Just wanted to throw a question out to everyone. If you were Flip, how would you use Darko? Would you continue to try to make him into a traditional NBA post-up Center (a la LB)? Would you try to use him more like Toni Kukoc (almost as a SF)? Would you put him at the top of the key a la KG and run the offense through him there to take advantage of his passing skills?

I'd be interested to know what everyone thinks.

It seems to me that he should be used to run the offense through. In that way, the fact that he is already a good passer gives us a focal point for the offense. He has to draw people to him because of his height and the fact that they will see him as an inexperienced player that they can pressure into giving up the ball quickly. Then, he will be free to hit open men all over the floor.

He would really have to work on keeping the ball safe, and then, during the times he does not give it up, drive hard to the rim. If he protects the ball and sees the floor well, he will be a significant contributor.

I would also consider starting him, ala the way James Edwards was used during the earlier title era. If he gets a good start, leave him in for a good period. If he does not, take him out and make sure he knows he is going back in, thereby keeping his confidence level up.

The trick is, who would you start him over?

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Nov 13 LW Milan Lucic had an active night. He scored his first goal in eight games since his Oct. 25 hat trick and also pounded Michael Komisarek in a third-period fight. Lucic cut his hand in a fight with Michael Komisarek. "I'll be fine," he said. "(X-rays are) negative, but there's so many broken bones in there from before you can't really tell."

I'd like him to still stay close to the basket and use his size that way...LB had the right idea. Just not so close to the basket that his dunks get blocked by the rim.

Oh that's just cruel.

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Nov 13 LW Milan Lucic had an active night. He scored his first goal in eight games since his Oct. 25 hat trick and also pounded Michael Komisarek in a third-period fight. Lucic cut his hand in a fight with Michael Komisarek. "I'll be fine," he said. "(X-rays are) negative, but there's so many broken bones in there from before you can't really tell."

I would give a try to starting him ahead of Ben. For one, thing, starting a seven footer there, one who can jump, would give us the chance of getting the tip and getting into our offense quicker.

It would also give us the option of putting Ben in for Sheed or Tayshaun instead of DMC if DMC got off to a good start and one of the other two got off badly.

Or he could start ahead of Sheed because how often does Sheed have a hand in our quick starts? And how often did we have quick starts?

It seemed that we were always having to come back from being down in the first quarter and in the first half. Anything to mix things up at the beginning can help. And if DMC gets off to a poor start, who better to come in than Ben or Sheed, knowing that we need something specific.

I realize I will not have much support for this theory but I think it is a way to change our whole start and it worked with James Edwards, as well. I always liked that strategy. It has to be a comfort for the coach to know that he has someone even better than Dice to bring in early.

I'd like to see him earn his sub minutes before giving him starting minutes. Although I wouldn't be against seeing him start against bad teams.

As far as how I would like to see Flip use Darko... well I'd like to see Darko play for more than the last minute of a game. Like some more minutes in the 2nd quarter when the subs are in. See how he plays when his play actually matters.

i'd like to see him running the break with arroyo or delfino in the middle. if that doesn't develop the offense should be ran through mcdyess and darko's main job should be to clean up the offensive boards. basically run no plays for him until mid season. openly tell him his scoring will come from cleaning up the offensive boards and running the break. eventually i see the offense being ran through him. his passing is too good and his size and skill will make teams have no choice but to double team him especially if he goes low. he will make the whole second team better because he's unselfish. oh yeah. first play after he comes into the game is his ala ben wallace.

Interesting topic.

I think we have to use him primarily as the backup center... with McDyess having a trade kicker Darko won't be taking over his spot anytime soon.... I don't think Darko is quick enough to defend the transition game of a SF or out on the wings.

I envision this season as Darko playing around 8 to 10 minutes backing up Ben.
I'd like to see him be used similar to Divac... he has demonstrated good court vision... hold the ball high and survey the defense...he can find the cutters.
If they don't flash open... and nobody doubles down on Darko... the choices are
1) Turn and shoot over your man (up to 18' out)
2) Back your man down inside using your body to gain seperation
3) Face up and take him either way to the hole (ala Gasol)


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