The former number 2 pick has decided to sign with Boston Celtics
after long consideration; not heading to Europe ....
Marc Cornstein notified ESPN that his agent Darko Milicic has made the decision to stay in the NBA by signing a new deal with the Boston Celtics. The former number 2 draft pick of 2003, after spending the last three seasons with
the Minnesota Timberwolves, was waived off during the summer.
However, the Serbian big man had drawn some serious interest from some of the renowned European powerhouses during the off-season including the likes of Real Madrid. But the 27 year old has deemed otherwise and decided to pursue
his career in the United States and will be flying over to Boston by the end of the week to finalize proceedings on the new deal.
On the other hand, the Celtics could most right use having Milicic around as they did not strive very well at the centre position with only Chris Wilcox and Jason Collins providing experienced back up to Kevin Garnett.
Milicic might have averaged only 6 points and 4.2 rebounds in his time in the NBA but can provide the Celtics with a big man presence on the floor while the likes of KG take their well earned breathers.
However, that does not mean at all that Milicic can help resolve the problems Boston have faced at the centre position as the Serbian has so far failed to live up to his bidding of being drafted as the second pick in 2003.
He was drafted by the Detroit Pistons right after LeBron James was picked up by the Cleveland Cavaliers, but ahead of the likes of Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
But his selection merely turned out to be one of the biggest disappointments as in his three years with the Pistons; the highest Milicic averaged was 1.8 points per game in his sophomore season.
One of the main reasons for his dismal career has been that he has failed to cement himself as a consistent starter in any of the five teams he has played for. And when the Wolves trusted him by giving him the starting nod, Milicic
certainly showed promise as he averaged a career best of 8.8 points during the 2010-2011 campaign.
Coming into next season, Milicic would be hoping to finally put the struggles behind him and continue to rise through the NBA ranks.
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