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Darko Milicic News & Rumors

Darko Milicic might return soon, but Nikola Pekovic likely to remain Timberwolves' starting center
February 13
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"There's a chance Timberwolves center Darko Milicic, out the past four games because of a bruised left quadriceps and sprained right ankle, might be available to play tonight at Orlando. But his return doesn't mean he's getting his starting job back. If Milicic plays, he already knows he'll be coming off the bench, a role he might have to get used to. His close friend Nikola Pekovic has established himself as the Wolves' starting center. The way Pekovic has been playing - averaging 17.3 points and 9.8 rebounds and shooting 67.6 percent from the floor the past six games - Milicic has no intention of campaigning to return to the starting lineup. "He deserves to play," Milicic said. "He's"
Timberwolves' Darko Milicic faces cut in playing time
December 21
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"With Timberwolves forward Kevin Love projected to see time at center this season and coach Rick Adelman touting a "small ball" rotation at point guard featuring Ricky Rubio, J.J. Barea and Luke Ridnour, Darko Milicic knows his role on the team is changing. Milicic, who started 69 games last season at center, is taking steps to fit in as best he can with Adelman's system - for the sake of winning. "It's not right for me to talk about wanting to do this or do that," Milicic said after Tuesday's practice at Target Center. "This is my ninth year (in the NBA). It's about going out there to do what you need to do to help the team win. I'm not going to complain." Milicic had career highs last"
Milicic offers title ring, NBA Finals trip to raise money for Serbian children
April 7
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Minnesota Timberwolves center Darko Milicic is offering his 2004 NBA championship ring and an all-expense-paid trip to a 2011 NBA Finals game in a raffle to raise funds for children with life-threatening diseases in his native Serbia, the Wolves announced today. Milicic, 25, was a rookie with the Detroit Pistons in 2003-04 when the Pistons won the NBA title. Milicic also is raffling off an all-expense paid trip to attend the 2011 NBA Finals as part of the campaign."
Wolves lose as Love, Milicic and Telfair sit with injuries
April 3
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"It was an experiment forced by circumstances. The Wolves flew to Memphis after Friday's game against the Miami Heat with three men down. Kevin Love reinjured a groin against the Heat, Darko Milicic has a sprained ankle and guard Sebastian Telfair was excused for personal reasons. So the starting lineup coach Kurt Rambis threw out Saturday night against the Grizzlies had Michael Beasley at power forward, Wes Johnson at small forward and Wayne Ellington at shooting guard. Unfortunately for the Wolves, the different look produced the same result: The Grizzlies used a huge advantage inside and scored 33 points off Wolves turnovers in a 106-89 victory at FedEx Forum, handing Minnesota its 10th"
Michael Beasley and Darko Milic leave game due to injuries
February 8
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Missing two players to begin with and down two more by game's end Monday night, the Timberwolves proved themselves both resilient and winners, two qualities they have lacked far too often this season. Their 104-92 victory over the Hornets was their third on the road all season, and their first since Dec. 26. It came on a night when Kevin Love reached his 37th consecutive double-double game and joined Kevin Garnett and John Stockton as the only NBA players in the past 25 years to do so. It also came when the Wolves started without Luke Ridnour and Martell Webster, then lost Darko Milicic (hip flexor strain) early in the game and Michael Beasley (ankle) late. Beasley re-injured the left"
For Milicic, payback is ancient history now
December 11
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Timberwolves center Darko Milicic shook off the pain of a kneed quadriceps and a one-game absence by returning Friday night against Detroit, the team that selected him second overall in the 2003 draft. Predictable, right? He wouldn't miss a chance to stick it to the team that never got him a chance, would he? Not really. "That's gone, because after Pistons I have three more former teams," Milicic said. "It was fresh before. When I left Detroit for Orlando, there were fresh memories for me. Then it was kind of a big thing for me. But right now, it's just another game." Milicic started, played 37 minutes and provided 11 points, five rebounds, two assists and a career-best seven blocked"
Milicic: I didn't work as hard as I could as a Piston
December 11
Detroit Free Press
 
"Rip Hamilton was open in the right corner for a three-pointer early in Friday night's game against the Timberwolves, when a familiar face flew out to defend. Too late. The triple hit nothing but net, and Hamilton patted the defender on the butt before going back on defense as both players smiled. Yeah, Darko Milicic was happy to see his former teammates. In fact, the No. 2 pick in the vaunted 2003 draft is happy in general as he has finally found an NBA home and matured into a solid contributor for the Timberwolves. Milicic showed that maturity before Friday's 109-99 victory over the Pistons, when for the first time, he took responsibility for his failures in Motown."
Wolves Darko Milicic leaves game with bruised quadricep
December 7
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"As inconceivable as it would have sounded uttered in New York City anytime last season -- or in Minnesota as little as a month ago -- the Timberwolves' lament after Monday's 121-114 loss to the Knicks centered on Darko Milicic's absence rather than on their propensity once again to commit too many turnovers or allow too many open three-point shots. Darko? Yup. The guy who spent last season eating cheeseburgers before Knicks' games he'd never play in became Monday's mythical figure. His absence perhaps was as central to the evening's storyline as were Kevin Love and his sincere 33-point, 15-rebound attempt to match last month's historic 31/31 night or New York center Amare Stoudemire and"
Milicic gives thanks to Timberwolves for sticking with him
November 27
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 columnist Ray Richardson
"The Thanksgiving spirit was still flowing with Timberwolves center Darko Milicic after Friday's practice at Target Center. Milicic took a moment to express his appreciation to the Wolves' coaching staff and team president of basketball operations David Kahn for not giving up on him when, in Milicic's words, he "couldn't throw the ball into the (bleeping) ocean." When Milicic was shooting an embarrassing 14 percent during the first two weeks of the regular season, Kahn could have been forgiven for scouring some of the fine print in the center's four-year, $20 million contract to see if there was a way to terminate the deal. Instead, Kahn opted to have a private chat with the 7-foot Serbian"
Timberwolves riding Darko Milicic's resurgence
November 24
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"In the midst of Darko Milicic's amazing turnaround, the key sign of progress for the Timberwolves center could come tonight at Target Center against San Antonio. What if Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has been studying Milicic's recent numbers and decides to throw a few double-teams at him? Earlier in the season, Milicic was shooting 14 percent from the floor. In the Wolves' past two games, the 7-foot Serbian is shooting almost 60 percent (19 of 32, 59.3 percent) and averaging 22 points and 10 rebounds. He also has made six of seven free throws after drawing fouls on strong moves to the basket. "If he stays on a roll, he could have a very big impact on our team," Wolves forward Kevin Love"
Minnesota Timberwolves center Darko Milicic has raised his bar
November 21
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Darko Milicic is the latest Timberwolves player who might have set high standards for his performance the rest of the season. Kevin Love raised the bar with his 31 points and 31 rebounds against New York on Nov. 12. In the Wolves' next game, Love followed up with a respectable 22 points and 17 rebounds at Atlanta, earning praise from Charlotte coach Larry Brown for "following up" his big night against the Knicks. Will Milicic be able to do the same Monday night at Oklahoma City? The 7-foot center had a career night Friday in the Wolves' loss to the Los Angeles Lakers — 23 points, 16 rebounds, six blocked shots and five assists. "The biggest problem in my career has been consistency,""
Reality better than perception on Darko
November 21
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Reality and perception. Wolves center Darko Milicic is working quite hard on the first, but says he doesn't give a flying hook shot about the second. Raise the subject and you get the feeling Milicic would like to block it, deflect it like the half-dozen shots he got to Friday against the Lakers. But it's there. After the best game of his life -- he had 23 points, 16 rebounds, six blocks and five assists, becoming the only Wolves player not named Kevin Garnett to have 20-plus points, 15-plus rebounds, and at least five blocks and assists in a game. Milicic is fourth in the league in blocks. But he's still No. 1 in taking abuse. The Wolves' decision to re-sign Milicic has drawn more"
Timberwolves' faith in Darko paying off
November 20
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 columnist Tom Powers
"Yeah, like they were going to beat the Lakers. That doesn't mean the big crowd at Target Center didn't get its money's worth Friday night. Kobe Bryant and Co. always put on a show. Yet the most remarkable performance of the evening was turned in by Darko Milicic of the Timberwolves. Darko had a career night. Here's the thing: Darko, 7 feet and 250 pounds, is 25 and looks 35. He runs with his mouth hanging open and, at his worst, appears to be made of sheet metal that has been sitting in the rain for a very long time. Despite his tender age, he has seven years of NBA experience. He's just never developed into an inside force. In fact, he was this close to giving up the NBA life and"
Darko Milicic remains in a funk for Minnesota Timberwolves
November 7
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"There were more hook shots and layups attempted by Timberwolves center Darko Milicic on Friday night — and more misses. The futility got so bad during Atlanta's 113-103 victory at Target Center that Wolves coach Kurt Rambis benched the bewildered Milicic with nine minutes left in the third quarter and gave him the rest of the night off. "He missed some easy opportunities," Rambis said of the 7-foot center. "I think it all stems from his aggression level. He seems hesitant to shoot. You can't be that way as a shooter. You have to have all the confidence in the world. He has to get back to that level." Here are the latest numbers for Milicic: 2 for 7 from the floor, bringing his six-game"
Milicic remains in a funk for Timberwolves
November 6
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"There were more hook shots and layups attempted by Timberwolves center Darko Milicic on Friday night — and more misses. The futility got so bad during Atlanta's 113-103 victory at Target Center that Wolves coach Kurt Rambis benched the bewildered Milicic with nine minutes left in the third quarter and gave him the rest of the night off. "He missed some easy opportunities," Rambis said of the 7-foot center. "I think it all stems from his aggression level. He seems hesitant to shoot. You can't be that way as a shooter. You have to have all the confidence in the world. He has to get back to that level." Here are the latest numbers for Milicic: 2 for 7 from the floor, bringing his six-game"
Darko Milicic suffering badly on offense
November 5
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Does Timberwolves center Darko Milicic need more private sessions with assistant coach Bill Laimbeer? Laimbeer traveled to Serbia in the summer to spend a couple of weeks with Milicic to help improve his inside game. Should the Wolves place a call to Houston Rockets legend Hakeem Olajuwon and ask him to do some consultant work with Milicic? Few NBA centers had better post moves than Olajuwon. Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard took advantage of Olajuwon's services in the summer, and the tutoring seems to be paying off for him. Howard, often maligned for his lack of offensive skills, is shooting 59 percent from the floor this season. Milicic is shooting 14 percent. Somebody needs to check"
Wolves' Darko visiting the dark side as he searches for his shot
November 5
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Timberwolves' summertime signing that guarantees center Darko Milicic $16 million for the next four seasons provoked reaction across the league, including NBA TV analyst Chris Webber's unforgettable, incredulous Las Vegas Summer League interview in which Timberwolves boss David Kahn suggested the 7-foot center just might have been heaven-sent. On Wednesday night in Orlando, Milicic sat slumped at his locker, running his hands repeatedly through his cropped hair and searching for answers to a season start in which he cannot make a shot. The Wolves' franchise-record 128-86 loss to the Magic was the third game in just five so far in which Milicic failed to make a field goal. "I don't know"
Will the handful of misfits fit with the Minnesota Timberwolves?
October 27
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"The Timberwolves couldn't take advantage of the most celebrated free-agency market in NBA history, so the club tried a different approach to rebuild from a 15-win season and restore fan interest: Welcome to Minnesota, the NBA's answer to the Island of Misfit Toys — where careers can be saved and a franchise revived. Wolves president of basketball operations David Kahn and coach Kurt Rambis have turned to a collection of players considered disposable elsewhere. The hope is that the players are athletic enough, talented enough and motivated enough to redefine themselves, and the Wolves hope to provide the proper environment, starting with tonight's season opener against Sacramento at Target"
Darko Milicic is out to make the most of his shot with theTimberwolves
September 26
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Darko Milicic is 10 pounds lighter, appears to be in better shape and has a slight temper. That's just a part of the renaissance the 7-foot native of Serbia is going through as he searches for fulfillment and success after seven years of misery in the NBA. The Wolves are Milicic's fifth NBA team, but there are indications he has found the appreciation he was missing with Detroit, Memphis, Orlando and New York. A weary Milicic walked slowly off the court Saturday morning after his first training-camp practice on the Minnesota State Mankato campus, yet there was a look of satisfaction in his eyes. "After all the years I didn't play, it's a very good feeling to have somebody expect a lot out"
Contract with Wolves provides fresh outlook for Darko Milicic
July 17
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Eight years in, a new start. Before a workout Friday at the Timberwolves' practice facility, 25-year-old Darko Milicic, a veteran of seven NBA seasons with five teams, talked about a new beginning and unfinished business. "They gave me a chance I never believed I would get," said Milicic, who last week signed a four-year contract with the Wolves following a 24-game audition to end last season. "I have to use that chance and play the best I can. Nothing else to say." Well, actually, there is. The 7-foot center from Serbia is in Minnesota for the rest of the month. This was his first chance to talk to the media about his new contract, a four-year deal worth $5 million a season with the final"
Darko agrees to new deal
July 1
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"That didn't take long. Less than 12 hours after the NBA's free agency began, the Wolves followed last night's agreement with European prospect Nikola Pekovic by agreeing to terms with Darko Milicic on a contract. ESPN.com's Chad Ford is reporting a four-year, $20 million deal, with the final year partially guaranteed. Darko's agent, Marc Cornstein, called his client "extremely excited this is in place." "Darko wanted to be there," Cornstein said. "He felt like this is home from the moment he got there. Kurt Rambis has been fantastic for him. He's resurrected his career. He has genuine belief in Darko as a player and a person." Five months ago, Milicic's NBA career looked like a complete"
Sources: Wolves, Milicic agree to deal
July 1
ESPN.com
 
"The Minnesota Timberwolves have made a verbal agreement with free agent Darko Milicic on a four year, $20 million deal sources close to the process told ESPN.com's Chad Ford. Free agents can't formally sign contracts until July 8. The fourth year of the contract is only partially guaranteed, sources said. The deal for Milicic is extraordinary considering that in February he wasn't playing and said he was giving up on the NBA and returning to Europe."
Wolves boss promises big changes
April 11
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Darko Milicic's February arrival and almost immediate emergence after five previously unfulfilling stops in the league has told Kahn and Rambis that Love and Jefferson, as offensively gifted as each is, can't play beside each other defensively for 30 minutes a game for the next decade. "I think we've all learned it doesn't work with them playing heavy minutes together," Kahn said. "We've learned, even though it doesn't show in wins and losses, how helpful it is to have a 7-footer with Darko's skill set, particularly how he can block shots. That now is locked. We'll have to have something like that." Kahn said that doesn't mean he'll trade Jefferson or Love, but acknowledged sacrifices in"
Jefferson learns from absent Milicic
April 5
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Even without Darko Milicic beside him Sunday, is it possible Timberwolves forward Al Jefferson continues to learn from a guy who wasn't his teammate only seven weeks ago? Milicic has exhibited a deft sense for the game since he was acquired in February, enough so that his absence was felt when he missed Sunday's 116-108 loss to Oklahoma City because of a mild concussion suffered Saturday against Miami. Once far out of sight with the Knicks and still out of shape with the Wolves, Milicic has demonstrated during his short time in Minnesota the value of his 7-1 size and a variety of his skills, not the least of which is his passing. That ability -- both his vision and willingness -- is"
Jaw-dropping elbow makes a difference
April 4
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"It figures that with the Miami Heat in town, the Timberwolves would learn a valuable lesson about indispensability, about how a single player can completely alter his team's fortunes. Here's the surprise twist, though: It wasn't only Dwyane Wade who demonstrated that point. Wade scored 39 points and simply took over whenever his team's offense bogged down, earning the Heat an eighth consecutive victory, 97-84 in Target Center, almost by himself. "Everybody else on his team, they were OK," said a seemingly unimpressed Kurt Rambis, the Wolves' coach. "But he just separated them from us." He did, but the separation was a little easier once Darko Milicic, who somehow has become an impact"
Milicic says he wants to stay, if Wolves want to keep him
April 2
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Lost in New York City and all but headed home to Europe only six weeks ago, Darko Milicic now by the day sounds more and more like a man who believes he has found a home in Minnesota. "I like it here," he said after the Timberwolves practiced Thursday. "There's nothing they've done to not make me stay here, but you never know. If these guys want me to stay, be on the same page for next year, why not stay here?" Of course, there's the little matters of negotiation and money for a 24-year-old center whose contract and $7.5 million salary expire after this season, which has only seven games left. "You never know, it's the NBA," Milicic said. "You never know what will happen in the summertime,"
Not so fast! Darko Milicic having second thoughts on ditching NBA
April 2
Detroit Free Press
 
"Lost in New York City and all but headed home to Europe only six weeks ago, Darko Milicic now by the day sounds more and more like a man who believes he has found a home in Minnesota. "I like it here," he said after the Timberwolves practiced Thursday. "There's nothing they've done to not make me stay here, but you never know. If these guys want me to stay, be on the same page for next year, why not stay here?" Of course, there's the little matters of negotiation and money for a 24-year-old center whose contract and $7.5 million salary expire after this season, which has only seven games left. "You never know, it's the NBA," said the Pistons' top draft pick in 2003 (No. 2 overall). "You"
Milicic is Wolves' BIG question mark
March 28
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Darko Milicic's American Revival Tour last week took him to Charlotte and a reunion of sorts with former coach Larry Brown and then on to Orlando, where he spent one-plus season in what thus far has been an utterly unfulfilling NBA career. Stan Van Gundy arrived in Orlando about the same time Milicic departed for Memphis, so the 7-foot Serbian center never played for the sartorially splendid coach. Milicic might very well argue he never played for Brown, either. They spent two seasons together in Detroit beginning in 2003, when Milicic was selected only days after his 18th birthday second overall in an NBA draft that delivered Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade immediately after"
Darko Milicic wants playing-time guarantee before he'll commit to NBA
March 23
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Minnesota Timberwolves' low-key sales pitch to former Piston Darko Milicic might be working. The Serbian center said he is willing to play for the Wolves next season, rather than return to Europe, if the team promises him a starter's role and a consistent 30 to 35 minutes of playing time. "Yeah, I'd come back. That's what I'm looking for," the 7-footer said only a month after being rescued from exile on the Knicks' bench. "Minnesota came up and they kind of trust me. They gave me a chance, and I like it." It's the first time that Milicic, who had to be talked into even reporting to Minnesota after the Feb. 18 trade for Brian Cardinal, has softened his stated intention to sign with a"
Darko Milicic open to returning to Timberwolves
March 22
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Before the Timberwolves rescued center Darko Milicic from the New York Knicks in February, he was ready to give up on the NBA after the season and return home to Serbia-Montenegro to revive his career in Europe. Milicic appears more open-minded about playing with the Wolves next season after 14 games with the club, a stretch that he says has resurrected his passion for basketball. The seven-year veteran indicated Sunday that if he hears the right things from Wolves president of basketball operations David Kahn and head coach Kurt Rambis — a definitive plan on his role with the team and playing time — he would be willing to return to the Wolves. "All I'm looking for is a good chance to"
Minutes continue to pile up for Darko
March 3
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Not that long ago, Darko Milicic ate hamburgers in the locker room before games because he knew there wasn't a prayer he'd play for the New York Knicks that night. Wednesday night, he is expected to start at center for the Timberwolves at Dallas while starter Al Jefferson serves a two-game team suspension because of his drunken-driving arrest last weekend. "That's what happens in this league," Wolves coach Kurt Rambis said. Milicic wore the black starter's jersey in practice Monday and Tuesday while Jefferson ran with the second unit because he will not play again until Monday's rematch with the Mavericks at Target Center. "I'm kind of leaning that way," Rambis said of starting Milicic in"
T'wolves offer Darko Milicic last shot
February 21
Memphis Commercial Appeal
 columnist Ron Tillery
"Darko Milicic (right), acquired by Minnesota in a trade last week, says he's headed to Europe next season, but the T'wolves are hopeful his best NBA days could be ahead. When Minnesota Timberwolves basketball boss David Kahn promised he would not do anything dramatic at the NBA's trade deadline he sure delivered. He sent Brian Cardinal to the New York Knicks for Darko Milicic in a dead-on-arrival deal of former Grizzlies. The Timberwolves insist they're happy about the deal. They may be the only ones. Minnesota dealt one expiring contract (Cardinal) for another (Milicic), so it could theoretically get a free 27-game look at a player who has been in the league seven seasons and is just 24."
Newcomer Milicic makes a good first impression on Timberwolves
February 21
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"There was a common perception among Timberwolves coaches and players about Darko Milicic after his first full day of practice with the team: The guy can actually play. Three months have passed since Milicic, acquired Wednesday in a trade with the New York Knicks, appeared in an NBA game. The 7-foot native of Serbia struggled with his conditioning Saturday but showed enough potential to help the Wolves (13-43) once he gets in shape. "He was scoring on all of us in the post," Wolves forward Kevin Love said of Milicic. "When he didn't score a couple of times, he got upset. That's the kind of thing you like to see." Milicic's motivation to perform might have been the key evaluation point for"
Rambis does his part to motivate Milicic
February 20
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The best-case scenario of the Timberwolves' trade on Wednesday, the wildly optimistic everything-goes-perfectly plot line, goes like this: Darko Milicic is transformed by two months in a Wolves uniform, becomes the elite NBA center he was projected to be once upon a time, and decides to live happily ever after in Minnesota. Kurt Rambis would love that, too. But right now, his goals for the Great Darko Experiment are much more modest. "I want him to have a positive experience here. That's all," the Wolves coach said Friday after spending the afternoon outlining his offense for Milicic. "I want him to feel good about this environment, this franchise. Feel good about his abilities on the"
Nate Robinson on way to Boston Celtics, Darko to Minnesota T-Wolves
February 18
New York Daily News
 
"Nate Robinson's locker inside Madison Square Garden was vacant except for a name plate, a small Vaseline jar and a pair of socks. It was a quiet exit for the loudest, and perhaps most annoying player, to ever wear a Knicks uniform. The fans may have loved the diminutive, ultra-athletic Robinson, but Mike D'Antoni had little use for the Lil' Him. Now the three-time Slam Dunk champion is off to an organization that has a history of winning more meaningful championships. A deal would send Robinson to the Boston Celtics was close to being finalized last night. The Knicks will receive two yet-to-be determined players in return, both of whom have expiring contracts. The Daily News first"
Knicks' Revolving Door Is Starting to Spin Faster
February 18
New York Times
 
"The night began with a survey of lockers, specifically the empty ones. Nate Robinson's was devoid of personal belongings, save for a jar of Vaseline. Darko Milicic still had a name plate, but little else to attest to his Knick existence. By late Wednesday night, the name plate was gone, too. More lockers could be vacated soon. Milicic was traded to Minnesota, and the Knicks reached an agreement in principle to send Robinson to Boston. But the most critical deal remained on the table as the Knicks approached Thursday's 3 p.m. trading deadline."
Knicks will send Darko to Wolves
February 18
New York Post
 
"As the wild NBA-trade-deadline eve rages on with the Knicks the clear frontrunner for Tracy McGrady, the Knicks made a minor deal in dispatching Darko Milicic to the Wolves for Brian Cardinal, a solid outside-shooting forward who has always hurt the Knicks. However, the Knicks plan to wave Cardinal in order to open up a roster spot for the impending Nate Robinson trade in which they are expected to receive Eddie House and JR Gibbons. Milicic did not show up for tonight's game against the Bulls because of the deal, a source said. Milicic hasn't played since early December nor has he been in uniform. "(Minnesota) really wants to give him a chance," Milicic's agent, Marc Cornstein, told The"
Darko wants to go home
January 13
New York Post
 
"Center Darko Milicic told The Post he is hoping his agent can work out an agreement with the Knicks to be released. Milicic said he doesn't want to leave money on the table, but feels it's best for him and the Knicks to part ways. Milicic said he doesn't want to play for another team, but rest for next season when he plans to return to Europe. Milicic, the Serbian 7-1 enigma, hasn't dressed since Dec. 15 and hasn't played since mid-November. "I'm just trying to find some kind of solution," Milicic told The Post. "I'm not just looking for a solution for my end, but a solution that would be good for them and me. "We are talking to see what we're going to do," Milicic said. "Me traveling with"
Darko Milicic appears headed toward a buyout with New York Knicks
January 8
New York Daily News
 
"The Knicks and Darko Milicic could be headed toward a buyout. Milicic, who has already stated that he plans to continue his career in Europe next season, was conspicuously missing from Thursday night's game against the Bobcats. The 7-footer has become such an afterthought that the Knicks did not even bother to reveal that he did not show up for work. Milicic's agent, Marc Cornstein, confirmed that his client was missing due to "personal reasons" and said that Milicic would rejoin the team today."
Count Darko out
December 17
New York Post
 
"Fed-up Knicks center Darko Milicic told The Post he has decided to play in Europe next season. "Whatever happens, I'm going back next year," the 7-foot-1 Milicic said after yesterday's Knicks practice at Moody Bible Institute. "It's 100-percent certain. I have to be real and not lie. I'm not going to get it done in the NBA. I'm not going to get another opportunity and there's nothing wrong with going back to Europe. I don't want to create a bad atmosphere here, but it's not working in the NBA." The Serbian center's revelation came in the wake of being inactive for the first time this season Tuesday in Charlotte. Prior to not dressing, Milicic, buried deeper than Nate Robinson, was a DNP in"
Milicic is stuck in D'Antoni's doghouse
November 29
New York Post
 
"There have been no "Free Darko" signs in the Garden stands, but the 7-foot Serbian center realizes he is trapped in coach Mike D'Antoni's doghouse with no way out. In an interview with The Post, Darko Milicic sounded bitter about his status as the franchise readjusted their priorities toward making center Eddy Curry viable and left him in the dust. Milicic has been a DNP in eight of the last nine games, logging four minutes in the contest he played. "I already had enough bad experiences in the NBA, so I'm not going to cry about it," Milicic said. "If he don't play me, he don't play me. I'm here." Milicic got his hackles up when asked if he thinks he will return if he excels in practice."
Darko into the spotlight
October 12
New York Post
 
"Home in Serbia with his wife and baby son, Darko Milicic would not return Mike D'Antoni's calls all summer. Milicic and D'Antoni did not speak until the 7-foot-2 center arrived in New York two days before the start of training camp. The Knicks allowed Milicic to take his physical in Serbia after he was acquired in a draft night trade. The Knicks coach joked Milicic's personality was such an unknown to him that the club could be adding "a serial killer." D'Antoni holds no grudges. He is thrilled Milicic is doing his talking on the court, even though Milicic is struggling to make a bucket -- 1 of 6 in the first two preseason games. On the plus side, the enigmatic No. 2 pick in the 2003 draft"
New Knick Darko ready to bust out
October 3
New York Daily News
 
"Darko Milicic has a Larry Brown story that ranks right up there with anything Isiah Thomas, James Dolan and Stephon Marbury could tell you. It happened in the closing minutes of Detroit's series-clinching victory against the Lakers in the 2004 NBA Finals. Milicic, then a rookie, was on the floor in garbage time only to have his right hand broken by a hard foul. "I was asking to come out of the game but Larry wouldn't let me," Milicic says. "He told me to, 'Play the right way.'" What should have been a happy occasion in an otherwise frustrating first season for Milicic ended on a sour note. The pain was so extreme that Milicic missed the Pistons' victory parade two days later and"
Milicic worthy of a flier
June 30
Bergen Record
 
"For Darko Milicic, already the latest draft-flop poster child, the Knicks represent his fourth NBA team since the Pistons drafted him second overall after LeBron James and before Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and so many others six years ago. Pish-posh. Six years before that, the Celtics - their dream of Tim Duncan dashed by the lottery - drafted a guard third overall, who ended up playing for six teams in his first six NBA seasons. But with team No. 6, Detroit, Chauncey Billups made four All-Star appearances, and won a title in 2004 before he got traded back to one of his first five teams (Denver) last season. Maybe that's another apples-oranges comparison and some liken"
Grizzlies notebook: Milicic recalls Piston era
March 16
Memphis Commercial Appeal
 
"Darko Milicic experienced a bittersweet return to Detroit where he began his NBA career. While Milicic loathed his basketball experience with the Pistons after they drafted second overall in 2003, the 7-foot Serbian enjoyed owner Bill Davidson. Before the game Sunday, the Pistons honored Davidson due to his death Friday at the age of 86. The Pistons wore a black stripe on their jerseys. Those in the Palace of Auburn Hills stood for a moment of silence for the Hall of Fame owner who won three titles with the Pistons. Milicic was a rookie on Detroit's 2004 championship team, and a member of Davidson's fan club. "He was a great owner, a great guy," Milicic said. "I can remember having lunch"
Milicic back in action
February 5
Memphis Commercial Appeal
 
"Wearing a padded black glove on his right hand, Grizzlies center Darko Milicic returned to action Wednesday night after an 18-game layoff. The 7-footer entered the game against Houston with 6:12 left in the first period despite admitting that his broken right hand hadn't completely healed. "It's not 100 percent, but I want to play. I was bored watching," Milicic said. "I can catch the ball fine. I'll have to wear this glove for protection. It's just to make sure it won't break if it gets hit again." The Grizzlies went 2-16 after Milicic was hurt Dec. 26 against Indiana. Memphis had won five of the previous 10 games, with Milicic playing solid defense and rebounding well. He's shooting a"
Milicic, Gasol tested as Griz's towers of power
October 15
Memphis Commercial Appeal
 
"Sometimes, all Darko Milicic knows to do is laugh. It's funny to the Grizzlies' big man that he's sort of come full circle. The 7-foot Serbian and former No. 2 overall draft pick entered the NBA as a power forward and supposed offensive dynamo. His focus then shifted to becoming a defensive-minded, rugged center in recent years. Now, in his second season with the Griz, Milicic is back working mostly at his natural position at power forward. Newcomer Marc Gasol has stepped in as the man in the middle. And while Milicic promises "to do whatever they want me to," he admits not knowing what to think of the Twin Towers concept. Griz head coach Marc Iavaroni is taking a serious look at the"
Darko Sees Deal To Knicks
September 9
New York Post
 
"Darko Milicic was quoted in a Serbian newspaper as saying he believes it's "99 percent" sure he'll become a Knick by the end of this week. The Grizzles and Knicks have had month-long talks in which Zach Randolph would be part of a deal for Milicic and Marko Jaric. The deal would save the Knicks $10 million off the salary cap in 2010 in their attempt to get under to sign a prominent free agent such as LeBron James. Agent Marc Cornstein told The Post Saturday he thought a deal "could happen," but a source close to Knicks president Donnie Walsh indicated over the weekend talks appeared to be in a lengthy stalemate."
Source: Walsh under no pressure to move Randolph to Memphis
September 8
ESPN.com
 
"Knicks president Donnie Walsh has not been given a deadline to make a decision whether to trade Zach Randolph to Memphis, according to an executive with knowledge of the trade talks. The Knicks have a trade proposal on the table with the Grizzlies that would see Darko Milicic and Marko Jaric dealt to New York in exchange for Randolph. The offer was proposed nearly two weeks ago. The Grizzlies have agreed to make the trade and, at this point, have no plans to pull their offer. An executive with knowledge of the talks said Friday that Walsh initiated the Randolph-to-Memphis talks with the Grizzlies recently and it's up to Walsh to sign off on the deal. A Knicks spokesman declined comment"