BOSTON -- Aaron Miles went to Las Vegas not once but twice last summer because his coaching future was at an intersection, and he needed to look both ways before proceeding.
In one direction was the present, the Warriors, the only NBA team Miles had ever played for and where he had become a valued player-development coach under head coach Steve Kerr.
In the other direction was an intriguing future with the Boston Celtics, who had hired Ime Udoka as head coach. Growing up in Portland in the 1990s, Miles remembers being in sixth grade watching Udoka play basketball at Jefferson High.
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The past ultimately guided Miles toward the future. After meeting with both coaches on different trips to Vegas, he chose to accept an offer to be an assistant under Udoka with the Celtics, a decision that Kerr understood and supported.
“Steve already knew of me and Ime’s relationship,” Miles told NBC Sports Bay Area on Thursday. “They were working together on the USA Basketball staff, so they also had a relationship. When Ime called, I told Steve and he kind of figured it could happen. He was supportive, and he was encouraging in talking about how good of an organization the Celtics were.”
And now, 11 months later, Miles' role has changed from player-development coach to full assistant, and he is on the bench opposite the Warriors in the NBA Finals.
Miles was among several staffing changes the Warriors made last summer. Seven-year assistant Jarron Collins was let go, as were player-development coaches Luke Loucks and Theo Robertson. Miles, however, left on his own.
Golden State Warriors
He landed in a good place, even if the circumstances this month are unique.
“I still have a lot of friends over there,” Miles said. “Throughout the playoffs, I was texting them and they were texting me. I heard from Steve and multiple staff members. It’s a lot of love and respect.
“It wasn’t like I left because I was mad or upset about something. It was an understanding that this could be a good move for me.”
Does Miles have particular insight into the Warriors? Sure. He worked a lot with Andrew Wiggins, another former Jayhawk, but also spent time with the entire roster and the coaching staff.
“Just to reach the Finals itself is crazy. I didn’t care who we were playing. It’s amazing to get here in our first year. I was excited when the Warriors got there first. I congratulated them when they beat Dallas, I was pulling for them.
“Now, it’s different. I pulled for those guys all throughout the year. Connected with them from time to time. Love those guys. Now, we have to get on their heads. At this stage, I’m not saying ‘good luck.’ I’ll say, ‘Wish you good health.’”
It’s the way of the NBA, of coaching in professional sports. Movement is frequent, so it’s good to have friends.
Miles, 39, happened to be on Golden State’s staff for the only two seasons they missed the playoffs under Kerr. The Warriors regarded him highly -- he had been the head coach at G-League Santa Cruz -- but wished him well as the journey continued.
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Undrafted out of Kansas, Miles lasted only 19 games with the Warriors in 2005. Shortly thereafter, he landed with the D-League Fort Worth Flyers, where one of his teammates was none other than Udoka.
“We go back to our days in [town], but we became even closer after that,” Miles said. “We would work out together in Portland. We became good friends through the years, and basketball was always part of the relationship.”
Udoka didn’t hire Miles to gain intel on the Warriors. It just happened to work out that way. Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone coached Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green with the Warriors. Dallas Mavericks big man Marquese Chriss spent time with the Warriors.
There is no animosity, as it’s all in the spirit of competition. It’s why nothing in professional player/coaching circles matters more than relationships.