C.J. Miles scrimmaged in practice for the first time in a couple of weeks Saturday, a development that raised as many questions as it answered.
Miles played in only the first preseason game before a sore left knee gradually took him out of practice and games. The injury was never regarded as serious, but was slow to heal and kept Miles out of full contact in practice until Saturday – four days before the season-opener.
He said he felt good and would have liked to play more than the training staff allowed him to. He was one of the last players off the court after practice, following a lengthy shooting session.
Now what?
Glenn Robinson III played well while filling Miles' role as a backup wing, and coach Nate McMillan has indicated Robinson could be in the rotation when the season opens. Miles gets that, having played in 11 NBA seasons.
"To be honest, it wouldn't surprise me if I wasn't, because I haven't been playing," he said. "My main focus is getting myself sharpened up for if I am or if I'm not, whatever it is. I want to play, but I understand the way it goes. I understand, and (will) spend that time working and getting sharper."
Asked if any players have stepped forward or showed significant improvement during training camp, McMillan replied with Robinson.
"Glenn has been pretty consistent throughout training camp," McMillan said, adding Robinson could be used at the two or three positions.
McMillan also mentioned Lavoy Allen, who seemed to pair well with Al Jefferson on the second unit and will be in the rotation at least some games.
Aaron Brooks, who played in just two preseason games because of a sore knee, returned to practice on Saturday.
Jefferson tutoring Turner
Myles Turner and Al Jefferson spent time together with assistant coach Popeye Jones following Saturday's practice, working on post moves. How much Turner will need them remains to be seen, however.
Turner will be the Pacers' starting center, but will hardly be an old-fashioned post-up, back-to-the-basket pivotman. He'll float around the perimeter, setting picks and shooting jumpers, even from behind the 3-point line.
Still, it would be good to be able to take advantage of smaller defenders when the occasion arises. Turner didn't show much finesse in the low post as a rookie last season, and knowing more skills would come in handy. Jefferson, who has made a living off post moves for 11 seasons, seems like the perfect guy to pass on a few nuances.
"When I'm playing against him every day, I see little things I didn't see the day before," Turner said. "It's great having him here working with him."
But Turner doesn't anticipate spending much time posted up near the basket. McMillan's offense is meant to be spread, leaving the lane open for penetration from the perimeter.
"I'm always going to be able to get my touches, but I'm not sure how much it will be in the post," Turner said. "When you have Al in the game, you know he's going to the post. Nate is using me more as a mobile big, able to set screens and roll out of it.
"When you're posting up, it stops everything and guys aren't moving as much. I'm able to set picks, catch and pop, make reads ... it moves so much quicker. It sucks the defensive in when you're in the post."
Niang still impressing
Rookie Georges Niang isn't expected to be in the rotation when the season begins, but continues to make a favorable impression. He made a deft interior pass for a dunk late in Saturday's scrimmage, the sort of play he reportedly makes routinely because of his court sense.
McMillan said Niang's "basketball IQ" is equal to that of any of the veterans, and offers versatility because of his passing skills and decision-making.
"I just think he has a real good feel for the game," McMillan said. "He's always in the right spot. The team moves the ball and executes when he's on the floor."
Niang, a second-round draft pick, averaged 5.5 points in six preseason games, hitting 50 percent of his field goal attempts and 43 percent of his 3-point attempts.
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