Are The Suns Interested In Miles?

[Irish]

Ordinarily I'd say "no", which is the gist of the article a few days ago. Most comments on the article were about Devin Brown.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/120427

Miles, who has been working out locally with former Suns trainer Robin Pound, was examined by the Suns medical staff on Wednesday — specifically, the right knee that has kept him out of the game for more than two years and led to a retirement settlement with Portland.

While there is some interest for Phoenix, Miles’ past (injuries, substance use, etc.) could go a long way to shying them away. The Portland Oregonian reported that Miles would miss the first 10 games with any new team to serve a suspension for violating the league’s Anti-Drug program — which would be the “fourth strike” on the program’s ladder.

It's easy to explain why they might not be interested: drugs, injury, and general boneheadedness. So why even give him a medical test?

1. Rumors are that he has had some impressive workouts and appaers healthy.

2. As a player he averaged 10.6 ppg 27.8 minutes shooting 47.2% and grabbing 5.2 rpg.

What might make Miles interesting is if he's bulked up. NBA.com lists him at 6'9" 210. If he's closer to 240, he might be a prospect for playing PF If the Suns inside backups end up as Robin and Skinner, they might be able to use another guy who can shoot.

I'm not recommending it, but how he would be used changes the calculation.

 

[Sunsman43]

As a wing player - I am completely against this signing.

As a potential minimum deal power forward - given he shows the ability to rebound the ball during preseason - I say go for it.

 

[Sunshooter]

Nothing to lose if Suns sign him, go for it.

 

[SirStefan32]

I don't think he "bulked up" as much as he just got fat. There is a big difference.

 

[Irish]

Supposedly he had some great workouts, so I doubt he's "fat".

One of the most frustrating aapects of the stats given by the NBA is that they are often years out of date or the teams just lie.

The Darius Miles I saw a few years ago was not really PF material. With his knee injury, I'd guess he's not as quick as he once was and is probably not quick enough to be much of a wing prospect. But if he used his rehab period to do wieght training, he might be strong enough to play some PF. I'd guess he's worked on his three point shooting too, but nothing has been written.

There are too many "if's" to be much help. Considering all his baggage, I'm not sure I'd want him anyway. But I am still looking for an inside guy who can shoot to fill the role TT provided.

 

[The Commish]

Someone should just sign him to stick it to Portland before they get really, really good. $27 mil would go back on their books if someone signed him for the minimum.

 

[slinslin]

Miles when healthy enough to play will only help the Suns. Not a great shooter but a good defender and long.

 

[scXfreakX]

I mean, if its not terribly a lot of money, and he still has something left, then why not. But I don't want any experiments. There's going to be a lot of change this season already with a whole new regime on the bench. We need everything to go as smooth as possible. The Shaq distraction was enough.

 

[Suns_fan69]

From what I remember, Miles is a bit of a headcase. That's probably enough for me to say no at this point.

However, I do see the potential as a low salary roster filler.

 

[nowagimp]

Someone should just sign him to stick it to Portland before they get really, really good. $27 mil would go back on their books if someone signed him for the minimum.

agreed, that roster is like a piniata, give it a whack, 27M worth, see what they choke up. If the blazers are just allowed to stock up, they will dominate the west over the next decade.

 

[elindholm]

His game never had any PF qualities. He is a slashing wing. You don't completely change your game just by adding a few pounds.

 

[YouJustGotSUNSD]

He reminds me of a lesser tyrus thomas

 

[mojorizen7]

His game never had any PF qualities. He is a slashing wing. You don't completely change your game just by adding a few pounds.

 

[Irish]

I'm not sure what a PF "type" is after spending 3 1/2 years with Marion at the four slot.

The odd part about comments about a guy having an "impressive" workout is that every video I've seen of workouts seem to include lots of shooting. IMHO, knowing a 6'9" guy can dunk is just not terribly impressive. I'm assuming his shooting is better than before, but that may be unwarrented.

In any case, I can't see him having much value as just another wing, especially if he can't shoot.

 

[Treesquid PhD]

Miles > Amare, I'd get him in and start running the offense through him this season.

 

[elindholm]

The odd part about comments about a guy having an "impressive" workout is that every video I've seen of workouts seem to include lots of shooting. IMHO, knowing a 6'9" guy can dunk is just not terribly impressive.

Who said he had an "impressive" workout? His agent? His posse? No one reputable that I'm aware of. There wasn't anything in the article.

 

[Irish]

I read a lot of rumor sites, so I can't say for sure but it was from a Boston source. Admittedly, reporters often claim guys have impressive workouts and they are just blowing smoke. If you read articles about possible draft picks, you'd think everyone is an emergin ROY after their great workouts.