Darius Miles: The Trail Blazers' Final Link to a Troubled Past

It's amazing how quickly time and winning heals.

Less than three years ago, the Portland Trail Blazers hit bottom. Their league-worst record of 21-61 was merely the ugly manifestation of a gangrenous wound that had festered for years.

Now, near the midpoint of the 2008-09 season, Portland is contending for the lead in the Northwest Division and has a decent playoff seed in clear view. However, there is this one little irritating sore spot that just won't go away...

Let's take a peek into the recent past.

In the late 1990s, GM Bob Whitsett, in an effort to restore Portland to the league's elite ranks, brought in some of basketball's best talent. Portland fans are familiar with the "musical chairs" roster: Rasheed Wallace, Scottie Pippen, Arvydas Sabonis, Brian Grant, Steve Smith, Shawn Kemp, Detlef Schrempf, et al.

The pockets of owner Paul Allen seemingly had no bottom.

"Trader" Bob's philosophy was "win at any cost." And win the Trail Blazers did, returning to deep playoff runs once again. The record-breaking string of 21 consecutive playoff appearances had been broken earlier in the '90s, and spoiled fans were at first supportive of Whitsett's tactics.

But what of the cost?

With all the focus on talent, it seemed at least one important component was neglected: chemistry. In the whirlwind of Whitsett's "revolving door" style, players never got a chance to bond with the community or integrate as a team.

Another vital element neglected was the issue of character. Some of the star players and supporting cast in those years were social miscreants who happened to be good ball players. Eventually, their darker sides were exposed in the daily police blotter or by local beat writers who were privy to behind-the-scenes activities.

The offenses have been well documented. The cumulative effect produced the infamous franchise millstone engraved with the moniker "Jail Blazers."

In those dark days, team in-fighting waxed while morale waned. A national audience watched as Rasheed Wallace angrily threw a towel into the face of teammate Arvidas Sabonis. Bonzi Wells publicly insulted his own Portland fans. Darius Miles exploded on coach Maurice Cheeks during a team meeting.

The once-revered Whitsett was basically ridden out of town on a rail. A transition team of Steve Patterson and John Nash tried to right the ship, re-signing a healthy and contributing Miles to a huge $48 million contract. Near the end of the 2005 season, they went after the usual fall-guy and terminated the services of Mr. Nice Guy, coach Cheeks. Drill sergeant Nate McMillan was hired as head coach to start the 2006 season.

But it wasn't until Kevin Pritchard took over as GM that the organization turned the corner.

Rebuilding the franchise from the ground up, Pritchard was intent on establishing a new culture in Portland, based on players with high character and a knack for team play. His first two building blocks were acquired by draft through his clever gamesmanship: Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge.

By this time, Miles was sidelined with his notorious injury, and was rarely seen and almost forgotten by many fans. Strip-clubbing forward Zach Randolph was the last active remnant of the "Jail Blazer" era and was traded away in 2006.

Pritchard continued to stockpile quality players through innovative drafts and trades. Owner Paul Allen re-committed to the Rose Garden and supported Pritchard's expertise. The team, though young and inexperienced, over-achieved the next two years. Memories of a dark and seeming distant past had faded...

Until now.

To those who steward such matters, the financial aspects of the Darius Miles controversy may seem paramount. After all, millions of dollars hang in the balance. Some argue the potential to sign an elite free agent is at stake.

To others, the monetary implications are secondary. Miles is a returning ghost, symbolic of a putrid appendage long ago amputated and thrown out with the trash.

Somewhere in the middle is a human being, given another chance at what he does best.

To the first group—it might be well to remember three things: the creative genius of Kevin Pritchard, the already-loaded roster in Portland, and the expiring contract of Raef LaFrentz. Oh, by the way, a contract is a contract.

To the second group—winning is good medicine.

To the guy in the middle—check your motives. And may The Force be with you.