[Raef LaFrentzParticipant]

I’ve always been such a big fan of his. Call me crazy, but this guy really had an opportunity to be one of the league’s deadliest weapons (on both offense and defense). He had it all: tall, lanky, fast, quick, skilled, and just oozed athleticism. Unfortunately he also oozed something that eventually hurt his reputation around the league. People said he was a “cancer in the locker room” and that he was “all ego”. Those things could very well be true, but it doesn’t change the fact that this kid has as much talent and potential as Mr. Garnett coming out of High School. Now he’s 28 and his prime is probably behind him, but he could still be a very effective and versatile bench player for a playoff contender. If D-Miles is telling the truth about his body being back, then someone should give this guy a chance to impress them in a workout or something and sign him. Anyway, here’s the article. Let me know what you guys think about the past D-Miles, the present D-Miles, and what the future may hold for him as he attempts to make a comeback.

Link: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5297777

[kanebangerParticipant]

hes trash

[TyroberParticipant]

hes done. he just doesnt have what it takes to play in the NBA anymore. he could probably play overseas but his time on an NBA team is over

[HotSnotParticipant]

28 is not past your prime… its right in the middle of it. 27-32 is when your skill level and basketball IQ finally catch up to your athletic ability.

After 32 you slowly start to decline physically. Perhaps 1-2% a year on absolutely MAX athletic potential. This drop is sometimes very steep for players who don’t work harder via diet, weights, recovery etc..to compensate. The thing is players play with various ailments all season long so they are rarely at 100% anyways. You probably wouldn’t even notice the decline untill your late thirties in game situations if you keep up with your training.

Miles career was hurt by off court issues, but it was his knee injuries that really derailed him. When you sit out 6 months, a year, or more your body loses everything that was built up over years of playing ball. You might think your just as quick as before in your own mind but when you watch film you realize its just not what it was. You basically have to start from scratch and even with muscle memory, it takes upwards of a years worth of diligent (and injury free) training to get it all back. Often times your agility an freedom of movement never returns. It is more mental then physical even with the work. Ligaments and tendons lose elasticity and must be worked to regain that former range of motion and pop. You have to teach yourself how to move again. What made you an athlete wasn’t all about strength, it is learning to be explosive and fearless in your movements again and Not thinking about it. It must be natural again…Its a very tough, long road that will break the best of players.

Garnett is just starting to get his back even though he is thirty two. He’s a few pounds heavier now aswell. He might not get all the way back but he’s coming along. Webber never got it back. Dyess was a different player after his injuries. J Kidd never got all the way back.. he was probably about 20% short and people will say its age. TMac.. time will tell if he’s continued working all offseason. Amare has probably achieved near 100% of his pre-op athleticism. Kenyon Martin probably got back to around 95% at one point.

Typically instead of continuing to work at getting it all back, the players adjust theirs games to play with diminished athleticism. Some can make it but most don’t and their careers are toast. Granted, some injuries become real physical defects, but that is not the norm these days with the types of medical treatments available.

Linford Christie, who was a former WR holder in the 100m dash, competed in his last olympics at 36 and still ran a sub ten. That kind of athleticism at 36 (the man could dunk like nothing you’ve ever seen) should show any person that its all possible if you really want it and never give up. Steriods might have helped too :p Years and years of natural ability… its dam hard to get it back… but very possible with work and attention to detail.

If Miles has been working his A$$ off since his last stint with Memphis, then he might have a real shot to get back to being the player he was before the knee injuries. He’s still in his prime and its not like he has alot of recent NBA miles on his legs and body.

[Raef LaFrentzParticipant]

Well said, HotSnot. If he can indeed redeem his body’s once freakish athleticism than he can maybe get close to the player than he used to be. But to be honest, he said that he has been working on his jumper a lot. To me that is a hint that even though he feels like his body is back to where it used to be, it isn’t the D-Miles of his younger years. Another thing that I think should be made clear is that he hasn’t been just sitting around letting his body deteriorate. He’s been working, keeping his body in shape, and allowing his knees to recuperate from his surgeries. How well he has done this, however, is something that no one really knows.

[sheltwon3Participant]

I don’t see why he can’t be a solid role player in the league but it may be that he is coming back for the wrong reasons which could make his overall success questionable.

[HotSnotParticipant]

@MrMorrison agreed. The whole “working on his shot” thing could be viewed one of two ways… he is modifying his game to become a more well rounded and complete player, or he has given up on ever getting it all back and feels that shooting is the only way he makes it back to the league. Time will tell, I wish him the best. He seems like he’s become a much more mature and humble human being… though he won’t be up for winning any good samaritan awards. This is his shot at a 2nd chance at a dream which people often never get. I hope it works out.

[Raef LaFrentzParticipant]

Well he’s not coming back for the money.. If I remember correctly, didn’t he get something like $18 million from the Blazers like 2 years ago? In the article I posted above he said that he’d like to give his 2 year old son the opportunity to see him play in the NBA. Also, I’m sure he wants to prove it to himself that he can still play in the League.

[Raef LaFrentzParticipant]

Same here, man. I wish him the best and I hope he has an injury-free comeback attempt.

[flybobbyflyParticipant]

he could still comeback. jamario moon is having a good career and he didnt even come into the league until he was 28. but hes not going to impress anyone on potential anymore, he needs to pay off instantly. if hes capable of helping a team then he will get signed, if not go to china with starbury.

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

Guys getting try outs and connecting with summer league teams is not just about coming back in the NBA. Miles might be able to catch on in Europe or Asia (where there are fewer games and less toll on his knees). Obviously with Charlotte’s cap situation and lack of draft picks, every pro or former pro chasing a minimum salary spot in the league will want to see if they can catch the eye of Brown or Higgins. Maybe it works, maybe it doesn’t, but it is worth the shot.

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