Why won't Darius Miles tell himself to retire?

[Rocky5000]

Miles was considered a good defender when in LA. For a SF to average a block and a half is pretty impressive. Even in 05-06 he was averaging 1 block and 1 steal. I know blocks and steals, aren't the same as defensive production, but there's at least something there. I think he lost sight a little bit of concentrating on the defensive end as he spent more time in the league, could be a result of the coaching he was given, or he could have lost motivation as some people say. Heck, even Paul and Ray didn't want to play defense last year. On the Celtics, you can be sure Miles will be motivated to play defense or he'll be sitting on the bench. I even think he could look like one of the better defenders in the league playing on our team.

[campybatman]

Miles was considered a good defender when in LA. For a SF to average a block and a half is pretty impressive. Even in 05-06 he was averaging 1 block and 1 steal. I know blocks and steals, aren't the same as defensive production, but there's at least something there. I think he lost sight a little bit of concentrating on the defensive end as he spent more time in the league, could be a result of the coaching he was given, or he could have lost motivation as some people say. Heck, even Paul and Ray didn't want to play defense last year. On the Celtics, you can be sure Miles will be motivated to play defense or he'll be sitting on the bench. I even think he could look like one of the better defenders in the league playing on our team.

Why does there still exist this opinion that Pierce can't or prefers not to play defense? He's an underrated defender who only got credit this season because the team was ranked first overall. But, Pierce will tell you himself that he'd always been able to play defense it's just that you expend so much energy on offense that you don't always tend to duplicate that much effort on defense. You get tired... With all the seasons Pierce (and Walker) had to carry the team. It's easy to lose sight of anything Pierce did defensively. Ray Allen from day one of his arrival to the Celtics stated that he isn't a good defender, but, with the help of teammates, he'd believed he could improve and not hurt the team.

As for Miles, the weight and conditioning are a concern. He'd became Shawn Kemp after he left Seattle. The Celtics already have a player who needs to lose weight: Glen Davis. And then there was Perkins and Jefferson before him. At twenty-six and two years removed from playing regularly in the NBA. I don't know what you could expect to get from Miles at this point in his career. One team will throw him a bone but I don't think it'll be Boston. There's a lot of pressure on Ainge to retool the bench. He shouldn't make his job tougher by taking a gamble that could easily backfire. If Miles were to sign. The team would need him to play and contribute and not be merely insurance in case a player got injured. He's said to have a child, so maybe he's motivated to start anew for his child. But, I disagree with this high risk, high reward notion. What's the reward? Miles wasn't that impressive when he was nineteen in the league. His reputation as a poor shooter far exceeded Rondo's. I remember.

[bruno sundov]

What is a matter with people think Paul and ray didn't want to play D last year. Where does this misinformation come from? Also Paul guarded Josh SMith the first the, LBJ, Then Tayshaun and finally Kobe. I don't remember Paul getting schooled that often.

Ray it was JJ, Then wally, Rip for the lakers I really can't remember.

[grantlongforpresident]

Miles has always been one of the most overrated players in the NBA. Combine that with his bad-apple track record (lousy motivation, drugs, moping, etc) and his wretched injury history and i'd say a big fat no.

this guy is not a winner he is a whiner....We need more guys with personalities like Leon Powe who give their all. Next.

[Rocky5000]

Paul and Ray have both admitted that they weren't as committed to defense in the past as they were this year. Defense became the primary focus of the team this year, and both guys took it upon themselves to work harder on defense. I think it shows up pretty clearly in their play from the past year. In the past, Paul would always try to outscore the other guy, rather than guard them. When Paul was younger he was much more committed on defense, it was never a question of ability, but more of commitment. --I think Miles had a similar waning in defensive effort, but like Paul the talent is still there.

[Pogue Mahone]

You know, sometimes a player does one thing really well and, for some reason or another, they get a reputation as being "well-rounded" or a "good all-around" player. It becomes to the point that after hearing all the accolades, you are no longer talking about the same player and instead the player no longer has warts or anything.

Conversely, I think the same thing happens to players who struggle in one area of the game or who have had problems with injuries, discipline, what have you.

I think Miles falls into the second grouping. When he was first coming into the league, Miles had DPOY type ability in my opinion. He could pass, dribble extremely well for his size and, as I stated, the ability and athleticism were there to make a huge defensive impact, as well. He wasn't a good shooter and he needed good coaching to harness his gifts. He never received that while with the Clippership or Cavs.

I can understand the rationale for running the offense through Miles as a point forward-type. Boris Diaw was doing the same thing for Phoenix. In fact, I think Diaw and Miles are very similar, to be honest. I would give the nod to Miles as the superior player assuming he is 100% healthy because not only is he a good individual defender, he is a defensive catalyst and big time disruptor. Think Rajon Rondo at the SF-PF position. If utilized correctly, that would be a hell of a player to have coming off your bench because in some respects, Miles is a mini-Garnett on the defensive end.

I say, if healthy, Miles is not only a good replacement for Posey, he is an upgrade. Sure, you lose the three point shooting of Posey but Miles can go and get you the ball on the defensive end, is much better at involving teammates via the pass and is a big time disruptor on both his man and his teammates' covers.

[Rocky5000]

You're not going to believe what the drug was that got him the 10 game suspension.
Weed? No
HGH? No
Roids? No
Phentermine? YES

Sources say all 30 teams were notified this week by league memorandum that the drug which earned Portland Trail Blazers castoff Darius Miles a 10-game suspension to start next season -- if Miles can find a job -- is the appetite suppressant Phentermine.

A weight-loss drug, basically.

Miles was just taking something to help him drop some el-bees quickly. Not anything to make him rapidly heal, not anything recreational, but a weight-loss pill. So if the "drug-issue" was holding anyone up, you should now know that's it's absolutely no big deal.

Source: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/s ... tes-080719

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phentermine

It's an FDA approved drug, and it's really pushing it to consider it a PED, IMO. All it does is keep you from overeating.

[campybatman]

I say, if healthy, Miles is not only a good replacement for Posey, he is an upgrade. Sure, you lose the three point shooting of Posey but Miles can go and get you the ball on the defensive end, is much better at involving teammates via the pass and is a big time disruptor on both his man and his teammates' covers.

Really? You really believe that? You obviously have more confidence in Miles today then most people who don't share your high opinion. I think people readily lose sight of what Posey meant to his teammates and not so much what he'd done and didn't do statistically. The hugs and motivation Posey gave to the starters alone was significant. A player like that is a player that helps keep teammates together and focused. Again, what has Miles done over his career? What has Posey done this season? I know what Posey has done... Help the Celtics win a NBA title. His clutch shooting and key defensive plays were immense during both the regular season and throughout the post season. Every high opinion of Miles seems to be based solely on his potential or it's based on the wishful thinkings of Celtics fans intrigued by a player that has done nothing in his time in the NBA.

You've to look at Miles as a player right now and not based your argument on what he was capable of doing in the past. Who knows how bad his skills have deteriorated from not playing and from being out of shape.

[Pogue Mahone]

I read that when James Posey cries -- yeah right, he would never cry -- but if he did shed even a single tear, he would cry Jelly Belly jellybeans. And not the buttered popcorn type. He is just that great of a player.

In fact, James Posey is so good that he is the reigning MVP of intergalactic man hugs. I mean, how can you argue with those intangibles?

One time James Posey had a small pebble in his shoe. He was very angry and tossed it all the way to Australia. Wouldn't you know it, that simple act formed Ayers Rock. He is truly a spectactular, magnificent, extraordinary player of ginormous proportions and never ending skill. All praise the Pos.

James Posey has quickly become the Derek Jeter of Celtic-Nation. Please, someone stop the flippin' insanity.

[greenbeans]

I read that when James Posey cries -- yeah right, he would never cry -- but if he did shed even a single tear, he would cry Jelly Belly jellybeans. And not the buttered popcorn type. He is just that great of a player.

In fact, James Posey is so good that he is the reigning MVP of intergalactic man hugs. I mean, how can you argue with those intangibles?

One time James Posey had a small pebble in his shoe. He was very angry and tossed it all the way to Australia. Wouldn't you know it, that simple act formed Ayers Rock. He is truly a spectactular, magnificent, extraordinary player of ginormous proportions and never ending skill. All praise the Pos.

James Posey has quickly become the Derek Jeter of Celtic-Nation. Please, someone stop the flippin' insanity.

lolololololol. . . . . . bless you!

[GuyClinch]

The hugs and motivation Posey gave to the starters alone was significant.

^^^^ Classic comedy. This is why I read this board. Hugs. Your actually using that in your argument? LMAO. I hear Doc Rivers has them watching the carebears before the game...

[bruno sundov]

You're not going to believe what the drug was that got him the 10 game suspension.
Weed? No
HGH? No
Roids? No
Phentermine? YES

Sources say all 30 teams were notified this week by league memorandum that the drug which earned Portland Trail Blazers castoff Darius Miles a 10-game suspension to start next season -- if Miles can find a job -- is the appetite suppressant Phentermine.

A weight-loss drug, basically.

Miles was just taking something to help him drop some el-bees quickly. Not anything to make him rapidly heal, not anything recreational, but a weight-loss pill. So if the "drug-issue" was holding anyone up, you should now know that's it's absolutely no big deal.

Source: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/s ... tes-080719

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phentermine

It's an FDA approved drug, and it's really pushing it to consider it a PED, IMO. All it does is keep you from overeating.

Now I actually feel better about signing him. he is still not at the top of my list.

[SeizeCoup]

LOL @ Weight-loss pills! They are dangerous though, don't do them.

[campybatman]

No, thanks. The Celtics don't need the negative publicity. People were mixed on Rodney Harrison because he was already a member of the Patriots when the news broke he'd used HGH. Subsequently, he was suspended. Miles isn't even signed with a new team yet, and he's already creating controversy. How are you suppose to take him seriously or trust him for that matter?

Sources say all 30 teams were notified this week by league memorandum that the drug which earned Portland Trail Blazers castoff Darius Miles a 10-game suspension to start next season -- if Miles can find a job -- is the appetite suppressant Phentermine.

A weight-loss drug, basically.

The bigger obstacles for the longtime Stein Line favorite -- we've never denied that Miles has repeatedly seduced us with his potential, versatility and length -- will be convincing teams that his right knee can withstand a comeback. He also first has to properly lose the needed weight for a return to basketball shape.

Reports from those who have seen his workouts to date so far are mixed, ranging from claims that he'll be in the league for sure next season as a bargain-priced, irresistible reclamation project that has something left to suggestions that Miles' explosion is shot after undergoing the microfracture knee surgery dreaded by NBA players.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/s ... tes-080719

[bruno sundov]

Paul and Ray have both admitted that they weren't as committed to defense in the past as they were this year. Defense became the primary focus of the team this year, and both guys took it upon themselves to work harder on defense. I think it shows up pretty clearly in their play from the past year. In the past, Paul would always try to outscore the other guy, rather than guard them. When Paul was younger he was much more committed on defense, it was never a question of ability, but more of commitment. --I think Miles had a similar waning in defensive effort, but like Paul the talent is still there.

No Mile is completely different then Paul. What Miles has done is never played D on bad teams. Paul used to play D on bad teams until he thought hw should just score to keep his team in the game. Please don't compare the 2.

[Pogue Mahone]

No Mile is completely different then Paul. What Miles has done is never played D on bad teams.

I don't believe that to be true. Don't confuse Miles offensive suck with his defense. They are not mutually exclusive events. Miles, despite playing on bad defensive teams, has always been at least one of the top two defenders on each team. Which, to some, may be damning with faint praise but whatever.

Was Rajon Rondo a poor defender two years ago during the losing streak? Was The Jefferson a defensive beast just because his offense was advanced for his age? The answer is no and no.

Miles has always been a talented defender who was miscast in his role. He is an uber-freak athletically (when healthy) and for whatever reason, he was put into the role of scorer. That doesn't match his skill-set, imo. He can be an offensive catalyst in the mold of a Boris Diaw. While each is limited offensively by their inability to hit the outside shot, both are talented enough to take defenders off the dribble, provide both offensive and defensive versatility and utilize the pass to set-up teammates for baskets.

If that doesn't scream "valuable bench piece/occasional starter", I don't know what does.

[GuyClinch]

^^^ The only issue with Miles I think is his health..not his game.

[GreenGrizz]

It looks like he is gonna be our 15th player.

[meatball sub]

He is?

[GreenGrizz]

Oh I don't know. Ainge liked him in the workout. We have one spot left.