This is from an article from the Detroit News. As long time New York fans probably already know or might remember, Rob Parker isn't exactly the most reliable source for anything. The comments from the players make it sound like there may be some truth though. I think there is some risk to the Pistons doing this because he's still not in game shape to log many minutes against strong players. If he flames out, he'll have an even tougher off-season when he should be getting more focused. On the other hand, maybe he shuts the holes of the lazy media and uninformed fans. He'll get a chance to back up his talk though. He openly complained a few weeks ago that he should be playing and now it's "put up" time.
Here's the article http://www.detnews.com/2004/pistons/.../f01-65431.htm
Long-awaited Darko era might begin during final 28 games
By Rob Parker / The Detroit News
AUBURN HILLS--The second half of the Pistons’ season starts Tuesday in New York, and there could be one big difference in the final 28 games.
Enter Darko Milicic. The wait might be over. The Darko era looks about to begin.
Now, relax. It’s not a full-blown thing. Milicic isn’t going to get the playing time rookies LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony have received this season.
Milicic won’t be replacing anyone as a starter. But all indications from the team are that Milicic likely will start playing about 10 minutes a game — and not at the end of games that have been decided, either.
Instead, he’ll probably come in during the second quarter. Fans got a sneak preview of it last Wednesday night against the Sacramento Kings. Milicic played six minutes and had a basket, a steal and a turnover.
Milicic, who has played just 54 minutes all season, will probably take some of center Elden Campbell’s minutes, especially if Campbell gets off to a slow start.
If Campbell is playing well from the beginning, Milicic won’t get as much time.
Either way, though, it’s the right time for Milicic to finally get involved on a regular basis. His teammates, those who have gotten to see him play in practice, honestly hope he can make a difference.
“He brings a lot,” guard Richard Hamilton said. “He’s not just a big man. He can shoot, he can pass. He can do a lot of things. Hopefully, we can get him out there to play a little bit more, just to get his confidence up there.”
0To Coach Larry Brown’s credit, there was no need to rush him into the fire. Especially on a team that’s on pace to win at least 50 games for the third straight season.
“They wanted me to learn the game first,” Milicic said. “They have taught me a lot of things and wanted me to take my time.”
Two weeks ago, Milicic, whose season-high for minutes was nine, said publicly that he wasn’t happy with his playing time. Some thought it was out of place for a rookie to complain. Nope. It was refreshing.
“You want to play so bad, but it’s not up to you,” he said.
Fans would have had to worry if the second overall pick in past NBA draft was cool with not playing. All players should want to play — all the time. That is, after all, what players do.
For the most part, Milicic, who is averaging one point, wasn’t playing. When he did get in, often it was for the final minute. Garbage time is hardly the situation in which many would flourish.
“When you get to play a six-minute stretch, it’s my chance to show the coach what I can do,” Milicic said.
Don’t forget that Milicic is only 18. If he were a high school senior, he’d be dominating the prep ranks like James did.
“There are a lot of things he hasn’t shown,” Hamilton said. “A lot of people don’t know what he can and can’t do.”
Fans, many of whom have turned up the excitement meter whenever Milicic gets a chance to play at The Palace, aren’t the only people interested to see him in the second half.
“I have seen some progress,” forward Corliss Williamson said. “As far as the way he’s been playing in practice. If he can translate that over to the game and if he gets the opportunities to come out there and play, you never know. Things could work out for him, and for us, if he’s able to be productive.”
That’s exactly what the Pistons are hoping.
Here's the article http://www.detnews.com/2004/pistons/.../f01-65431.htm
Long-awaited Darko era might begin during final 28 games
By Rob Parker / The Detroit News
AUBURN HILLS--The second half of the Pistons’ season starts Tuesday in New York, and there could be one big difference in the final 28 games.
Enter Darko Milicic. The wait might be over. The Darko era looks about to begin.
Now, relax. It’s not a full-blown thing. Milicic isn’t going to get the playing time rookies LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony have received this season.
Milicic won’t be replacing anyone as a starter. But all indications from the team are that Milicic likely will start playing about 10 minutes a game — and not at the end of games that have been decided, either.
Instead, he’ll probably come in during the second quarter. Fans got a sneak preview of it last Wednesday night against the Sacramento Kings. Milicic played six minutes and had a basket, a steal and a turnover.
Milicic, who has played just 54 minutes all season, will probably take some of center Elden Campbell’s minutes, especially if Campbell gets off to a slow start.
If Campbell is playing well from the beginning, Milicic won’t get as much time.
Either way, though, it’s the right time for Milicic to finally get involved on a regular basis. His teammates, those who have gotten to see him play in practice, honestly hope he can make a difference.
“He brings a lot,” guard Richard Hamilton said. “He’s not just a big man. He can shoot, he can pass. He can do a lot of things. Hopefully, we can get him out there to play a little bit more, just to get his confidence up there.”
0To Coach Larry Brown’s credit, there was no need to rush him into the fire. Especially on a team that’s on pace to win at least 50 games for the third straight season.
“They wanted me to learn the game first,” Milicic said. “They have taught me a lot of things and wanted me to take my time.”
Two weeks ago, Milicic, whose season-high for minutes was nine, said publicly that he wasn’t happy with his playing time. Some thought it was out of place for a rookie to complain. Nope. It was refreshing.
“You want to play so bad, but it’s not up to you,” he said.
Fans would have had to worry if the second overall pick in past NBA draft was cool with not playing. All players should want to play — all the time. That is, after all, what players do.
For the most part, Milicic, who is averaging one point, wasn’t playing. When he did get in, often it was for the final minute. Garbage time is hardly the situation in which many would flourish.
“When you get to play a six-minute stretch, it’s my chance to show the coach what I can do,” Milicic said.
Don’t forget that Milicic is only 18. If he were a high school senior, he’d be dominating the prep ranks like James did.
“There are a lot of things he hasn’t shown,” Hamilton said. “A lot of people don’t know what he can and can’t do.”
Fans, many of whom have turned up the excitement meter whenever Milicic gets a chance to play at The Palace, aren’t the only people interested to see him in the second half.
“I have seen some progress,” forward Corliss Williamson said. “As far as the way he’s been playing in practice. If he can translate that over to the game and if he gets the opportunities to come out there and play, you never know. Things could work out for him, and for us, if he’s able to be productive.”
That’s exactly what the Pistons are hoping.
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