Utah Jazz: A spot in the starting lineup was a nice surprise to Miles

"I think coach is comfortable with me, if I'm open, shooting the ball. I think I've proven I can do that last year," he added. "I mean, not to get crazy and start getting crazy shots. But I think if I get a good shot, hopefully within the offense or off a pass from (starting point guard) Deron (Williams) or (power forward Carlos) Boozer, then I can make them."

Williams, for one, isn't worried by Miles' misses — including the three that came early in Sunday's second half.

"They were good looks. You've got to take open shots when they're there," Williams said.

But Sloan did suggest a degree of concern about Miles frequently trying to get warmed up from the outside rather than in, which is a worry he has when it comes to most young players.

He prefers layups first, not 18-foot jumpers.

"We've told them to always play the percentages," Sloan said.

"The psychology of that should help you a little bit, if you can get layups," the Jazz coach added. "That's why we encourage guys to try to get a couple layups. Then, when you shoot, it's a different perspective when you get out on the floor."

Williams' advice to Miles is simple.

"He's got to relax, and play his game," he said. "Take his shots when they're open. He's speeding up a little bit. Just settle down and play."

If Miles indeed can heed the words of both, he may be well on his way to doing on a regular basis in Utah what long ago didn't seem particularly realistic.

That would be starting.

Granted, it likely would involve limited minutes — just long enough to keep Kirilenko out of foul trouble. Probably no finishing, either, unless it's a blowout. At least not for now.

All in all, not a bad gig. If he can land it.

"I didn't think I would replace Andrei in the starting lineup," Miles said, laughing just a bit as he reflected on the summer. "I didn't think it would go like that. But, I mean, I'm not going to complain about it.

"I was going to come into training camp and try to earn my work, try to get myself into the rotation and get some minutes," he added. "To have a chance to be a starter? Like I said, no complaints."

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E-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com