Darius Miles’ recent signing by the Grizzlies caused more consternation and conversation in Portland than in Memphis it seemed. However after two games and less than nine minutes of action, his stint with the Grizz is over — for now.
Miles was waived after his second game, more as a timing thing than anything. As Henry Abbott noted on Truehoop yesterday, you’ll see a lot of players cut today prior to the deadline for guaranteed contracts. Miles came into the team on unguaranteed money and thus a decision had to be made to avoid him being on the books for the season.
This of course does not mean that he is precluded from returning to the Grizzlies, or another team, this season. Per the Commerical Appeal:
Miles, meanwhile, had a respectable showing in limited action on the court. He appeared to be in good condition and was active on both ends of the floor. Despite missing his two shot attempts and going scoreless, Miles blocked two shots and grabbed a couple of rebounds.
“I don’t think you’ve seen the last of him in the NBA,” Wallace said. “He showed he can come back and play in this league.”
Miles can still sign a 10-day contract with the Griz or another NBA team.
He said Wallace gave him no indication if the Griz planned to bring him back.
“I’m just glad to have had the opportunity,” Miles said. “It was a blessing. Everybody was nice. I can’t complain about my time here. I love Memphis, and I thank the Grizzlies.”
Miles said he’s confident he can contribute in the NBA if given the chance.
“I know I can play,” said Miles, who participated in the Boston Celtics training camp before being waived. “It’s up to whether people are going to give me a chance.”
Of course, there was a lot of interest in Portland amongst Blazers fans as to whether Miles would see out 10 games in the league and thus eat into the Blazers’ available cap space this Summer. Dave at Blazersedge yesterday dismissed this talk as pointless, with a very rational explanation of the whys and wherefores of the situation:
Even if it goes the worst possible direction the Darius Miles situation is a disaster for the Blazers like Pabst Blue Ribbon is a full-bodied beer…like a velvet Elvis is chic décor…like Screech and John Bobbitt are top-notch porn stars.
Of course it would be better for the Blazers overall if Darius didn’t play 10 games this year. But even if he plays those games (and that’s a big “if”), his salary returning to the cap won’t stop the Blazers from doing anything truly vital in their master plan.
He may well catch on again somewhere this season. Good luck to Darius in his endeavours.
