<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>USA Today- Former Piston Darko Milicic is finally displaying why Detroit spent the second overall pick of the 2003 pick on him, taking the 7-foot Serbian over the likes of Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade.John Denton of Florida Today writes that Milicic has blossomed into somewhat of a defensive force for the Magic. He's blocked 10 shots the past two games and 29 in his 12 games in Orlando ? more than he ever did in any of his 2? seasons in Detroit.Milicic is already pushing for Magic coach Brian Hill to give him more minutes and especially more touches on the offensive end of the floor."I know what I can do. Coach understands that I'm new here and he's learning what I can do," Milicic said. "Like (Wednesday night), I play 25 minutes and have three shots. Three shots in 25 minutes is strange to me. (Hill) said he understands and he's going to give me more balls in the post. He's still trying to learn about me and how best to use me."</div>
I know you want your players to want to play more but Darko is going overboard trying to force the coach to do it rather than earn it.
Well it's good to see him doing something, I thought they had completely blown that pick in Detroit, but maybe his offense isn't there yet. Ironic, considering the team that traded him.
I really side with Darko because it's a lost season for Magic, why not give Darko some looks, it won't hurt them. And they need to start developing some low post, Howard isn't quite there with his offense.
Well he doesnt need more shots, just more time to adjust. Hes basically a rookie, who hasnt played much besides this season. and hes a young player that shouldnt be complaining at all. Hes been given another chance and hes playing well. Right now hes averaging 7.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.54 bpg, .551 FG %, in 20.8 mpg with the Magic. Thats not bad for a big man coming off the bench. Hes a bad rebounder but if he could improve on it then he will be fine.
Maybe Darko does needs more shots, but he needs to prove it in the game. He seems to lack the aggresiveness and confidence that is needed for the NBA, maybe more shots would help him gain that confidence. I don't think Darko will ever turn into a huge scoring threat though. I see Darko as a good shot blocking presence on the inside of the Orlando defense along with Dwight Howard. These two blocking shots, and grabbing defensive rebounds will allow for us to get out and run on offense and make plays in the open court. Darko needs to hit the weight room this offseason, get stronger, and come back not getting pushed around in the paint next year. I think he will fit in good down low for the Magic in the long run though.
Surprisingly Darko can't pass Battie. That shows how much better Darko needs to get if he can't seem to get ahead of Battie. The problem with Dwight Howard is his defense. He needs to be more of a shot blocking threat and defend better in the interior.
Darko, let me tell you about a place called a gym. Because of your current situation you are allowed access to top tier facilities, that include weight rooms which you use to increase strength and basketball courts that come fully equiped with hoops and basketballs. Now if you want playing time, go to these courts with an assistant coach and drill yourself for 2 hours a day, lift weights on off days, and you will see results.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mavsfan1000 @ Mar 19 2006, 05:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Surprisingly Darko can't pass Battie. That shows how much better Darko needs to get if he can't seem to get ahead of Battie. The problem with Dwight Howard is his defense. He needs to be more of a shot blocking threat and defend better in the interior.</div>The Magic aren't playing Darko as much as Battie yet, because they are still trying to get Darko adjusted to the NBA game. Come next year Darko will beat out Battie for playing time, and be a bigger part of the Magic team. I don't see Battie being with the Magic too much longer. As far as Howard goes your right, he hasn't been blocking shots, and showing up on the interior for most of the season. Since Darko has got there though, it's starting to rub off on Howard. Howard is playing more D, and blocking more shots. With more time his defense will get better. I am excited about the future of these two as they grow together as players.
Darko has some work to do and it won't be easy. Yes, he deserves more shots and minutes but he needs to prove himself he is worth it. Right now the Magic just want the best chances at getting the highest draft pick to improve them offensively. I think they have a ok defense but they don't have anyone that can create on offense
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (valo35 @ Mar 19 2006, 05:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Maybe Darko does needs more shots, but he needs to prove it in the game. He seems to lack the aggresiveness and confidence that is needed for the NBA, maybe more shots would help him gain that confidence. I don't think Darko will ever turn into a huge scoring threat though. I see Darko as a good shot blocking presence on the inside of the Orlando defense along with Dwight Howard. These two blocking shots, and grabbing defensive rebounds will allow for us to get out and run on offense and make plays in the open court. Darko needs to hit the weight room this offseason, get stronger, and come back not getting pushed around in the paint next year. I think he will fit in good down low for the Magic in the long run though.</div>No.... the thing is that Battie already has proven he can ball and can play well defensively. Darko is good at blocks not defending man on man or in the post too well. For Darko to start, he would have to play many games well on offense and defense. But i dont really see him starting this season. Maybe next season, or maybe not unless Battie gets hurt; Darko is a good backup for dwight.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BCB @ Mar 21 2006, 05:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>My god Darko Milicic is an idiot. </div>An idiot for wanting more minutes? Yes he is demanding a lot but I'm sure he thinks he can be a heck of a player with more minutes. It's not like Orlando is competitive for the playoffs or anything so might as well start Darko for the rest of the year for experience.
He didn't look bad against Boston, I wanna see him do well, Detroit had no purpose for drafting him....he got hosed and I'm glad to see him get some actual PT in Orlando. Not coming in the 4th quarter with 2 minutes left with the Pistons up by 35 against the atlanta hawks
You earn minutes and this dimwit doesn't seem to understand that. It's hard to feel bad for this kid and root for him when he puts himself in front of his teams best interest like this. He bitched and moaned in Detroit too and thats what pissed people off.
Well when you're drafted ahead of Chris Bosh, Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade, I think you at least expect a few minutes a night. I can't say I'd be happy if I were in his situation. His contract is almost up, and at this rate he's not going to be cashing in because no one knows what he's capable of.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (JustBlaze @ Mar 21 2006, 04:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Well when you're drafted ahead of Chris Bosh, Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade, I think you at least expect a few minutes a night. I can't say I'd be happy if I were in his situation. His contract is almost up, and at this rate he's not going to be cashing in because no one knows what he's capable of.</div> Wade, Anthony, Bosh all prove they are stars everytime they play. Darko is far from it.
