Printable View
Article by former Detroiter, Jamele Hill
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/media...7/16502663.jpg
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sport...coll=orl-magic
Quote:
The intrasquad scrimmage was supposed to be nothing more than a glorified pickup game, but Howard played as if he were facing the Miami Heat.
He annihilated Darko Milicic, which is no surprise. But this was important because what separates the greats from the mere mortals is they play their hardest no matter if it's Sudoku or a playoff game.
http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/...1160576494.jpg
Quote:
Makes and Misses: Putting out camp fires
By Steve Kerr, Yahoo! Sports
October 10, 2006
Looks to me like people out there are starting to get fired up for the NBA season.
With training camps in full swing and the exhibition season upon us, the letters have been pouring in from fans all over the world. From Amare Stoudemire and Darko Milicic to Steve Nash and Isiah Thomas, everyone has a favorite topic.
I've tried to touch on the major themes of this month's emails. (My comments appear in italics.) So here you go, hoop fans.
Three weeks until the season starts!
TRAINING CAMP ("Telling NBA camp stories," Oct. 5, 2006)
This article, once again, proves why you should never be allowed into the NBA again. Are you seriously talking about Darko Milicic as being one of the "dominant" players in the league? In all honesty, please quit your job as an analyst and writer for Yahoo! Sports for the sake of all legitimate sports fans across the globe.
Joe
Davis, Calif.
Joe, I just looked back at my article regarding Darko and failed to find the word "dominant" anywhere. Then I reread it and still couldn't find the word. In fact, my whole piece was based on the possibility of Milicic developing. Joe, I'm guessing you suffered miserably on the reading comprehension section of the SATs. And no, I'm not quitting my job.
------
I get frustrated when people criticize Darko Milicic. I was an advocate of him before he was on the Orlando Magic (my favorite team). He is a big man with an overall game – a weaker copy of Dirk Nowitzki. Don't call him a draft bust just because he didn't get playing time on a deep Detroit Pistons frontcourt. Heck, he's not even the worst pick. That "honor" goes to Michael Olowokandi, a player given many chances who failed to produce. Give Darko a chance before criticizing.
Joel
Gainesville, Fla.
Joel, I just looked back at my comments regarding Darko and failed to find the phrase "draft bust." Then I reread it and still couldn't find the phrase. What is the matter with you people? Read what I write. Soak it in. Evaluate it. Do whatever you want with it. But stop putting words into my mouth!
------
I agree with you about Milicic. The world championships showed he has a bright future. He is a big-time team player, but in order for good things to happen to him in the NBA, he must be one of the first three options offensively, with more freedom.
Darko Sedej
Arlington, Va.
Darko, If my name were Darko, I'd be rooting for Milicic, too. But you – unlike Joe and Joel – make a good point. Milicic needs to be one of the focal points of the offense, and I think in Orlando he will be. Jameer Nelson will run the show, and the ball will go through Dwight Howard and Milicic on most possessions. This is a huge year for Darko. I think we're going to find out if he's going to be an emerging star or simply a journeyman for the rest of his career.
http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/...1160576494.jpg
"I vant to molest you."
That's going to be somebody's avatar here soon.
Too bad Kilo isn't here anymore, he'd be the guy.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_...-or-later.html
Quote:
Pay Darko now or later?
By Mike McAllister
Thanks to an offseason weightlifting program, Darko Milicic has bulked up, reportedly adding 20-25 pounds of muscle to his 7-foot frame. Now the question becomes: Will he shed the weight of all those expectations that have become so heavy since he was drafted second overall in 2003?
During his 2-1/2 year tenure in Detroit, Milicic received more grief than playing time. His development was of secondary concern to a Pistons club focused on the immediate goal of winning titles. But last February's trade to Orlando gave him a fresh start and significant minutes on a younger team with long-range aspirations and more patience.
Then at this summer's World Championships in Japan, he had a breakthrough performance with his Serbia & Montenegro team, averaging 16.1 points and 9.3 rebounds while holding his own against the best international players. With a bigger, stronger body and a chance at moving into the Magic's starting lineup alongside Dwight Howard, he appears poised to have a breakout season.
But for now, it's OK to remain skeptical about Milicic. After all, the Magic appear to be. Faced with signing Milicic to a extension or waiting until next summer when his contract ends and he becomes a free agent (the Magic will have first-refusal rights), GM Otis Smith has indicated he wants to judge the 21-year-old's worth on more than the 30 games he played in Orlando last season.
Wise move, but it'll prove costly if Milicic matches his Japan numbers this season. Smith, however, seems willing to pay a premium for a proven Milicic as opposed to rolling the dice now on one who remains an enigma. Of course, judging a player in his contract year also has its own risks, since his motivation might disappear as soon as he inks that big-money deal.
So what would you do? Would you rather lock in Milicic now at what would probably be a cheaper rate or hold off and see how he performs for a full year? Or do you still consider Milicic a bust who'll never make a significant impact for a contending team?
By my calculations, Darko has added 85 lbs. of muscle since he was drafted.
lol, theoretical muscle? or does he just keep gaining the same 15 pounds over and over again?
For the record, he lost 4 oz. when he shaved his cheesestache.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baske...s_x.htm?csp=34
Quote:
Magic steamed about hit on Milicic
By John Denton, Florida Today
ORLANDO — The Orlando Magic plan to send video footage of a controversial play in which Darko Milicic was knocked to the floor and injured his back to the NBA for further clarification.
Milicic was drilled in the chest by Atlanta Hawks rookie Shelden Williams' shoulder Tuesday, sending the Magic power forward sprawling. Milicic landed hard on the floor, bruising his lower back. X-rays Tuesday showed no structural damage, but Milicic isn't expected to play tonight when the Magic face the Hawks in Birmingham, Ala.
Magic coach Brian Hill was furious about the play and was assessed a technical foul for protesting to referee Courtney Kirkland. He was still fuming Wednesday, saying Williams should have been whistled for an offensive foul.
"I watched the tape, and the angle we have it's difficult to see," Hill said. "But you can tell by the way (Milicic's body) lifts up off the floor that it had to be an offensive foul.
"We'll send three or four clips to the league to get clarification, but that's pretty common procedure."
Lifted him off the ground? Darko's a big boy. That's a hard hit.