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Toronto Raptors: Ranking Raptors players in 2018-19

By Jordan Fleguel

TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 30: Kyle Lowry #7 and Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors high five during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves January 30, 2018 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 30: Kyle Lowry #7 and Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors high five during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves January 30, 2018 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, CANADA – FEBRUARY 6: CJ Miles
TORONTO, CANADA – FEBRUARY 6: CJ Miles /

#10 C.J. Miles

CJ Miles was a crucial contributor for the Raptors last season, spacing the floor better than anyone else on the team.  Even with the addition of three-point shooters Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard, Miles might still be the most dangerous perimeter shooting threat that Toronto has.

Analytically, Miles’ shooting percentages from last year aren’t great, but they don’t account for Miles’ ability to get red-hot as soon as he touches the ball.  His shooting is what kept him on the floor as part of the league’s best bench unit, and if he was a better defender he would have been out there a lot more.

Unfortunately for Miles, he is a bit of a tweener on defense. At small forward (his natural position), he is often exposed by quick guards who have the ability to blow right past him. At power forward, he can be overpowered and outrebounded by traditional posts. (See the results against Kevin Love in the playoffs last season).

For better or for worse, Miles probably won’t be getting as many minutes at small forward this year, since Kawhi Leonard and OG Anunoby tend to play a more complete game.

Miles will probably be used when the team goes small, and if he can hold his own on the defensive end, it will be a scary sight watching Kawhi Leonard drive to the basket with Kyle Lowry, Danny Green and CJ Miles standing around the three-point line waiting for the ball.

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