C’s run with Miles

 

Darius Miles signed on Friday.

 

 The Celtics didn’t sign Darius Miles to replace James Posey. To be blunt, there isn’t a guy on the market who can assume Posey’s leadership abilities.

After putting Miles through a couple of workouts at their training facility in Waltham, though, Celtics GM Danny Ainge saw enough to take a low-risk gamble and sign the freakishly athletic 26-year-old to a nonguaranteed contract.

Miles has missed the last two seasons due to microfracture surgery on his right knee, but he has to make the team to get paid. C’s coach Doc Rivers wanted to get more athletic this offseason, and Miles could provide that if he returns to form. Just don’t bank on that right away.

With 14 players signed through next season, the Celtics have one remaining roster spot. They entered last year with two open spots, allowing for the key late-season signings of P.J. Brown and Sam Cassell.

While Cassell’s days in Boston are likely done, Brown told Metro he hasn’t ruled out a return. The belief is he’d once again wait until the second half of the season if that’s the case.

For Miles, who averaged 14.0 points before the injury in 2005-06, the Celtics can only hope he can be the scoring threat the second unit lacked last season. At 6-foot-9 and 215 pounds, he’s a more traditional small forward than his power-forward frame suggests and a slasher who’s a bigger threat while facing the basket.

“I am excited about having an opportunity to play on a team that I feel my personality fits with and a team that can have great success on the court,” Miles said in a statement.