I just read (via TrueHoop) that the Celtics have waived Darius Miles. Thus ends one of those strange paradoxes of the NBA offseason: Contradictory expectations. To wit: It was generally conceded that Miles was, at best, a longshot to make the team. However, it was also believed (by more than a few people) that -- if his services actually were retained -- that Miles could help fill the gaping hole in the team left by the departure of James Posey.

So he was either going to get cut or replace a guy who, during the club's championship run last season, was utterly irreplaceable? Really?

No, not really. Miles never had a chance. But the Celtics have faced those kinds of false hopes before. Like when they thought Bill Walton would be ready for the 1987 NBA playoffs or, at worst, the next season. Or when they thought Derek Smith could be the elusive missing piece in 1990-91. Or when they thought Xavier McDaniel and then later a washed-up Dominique Wilkins could cover for the retired Larry Bird. So on and so forth.

Anyway, the following picture ran with the article I linked to above. It was accompanied by the caption "Darius Miles' return to the NBA will not be with the Celtics." For some reason the picture/caption combination cracked me up.

I don't remember him looking like such a spaz. Do you?

Labels: Boston Celtics, Darius Miles, I can't believe they thought this would work, James Posey