<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> ORLANDO - Eventually, Darko Milicic figures to be the center in the Orlando Magic's starting lineup. But that promotion will apparently have to wait until next season because of head coach Brian Hill's affection for Tony Battie. Milicic, the 20-year-old Serbian center, has played well off the bench for the Magic since being acquired Feb. 14 from Detroit. In just 21.4 minutes a game, he's averaged 7.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.38 blocks. If he had enough games to qualify, the 2.38 blocks would rank Milicic seventh in the NBA. Battie is one of just two Magic players to start every game this season. Last month he signed a four-year contract extension, paying him significantly less in the second season, which allows the Magic to retain their salary-cap space for the summer of 2007. The Magic entered Wednesday's game having won five of six overall, seven in a row at home. Hill credits much of the Magic's late-season success to Battie's leadership through the rough stretches. "The way we're playing, why would I change now?" Hill asked. "And if I did, it wouldn't be fair to Tony because of everything he's given us this season. And both of our lineups are playing well right now. Darko has kind of given that second unit an identity."</div> Source
This isn't a surprise. I agree though, don't just give the person a spot, you have to make him work hard and earn it. It will help him get better and improve his work ethic by having to compete for the spot.
Normally I agree with making a player earn his spot. However, the Magic aren't going anywhere this season, and developing Milic should become a priority. The only way a player gets better is by building confidence and getting in game experience. The Magic need to get an idea of what Darko can give them in 35+ minutes on the court with the other starters. What's the worst that could happen, they lose games? This team is lottery bound, losing games at this point isn't really a bad thing.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Normally I agree with making a player earn his spot. However, the Magic aren't going anywhere this season, and developing Milic should become a priority. The only way a player gets better is by building confidence and getting in game experience. The Magic need to get an idea of what Darko can give them in 35+ minutes on the court with the other starters. What's the worst that could happen, they lose games? This team is lottery bound, losing games at this point isn't really a bad thing.</div> Nah we'd rather win.
Umm firstly we all know that tony battie isn't going to improve anymore by staying and keep going on the court now. We know the Magic arn't going to the playoffs. We know Millicic is the better player and has been working hard. To announce to the media that he won't start would probably just make him cool it down a bit in the hardwork department. You add in the fact that we would probably win more ball games with Millicic in the line up just for the simple fact he has better offence and better shot blocking then battie.
I think it would be the opposite, it would make it work harder. If i really wanted something and someone told me i couldnt have it. I would try my hardest to show them up. I think that is what Hill is going for. He knows Darko is young and that he needs to improve, playing backup lets him build confidence against other bench players that he can out play. If he gets the starting nod and doesnt perform well he will be dissappointed and make hurt his confidence. He has many years of starting in this league, but he needs to just get some playing time. He hasnt played a full season playing 15 mins yet alone starting games.
