MLive GRAND RAPIDS - Darko Milicic has looked good banging with the likes of Ben Wallace and Rasheed Wallace in practice this past week. But that's not what makes Milicic a better player this season. The difference now is the progress that his teammates have been talking about and experiencing first-hand in practice can now be seen in games, which was clearly seen on Tuesday night in Detroit's 87-76 win over the Chicago Bulls in the preseason opener for both teams. Milicic was a presence at both ends of the floor, scoring seven points while grabbing four rebounds and blocking a game-high four shots. "I told you, don't be sleeping on my young bull, man," said Detroit's Rasheed Wallace, who led all Pistons scorers with 15 points. "He just needed to play." He's being given that chance under new coach Flip Saunders, who was also pleased with Milicic's performance on Tuesday. "I thought he did a nice job," Saunders said. Indeed, the Milicic on display Tuesday night looked and played like a high draft pick early on in their career. He made some impressive plays at both ends of the floor. But he also made some mistakes, evident by him picking up five personal fouls, more than any other player in Tuesday's game. "All I'm trying to do is play hard and give my best," Milicic said. The 7-foot Milicic didn't dominate the game in his 24 minutes on the court. He wasn't the best rebounder or defender, either. Source
No doubt Milicic is talented, he just needed a couple years riding the pine...although I think Brown could have been one of the worst coaches for him as a rook.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting JWohl:</div><div class="quote_post">Against Milwakee he put up 10 points, 9 boards, 5 fouls and 5 TOs....</div> ... along with 2 blocks and 1 assist in about 18 minutes. He also shot 4-5 FG. Not bad at all.
Darko is showing real progess. I expect him to be in the rotation this year on another note Mo Evans is a freaking stud What a signing by Joe D and for the amount he signed for too.
I think Darko is going to play a pretty decent role in the rotation this year. He's shown that he can play and that he's not afraid of contact, he just didn't have the coach that would allow him to play in Larry Brown. Expect a lot more from Darko this year than simply being the "human victory cigar."
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">on another note Mo Evans is a freaking stud</div> Yes he is, I loved him on Sacramento, he's athletic, he can hit the outside shot, and overall he's just a nice player, definately a good signing.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting AllNet:</div><div class="quote_post">Darko is showing real progess. I expect him to be in the rotation this year on another note Mo Evans is a freaking stud What a signing by Joe D and for the amount he signed for too.</div> Yeah he was one of my favourite players when he was with the Kings. I hope he has a breakout season and does really well....except when hes against us!
I just feel bad for the knicks now.. Nate..frye..lee nate has unbelievable talent he would have been bttr off with another team
