The Sixer Sense
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Summer League: Isaiah Miles is playing for his chance

By Christopher Kline

13 MAR 2016: Saint Joseph's Hawks forward Isaiah Miles (15) rebounds during the first half of the A-10 Tournament Final between the Virginia Commonwealth Rams and the Saint Joseph's Hawks played at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn,NY. The Saint Joseph's Hawks defeat the Virginia Commonwealth Rams 87-74. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire) (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images)
13 MAR 2016: Saint Joseph's Hawks forward Isaiah Miles (15) rebounds during the first half of the A-10 Tournament Final between the Virginia Commonwealth Rams and the Saint Joseph's Hawks played at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn,NY. The Saint Joseph's Hawks defeat the Virginia Commonwealth Rams 87-74. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire) (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images) /
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After going undrafted in 2016, former St. Joseph’s forward Isaiah Miles is making a strong case for a Philadelphia 76ers roster spot during Summer League play.

The Philadelphia 76ers‘ roster has filled up quickly this offseason, with a combination of the draft, free agency and newfound health adding to a rotation that was previously thin. The frontcourt is once again loaded with talent, while the Sixers boast a myriad of capable wings that can be cycled through. When you consider the sheer versatility that a number of their roster pieces provide, the room for another legit contributor is slim.

Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers /

Philadelphia 76ers

That’s what Summer League’s about, though. Players who were previously overlooked who are seeking to carve out a role that many didn’t foresee. We’ve seen T.J. McConnell emerge from Summer League as Philadelphia’s inevitable starter, while names like Jonathan Simmons and Tyler Johnson have turned strong summer outings into extensive interest at the NBA level.

There’s always a handful of diamonds in the proverbial rough. This year, Sixers forward Isaiah Miles has a chance to be one of this offseason’s finest gems.

Obviously, the guarantee here is minimal — if existent at all. He’ll still have to fight his way through training camp, while the Sixers’ depth on the wing makes it especially difficult for him to find a tangible niche in Philadelphia. But the former St. Joseph’s stud — who went undrafted in 2016 — has shown a wealth of NBA-ready skills for the Summer Sixers thus far, and could translate his recent success into a shot at the next level.

A shot is all he’s playing for.

Players who aren’t drafted don’t go into Summer League looking for long term stability. They’re looking for a chance to make the roster. A chance to put their production into a broader spotlight, and in turn utilize that opportunity to boost their stock moving forward.

Miles doesn’t need to start game one of the regular season to make his success with the Sixers worthwhile. He just needs to make a team.

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That could very well mean signing onto a two-way contract, which would allow Philadelphia to move him between the Sixers and 87ers without committing him to one of their 15-man roster spots. That gives Miles time to develop in a more concrete setting, while also giving the Sixers a chance to monitor his development.

A 6-foot-7, Miles has all the tools of a proficient 3-and-D guard in today’s league. He makes smart plays defensively, guarding multiple positions while using his athleticism to bother shots across the spectrum. He has also hit from deep at a high clip this summer, providing the Sixers’ with their most reliable perimeter weapon outside of Markelle Fultz offensively.

While there are still some well-defined limitations on his game, a well-rounded scorer who defends at a high level has inherent value in today’s league. Philadelphia is set in terms of two-way swingmen, but players of Miles’ ilk have value in almost any setting. A team, in some form or fashion, needs players who can contribute in the areas Miles does.

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It once again comes down to that concept of opportunity. Miles doesn’t need to stick in Philly, but he would at least be getting the opportunity to prove his worth in a league that thrives on players with his skill set.