PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Portland Trail Blazers have asked the NBA to appoint an independent doctor to determine if Darius Miles can play again.

Miles, a 6-foot-9 forward, had microfracture surgery on his right knee on Nov. 18, 2006 and has not played for the Blazers since.

Miles signed a six-year, $48 million contract in 2004. The Blazers will pay him $18 million on the two years remaining.

Should the doctor determine he can't play, the Blazers can waive Miles and the remaining salary would come off the team's cap after two years. However, if he gets picked up by another team and plays in 10 games over the next two seasons, the money would not come off the cap.

The NBA and the players association determine the doctor who will evaluate Miles. The policy is part of the league's collective bargaining agreement.

Miles has been excused from responsibilities with the team, including a rehabilitation program.