Jeff says: Miles has always been a question mark. Early on he was just an
athletic dunker who didn’t really know how to play basketball. But as his
career progressed, he kept showing stretches of occasional brilliance. He was
still raw and not yet developed, yet for 10 or 15 minutes here and there Miles
seemed like a future star, if he could just learn how to play. Only that never
really happened, because he got hurt, badly, over and over. And fell out of
shape. And even when he was playing well, there was never a sense that he ever
really loved basketball. But now he’s apparently back, in shape, and ready
to contribute. I think the Celtics are making the right move, taking a low-risk
chance on him with potential decent reward. And, here’s the news release:
The Boston Celtics announced today that they have signed free agent forward
Darius Miles. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Miles, a 6′9”, 235lbs forward out of East St. Louis High School has
posted career averages of 10.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.15 blocks in 412
career games. Miles was originally drafted with the third overall pick in the
2000 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Clippers. Miles last played for the Portland
Trail Blazers during the 2005-06 season when he averaged a career high 14.0
points and 4.6 rebounds in 40 games. Miles missed all of the 2006-07 and
2007-08 seasons due to microfracture surgery on his right knee.
“Darius has been in twice for workouts with us and has impressed us with his
progress, health, and attitude;” said Danny Ainge, Celtics Executive Director
of Basketball Operations/General Manager. “Darius will have the next couple
of months to prove to myself and Coach Rivers that he can help us win.”
The Bellville, Illinois native became the first player in NBA history to
receive All-Rookie honors straight out of high school when he averaged 9.4
points and 1.54 blocks for the Clippers in the 2000-01 season. Miles scored in
double-figures in 31 of the 40 games that he appeared in during his last NBA
season in 2005-06. As a starter in 23 of those 40 games he averaged 16.9
points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks per game.
“I’ve watched the Boston Celtics play a lot last year and loved what I
saw in their teamwork and chemistry on the court and it’s the team that I
want to try to resume my career with.” said Miles. “I am excited about
having an opportunity to play on a team that I feel my personality fits with and
a team that can have great success on the court.”