected figure in the locker room, known for his professionalism and basketball IQ.
After his time with the Wizards, Miles faced challenges in finding a new team, partly due to the injuries that had plagued him. However, he continued to work on his game and stayed ready for any opportunity that might arise. In 2021, he signed a 10-day contract with the Boston Celtics, marking a brief return to the NBA.
Throughout his career, C.J. Miles was known for his shooting ability, particularly from beyond the arc. He ranks among the top three-point shooters in NBA history in terms of total makes, a testament to his longevity and skill. Off the court, Miles was also involved in various community initiatives, using his platform to give back and inspire young athletes.
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