Miles only 80-85% says trainer

[ucatchtrout]

from Jason Flemming at Hoopsworld

Darius is 80-85%: It's probably not a shock, but now we find out Boston Celtics forward Darius Miles is only 80-85% of full strength and likely won't hit 100% until Christmas.

"He is going to Boston a little sooner than we'd like," Tim Grover, a fitness specialist who has trained Michael Jordan and other stars from the Attack Athletics gym in Chicago, told the Boston Globe. "But, from an explosiveness and quickness standpoint, he is 80-85 percent from where he used to be, and my guess is he should be back to 100 percent by Christmas."

Miles sounds like he thinks he's a little further along than that, but adds a caveat.

"I've been past the rehab stage since June," Miles said. "I am ready to go, but I just need to get in better shape. It's about maintaining the strength in my legs and getting my timing. I'm excited and anxious and ready to go and play. I don't think my leg will ever be 100 percent again, but I feel like I'm 90-95 percent."

The numbers are interesting, and the differences in Grover's estimate compared to Miles' could definitely be related to Miles feeling he may never be his old self again. Unfortunately, the athleticism was what made Miles a commodity in the first place, so for him to stick this round in the NBA he needs to have developed his other skills. Before he was injured his jump shot was improved, but now it will need to be consistent. He doesn't necessarily need three-point range, but he has to hit that 18-20 footer, something that would give him a nice niche talent a lot of teams would like to have.

Miles will also need to have re-tooled the way he focuses on defense on offense. Before his injury he could be a little slow in reacting because his jumping ability and quickness allowed him to recover and still make plays. If that isn't going to be back, he can no longer react slowly or rely on that quality to make him a capable defender, for instance. He can no longer allow a player to get past him and then attempt a blocked shot in recovery; Miles can't let the player get past him in the first place.

These are just two of the key places Miles must be better at if this comeback attempt is going to be successful. Again, as we've said all along here D, we hope you do it.

 

[maxiep]

And we've hit at the core of the Miles Problem. If you relied on your explosiveness and didn't use the time when you were athletic to develop your skill level, are you still an NBA-level player when the special athletic ability disappears?

This concern I also have with Travis Outlaw. One day he's not going to be able to be open just by jumping really high.

 

[ucatchtrout]

So if you are Danny Ainge are you so intent on revenge that you take a risk by signing Miles over Sam Cassell for the remaining roster spot?

Last week Cassell was saying he was signing a one year deal this week.

One would think that would mean Miles chance at making the Celtics might be over.

 

[maxiep]

So if you are Danny Ainge are you so intent on revenge that you take a risk by signing Miles over Sam Cassell for the remaining roster spot?

Last week Cassell was saying he was signing a one year deal this week.

One would think that would mean Miles chance at making the Celtics might be over.

Either that or Bill Walker is out. If it were me, I'd rather roll the dice on Walker.

 

[ucatchtrout]

agreed.

Why dump walker to take a flyer on Miles?

 

[maxiep]

agreed.

Why dump walker to take a flyer on Miles?

For the same reason Jerry Seinfeld tried to return a jacket: Spite.

 

[ucatchtrout]

spite won't help them repeat as champs.