Darius LaVar Miles is a remarkable individual, boasting a unique combination of physical attributes that have enabled him to excel on the basketball court. Standing at an impressive 6'9", he possesses the height of a frontcourt player, yet his agility and ball-handling skills are reminiscent of a player much smaller in stature.
Born with a natural talent, Darius initially honed his skills at East St. Louis High School in Illinois, where he earned a plethora of accolades, including Parade, USA Today, and McDonald's All-American recognition. His exceptional abilities caught the attention of the Los Angeles Clippers, who selected him with the third overall pick in the 2000 NBA draft, making him the first high schooler ever chosen by the organization.
During his two-year stint with the Clippers, Darius formed a dynamic duo with fellow rookie Quentin Richardson, and their electrifying performances left fans and coaches alike in awe. However, his time in LA was cut short when he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers following the 2001-2002 season.
Despite flashes of brilliance, Darius's stay in Cleveland was marked by inconsistency, and he was eventually traded to the Portland Trailblazers in the middle of the 2003-2004 season. It was in Portland that his hard work and dedication began to pay off, as he blossomed into a dominant force on the court. The Blazers rewarded his growth with a six-year, $48 million contract extension, securing his future in the sport.
However, Darius's talents extend beyond the basketball court. He has also pursued a career in acting, making his big-screen debut in National Lampoon's Van Wilder (2002) and appearing in various TV shows, including "One on One" and HBO's ARLI$$.
In 2004, Darius landed his most significant role to date as Desmond Rhodes in the comedy The Perfect Score, starring alongside Erika Christensen, Scarlett Johansson, and Matthew Lillard.