Celtics sign Darius Miles
Sports Network | August 22, 2008
Boston, MA (Sports Network) - The Boston Celtics signed oft-injured free agent forward Darius Miles on Friday. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Miles, the former No. 3 overall draft pick in 2000 by the Los Angeles Clippers out of East St. Louis High School, has missed the last two and a half seasons after microfracture surgery on his right knee.
The 6-foot-9, 235-pound forward averaged a career-high 14 points and 4.6 rebounds in 40 games for the Trail Blazers in the 2005-06 season before injuring his knee. Reports have also circulated this year that the 26-year-old will have to serve a 10-game suspension when he returns to play due to a violation of the league's drug policy.
That did not deter the defending NBA champions from adding Miles to their roster, though.
"Darius has been in twice for workouts with us and has impressed us with his progress, health, and attitude," said Celtics general manager Danny Ainge. "Darius will have the next couple of months to prove to myself and Coach (Doc) Rivers that he can help us win."
Miles has posted career averages of 10.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.15 blocks in 412 career games with the Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Portland.
"I've watched the Boston Celtics play a lot last year and loved what I saw in their teamwork and chemistry on the court and it's the team that I want to try to resume my career with," said Miles. "I am excited about having an opportunity to play on a team that I feel my personality fits with and a team that can have great success on the court."
