All The Smoke Darius Miles on Making the Clippers Cool, Jordan Brand at 18, and the LeBron Comments Backlash
May 22, 2025
Darius Miles, a former NBA player drafted straight out of high school, candidly shares his journey from East St. Louis to the league. He discusses the intense pressure of joining the Clippers, signing with Jordan Brand at just 18, and facing backlash over his comments about LeBron James. Reflecting on his time under owner Donald Sterling, Miles opens up about his mental health struggles post-retirement and how he transitioned into the entertainment industry, including his role in The Perfect Score with Scarlett Johansson.
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Building Clippers' Fan Base
- The Clippers young team became stars because they were accessible and visible to fans.
- Their style and off-court presence connected deeply with the community, building a loyal fan base.
Donald Sterling's Uncomfortable Presence
- Playing for the Clippers, Darius Miles experienced uncomfortable moments with owner Donald Sterling entering the locker room half-naked.
- He and teammates kept their distance from Sterling and even joked about the awkwardness.
Joining the Jordan Brand
- Darius Miles joined Jordan Brand after impressing Michael Jordan at a Santa Barbara camp.
- Jordan personally picked him for his team, leading to a lasting affiliation and recognition.