Ruben Patterson or Darius Miles?

The story about Ruben's life changes is also revealing of an emerging Blazer story that Blazer fans are becoming more and more aware of. Here is the article I am referring to in the Oregonian: Last Issue Is Matter Of Minutes.

The question is, where Ruben and Darius fit on this team? The story tells how Ruben was expected to get very limited minutes, with Darius getting the contract and picked to be sixth man basically. However, you would be remiss to say that Darius is living up to his part of the bargain.

As coach Cheeks says "Ruben has been unbelievable". I agree completely. Darius has been sloppy and unproductive. In fact, I have thought that Darius is almost dependant on Ruben when it comes to making his presence known on the floor! This is a growing problem. D Miles had better wake up and smell the coffee because there is a "junk yard dog" nipping at his heels.

Compare: Ruben Patterson stats and Darius Miles stats. (82games)
What is unfair for Ruben is that much of how he helps the team does not show up on paper. There isn't a stat for disrupting plays, diving for balls, reeking havoc....that is what Ruben does best.