What Does Darius Miles Really Bring to this Team?

[jgod213]

Career 3pt shooting = 17%
Career free throws  = 59%
Career assts/pg     = 2
Career TO/pg        = 2
-------------------------------
Total Playoff Experience = None


I know that, at this time of year, optimism about every team and every player is generally in high abundance; I'm very often guilty myself...but i'm just not buying all the hype on Darius Miles right now.  Maybe it has something to do with the fact that i've never really liked his game to begin with, but i just don't see how he could possibly be mentioned in the same sentence as James Posey. 

I understand the expectations are limited for him right now, but what is it that he's really supposed to bring to the table?  The guy has ALWAYS been an atrocious shooter, tends to turn the ball over too much, and never really wowed anyone with his defensive abilities.   I know that he's older now, maybe more humble, and has impressed Doc in practice, but i just don't understand how he's supposed to be better (or even close to the same player) than he was before his career threatening injury (which wasn't even all that good to begin with)? He can't be that guy who sprints up and down the court, throwing down dunks left and right.

I know that replacing Big Game James is no small task, but i don't think Miles brings ANY of James' traits back to the table.  he can't hit the big 3, he can't lock down on defense, and he's never really showed that he's a reliable teammate (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/blazers/2005-01-28-miles_x.htm).

I need a few more ice cubes in my Miles kool-aid, can anyone help me out here?

[Roy Hobbs]

Don't forget poor defense, a terrible work ethic, and problems with his coaching staff.   

If he has 100% of his athleticism back (which not even Miles claims) he's a physical freak who can get to the hoop and score points in bunches.  He can finish on the break, and get other teams in foul trouble.  Offensively, he's probably a more aware, better Tony Allen, who has better size.  That's not terrible; a slasher going to the hoop can help this team a lot.  The guy did once score 47 points in a game.  (Of course...  so did Acie Earl and I believe Todd Day, right?  Sorry...)

My concerns with Miles' are attitude and health related.  If his career-ending injury has miraculously healed, and one of the biggest punks in the NBA can all of a sudden mature, we've got a player who will help this team.

[moiso]

Nice post, jgod.  I've been thinking the exact same thing. His PER wasn't above average even when he was healthy.  Beside him being a knucklehead, my biggest issue with him is that he is an absolutely pathetic shooter.  I mean, fifty something percent from the foul line?  I would prefer a lesser athlete who can space the floor by nailing some jump shots.  I'm hoping for the best, but I'm really not excited about this guy at all.  It's amazing how many people I talk to think this guy is great player when his head is on right and he is healthy.  He was always about potential, and never very good.

[Donoghus]

He brings the antenna/horn gesture. 

[Redz]

A 10 game suspension and some intrigue

[WeMadeIt17]

The thing about Miles is that he will come in and play D and he is humbled by his short comings, I know about his past and everything but you have to think if he doesn't bring anything to the table why would danny want him here in the first place. We have guys who can stand out and hit the open J when the floor is spread (Eddie,Allen,and Cassel)But You have to understand he will play D if not he wont be here he is a guy who will contend jumpshots and block lay-ups on help D. I really think Darius is going to be successful here in Boston and will play very well.

[mkogav]

He's filling the "Uber Athletic Player Who Never Lives Up To The Hype" roster spot that G$ held for a couple of years.

I believe Danny has been searching for this type of player ever since he flipped G$ to the Wolves.

Mk

[cordobes]

I honestly can't help you.

Unlike Roy, I remember a decent defender though, albeit reckless and careless. Not a James Posey for sure, but the combo of length and quickness would put some opponents in trouble. But I didn't really care for the teams he played for, I may have seen about 10 games of this guy. What was obvious and unforgettable was that his game was heavily reliant on his athleticism (that he probably lost to some degree) and on running the floor (that the C's don't do much). So, I don't know. Waiting for the friendlies to see what this guy has.

[Hoops]

Don't forget poor defense, a terrible work ethic, and problems with his coaching staff.   

If he has 100% of his athleticism back (which not even Miles claims) he's a physical freak who can get to the hoop and score points in bunches.  He can finish on the break, and get other teams in foul trouble.  Offensively, he's probably a more aware, better Tony Allen, who has better size.  That's not terrible; a slasher going to the hoop can help this team a lot.  The guy did once score 47 points in a game.  (Of course...  so did Acie Earl and I believe Todd Day, right?  Sorry...)

My concerns with Miles' are attitude and health related.  If his career-ending injury has miraculously healed, and one of the biggest punks in the NBA can all of a sudden mature, we've got a player who will help this team.

Attitude is such a hard one to analyze from a distance. We fans mostly only know what we hear and read in the news. I'm not suggesting you, Roy, are a poor judge of character/attitude - not by any means. But, in general, I'm amazed at how wrong a lot of people are about the who's who of "bad seeds" in sports. For example, there are people who want to dismiss Miles as a cancer, but are perfectly ready and willing to sign up Stephon Marbury. It's baffling.

I live in Portland, Oregon. Everyone knows about the "JailBlazer" days. To be fair, only about half of those guys (which is still shockingly too many) really deserved the label. The other half got lumped in based on perception. Also, a lot of people in this world are simply followers. If their leaders and peers set a good example, the followers follow. If their leaders and peers set a bad example, the followers again follow.

Anyhow, that's my long-winded explanation for saying that I just don't think Miles' attitude is going to be a problem. At all. Worst-case scenario in Portland was that he was a follower. And if that's the case, he'll continue to be a follower in Boston. Given that his leaders and peers will be the reigning world champs including KG, Pierce, Allen et al., I'm not worried about him following anyone in Boston. If there's a potential problem, Doc will see it in the next month and cut him. If Miles makes the team, however, I'd almost be willing to bet my Celticsblog membership that Miles' attitude won't be an issue.

That said, I don't dispute or have any problem with anyone questioning his health or his "fit" (basketball-wise) on this team.

[Birdbrain]

For me he brings that unknown that both Walker, Giddens, POB, and Pruitt (I believe he'll make the team) bring as well.  Last year we didn't really know what he had and, the whole season seem so new and fresh.  Now we know what we have a great starting 5 (IMO the best in the league) but, we really don't know what we have in our bench.  I think it's going to be fun watching some of the younger guys and Miles and finding out what they bring to the table. I know Miles has had a checkered past but, if he's been humbled by his past and healthy (big if) then it think it will be cool watching someone rebuild their career right before our eyes.  

You could throw Davis and Powe on that list as well although we can assume some of what they bring already.

He brings the unknown for me.

Wow my green glasses are showing.

[MVP]

Well, if he is healthy with most of his athleticism left and determined/good behavior then Miles can bring a few things.

1. Probably the most important is defensive versatility. The best thing that Posey brought last year that we lost was his versatility to guard most sgs, sfs and even some pfs. Miles can do a similar job. He is 6'9" with great length and good athleticism. He was guarding KG is yesterdays practice for example.

2. He can bring some scoring off the bench. Of course he isn't the shooter that Posey was but he is a good finisher and can create opportunities for himself. He averaged 14 points in his last year playing although he wasn't too efficient. He wont get nearly the touches here that he got there, so hopefully if he is in the rotation then he can give us ~7 points on much better efficiency. Also I read from some Portland fans that in his last playing year that his midrange jumper was actually becoming fairly good.

3. He brings more athleticism to the team. Danny obviously saw a weakness against Atlanta and wanted to infuse the team with more athletic players. Giddens/Walker bring some athleticism but they are also rookies. Miles has experience playing in the league.

4. If he is healthy and motivated, he is great value. With the big 3 taking up so much money Danny is always looking for great value players whether it be in the draft or free agency. Miles has a lot of talent and we are just paying him the minimum.

[Section301]

The caveat on all of this is
1. If he's healthy and
2. If he's come to play
I don't know the answer to either of those If's,  but the first comments coming from the Celtics seem to indicate yes and yes. 

Offensively, I think what he brings has already been stated - speed, athleticism, the ability to finish on the break.  He will not be the three-point threat Posey was, but he will still require his man to rotate to him or face the risk of getting beat on ball movement or off the dribble.  He must be covered (if he's in the right place, which is not, of course, beyond the arc).  If the offense is being run properly, he merely has to be a threat if left alone.  If his man can't double off him, it increases the probability that whatever combination of the big 3 is on the floor with him (one or two of them will probably be on the floor, even with 2nd unit guys) will be in single coverage.  Any one of them in single coverage is a shot I like. 

Defensively, his above mentioned physical gifts should have some value if he applies them correctly.  Ray (and Paul too) was labelled as a non-defender before last year.  Ray managed to play within the team defense sufficiently to accomplish the overall goals of the team (and managed to do a more than creditable job on both Kobe and Rip Hamilton for long periods in the playoffs).  Miles has more speed, length, and athleticism than Ray does at this point in Ray's career (although Miles has much less experience and BBIQ).  If he can apply those traits consistently, I trust Thibs et al to put him into a scheme where he will succeed. 

I'm not sure I'm ready to drink the kool-aid, but I'm starting to feel comfortable that it's not poisoned, at least...

 

[td450]

The answer is that he gives them a very long player at the 3 spot who can make plays on offense, and we hope will play some D too. In certain cases, he can play the 4 as well, and he is the second longest guy there too, after KG. We don't have anyone else like that now,and it gives Doc some nice matchup options.

In the NBA, length matters. Put him out there with KG and Perk and it will look like a sea of arms when someone goes to the hoop.

[Who]

Too early to tell. The man hasn't played in two years and is returning from a horrific injury. Who knows at what level he'll be able to play at? I don't have a clue about what he offers.

[Champzilla]

The team seems to be really impressed with both Miles and Bill Walker, which is a good sign for our 3 spot.  I haven't heard reviews regarding POB or Giddens.