Doctors to Decide if Darius Miles’ Injury Career-ending

The Trail Blazers took the first steps Monday toward deciding the future of forward Darius Miles by asking the NBA to appoint an independent doctor to determine whether Miles’ right knee injuries are career-ending.

Miles, who hasn’t played in nearly two years, said earlier this season that he was healed and ready to play. The team, however, has said it is concerned about Miles’ long-term health and his ability to play.

If the doctor rules that Miles, 26, can no longer play, the Blazers can waive Miles, after which the remaining two years and $18 million on his contract would come off the Blazers’ salary cap. However, if Miles signs with another team after being waived and plays in 10 games in any one of the next two seasons, his salary would go back on the Blazers’ books. [Oregon Live]