1. The Blazers are indeed encouraging Miles to retire, and/or not play the season.

2. The Blazers don't care about the money so much, but consider Miles a disruption, and really would rather he go away.

3. The Blazers think that Miles is a PR headache, even if not disruptive on the court--Oden is a PR positive, so it's good to get his smiling mug on TV.  Miles, not so much.

4. Miles, despite protestations to the contrary, isn't ready to go.  

5. Miles is simply irrelevant going forward--if he comes back, great, if not, so what.  But this season isn't about Darius Miles, no matter how much his agent might wish otherwise.

Today's (2/4/08) Oregonian, story by Geoffrey C. Arnold, page 4:

(quote)

The general feeling among league observers is that the addition of Gasol immediately propels the Lakers into the field of legitimate title contenders.

"Might as well give them the championship," Portland forward Darius Miles said. "They're big and they're versatile. They can match up with anyone now, especially San Antonio."

(end quote)

Dunno that he's that good at politics, it's an indirect way to force the organization's hand, but I guarantee that a couple dozen good quotes in a row would force some sort of resolution to his situation.

I LIKE Darius as a player, by the way. I wish him the best, although I doubt he can make it all the way back with this organization politically -- too many fans hate his guts. But I strongly suspect the organization is doing him dirty in his attempt to come back as an NBA player.

Dr. Darius was a 14 ppg. guy when he went down, remember. He can play, or at least could. If he can come back, prove he can play again, he would be a VERY valuable trade commodity. But he has to be activated and played first.

This year is gonna be flushed as an extended "pre-season" anyway -- might as well!

  Could it really be that Darius honestly "thinks" he's able to physically come back and contribute and The Blazers honestly do not think he is ready to play on an N.B.A. court?

  My point being maybe nobody is scaming, or playing anyone. Maybe you just have two honest P.O.V.'s in conflict?

  I find it interesting that at the same time Miles, and Miles' agent are saying he's ready and able to be activated, Miles ends up wearing a boot because of his heel.

  I really doubt if Miles is anywhere really near being able to play or contribute.

  From the very first "waves" of rumor about Miles impending or possible return, McMillans and The Blazers stance was that it would be difficult. McMillan has always said Miles would have to earn his playing time. On a team playing as well as The Blazers, with Outlaw, Webster and Jones, unless Miles can go at or near full speed being a viable part of the team just isn't realistic.

   I'm all for the conspiracy and the lack of open communication about the situation does tend to lend credence to the idea that "something" is up behind the scenes.

   I would hope "reality" prevails. If Miles can indeed play, then he should be allowed to try to play. It's his life and career. If Miles really just can't reach N.B.A. level, then he should realize it and make the mature choice to retire, and not pretend or hold The Blazers hostage.

  Not really knowing the reality, we are left with speculation and conspiracy theories.

I think it's really that simple.  The franchise has made the decision to eat Miles's contract.  Either he'll voluntarily retire or he'll hang around like a booger until his contract is up.

I asked Freeman at the Oregonian about it, and he wrote back saying Darius refuses to grant interviews, but he would keep trying. Yea, sure.

Whether this is because the PTB have asked him to stay quite, as they are, or Darius is afraid of answering the tough questions, its your guess. Lets face it, in one of his last interviews he said he could care less about basketball.

There's no miracle solution here, just like their was no miracle assist from Jarrett Jack last night.