Miles's hiatus ends as Celtics sign him

Darius Miles has not played an NBA game in more than two years because of a knee injury. Now he has about two months to prove himself to the Celtics.

The 6-foot-9-inch forward has signed a nonguaranteed contract, the team announced yesterday.

"He has to come to training camp and try to prove that he can make the team," general manager Danny Ainge said. "He has come in for a couple workouts. He's trying to make the team somehow.

"He's healthy and has a great attitude. He's ready to resume his career. He wants to play with the team."

Miles, 26, went from high school in East St. Louis, Ill., to become the third pick in the 2000 draft, playing for the Los Angeles Clippers from 2000-02, Cleveland Cavaliers ('02-04), then Portland. He was waived by the Trail Blazers in April.

Miles is expected to work out at the Celtics' facility in Waltham in preparation for training camp Sept. 29. He has been recovering from microfracture surgery and has tendinitis in his knee. The injury was determined to be career-ending by the Trail Blazers, a diagnosis by an independent medical examiner allowing the team to release Miles and gain $9 million of salary cap space.

Asked if Miles is completely healthy, Ainge replied, "Time will tell. He'll have the next two months to get ready. He'll work out with our guys and we'll see. He's played real well."

Ainge said the Celtics will continue to evaluate free agents but are not actively courting players.

Asked if the team will sign other free agents, he said, "I don't know. The answer to that question is very easy. We're not trying to sign anybody, but that doesn't mean we are not going to sign anybody."

The Celtics also announced the signing of 6-6 forward Bill Walker, a second-round draft choice. Walker, 20, averaged 16.1 points per game for Kansas State last season and was the 47th pick in the draft in June, selected by the Wizards, who dealt him to Boston for cash considerations.

Frank Dell'Apa can be reached at f_dellapa@globe.com.