VITALS: 7-0, 245, Hemofarm Vrsac (Serbia) OVERVIEW: Milicic is a 7-footer from Yugoslavia who is likely to be selected second by the Detroit Pistons, who are enamored with the skills of the 18-year-old. Milicic played last season with Hemofarm Vrsac in his native Yugoslavia and averaged 9.5 points and 4.6 rebounds. Milicic plays sparingly with his club team, since it operates on a seniority system - reportedly, his teammates do not pass him the ball enough and restrict what he can do on offense. Milicic is known for his amazing combination of agility and strength and is expected to start at center or power forward in the NBA. He is not a tremendous leaper, but he is the rare big man who can dominate action. Milicic is not a complementary player - he is a first option who should be productive for years to come. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Second overall. The Detroit Pistons acknowledged that they will select Milicic, despite a recent contract contretemps. Milicic will add scoring and rebounding punch to a team that needs help in both areas. The organization's international scout, Tony Ronzone, has been following Milicic's overseas development for years. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Tim Duncan, Pau Gasol COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Raef LaFrentz, Troy Murphy ROLE PROJECTION: Future All-Star. POSITIVES: Milicic's height at the 4-spot can only be matched by Chicago's Tyson Chandler and Minnesota's Kevin Garnett, giving him a tremendous advantage in getting his shot off at the next level. Additionally, Milicic has solid quickness, is tough and is fundamentally sound. There even has been talk of him playing small forward due to his ballhandling and shooting prowess. That, however, would take Milicic away from what he does best - mixing it up on the inside. SHORTCOMINGS: At this stage in his career, Milicic has proved little. While he looks great in an open gym, he is still learning how to use his talent in 5-on-5 situations. In this season's FIBA Final Four, which was heavily attended by NBA personnel, Milicic was outplayed by Americans not good enough to be in the NBA. At the same time, when you consider Milicic was only 17, his on-the-court performance remains better than Duncan's was at the same age.
he will have to learn to adapt to the NBAs physical punishment. all of his finess stuff and short shooting might just be bullied out at first. luckily he has time to learn and to put on muscle
darko has already experienced physical play and he showed he is strong already. he's the real deal and is in a great situation to learn and develop properly. plus he gets to learn from one of the best coaches in the league.
