Darko Sees Bright Days Ahead

From today's Boston Herald and from Darko's mouth to our attentive ears:

Sam

Darko Milicic sees bright days ahead
By Steve Bulpett
Saturday, September 29, 2012

WALTHAM — Darko Milicic has stopped trying to live up to his No. 2 overall selection in the 2003 draft. Which is good, because that ship of expectations has long since sailed.

Having just signed a one-year deal with the Celtics [team stats] — his sixth NBA port of call — he is recommended best by being just 27 years old and remaining 7-feet tall. Also that he’s focused on simply filling whatever role might be available.

“I talked with Doc (Rivers) on the phone and he said there is not anybody here who has the weight of the team on his shoulders,” Milicic said yesterday. “This is a team. It’s not about one guy.”

For too long the native of Serbia labored under the weight of being taken ahead of Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. And he didn’t handle himself well.

“I did care about it when I was younger because it was different for me,” Milicic said. “It was the first time I was in America and we’re talking about first pick, second pick and all the other (expletive). I was confused. I felt I was supposed to be this and that because these other guys were great players. So the second pick, I’m supposed to get 50 points and 30 rebounds.

“But it is what it is. All I’m looking for now is to be the best I can be. It’s not about me being the second pick; it’s about me being the best I can be. I had some chances, and that was my fault, too. But we all make some mistakes. I didn’t take some things serious that I should have. But I’m here now. Let’s make the best of it.”

Milicic feels blessed to be in Boston after his long and winding road.

“After I got released from Minnesota, I didn’t really feel like somebody was going to pick me up after all those years I had and the trouble and all that other stuff,” he said. “Then almost the last second my agent called me and said Boston was interested. I was kind of surprised. But after what’s happened, to come here and play for a championship team is great stuff.

“I’m going to do whatever it takes. It’s not about me anymore. It’s a great opportunity for me. Doc’s going to put me where I fit the best.”

See now why Doc is our MVP?

I think Darko is going to have the best or maybe I should say most productive year of his career. I am not talking numbers either. I think his shot blocking will be big at times. He will get easier shots than he has ever got in his life. Don't recall watching him a lot but I think he is a decent shooter. Just my opinion of course but I also believe he will be factor on this team. Ugg talk about stepping out on a ledge.

I think one aspect of the game I haven't seen discussed in Darko conversations is one Celtics need that is almost as important as rebounding. I'm talking about setting screens—not brush screens but solid , sometimes bone-rattling screens.

Frankly, I don't know enough about Darko's game to opine about how well or poorly he sets screens. But I do know it was one of the major factors in making Perk a valuable Celtic despite his offensive struggles. And I also know that screens could make a difference (1) as the first half of a successful pick-and-roll game and (2) in setting up jumpshooters like Lee and Terry. So here's hoping Darko will become a ferocious (or at least a serviceable) pick setter.

Sam

Darko will always be a bust relative to his draft position.

However, The Celtics are going to provide him with an opportunity to be who he is. He is not Dirk. He has skills in several areas but he is not spectacular at anything in particular.

Welcome to the Celtics.

Here he will have a full blown opportunity to be what he is...a complimentary player and contributor.

Looking forward to seeing him where the green.

dboss