Doc Rivers does not know what to expect from Darko Milicic – NBA News
The Boston Celtics signed centre Darko Milicic to the team this summer, as general manager Danny Ainge looked to add some depth to the roster, their main concern from last season.
But with Milicic, comes a great deal of uncertainty.
The Serbian was drafted number two overall in the 2003 NBA Draft, ahead of Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The expectations that are placed from a number two pick have haunted him all throughout his career, and not
allowed him to settle into the role of a backup centre. This is why when it comes to Milicic, Celtics head coach Doc Rivers does not know what to expect next season.
“I don’t know (what to expect). I like a lot that he has size. What we want Darko to do is fit a role for us, and not push all of these expectations on him that he’s had all of his career. His first concern should be our team,
instead of trying to establish himself. It’s the second pick in the draft thing. I think that hurt him over his career. We’ll find out. I’ll tell you if that’s true in January. I hope it’s true,” said Rivers about Milicic while talking to the Boston Herald.
The Celtics are a team whose superstars are in the final phase of their NBA career. Even though Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett are as competitive and as good as ever when it comes to basketball, Rivers knows that he needs to rest
these players during the season if he wants them to withstand the tough 82 game schedule and be ready for the playoffs.
Bringing Milicic in is a good move in terms of creating replacements or fillers for Garnett, but the challenge is for Milicic to accept his role as a back-up big man and contribute to the success of the team, in whatever capacity
he is asked.
The 7 foot big man is an 8 year veteran in the league, initially picked up by Detroit in the 2003 NBA draft. He spent the last three seasons or so with the Minnesota Timberwolves, averaging 8.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2 blocks
per game in 24.4 minutes of playing time during the 2010-2011 season.
Playing for the Celtics will give him the opportunity to contribute towards the success of a true contending team, and might give his career a new life as a specialist backup centre.
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