Milicic: "I Want To Stay Right Here"
Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2010 3:45 am
In the middle is Darko Milicic, the well traveled No. 2 pick of the 2003 draft, who was selected by the Detroit Pistons ahead of current All-Stars such as Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh.
After languishing on the bench in New York, Milicic averaged 8.3 points and 5.5 rebounds in 24 games for the T'Wolves last season after being acquired in a February trade at the deadline.
In a move that shocked many, Minnesota re-signed Milicic this summer to a five-year $20 million deal early in free agency to solidify their frontcourt, making Jefferson expendable.
Milicic didn't view Minnesota's offer as a surprise.
"We talked about it (the deal) before the end of last season," Milicic explained to HOOPSWORLD. "They really want me to be a part of this team. So that's why they did it. We talked this offseason that it'd be good for me and them for me to stay here and play. They're willing to give me a chance and they believe in me so it's good stuff."
The T'Wolves front office initially received plenty of flack for the agreement because the common misconception about Milicic's new contract is that it's fully guaranteed for the full $20 million. In actuality, it's a three-year deal worth $16 million, with a $2 million buyout team option in year four.
Milicic's base salary for the 2011 campaign is $4.3 million and he's currently averaging 5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per contest this season.
It is a known fact that 7-foot centers with potential are routinely overpaid since they're not as easy to find like 6'2 combo guards. So to keep Darko's contract in the proper perspective, consider that the Sacramento Kings are paying center Samuel Dalembert over $13 million this year and the veteran is producing 5.6 points, 8.3 boards and 1.9 blocks. Further, Charlotte Bobcats reserve center DeSagana Diop is slated to earn $6.5 million with averages of 0.9 points, 2.4 rebounds and 0.9 blocks.
The true surprising aspect of Milicic's recent journey is the fact that he's still even logging minutes in the NBA. Last season, while riding the pine in New York, Milicic insisted that he'd prefer to play over in Europe where he wouldn't be labeled as solely a "defensive guy" and could flourish as a complete player.
However, the T'Wolves' swift decision to lock him up and the prospect of steady playing time has altered Milicic's outlook
"The only reason I said I want to go back to Europe is because I really didn't think anybody was going to give me a chance to play," Milicic told HOOPSWORLD. "Don't play for three years, play for one year, and not play for half year is tough. It's just tough when you play and then don't play. That's why I said it (about going back to Europe). It wasn't like I was mad at the league or wanted to leave the league. It wasn't about that. It was just that the only chance I'd have (to play) would be in Europe."
Additionally, T'Wolves head coach Kurt Rambis raves about Darko's rebounding and passing ability and how those skills fit smoothly into his up tempo scheme.
"Minnesota came from nowhere and gave me a chance," Milicic continued. "That's when I said, there's no reason for me to leave. I want to stay right here."
Based on the current chemistry being developed in the locker room, Milicic is optimistic about Minnesota's future and to start he's very high on the talents of Beasley telling HOOPSWORLD that "he's a great player. A real talented young guy," set to lead the club into the future.
Milicic also was quick to point out that it goes beyond natural talent on the court. Great teams are able develop tightness long after the lights at the gym are shutdown for the night.
"In Detroit we had veterans, older guys on the team but they also had a lot of fun and I had a lot of fun being around them," stated Milicic. "I enjoy this team. We have a lot of good guys, we need to work hard, play hard and learn how to win. I think I can say we're better than last year. We'll see when the season ends how good we really are. We're still a young team and have plenty of new guys, so we're trying to get to know each other on and off the court."
Milicic's shooting woes early in the season (29 percent from the floor) are cause for concern after connecting on 49 percent of his attempts in 2010. But Milicic is confident his shooting stroke will reemerge.
"I just got to keep shooting," explained Milicic to HOOPSWORLD. "Those are my shots. If I can't make those shots, then I can go fishing. I'm working on those shots and I'm going to start making them soon."
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=17915