Miles returns to practice (O-Live)

by Samuelson on Dec 5, 2007 3:37 PM PST

I never thought it would happen. Color me skeptical.

Put me in the group that feels that if he can't return to the point where he can play a whole game without causing me to think 'he's dogging it' or 'taking games off' (be it due to his injury or his attitude), he shouldn't be playing at all.

http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2007/12/wednesday_surprise_miles_is_ba/print.html

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Stunned...

...I'm incredibly suprised! I never thought Darius would ever actually participate in anything again... I'd say anything we can get out of him (a practice dummy, a few extra fouls, etc.) is a bonus. I would be beside myself if he came back and made a meaningful contribution...

by pantelakis on Dec 5, 2007 3:50 PM PST reply actions

He was Micro'd for our sins

And now He is back to lead us to the promised land.

by Mortimer on Dec 5, 2007 3:50 PM PST reply actions

Awesome

If I made a list of the worst attitudes and biggest team cancers in the NBA, I don't think Darius Miles would be in the top 20. The guy was an easy scapegoat and was never as villainous or horrible as people say. I'm not saying he's perfect or even awesome, but he's really not that bad. He can help us. I welcome him back and look forward to him playing again.

by Jumbo on Dec 5, 2007 3:52 PM PST reply actions

I second that

Darius is welcome back as far as I'm concerned, so long as he's ready to ball.

by drawingjeremy on Dec 5, 2007 4:12 PM PST up reply actions

I agree

Darius kinda got lumped in as an off-the-court bad guy cause of our other bad guys, when all of Darius's troubles are play-based... but everyone acts like he has actually committed a crime at one point in his life.

I can't get angry at him bitching out Cheeks, because I'm assuming it was maybe as deserved as Z-Bo breaking Ruben's eye socket (Ruben had it coming; Z-Bo did it for America). I was/am annoyed with Miles's on the court play and how he under utilizes his amazing natural talent, and I am skeptical about how useful he'll be now that he has likely lost his greatest asset (explosive athleticism), but I can't hate the guy.

It'll be good for the team if he comes back strong, so we can move him. We should all hope for the best, and remember the things he actually did wrong (not try) and not pretend he did Jail Blazer type ish.

Mortimer

by Mortimer on Dec 5, 2007 4:12 PM PST up reply actions

Rehab is one thing, game readiness is another

I'm not surprised. From Mike Barrett's comments and the speratic reports from the organization, we knew that Darius was working his @$$ off to get back on the court. They had talked about a mid-to-late January time frame for him returning and from this article, it sounds like that is how long it will take for him to start participating in full-contact and 5-on-5 drills.

Personally, I'm happy for Darius. Who knows yet if he'll ever make it back to complete NBA form but I have to give him props for getting as far as he has. Also, the talked about his right knee, but didn't he get surgery on both?

by PtownJake on Dec 5, 2007 3:59 PM PST reply actions

Deference to Nate and the coaching staff.

"If I had my wish, I'd be playing tomorrow," he said. "My confidence is so high. Like I said, it has to be up to Coach Nate. If they come to me and ask me, I'm gonna be like, 'Yeah, I'm ready.' It's really up to them. They know the truth and they know what to do."

I like this comment because it demonstrates a deference toward the coaching staff that defies his previous actions and attitudes. Hopefully he keeps this attitude even if the coaches decide he won't get to start again.

by bocious on Dec 5, 2007 6:00 PM PST reply actions

Hendrickson

also weighs in with a few comments. I liked Bayno's, "His planting has been good, his footwork has been good. He's been going at game speed."

Maybe he can start playing after the All-Star break when some of the guys will no doubt start tiring. If he keeps the positive attitude he'll be welcome.

by jorga on Dec 5, 2007 9:17 PM PST reply actions

Age...

What I'm personally hoping is that between sitting for close to 2 years and getting older DMiles has matured. Like one of the previous comments said, none of Miles' problems were behavior related, they were play related. Everything I've ever heard about him off the court is that he's personable, his teammates love him and he's just a big kid. I live in the same general neighborhood as Darius and the few times I've seen him around at the store, etc., he's always taken the time to shake a hand or speak to a fan, signs for kids. I guess I'm going to sit back, wait the next 6 weeks or so, then hope he can contribute and accept whatever role he gets. Worse case scenario is his contract is a trade piece (Knicks?)

On Paul Allen's cash it should say "In Pritchard We Trust"

by kevingiard1 on Dec 6, 2007 7:55 AM PST reply actions

im digging it

and with oden going through the same thing it might have made darius work even harder to motivate his young team mate... i predict a amare type return ..dont laugh we all lambasted him all summer he can read and hear...darius is going to shock the world!!!!!!!!

if it can be conceived it can be achieved

by lyfefindsaway on Dec 7, 2007 11:29 AM PST reply actions