What in the world is Danny Ainge thinking? First he drafts J.R. Giddens and now he’s signed free agent Darius Miles.
Miles was once-considered a potential star in the league, shortly after he was taken by the Los Angeles Clippers as the third overall pick in the 2000 draft.
However, it’s been all downhill since.
It’s not as if Miles has been guaranteed anything at all by Ainge – not financially or a spot on the roster. The lone guarantee is that Miles won’t last – just as he hasn’t in each of his previous NBA stops.
This is a guy who was dealt by the Clippers after two seasons, traded again by Cleveland less than a year and a half later and then shuttled out of Portland as general manager Kevin Prichard continued to clean up the team’s image.
It’s a little different for Giddens, whose college career included off-court incidents in which he was stabbed at a club and also an arrest for his part in a plot to steal nearly $4,000 worth of electronics from a Wal-Mart. Giddens was taken with the last pick in the first round and it guaranteed at least a two-year contract.
It may be a long shot that Miles even sticks with the Celtics, why in the world would you even put him around a team that displayed not only talent a year ago, but also chemistry?
First off, Miles hasn’t played in two years after a doctor deemed his right knee so shot that it was basically career-ending.
``Two doctors said Darius had the worst microfracture injury they had ever seen,” Portland general manager Kevin Pritchard told the Oregonian earlier this summer.
Second, if Miles somehow winds up sticking on the squad, he’ll have to miss the first 10 games after being suspended for violating the league’s anti-drug program – which means he either had four marijuana offenses or was caught with performance-enhancing drugs.
There was the time when he and coach Mo Cheeks got into it when the pair were in Portland. Miles tried to demean the head coach with a profanity-laced tirade in front of the entire team.
One positive is that the Foxy Lady down in Providence should be celebrating – as Miles has been known to frequent strip clubs and even make it rain on occasion.
Let’s try and put this thing into perspective. It’s not as if Ainge is bringing in Corey Dillon or Randy Moss. He’s not banking on the fact that Miles will be the savior of this team, but obviously he’s hoping that maybe he’d be able to fill the void left by James Posey.
Miles has been working with former Phoenix Suns strength and conditioning coach Robin Pound, who has reportedly raved to Ainge about his work ethic.
Miles is 6-foot-9 and was a talent - back in the day. In fact, he was actually on the cover of Sports Illustrated years ago and touted as the next Kevin Garnett. I remember seeing him at the McDonald’s All-American Game here in Boston nearly a decade ago and he was a raw talent with an attitude and arrogance to match.
He’s averaged 10.6 points, 5.2 rebounds in his career, but it’s rare you’ll hear anyone say anything positive about him in NBA circles.
If Miles does play in 10 games in the next two years, the $18 million left on his ridiculous six-year, $48 million deal will go back on Portland’s books and the Trail Blazers will take a significant hit in terms of being able to sign one of their rising stars (Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, Greg Oden, Jerryd Bayless) to a long-term deal.
"Darius has been in twice for workouts with us and has impressed us with his progress, health, and attitude;" Ainge said. "Darius will have the next couple of months to prove to myself and Coach Rivers that he can help us win." The only thing Miles is proving is that he’s running out of chances.
Jeff Goodman is a senior basketball writer for FOXSports.com.
Patriots punter Zoltan Mesko joined D&C to chat about being labeled the most interesting man in the NFL. He shows off his multilingual skills, who he idolizes, and his upcoming charity event.
Christopher Price joins John Ryder to discuss Wes Welker signing his franchise tender. They also discuss what a crowded Patriots receiver corps will look like once the season starts, as well as the situation in the backfield.
Wes Welker joins Mut and Merloni to discuss his current contract status with the Patriots, if he thinks he'll be at the mandatory mini camp in June, and if he can see himself missing regular season games.
Sean talked with the coach about the big Game 5 comeback, and about the team's different configurations.
Paul talks with Sean & Max about Avery Bradley's health, and about the Celtics' history with closeout games.
Chicago Bulls head coach and former Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau called into D&C to chat about the C's-Sixers series. He also touches on if they have enough to beat the Heat if they reach the Eastern Conference Finals, how the C's know how to win the important games, and who are the top point guards in the NBA.
Bobby Valentine & Joe Castiglione on a rare no-move day today in Baltimore to preview Sox/irds
Red Sox Manager Bobby Valentine joined D&C to discuss Kevin Youkilis' return from the DL. He also discusses juggling his lineup with all the injuries, Adrian Gonzalez volunteering to play the outfield, team leadership, and how the players only meeting influenced the Sox turnaround.
Will Middlebrooks spoke with Joe Castiglione & Dave O'Brien after the Red Sox beat the Birds in Baltimore, 8-6
Bruins Defensman Andrew Ference wraps up the Bruins Game 7 loss. He touches on just how the Capitals beat them, what his thought were on Ovechkin's performance, and how Tim Thomas' decision not to attend the White House visit affected the team.
NESN's Andy Brickley joined Dennis and Callahan to discuss the NHL playoffs and preview game 7 of the Bruins and Captials.
We're joined by NESN's own Jack Edwards after the Bruins knocked off the Caps in dramatic fashion to force a game 7 showdown this Wednesday at the Garden. Jack says: Bet on the Bear!
Chicago Bulls head coach and former Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau called into D&C to chat about the C's-Sixers series. He also touches on if they have enough to beat the Heat if they reach the Eastern Conference Finals, how the C's know how to win the important games, and who are the top point guards in the NBA.
Red Sox Manager Bobby Valentine joined D&C to discuss Kevin Youkilis' return from the DL. He also discusses juggling his lineup with all the injuries, Adrian Gonzalez volunteering to play the outfield, team leadership, and how the players only meeting influenced the Sox turnaround.
The guys react to the interview Olympian Lolo Jones did with Real Sports reporter Mary Carillo where she reveals she'll be giving her future husband the gift of her virginity. They respond to her comments about her struggles to find a husband and staying a virgin being the hardest thing she's ever done.
Mut and Lou react to a blog post from Philadelphia writer John Mitchell in which he called Boston fans bigots because of the way people acted on Twitter following Joel Ward's series ending goal against the Bruins. Unfortunately, Mitchell didn't do his homework and Mut and Lou point that out.
Mut and Lou discuss the possibility of the Red Sox trading Will Middlebrooks. With Kevin Youkilis healthy, Lou argues it may be a good opportunity to look into trading the young third baseman.
Mut and Lou talk about Kevin Youkilis' comments prior to last night's game when he addressed the possibility of Will Middlebrooks taking his job.
As the news comes down that Gonzalez is playing in the outfield, we debate how smart a move this is, and what, if any, alternatives did the Red Sox have?
Former NBA player/current analyst for TNT Steve Kerr chatted with Glenn and Michael and gave his thoughts on the Celts/Sixers, Heat/Pacers and Thunder/Spurs series'.
Even with the Celtics make a nice run in the Eastern Conference NBA playoffs, watching Oklahoma City and San Antonio play has made it abundantly clear that one of those teams will likely win the whole thing. We discuss.
Kirk wrote a column about David Ortiz that Mikey didn't completely agree with and a debate ensues.
Ryder and Kirk talk about what the Red Sox might do when their injured position players start making their return to the lineup and what that could mean for the struggling Kevin Youkilis.
Ryder and Kirk Minihane are talking about Josh Becketts impressive outing against the Seattle Mariners. They also talk about the Celtics-76ers series and how much energy the Celtics will have in game 3.
MOTWU tickles Michael, Ortiz feels the heat, and the Celts get their props.
The goon croons for a lost BeeGee, and Metallica on the accordion never sounded better.
Rhode Islanders vs Schilling... and they ain't happy.
Celtics head coach Doc Rivers called into D&C this morning to discuss his team's dominating second half performance in Game 5. He touches on how the C's clicked in the second half, the character of his team, why Rondo is so special, and the keys to Brandon Bass' big night.
More from this showFormer NBA player/current analyst for TNT Steve Kerr chatted with Glenn and Michael and gave his thoughts on the Celts/Sixers, Heat/Pacers and Thunder/Spurs series'.
More from this showCeltics TV play-by-play voice Mike Gorman joined John & Gerry to discuss the personality of this Celtics team. He also talks about if the Celtics are taking this season as their last shot at a championship, what was the key moment that turned the season around, and if KG will return to Boston next season.
More from this showMut and Lou discuss David Ortiz's comments after last night's game about not getting enough respect from the front office and media.
More from this showJermaine O Neal joins Mut and Merloni in an attempt to let fans hear his side of the story on his time in Boston. Jermaine denies ever wanting to go to the Heat.
More from this show