Sounds like the Orlando trade is as good as done. This sucks. We've had this guy for two and a half years and all we get out of him is a "protected" lottery pick. You know what that means, whatever poor SOB we draft next will have the pleasure of being our next lotto bust.

Darko got a championship ring, around $12 million dollars, and a great Bball education here. All the fans got from him was disappointment, frustration, and the knowledge that we have to watch him become a great player for another team.

Horrible trade. We better win the Championship the next 2 years!!!

Good luck Darko, have a great career!

Until the deal is "done and done", it's a little premature to be saying good byes.

From Pistonloyalist link:

As for the Saunders regime, Darko's permanent benching was fair and understandable. Darko was given a second chance and precious minutes to prove himself, and he exhausted both with apathetic and lackluster play. Nothing in the NBA is given, and dispirited and inconsistent performance is neither appreciated nor rewarded.

Darko lacks mental toughness and is the epitome of passivity. Milicic is consistently weak on the boards, and fails to chase loose balls or make hustle plays. When asked about poor fourth quarter performance, Milicic reasoned "I was cold. Coming in the fourth quarter, I have to warm up." As absurd as that comment is coming from a professional basketball player, it is apparent that Darko, and not anyone around him, is at fault for the current quandary he finds himself in.


Ball don't lie! :rip:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2331049

Pistons close to deal that would end Darko experiment

By Marc Stein
ESPN.com

Two things it now appears that these Detroit Pistons (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=det) won't do: Win 70 games or continue the Darko Milicic (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3705) experiment.

NBA front-office sources told ESPN.com on Tuesday night that the Pistons and Orlando Magic (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=orl) were close to completing a long-discussed trade that would relocate Milicic, 2003's No. 2 overall pick, to central Florida. The trade could be completed as early as Wednesday, sources said, with only one potential snag.

The sides, according to sources, are bartering over the extent of lottery protection Orlando would have on the first-round pick it has agreed to send Detroit along with center Kelvin Cato (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3185) for Milicic and guard Carlos Arroyo (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3585).

It's thought Orlando is seeking to retain this year's first-round pick -- and convey its 2007 first-rounder to Detroit instead -- if the Magic's pick winds up in the top seven of the June draft. The deal would collapse if the sides can't come to a resolution -- with Detroit looking to reduce Orlando's level of protection by a few spots -- but it's clear the Pistons have made the decision to move Milicic before the Feb. 23 trading deadline after giving him a chance to earn a rotation spot under new coach Flip Saunders.

Milicic hasn't played much more for Saunders than he did for Larry Brown, unleashing a new wave of second-guesses on Detroit's decision to draft the Serbian 7-footer over Carmelo Anthony (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3706), Chris Bosh (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3707) and Dwyane Wade (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3708) ... even though the Pistons won the championship in Darko's rookie season and came within one game of a repeat title last season.

Yet, even if Milicic had established himself as a rotation regular under Saunders, it's doubtful the Pistons could have afforded to retain him beyond this summer. With Ben Wallace (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3149) bound for free agency in July and Chauncey Billups (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3174) expected to seek a lucrative contract extension before becoming a free agent in the summer of 2007, Detroit needs Cato's expiring contract ($8.6 million this season) to create the salary-cap space to re-sign both comfortably and keep together its vaunted starting lineup.

After Wallace and Billups re-sign, all five Pistons starters will possess contracts averaging at least $10 million per season -- an NBA rarity but a necessity for Pistons president Joe Dumars given the success and relative youth (Ben Wallace and Rasheed Wallace (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3006) are both 31) of the group.

While Orlando continues to explore its Steve Francis (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3325) trade options, this move would give Milicic a chance to play immediately alongside franchise forward Dwight Howard (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3818). It might also eventually give the Magic two highly touted but unproven European big men for its frontcourt rotation, with the Magic still hopeful they will have 2005 first-round pick Fran Vazquez (who controversially elected to play in Spain this season) in the near future.

For laughs, in case this does happen:


Milicic not your typical European teen phenom


by Chad Ford, 1/23/03


Darko Milicic isn't used to visitors in the small, windswept town of Vrsac, Yugoslavia. The occasional NBA scout drifts into town on occasion, but even most of them wait until his team KK Hemofarm travels to Belgrade to play a team like Partizan.

"What are you doing here?" Milicic asks with a smile on his face.
Of course, he knows. Like most of Yugoslavia's young guard of elite players, he follows ESPN closer than many of his American counterparts.
"Shouldn't you be watching LeBron James?"

Touché.

While the rest of the world tuned in breathlessly to the first national broadcast on ESPN2 of a LeBron James game, I was navigating through the snow and ice to get a peek at the kid many think will be the second player selected in this year's NBA draft.

Milicic, who is actually six months younger than LeBron, is trying to get his arms around the hype. "He's like Magic?" he asks. "Kind of," I respond. "Like Jordan?" he counters. "Sort of," I say. "What about Kobe," he says. "Maybe" is the best I can do.

The truth is, we still don't know what James is. He dominates high school competition like few ever have. But he's playing against boys every night. Kwame Brown (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3511) was beating the stuffing out of boys like that a few years ago.

Milicic smiles even wider as I struggle to explain LeBron to him. He is rubbing a sore calf muscle. He's just hours removed from banging in the low post against a bigger, stronger 28-year-old defender.

"I play against men," he says matter of factly.

Then he drops the bomb. "So who do I remind you of?"

Uh-oh. Milicic had just dropped one his most impressive performances of the year against a Euroleague team.

Milicic scored 14 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, blocked five shots and handed out three uncredited assists (they don't count assists the same way in Europe as they do in the U.S.) in just 15 minutes. He picked a good time to put on a masterpiece. Scouts from the Pistons, Sonics and Bucks were also in attendance.

Darko keeps pressing. He wants comparisons.

Vlade Divac (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=84). Pau Gasol (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3513)? Dirk Nowitzki (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3252)? Arvydas Sabonis (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3061). He doesn't like any of them.

Milicic, who stands 7-foot and carries a solid 245 pounds, is tough to pin down. He's still too young to play for the national team, so he hasn't had much opportunity to work with Divac or Peja Stojakovic (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3119). He knows them and respects them, but he doesn't try to be them. He is his own player. Comparisons quickly escape him. Is he Gasol? No, he's much stronger. Is he Nowitzki? Again, he's stronger and a much more physical player. Maybe Sabonis? He laughs and puts his head in his hands.

So who exactly are you, Darko Milicic?

"I like Kevin Garnett (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3007)," Milicic begins. "He plays like Yugoslavian players play, with heart."

The Garnett reference isn't surprising if you spend much time with any of the young European bigs. Vlade is the great grandfather. Peja is the father. They have paved the way. But Yugoslavians today don't just watch Kings games. They like the ferocity and versatility that Garnett displays on a nightly basis. They love a guy who scores 22 points, grabs 13 boards and still has time to dish out six assists.

European players, like most African-American players, are stuck with stereotypes. You know the code words. Skills, fundamentals, great feel for the game. Milicic is all of these things, but he's not only these things. He's fast, athletic and will dunk it in your face.

Right now, the NBA is still far from Milicic's mind. And it should be. The NBA has ruled that Milicic is ineligible for this year's draft. The league requires that international players be 18 years old before entering the draft. Milicic does turn 18 before the draft, but he'll miss the NBA's 45-day window to declare by three weeks. The league feels that makes him ineligible Milicic's agent, Marc Cornstein, has been working for over a month trying to convince the NBA Players Association to file a collective bargaining agreement grievance. The NBPA had a conference call this week with its executive committee. While some in the association feel that they should take up the cause, the NBA veterans that make up the executive committee aren't so sure. Why open the floodgates to 17-year-olds, when so many veterans are losing their jobs?

If the NBA Players Association won't lead the fight, Milicic and Cornstein are probably out of luck. Milicic will have to wait until 2004 to get his shot at the NBA. He doesn't really grasp the political ramifications of such a move.

In America we've convinced ourselves that the NBA is a man's game. College is the game for kids. In Europe, it's different. Kids go pro at 14. Milicic has already traveled throughout Europe and Asia. He understands life on the road and lives in a world where only the strongest survive. He doesn't need to be coddled.

"I think I am ready," he said.

Darko isn't cocky, but he's definitely confident in his game. "The people from the NBA who come to see me think I'm ready," he said. "Why does David Stern not think I'm ready. He's hasn't seen me play."

Milicic quickly is becoming a big name in NBA circles, but he's still a relative unknown in Yugoslavia. Hemofarm doesn't get the same publicity as higher-profile Belgrade teams like Partizan and Red Star. Milicic's coach doesn't run plays for him, the guards dominate the scoring and Milicic spends most of his time setting cross screens. Coaches in Yugoslavia love control, and Milicic has been largely a victim of his own success.

These days, Milicic is just trying to keep his demanding coach happy. The restrictions on him clearly frustrate him. His coach has told him to quit shooting from beyond the arc. During one game, he took and made a 3-pointer with the shot clock winding down. His coach pulled him from the floor during the next stop in action. Darko spent most of the remaining time on the end of the bench.

Milicic isn't complaining. "The coach is trying to make me a better player," he said. "He's trying to establish me as an inside player. He tells me the shots there are easier. He's right."

Milicic says he actually prefers to play in the paint, a rarity for Yugoslavians who usually thrive on the perimeter. He likes the contact, the jockeying for position and the footwork drills. But most of all, he likes to be a team player. Asked whether he preferred to shoot 3s or dunk, Milicic chooses neither.

"I like the assist," he said. "When I make a good assist, my coach is proud. He tells me that I see the floor very good. I want to help my teammates win."

Milicic trains between five and six hours every day. He shoots for at least an hour, works on his ball handling and lifts before he goes to bed each night.

It's that raw determination, coupled with a wealth of experience for a kid his age, that has NBA scouts and general managers drooling over Milicic.
"When you look at 17-year-old big men in the States, you're basically looking at kids trying to grow into their body," one NBA scout told ESPN.com. "They are so much bigger than the local competition that they just end up being lazy and dunking all of the time. Darko's biggest advantage is that he's played against players who are his equal or better for a long time. That's how players, especially big men, get better. LeBron lapped his competition sometime last year."

Unlike the Nuggets' Nikoloz Tskitishvili (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3603), the fifth overall pick last summer, Milicic is actually playing for his team. NBA scouts feel that he'll have a much smoother transition -- think Gasol -- than most young players.
But what really excites them is his mature low-post play. "More than Nowitzki, Gasol or even Divac, Darko has a nasty streak in him that will help him succeed in the post," a league executive said. "A lot of the Europeans are really threes in the pros. He'll be a true low-post player. His coach is doing us a huge favor by forcing him to develop those skills now. He already has moves that remind me of (Hakeem) Olajuwon in the post. Once we get a hold of him, the sky's the limit."

That is, if David Stern ever lets him come out and play.

So who exactly are you, Darko Milicic?


"I like Kevin Garnett (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3007)," Milicic begins. "He plays like Yugoslavian players play, with heart."

What an ass :doh:

Brown helping Darko turn on the lights

by Chad Ford, 10/3/03



AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- "Darko, get your hands up," new Detroit head coach Larry Brown yells at the No. 2 overall pick, Darko Milicic (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3705), during the Pistons' third day of training camp.

Darko gets his hands up in the post as second-year forward Mehmet Okur (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3547) guards him.

"Darko, roll with the ball," Brown yells after Miliic pops instead of rolls on the pick and roll.

Brown runs the play again. This time, Darko rolls to perfection. He catches the ball, spins and then misses the layup. He grabs his shorts, bends over and shakes his head in disgust.

"Darko, don't quit," Brown yells. "Get a rebound. Don't give up on the play."

Milicic nods, wipes the sweat from his brow and goes back and tries again. This time, Darko spins away from his defender and hits a soft fadeaway.

"Darko, very good," Brown says with a smile.

The scene will play out for the next hour. Darko will hear his name at least 50 times and on virtually every play.

Tayshaun Prince (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3621), Okur and seven other players are on the floor with Milicic. But somehow, Brown only seems to see Darko.

The 18-year-old prodigy is learning from the master. Both of them are loving it.

Pistons president Joe Dumars watched from the sidelines with an even bigger grin across his face.

"This is the best thing that could've ever happened to Darko Milicic," Dumars said. "He doesn't know how lucky he is."

Dumars isn't just referring to the one-on-one instruction Darko is getting from arguably the best coach in the NBA. He's also alluding to the fact that, with veterans forced to miss the first few days of training camp, Milicic can make his mistakes outside the glare of the team veterans.

"First impressions are important," Dumars said. "If they see Darko all exhausted the first day, it leaves an impression. He's got five practices under his belt and has improved dramatically with each one. He'll be ready when the veterans come in (Friday)."

Ready for Ben Wallace (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3149)? No one is ready for that, are they?
When practice is over, Milicic walks over, shakes hands and says unsolicited, "I'm exhausted." He pauses. Then adds, "And I love it."
Milicic does know how fortunate he is. Veterans Zeljko Rebraca (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=2677) and Okur have been telling him all week.

Last season, coach Rick Carlisle virtually ignored rookies like Okur and Prince. With Brown in town, the opposite is true. He appears almost obsessed with teaching them how to play the game.

"I've been here five days," Okur said, "and I've already learned many things. Coach Brown is making all of us better players. What's not to like?"

Dumars feels the same way. Respect, he claims, is the most important thing in a player-coach relationship. Dumars believes that every player on his team will end up respecting Brown.

"Players instinctively respond and gravitate to coaches who try to make you better," Dumars said. "I don't know many players who don't want to get better."

While Okur and Milicic are talking, Brown is on the court still teaching. This time, he has all of his assistants huddled together as he debates various post moves with his staff.

Early on, Milicic's biggest problem is conditioning. It's not that he underestimated how hard training camp would be. In Serbia, training camp consists of five, two-hour practices a day for 21 straight days. The regiment includes a brisk marathon through the forest every morning.

"That's a real killer," he said with a smile. "This is easy compared to that."

The problem is that Milicic took the summer off to rest. He had played for over two years straight. Now he's paying the price.

After practice, a sore Darko is off to close on his first house. Early next week, he'll take a drivers test and soon be the proud owner of his first car -- a BMW X5 (he thinks). Everything is new to him. He is still adjusting to life in the NBA. He chose not to have someone from Serbia come live with him. He's on his own. That's the way he wanted it.

"I don't want any distractions," Milicic said. "Right now I just need to eat, sleep and be in the basketball gym."

Brown is excited to have such a willing student.

"I love him," Brown said. "Right now, he's a deer looking at the headlights, but he's so skilled. He listens to everything you say and is skilled enough to go out there and execute."

Brown says he's determined to ease Darko into the NBA this year. He'll have the luxury. With three other 7-footers on the roster, the Pistons are one of the few teams in the NBA that can afford to coddle their lottery pick.

"LeBron (James) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3704), Carmelo (Anthony) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3706) and (Dwyane) Wade (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3708) are going to come in and contribute right away and people from the press are going to kill us for passing on someone like them," Brown said. "But the thing is, they're thrown into the deep end. They don't have time to be taught. Whatever they did in high school or college is what they are going to do in the NBA. With Darko, we have time to change the way he plays."

An NBA career is a marathon, not a sprint. After five days in camp, Darko Milicic is converting even the disbelievers that, at the end of the race, Dumars' gamble will pay off big -- thanks in part to an assist by Larry Brown.

That damn rule chage effected our future for the next 10 years... Michael Curry pushed to have the age restriction changed... if it didn't get changed we would have been forced to pick between Melo, Bosh, Wade & Kaman.... But we'll never know if LB would have played them.

As for the Saunders regime, Darko's permanent benching was fair and understandable. Darko was given a second chance and precious minutes to prove himself, and he exhausted both with apathetic and lackluster play. Nothing in the NBA is given, and dispirited and inconsistent performance is neither appreciated nor rewarded.

Darko lacks mental toughness and is the epitome of passivity. Milicic is consistently weak on the boards, and fails to chase loose balls or make hustle plays. When asked about poor fourth quarter performance, Milicic reasoned "I was cold. Coming in the fourth quarter, I have to warm up." As absurd as that comment is coming from a professional basketball player, it is apparent that Darko, and not anyone around him, is at fault for the current quandary he finds himself in.

Ball don't lie! :rip:

Hey man, whatever makes you feel better. You know you can't bare to see him go. :lie: :violin:

DaviaG-Rap
Hey man, whatever makes you feel better. You know you can't bare to see him go. :lie: :violin:

Hey Dave! I'm gonna miss doin battle with you over our beloved 12th man. Hey maybe you can provide a regular report on how he's "wowin" them in Orlando. You know.....compare his stats to Sheed's or somebody. You guy is definitely number one for number of posts per minute played.

I kinda like that violen music.:nod: It's groovin! Why not kick on the surround sound?

Darko was given a second chance and precious minutes to prove himself, and he exhausted both with apathetic and lackluster play. Nothing in the NBA is given, and dispirited and inconsistent performance is neither appreciated nor rewarded.So who exactly are you, Darko Milicic?

"I like Kevin Garnett (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3007)," Milicic begins. "He plays like Yugoslavian players play, with heart."

When asked about poor fourth quarter performance, Milicic reasoned "I was cold. Coming in the fourth quarter, I have to warm up."
Perhaps Darko should try using tights.

This may be a little premature but together lets all relive the darko era shall we :) :frusty:

the pistons find out that they get the :second:pick in the nba draft

the pistons know they wont get king james:Cry:

the pistons hear about a 7 footer with amazing skill in eroupe from scouts:spy::nerd:

the pistons prompty bring him in for a workout where he impresses everyone :flame: :thumb:

the pistons sign this great player who has been touted as the next kg or better:welcome:

the darko era has liftoff :rapture:

the pistons hire the hall of fame coach larry brown who is well known for his teaching players how to play the game "the right way" but is also known for not liking/playing foriegn players:suspiciou:twitch: :tsk: :confused:

darko promptly then learns how to sit on the bench:mmph: :ballchain

a year passes the pistons win a nba title :first:and darko is a world champion but breaks his hand in the waning minutes of game 7 :eek:

darko can not play for the summer league team and when training camp ends he lays claim to his old familar spot at the end of larry browns verry short bench :tinfoil3: :dizzy:

the pistons fire larry brown after losing in game 7 of the nba finals failing to win back to back titles:Cry: :Cry: :Cry:

The pistons hire flip saunders and the new era of darko is about to begin:fingerscr

darko plays well in preseason and pistons fans all over the world rejoice :horn:

chaucey billups publicly says :gossip: that larry brown treated darko unfairly and that he thinks darko will have a good year darko just needs a :hug: :grouphug: now and then

the regular season begins and darko is given a shot and he falls a little :faint2: flat looking a bit disintrested:bored: and earning himself his spot on the bench back:frusty: :doh:

pistons fans give up hope knowing that we wasted a :second: pick on this loser and after all the growing pains and cheering for darko hoping to make him better it was all for naught :violin: :rip:

the pistons are about to trade the human victory cigar and hope:fingerscr that joe dumars has learned a very important lesson for his next draft pick make sure the kid can mofo ball first!

So long darko good luck :bolt:

You got to be kidding me??????????? We will give up Darko and CA for A broke down 4 PPG player and a protected first round pick?

Is this us paying back Orlando for giving us Wallace? Why don't we also send Amir to Atlanta for sending us sheed?

LOL. Good one Abe. That about sums it up. :laugh:

In Orlando, and I'm talkin' 15, 10, 4, 4. That's 10 assists, 4 bounds and 4 blocks, I'm gonna to get so knee deep under your hat you might have to run from the forum. Hat---> :yo: :whip: <--- me

Thanks for the reports guys. I hate it when people send me all over the net.
Fresh 22 what the hell was that? KG doesn't play with heart???

Not gonna bother quoting Hatter and his ilk, but I thought this was a good luck Darko thread? Aren't their other threads to bash him?

Good luck Darko, and stick with the crew cut.

this trade is not going through. there will be a better trade oppurtunity than this.

All I need is another lottery pick and we start over. Deep as ever. Only no projects. And no bigs. Unless we can't sign BBen.

16 Mile
I thought this was a good luck Darko thread? Aren't their other threads to bash him?


Opps. You're right 16. Just couldn't resist sticking my head in the nursery after hearin all that cryin. Don't let me interrupt ya. You may proceed with comiseratin.

:violin: :Cry:

When i first heard about this Darko Guy I thought it was a bad move. But I REALLY REALLY wanted it to work out. I hope he does well regardless of what team he's on.

Mlive is reporting that the trade is almost wrapped up.

Alright Joe, you picked a lemon, now make some lemonade. :fingerscr

Bye Darko. Best of luck in Orlando!

http://www.pistonsforum.com/images/picdump/dmc_orlando-31.jpg
Jersey courtesy of themicrowave

As for the Saunders regime, Darko's permanent benching was fair and understandable. Darko was given a second chance and precious minutes to prove himself, and he exhausted both with apathetic and lackluster play. Nothing in the NBA is given, and dispirited and inconsistent performance is neither appreciated nor rewarded.

Darko lacks mental toughness and is the epitome of passivity. Milicic is consistently weak on the boards, and fails to chase loose balls or make hustle plays. When asked about poor fourth quarter performance, Milicic reasoned "I was cold. Coming in the fourth quarter, I have to warm up." As absurd as that comment is coming from a professional basketball player, it is apparent that Darko, and not anyone around him, is at fault for the current quandary he finds himself in.

Ball don't lie! :rip:

Hey man, whatever makes you feel better. You know you can't bare to see him go. :lie: :violin:

Darko was given a total of 30 minutes in our rotation this year. Six five minute stints scattered over the first 14 games of the season. That is no chance to speak of.

Don't let the doorknob hit you.

Bye Darko. Best of luck in Orlando!

http://www.pistonsforum.com/images/picdump/dmc_orlando-31.jpg
Jersey courtesy of themicrowave


Orlando just became my 2nd favorite team

Darko was given a total of 30 minutes in our rotation this year. Six five minute stints scattered over the first 14 games of the season. That is no chance to speak of.

But Lee, what do you make of Darko's explanation of his bad performance in a game (quoted in your post)? That was indeed a very stupid statement, if he actually made it. I hope you are right about Darko's future. But the rather low value we are getting for Darko in this trade makes it clear to me that Flip and Joe have given up on him, and that they are just cutting their losses with this deal (perhaps thinking that his trade value may fall even more over time). And to my mind Joe and Flip telegraphed this a few months ago when they made their negative public comments about Darko's lackadaisical attitude and continuing "mistakes." You don't come down on a player publicly like that unless you are very disappointed in him.

I dont like Darko but John Saunders' dumb @$$ just called Darko one of the biggest draft busts of all time. The kids 20! Kandi man Sam Bowie Kwame Brown Dajuan Wagner Jonathan Bender Tractor Traylor Ron Mercer Tony Battie Antonio Daniels Ed OBannon Eric Montross - All lottery picks all garbage. With the exception of Kwame Brown none of those players has a chance to do anything with their careers and Darko still has at least another 10 years to prove himself. Again I dont like Darko but calling him one of the biggest busts ever is ludicrous. Good luck proving yourself not to be the worst ever darko

I think the kid can make an All Star team or two in his career, and I wish him well. It would be nice to see him enjoy playing basketball.

i started a thread (which later got merged) on Jan. 11th about Arroyo and trades, and possibly the media buttering up his skills (even though he had a bad game)

http://www.pistonsforum.com/detroit-pistons-general-discussion/979-two-people-might-up-grabs-arroyo-darko.html?highlight=arroyo#post15682

heh looks like there *was* more to it!

Don't let the doorknob hit you.

....where the Good Lord split ya.

Wow, Lee! Was that your first response to the news? I would have expected you to be more vocal. I'm not mocking you or anything, I'm just surprised that you haven't posted more about the trade.

The sad thing to me was that Darko only expected 10 minutes and to learn. He wasn't talking All-star team or Starting 5 or any of that BS. Instead he got stomped on.

The sad thing to me was that Darko only expected 10 minutes and to learn. He wasn't talking All-star team or Starting 5 or any of that BS. Instead he got stomped on.
Well, I think it was a two way street. There was no room for him to play on an all star championship caliber team and as a result he got apathetic and as a result the team said "you haven't earned minutes".

He'll do fine in Orlando, or at least get every opportunity to shine. Detroit drafted him for the future. Understandably, Darko wanted to play now. Detroit (right or wrong) did not feel that would be in the best interests of the organization.

He is 21(or so). His whole career is ahead of him, and he learned from Larry Brown, Flip Saunders, and a great group of teammates. Darko's going to be ok, and if not, it will be for reasons to do with himself.

What's clear to me is that Joe D., who once believed that Darko would develop into an elite, Nowitzki-type player, no longer has those kinds of expectations for him. Something about Darko's personality -- his toughness -- or maybe even his intelligence -- convinced Joe D. that that kind of potential is just not there. Otherwise, Joe would have held out for higher trade value and gotten a proven player who could help the team right now. That said, I hope the ideas I am attributing to Joe D. are wrong -- and I wish Darko the best. I do not revel in Darko's misfortune.

a tough one- Fans have to accept the Pistons maybe gave up one of the biggest chances in NBA history like back then when the Spurs were able to optain Duncan.
Add a great player to an already great team.
But when I remember all that Darko hype, it's udnerstandable that everyone wanted him. And with RIP and Billups, there was no real need for Wade or Anthony. Kaman is a solid, but not a great player.
And from the standpoint back then, no one expected Bosh to be that good and overhyped Darko to have such a lousy attitude. I hope Joe D's gonne learn from his failures but doens't get afraid tot rade foreign player.
SA has shown that they can be pretty good too.

The thing that you just can't forget is that Darko is even still, just a boy. Most kids his age are just learning to be responsible adults in a college atmosphere, or maybe in the army, and getting it wrong alot of the time. Without this structured growing experience, most people his age would not fluorish. LeBron James did it, but LeBron is a 20 year-old with unbelievable maturity. He is one of a very few people in the history of sports who excelled at such an early age. Lots of people have the physical abilities to thrive, but very few do. The list of current NBA superstars who took years to come to their potential (Bryant, J. Oneal, Garnett) is very long. But all of these guys were handed the keys to the kingdom, and allowed to fail miserably. Darko got none of this. He was told to succeed now, make no mistakes, or you can't play. He walked into an extremely difficult situation, and was not mature enough to handle the pressure. Very very few people are.

I'm not saying that its Joe's fault that this happened. I just think that in general, there is no place for lottery pick projects on successful teams.

I wish Darko all the best. I'm glad that Joe finally freed him to explore his potential. I hope that he averages a triple double against us for the rest of his career (and we win, of course).

I wish Darko good luck and expect him to be a star in the NBA. I am also glad that Joe caught up to Darko in assessing his situation in Detroit correctly. Darko Knew two years ago that there was no place for him in Detroit. Joe just found that out.

The first clue that there was no place in Detroit for Darko came with Larry Brown's appearance on the Letterman Show, where he gratuitously trashed Darko on national television. The second came with Joe Dumar's appearance on the same show (possibly Leno's) where he gratuitiously trashed Darko, repeating some of Larry's lines.

Combined with the language problem, Larry's grotesque emotional assault of a kid (see Chauncey), the complete remake of his game in the context of an abusive jerk, and the fact that he hadn't played that many games anywhere, it was long ago apparent that Darko could not remain here, let alone flourish. He, of course, should have stayed in Europe awhile and played.

What is often cited as a bad attitude appears to me as depression, for which he had good reason as alluded to above. His phlegmatic attitude on the court was the subconscious, metaphysical equivalent of crashing the boards, blocking anything near the rim, racking up assists, and scoring from far and near in order to get playing time. And it worked! He'll get plenty of playing time in Orlando.:nod:

This may still work out for Detoit, however. It all depends on how Orlando's 07 or 08 pick in the high teens works out. :noidea:

As for losing Arroyo, maybe Maxiel can take over as backup point guard. He seems to be the right height, although he might have to work on his passing a bit.:eyebrows:

Combined with the language problem, Larry's grotesque emotional assault of a kid (see Chauncey), the complete remake of his game in the context of an abusive jerk, and the fact that he hadn't played that many games anywhere, it was long ago apparent that Darko could not remain here, let alone flourish. He, of course, should have stayed in Europe awhile and played. Yeah, Chauncey was a pretty big supporter in the offseason. Odd that his lobbying for minutes didn't impact this trade. You would think he has Joe's ear...

As for losing Arroyo, maybe Maxiel can take over as backup point guard. He seems to be the right height, although he might have to work on his passing a bit.:eyebrows: Maxiell was never Darko's problem. Darko's problem was the poor decision (influenced?) to join the NBA well before he was ready. Anyone who has watched him play knows he has physical skills, but his bball IQ is ridiculously low, and his mental toughness is lacking.

Maybe he should not have come over to America and lived alone. I never understood why he has no family around to support him emotionally, to help ease the loneliness and isolation.

But still, I expect cheapshots, and J-Max whose only fault is being a Piston will get plenty of Darko fallout.

Yep a lot of bitter Darko and Arroyo fans out looking for someone to blame.

Yeah, Chauncey was a pretty big supporter in the offseason. Odd that his lobbying for minutes didn't impact this trade. You would think he has Joe's ear...
No, he also knew that Darko couldn't flourish here. He wanted what was best for Darko, too. He understood the problem from experience.

Maxiell was never Darko's problem. Darko's problem was the poor decision (influenced?) to join the NBA well before he was ready. Anyone who has watched him play knows he has physical skills, but his bball IQ is ridiculously low, and his mental toughness is lacking.
Never said that Maxiel was Darko's problem. Was just having a little fun, which I tried to show with the Groucho emoticon. Darko's basketball I.Q. is not low, nor is his mental toughness lacking. He was caught in a dead-end job and down or depressed. Hell, he was in the same state as those prisoners down in Gitmo. He even got one of their haircuts.

Maybe he should not have come over to America and lived alone. I never understood why he has no family around to support him emotionally, to help ease the loneliness and isolation.
Me, too. Probably because he left his home so early to play basketball. But who knows what people's personal situations are?

But still, I expect cheapshots, and J-Max whose only fault is being a Piston will get plenty of Darko fallout.
Yep a lot of bitter Darko and Arroyo fans out looking for someone to blame.
Once again, just having a little fun--not only "girls just want to have fun," but a lot of boys feel that way, too. Finally, I am not at all bitter. In fact, my wife says I'm sweet. I am actually very happy for Darko. Keeping him here under the conditions that reigned was repugnant.:nod:

I never feel sorry for pro-athletes who make more money in one year than I will ever see. Darko could have flown his family out anytime he wanted to but probably chose to be a free wheelin bachlor. He had some girl friend when he 1st came here. Not sure if he dumped her or if she moved in with him.

Why is Maxiel's name popping up now? Has nothing to do with Darko. Just another guy trying to get some PT. Late 1st rounder. I did not expect anything from it but he has shown some promise. Different situation than Darko. Darko provided the opportunity for a Center. Decent 7' Centers are so rare. There will always be Maxiels available in the draft or free agency.

Once again, just having a little fun--not only "girls just want to have fun," but a lot of boys feel that way, too.
I'm ordering pizza. That's fun. Giving J-max the business, not fun. :P
Finally, I am not at all bitter. In fact, my wife says I'm sweet.
You are very lucky. :D
I am actually very happy for Darko. Keeping him here under the conditions that reigned was repugnant.:nod:
Out of the pan and into the fire my friend. I still wish we had not drafted him because the support structure was not in place to make it work. Expectations in Orlando will be high, hopefully he can meet their expectations quickly.

Darko's basketball I.Q. is not low, nor is his mental toughness lacking. He was caught in a dead-end job and down or depressed. Hell, he was in the same state as those prisoners down in Gitmo. He even got one of their haircuts.

i have to disagree with you. i think darko is a tard and expected the easy life when he came to america and got his guaranteed lottery pick money. he was routinely spotted at local bars drinking and living it up (not even legal to drink), and complained about not getting time when he was a wussy in games. how many times did you hear about darko getting to practice early and staying late? not once. yet all you hear from acker, johnson, and maxiel is that they are gym rats and constantly trying to improve themselves. they have pistons DNA, and it looks like after the darko debacle, joe's learned to draft players with that same attitude.

i think darko has a lot of skills and can flourish in the right system eventually, but one thing he is not, is a Detroit Piston, and truthfully he never was. he has no clue what that means and i'm glad he's gone.

I'm ordering pizza. That's fun.
Yeah, causing some poor schlub to risk his life bringing it to you. :laugh:


Out of the pan and into the fire my friend. I still wish we had not drafted him because the support structure was not in place to make it work.
Couldn't agree more. Would have made more sense to let some other team develope him and then trade for him.

Expectations in Orlando will be high, hopefully he can meet their expectations quickly.
I think they'll be happy by the end of the season. Next season, for sure. :fingerscr:fingerscr:fingerscr:fingerscr:fingerscr

i have to disagree with you. i think darko is a tard and expected the easy life when he came to america and got his guaranteed lottery pick money. he was routinely spotted at local bars drinking and living it up (not even legal to drink), and complained about not getting time when he was a wussy in games.
Did you see that fabulous touch pass to ???? a week or two ago? The way he broke down the floor and sized up the situation? Did you see the steal and pass to Amir for his first basket? Not to devalue Amir's effort, but Darko's was superior, yet all the accolades were for Amir. Come on, now. Darko was down because of the situation and the way he was treated. Keep watching. The truth will be revealed and set you free. As for the drinking, these stories sound a little suspect, like the 10 pack a day cigarette habit; everyone knows Darko's age, and I don't think a legion of bar owner's would jeopardize their licenses so readily.


how many times did you hear about darko getting to practice early and staying late? not once.

Heard it many times. In fact Chauncey was just on tv, saying what a hard worker Darko is.

but one thing he is not, is a Detroit Piston, and truthfully he never was. he has no clue what that means and i'm glad he's gone.
He had a clue alright. He didn't want to sit. He wanted to play. That's what A Real Detroit Piston would want. He'll always be a Detroit Piston in spirit. 'Cause he gonna haunt us a long, long time.

That's it for tonight. I have to solve the meaning of existence before I go to bed.

As for the drinking, these stories sound a little suspect, like the 10 pack a day cigarette habit; everyone knows Darko's age, and I don't think a legion of bar owner's would jeopardize their licenses so readily.

this isn't a picture at the bar, and there's no proof that this was alcohol, but i thought it was kinda funny :)

http://beta.whgl.net/images/darko_drunk.jpg


He had a clue alright. He didn't want to sit. He wanted to play. That's what A Real Detroit Piston would want. He'll always be a Detroit Piston in spirit. 'Cause he gonna haunt us a long, long time.

a real detroit piston would work to earn his playing time, darko didn't.
a real detroit piston would try his hardest when he got playing time, darko didn't.
a real detroit piston wouldn't complain about his playing time, but darko did.
a real detroit piston wouldn't feel entitled to minutes, but darko did.

a real detroit piston would work to earn his playing time, darko didn't.
a real detroit piston would try his hardest when he got playing time, darko didn't.
a real detroit piston wouldn't complain about his playing time, but darko did.
a real detroit piston wouldn't feel entitled to minutes, but darko did.

a real piston would never have to earn his playing time in GT, darko did.
a real piston would never need to try his hardest in GT, darko did.
a real piston wouldn't want to complain about PT, because they aren't darko or chucky atkins.
a real detroit piston wouldn't feel entitled to minutes... like who? If you don't feel entitled to minutes you must really hate yourself.

Either way Darko isn't a real piston. Sadly if we keep treating our young players like Darko, they won't be real pistons either.

http://beta.whgl.net/images/darko_drunk.jpg






Wasted.

Wasted.
Any guy who hasn't been drunk when he's 18 is un-American, un-Serbian, un-common, and unballed.:nod:

Any guy who hasn't been drunk when he's 18 is un-American, un-Serbian, un-common, and unballed.:nod:

I look like that in just about every picture. My eyes are always partially closed do to the flash. Why the heck is the other guys' face blurred out?

I look like that in just about every picture. My eyes are always partially closed do to the flash. Why the heck is the other guys' face blurred out?
Darko usually makes him wear a bag over his face. I guess it's because it hides the fact he isn't as pretty as Darko's last girlfriend. :)

Wow, Lee! Was that your first response to the news? I would have expected you to be more vocal. I'm not mocking you or anything, I'm just surprised that you haven't posted more about the trade.

I post mostly on the detnews.com forum. I have said plenty. Briefly, the trade is horrible for us. Its good for Darko and Arroyo if they value playing time so much, cause they would have gotten rings if they stayed here.

The trade was initiated primarily by Darko asking to be traded. Joe can't admit that so you will hear other stuff. Cap space-no not needed as Joe has held all along. A draft pick? Got to be kidding me. We already have three pretty decent rookies who can't get playing time.

I like Arroyo and Darko a lot, but first and foremost I am a Pistons fan. To me, if the trade is not good for the Pistons, then it should ot be done.

Flip is the one here who has made mistakes. He should have played both Darko and Arroyo more this season. We are now in a position where we may not be able to get past Miami. No big center to put on Shaq. No backup point guard. Flip is going to learn just how bad he erred come the playoffs. Hopefully, he will learn from his mistakes. If not, Joe will just have to replace the guy. Mistakes can be accepted. Not learning from them can't.

Right now, lets hope Kato can play. He is a big center who could bother Shaq a bit. This would be the best way it could go this year. Kato helps us get past Shaq, and then we still get the benefit of his expiring contract.

i understand not having a PG will hurt, but i think your overestimateing the importance of the 5th big man off the bench in terms of championship contending.

Lee,

The trade was a good one.

We were not going to utilize Darko or Arroyo. You can debate all that you want that we SHOULD have utilized them, but DUMARS is the GM and FLIP is the coach and YOU are only a FAN like the rest of us. Therefore, what you think should have been done is irrelevant to the issue of whether or not it was a good trade . Given the FACTS based on the Pistons situation, it was a good trade for Detroit...and possibly for Orlando too.

My understanding is Cato is a Mash unit. He can't help us period this year. What's up?
Are you saying money isn't tight, Lee. I thought I heard JD say he needs cap room.

Darko's farewell speech set to music:

I mailed this to Detroit news beat writers and am sending it to this post. I know Darko personally as a friend and know a lot what goes on behind closed doors and so you BOOO birds chil a bit and take a deep breath. :Cry: Dont blab unless you know the full story and read it bellow:

:violin:

As a personal friend of Darko Milicic I would like to address your recent article"Blame falls on Milicic's shoulders" and just use one example that will make my point. Lets just go back few weeks ago when Pistons led by 25 at the half and through out the second half against Toronto and "when" did Darko enter the game hmmm with" 1:12 seconds left". :doh: You expect a player to jump of the bench with ONE-MINUTE left and show enthusiasm, come on folks lets be fair here. Why dont you ask Flip the reason behind it? Do you enjoy being told lies over and over? This scenario has been going on and on and on. I get to see games on national TV and I watch his body language and the kid wasnt happy and thats what he was saying to us. :violin:

Like I said the management lied to him as recent as the game against Philly. Did you happen to notice that he wasnt even on a team for that game but was in Indiana? Hmmmmmmm and he wasnt even sick!!!!! :yield: Darko did not care about playing because he was not a happy guy. They tell him in practice "great practice Darko, today you play"and he gets all pumped up, and we know what happens next.

Put your self in his shoes and being told lies over and over every time. Ben Wallace "demands" that he plays no less then 42 minutes so he can keep his stats high for free agency. Why dont you ask Flip and Joe as to why was Ben in the game against Toronto in the second half when they led by 25 points? Why not put Darko in that game or why not put him few minutes each quarter but nooo they put him in with 0 :24 seconds left. Would you like to be invited to the party but you only get in when all the fun is over, please. Rasheed told Flip to give some of him minutes to Darko but Flip looks the other way and does nothing . :brick: Flip and Joe spoke to Darko with a forked tongue. Also, I will not go into the horror storied about Larry and all the BS and I mean BS he did to the kid and all the mind games.

Darko "told the management' point blank that he wants a trade before the Philly game, and Joe told him before the Indy "Darko you are out future- take look at the ages of Walllace's , and how long do you think that they will be here playing" We will not trade you as you are our future. Lets put it this way in guys terms- Its like a dance - you keep asking the girl to dance and she keeps on saying next song. So what did you do, you say " screw it", I am going to dance with another girl, and you move on and the last girl you danced -you ended up sleeping with and marrying her. :violin:

I just have to get another jersey now - #11 from Orlando. Darko has a bright future in front of him its just too bad it wont be in the Pistons jersey. :yield:
Well, that just about closes that chapter out. :amen: :rip:

Thanks for coming clean Hat. Now I won't have to pistol whip you with the truth so bad when Darko blows up. If Low and Tater don't come clean I'll have more strength to pistol whip them.

Thanks for coming clean Hat. Now I won't have to pistol whip you with the truth so bad when Darko blows up. If Low and Tater don't come clean I'll have more strenght to pistol whip them.

TFD,

I'm not saying Darko won't do fine with Orlando. My point is that he would not have played with the Pistons. You are talking about a Championship caliber teams needs as opposed to the needs of a lottery team.

Upon learning Darko was about to be traded to Orlando, I opened up a roster spot for him on my fantasy team. I think there is a chance he will succeed (notice proper spelling) there. I wouldn't bet money on it, but I believe there is a decent chance.

When Joe drafted Darko, We had few bigs. Unfortunately for Darko, Joe was able to get Dyess and Rasheed. Now we had multiple bigs and Darko slid to the end of the line. Had we not signed Dyess and Rasheed, Darko would still be here and playing more minutes. Such is life in the NBA. Joe didn't know he was going to be able to get those two when he drafted Darko.

Stuff happens.

lol this is hilarious:

"Put your self in his shoes and being told lies over and over every time. Ben Wallace "demands" that he plays no less then 42 minutes so he can keep his stats high for free agency."

Woody
When Joe drafted Darko, We had few bigs. Unfortunately for Darko, Joe was able to get Dyess and Rasheed. Now we had multiple bigs and Darko slid to the end of the line. Had we not signed Dyess and Rasheed, Darko would still be here and playing more minutes.

When Joe drafted Darko, we had Zelly and Memo. Sheed "replaced" Zelly, and Dice "replaced" Memo. Plus we moved Big Nasty. On top of that the big men who were (arguably) moved to make room for Darko include Derick Coleman, Amal McCaskill and Nigel Dixon. Elden Campbell retired. His lack of minutes had more to do with his lack of interest and intensity than with "how many" bigs were in front of him.

This excuse is already included on the top 20 list. Let's see if he packed that list and took it with him to Orlando.

Mad:

Zelly was hurt half the time, and would not have been a factor in Darko's playing time. Memo was moved because of salary, but is not, in my opinion, at Sheed or Dyess's level. I think Darko would have gotten much more playing time if any of the guys you mentioned were kept for any reason.

Hatter,
Why exactly do you hate Darko so much? Last I checked, he hasnt cost a single game.

Let me try doing your light work Hat.
Like pretty much everybody else we wanted Darko to come in here and posterize people. Leap through the roof all that stuff. When it didn't happen we quit on Darko. Now add in all the other stuff.
BBen was worried Dyess would take his job. That's why he started demanding the ball. I bet if Dyess' knees were right he would try to beat out BBen.

16, I don't hate Darko, I just get tired of all the excuses constantly being thrown up over this guy. I get sucked into it because it's amusing. I gotta work on that.

I AM pissed at Darko, just like I was pissed at that other bum, Rodney White. I blame Darko for his lack of effort and gumption while he was here. Whatever the excuses may be, that aspect cannot be denied. How the hell can you play for the WORLD CHAMPS, collect what $20 Mill(?) over the course of several years, and be "disinterested?"

Quiet as it's kept, there ARE rumors circulating about his poor practice habits. How he wasn't "bringing it" in practice either. How it was beginning to effect the team. Nobody questions his talent. Well almost nobody. But how can you HAVE talent, and NOT bring it? Ain't that the same as "not having it?" A guy like that does not belong on a championship team.

I wish Darko well....Orlando is a good situation for him. If he has anything resembling a game; it will become evident. The creme ALWAYS rises to the top.

TheeTFD
BBen was worried Dyess would take his job. That's why he started demanding the ball. I bet if Dyess' knees were right he would try to beat out BBen.

Sho you right!

:eyebrows:

16, I don't hate Darko, I just get tired of all the excuses constantly being thrown up over this guy. I get sucked into it because it's amusing. I gotta work on that.

I AM pissed at Darko, just like I was pissed at that other bum, Rodney White. I blame Darko for his lack of effort and gumption while he was here. Whatever the excuses may be, that aspect cannot be denied. How the hell can you play for the WORLD CHAMPS, collect what $20 Mill(?) over the course of several years, and be "disinterested?"

Quiet as it's kept, there ARE rumors circulating about his poor practice habits. How he wasn't "bringing it" in practice either. How it was beginning to effect the team. Nobody questions his talent. Well almost nobody. But how can you HAVE talent, and NOT bring it? Ain't that the same as "not having it?" A guy like that does not belong on a championship team.

I wish Darko well....Orlando is a good situation for him. If he has anything resembling a game; it will become evident. The creme ALWAYS rises to the top.
I can't believe I agree with almost everything you just said, the only difference is I can understand Darko becoming "disinterested." Some say, if you get 20 mil you should be bringing it no matter what, others (count me) can understand that certain things going against him (LB, lack of pt, and being stuck behind the big 3) were too much for a teen ager to handle.

Water under the bridge, Darko is now in the perfect situation to suceed, a team that will give him PT, 3 years of Piston U with WallacesX2 as his profs, and 2 years of LB teaching him the game. If he can't succeed in Orlando, then he really is a bust, but I think he'll do OK. Time for arguing about Darko is over, we've got a 'ship to worry about

He did not collect 20mil.$.
yr 1 = $300,000.00
yr 2 = $1.5mil.
yr 3 = $4.5mil.
about $8mil. total, feel free to correct this.

20 mil, 10 mil, it's still a bunch of money. BTW, been reading a lot of quotes from the 'stons about Darko, and the one thing that sticks out is all the love being thrown at Darko from the Pistons, this aint the LB fiasco. If any thing, everyone, players, coaches, and Joe, feel happy for Darko that he'll get a chance to play and prove himself.

To me, that says a lot about the quality of the people in the Pistons orginization, and that Darko couldn't have had that bad of an attitude while he was here.

BTW, Darko signed a 16.8 mil contract (if option picked up), of which he is owed 5.2 mil for the next and final year.

BTW, Darko signed a 16.8 mil contract (if option picked up), of which he is owed 5.2 mil for the next and final year.
The option was picked up prior to this year. Orlando would not have made the trade if the option had been declined, as Darko would essentially represent an expiring contract with no Bird Rights.

His minimum offer in year 5, if Orlando (or whomever he plays for at that time) wants to retain the right to match incoming offers, is $6.8 million. A pretty penny that he will likely get unless he completely flames out.

That's over $24 million by the time he is 22. Whether he earns a starting job in that time or not. Whether he makes an All-Star game or not. That is why Joe had to move him, and why I know he will be alright (at least financially).

He certainly looked the part. He resembled a tourist who had returned from a weekend in Miami, sporting a nasty sunburn and peeling face.

"I fell asleep on the beach," he said, sheepishly.


http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/local/orl-magic2106feb21,0,3363011.story?coll=orl-sports-headlines

"I fell asleep on the beach," he said, sheepishly.




He was confused and forgot he was at the beach. He thought he was on the court during garbage time. :sleep:

Thought this was interesting:

" Magic fans can look at him as an international replacement for Fran Vazquez "

Who?

I was thinking this might make up for losing Shaq all those years ago. Now they finally have a player who can stop the Big Diesel in his tracks they should be able to get past Miami in the playoffs this year.

darkos up agenst the cavalers tonight guys big game lets hope he scores a hundred points

darkos up agenst the cavalers tonight guys big game lets hope he scores a hundred points

I dunt thenk he will scor 100 points, bet probabaly somewhere around 80 points.

I see what you're doin' linwood.

Who, me? What? C'mon...

I dunt thenk he will scor 100 points, bet probabaly somewhere around 80 points.

i was just kidden around of coarse he will not score 100 or even 80 but a 10 point night with a couple of blocks and a few boreds would be very nice start.

"I fell asleep on the beach," he said, sheepishly.

and the partying woes continue!! boy if he partied too much in detroit, imagine what he'll down in orlando!!

"Sorry coach, I missed game. Pluto want autograph," he said sheepishly, with mickey mouse ears on his head.

i was just kidden around of coarse he will not score 100 or even 80 but a 10 point night with a couple of blocks and a few boreds would be very nice start.

Yeah, that would be a pretty good night for Darko. Otherwise, if he doesn't produce, the fans may find themselves with quite a few boreds waiting for Darko to develop.

Linwood I thought you were a nice man.

Yeah, that would be a pretty good night for Darko. Otherwise, if he doesn't produce, the fans may find themselves with quite a few boreds waiting for Darko to develop.

Actually, it would be a pretty good WEEK for him.

Seriously, he needs to learn to adjust to their system. He also looks like a case of raw nerves when he isn't sleepwalking out there. I think he'll do ok with them but I it probably will take him at least a couple of games to adjust to the system and relax.

I'll be watching & rooting for him, though.

You know, someone in Darko's entourage/management should be exiled.

Is this the image they want to project? Goofy kid with sun burn?

This is supposed to be DARKO UNLEASHED : REVENGE OF THE EUROS!

We should be bombarded with embarassing (to Pistons fans) tales of DMC bench pressing cars, making 500 consecutive 3 pointers with his eyes closed, and rescuing small children from quicksand.

Ok, well maybe just that he's in the gym, pulling a Rocky, ready for his bust out first night as a legitimate NBA player.

Oh no....

DMC's kicking it on the beach (he's been there what, 4 days?). I mean, players like a break during All-Star weekend, but those are usually the guys who have been PLAYING.

I got a real bad vibe about this. Either his head ain't straight, his handlers suck, or a combination of the two. No one should be writing "just a kid" stories about Darko at this point in his career. Not even if he buys himself a red firetruck.

Linwood I thought you were a nice man.

He usually is, but he is testy today because he is nervous about a certain matchup later tonight. :D

Warts, are you saying he is going to pull a Wayneo?

You know, someone in Darko's entourage/management should be exiled.

Is this the image they want to project? Goofy kid with sun burn?

This is supposed to be DARKO UNLEASHED : REVENGE OF THE EUROS!

We should be bombarded with embarassing (to Pistons fans) tales of DMC bench pressing cars, making 500 consecutive 3 pointers with his eyes closed, and rescuing small children from quicksand.

Ok, well maybe just that he's in the gym, pulling a Rocky, ready for his bust out first night as a legitimate NBA player.

Oh no....

DMC's kicking it on the beach (he's been there what, 4 days?). I mean, players like a break during All-Star weekend, but those are usually the guys who have been PLAYING.

I got a real bad vibe about this. Either his head ain't straight, his handlers suck, or a combination of the two. No one should be writing "just a kid" stories about Darko at this point in his career. Not even if he buys himself a red firetruck.

I was thinking the same thing.

Warts, are you saying he is going to pull a Wayneo?

what's the story behind that again? i remember the picture (please someone post it lol), but not the story

I'm sorry if I seem a little testy about Darko. As some of you may know, Mr. Tater has picked up a certain young Serbian Stud for his fantasy team. So far, my team has relied on the Big Aristotle to carry us through, but with a certified Shaq stopper about to be unleashed... well, I'm sure you can see my concern.

Plus, if Darko went for 100 the Mamba would have him killed.

DMC's kicking it on the beach (he's been there what, 4 days?). I mean, players like a break during All-Star weekend, but those are usually the guys who have been PLAYING.


Kids been under a lot of stress and pressure lately. Give him a break. He deserves it. How much longer will the kid be young, rich, and in the NBA? Maybe another 10 years or so for the first two, and maybe another season for the last.

I think he had a Disneyland visit and put it on for some kids event. Then S.Mitchell mimmiced[spoofed] it.

Sorry, but no good words from me toward Darko. He is the enemy now, and his attitude assisted in blowing our number 2 pick. The last thing I want is for him to blow up on a different team. How much of a nightmare would that be with Dwight and the "hype" version of Darko in our conference for the next 12-14 years? No thanks, I want that pick to be worth something.

I've gotta agree with you Fresh22.

Regardless of what all of the people who think Darko is the second coming say, he was given a shot.

There is a heck of a lot more to the situation than what we see in a game and read in the papers. For the potential this kid was supposed to have, he surely didn't take advantage of what chances he was given.

He was practicing with 3 current/former All-Stars everyday. If he was really that good, the coach (regardless of who it was) would have had no choice but to play him.

Simply put: He didn't earn the hype, he didn't earn the trust, and he didn't earn the playing time.

When a guy like Evans or Ham or Dupree gets more playing time, than the #2 pick it makes you wonder... what do those other guys have that Darko doesn't? Answer: HUSTLE. DESIRE. DRIVE. They make the most of what they've got athletically and mentally. For as promising as Darko may be, he certainly never showed us a consistent level of hustle, desire, or drive.

I don't HATE Darko, but I really don't want to see him develop into a star and "get up for" every game he plays against the team that "never gave him a shot". Not only would it be a stupid overplayed story line to every game, it would also be completely inaccurate. He had "his shot". Think about this...

Would Lebron, Carmelo, Wade, or Bosch have enough mental toughness to ride out a season or two of little playing time, only to earn their way into a good amount of playing time? I think so.

What makes it worse is that Joe D really WANTED Darko to develop into the future of this franchise. He had everybody, including most of the fans, in his corner, and he still pouted like a spoiled child.

Good Luck Darko? Nahh.

Best wishes? Nahhh.

Put up or shut up? Yeah.

Solid game from the two ex-Pistons

Darko 3 minutes, 2 points
Arroyo 5 minutes, 0 points, 2 assists, 1 PF

Did Joe D throw Flip in the trade as well?? :confused:

Solid game from the two ex-Pistons

Darko 3 minutes, 2 points
Arroyo 5 minutes, 0 points, 2 assists, 1 PF

Did Joe D throw Flip in the trade as well?? :confused:

Of course you probably didn't watch the game did you? All of the Magic fans on REALGM were pretty ticked that DARKO and ARROYO got so few minutes. Darko was the ONLY PLAYER ON ORLANDO to slow down Zydrunas and Arroyo was their only PG that was getting the ball to D. Howard in the post. Both Darko and Arroyo needed more minutes and the Magic fans were calling for Coach Brian Hill's head. I realize it was only their first game after one practice with the team but they played better than many of the Magic's rotation players ahead of them at their respective positions.

They both have to have big chips on their shoulders... basically being told that they are not seen as necessary to win a championship by Pistons management.

Of course you probably didn't watch the game did you? All of the Magic fans on REALGM were pretty ticked that DARKO and ARROYO got so few minutes. Darko was the ONLY PLAYER ON ORLANDO to slow down Zydrunas and Arroyo was their only PG that was getting the ball to D. Howard in the post. Both Darko and Arroyo needed more minutes and the Magic fans were calling for Coach Brian Hill's head. I realize it was only their first game after one practice with the team but they played better than many of the Magic's rotation players ahead of them at their respective positions.

Easy Mrs. Milicic, I was just playin'. I'm sure your son will be an excellent NBA player. I wish him nothing but the best of luck with his sunburn.

Besides, that was more of a shot at Flip not using his bench than it was at either of those guys (Billups and Ben both played over 42 minutes again tonight, while Delfino got a whopping 5 - AGAINST THE FREAKING HAWKS!!!).

From someone who watched the whole Orlando game, here is my Darko, Arroyo summary:

Darko- not much to talk about since he only played a couple of minutes. Cleveland went right at him on the first possession and turned it over. The only time they scored on him was when Darko helped out on a guard who was penetrating. They kicked it out to Ilgauskus, Darko challenged, but couldn't get the block.

On offense, Darko set a lot of screens, and posted up a few times, but never got the pass. Then they gave him a pick and roll opportunity and the guard passed it right to his feet. Darko scooped it up nicely and made an unbelievable reverse off the glass in heavy traffic. I'm not sure how he did it, but he acted like it was easy.


Arroyo- they put him in when the game was out of reach, and the Magic scored on 8 straight possessions, pretty much because of him. He was very aggressive in driving and dishing. Mostly Dwight Howard was the recipient. The only reason that Arroyo's assists weren't 3 higher is because of the fouling on Howard. The highlight was a crazy alley oop. The comeback was underway as they cut it to 8 points, but then Lebron ended it with 3 straight jumpers.

My bet is that Arroyo gets a lot of playing time going forward. Darko will have to get more comfortable with the plays, so that they can call his number.

Of course you probably didn't watch the game did you? All of the Magic fans on REALGM were pretty ticked that DARKO and ARROYO got so few minutes. Darko was the ONLY PLAYER ON ORLANDO to slow down Zydrunas and Arroyo was their only PG that was getting the ball to D. Howard in the post. Both Darko and Arroyo needed more minutes and the Magic fans were calling for Coach Brian Hill's head. I realize it was only their first game after one practice with the team but they played better than many of the Magic's rotation players ahead of them at their respective positions.

just goes to show that orlando fans aren't very smart. playing a PG right away w/o knowing the system isn't something you really wanna do...you gotta ease the guys into the system a little bit

All of the Magic fans on REALGM were pretty ticked that DARKO and ARROYO got so few minutes.
Both Darko and Arroyo needed more minutes and the Magic fans were calling for Coach Brian Hill's head.
I do not have the necessary words of gratitude to express how happy I am that this circus sideshow got legs and moved to another team's fan base. It's like, in the midst of all life's troubles and disappointments, my higher power has parted the clouds and shined an immense ray of sunshine on me and my favorite team. It is finally ok to talk about the starting 5 again.
I realize it was only their first game after one practice with the team but they played better than many of the Magic's rotation players ahead of them at their respective positions.
In 3 minutes, Darko earned more PT? What I would have given to see that kind of effort on a consistent basis here.

Arroyo is playing in front of hundreds (thousands?) of Puerto Ricans. There is a lot of passion and emotion there. if he becomes the starting PG next year, I predict a bad situation for him because the pressure will become impossible to succeed under.

I liked Carlos, and I was starting to genuinely feel sympathy for Darko. But they aren't Pistons anymore, and while I wish them both the best of luck, it is much easier for a fan like me who isn't "player specific" to enjoy the season.

Well looks like Detroit was a horrible experience for the kid.

A quote from the post-game interviews had him saying it was a terrible experience in Detroit because he always worked hard and he never had the chance to play.

Looks like the kid just gave up trying hard every time he was put in the game here. Jeez.

Explains a lot Darko. THanks.

Good luck.

I think he had a Disneyland visit and put it on for some kids event. Then S.Mitchell mimmiced[spoofed] it.

found it!! :D

http://www.msu.edu/~liefersc/mickey.jpg

Both Darko and Arroyo needed more minutes and the Magic fans were calling for Coach Brian Hill's head.

How many times can something like this happen? First Larry Brown, then Flip Suanders, and now Brian Hill.

It seems to me it's time for the NBA to clean house. Get these lousy bums out and bring in some people who are used to developing talent. Maybe we could look to the NBDL for some fresh faces. Those guys have some experience developing young/ inexperienced players.

How many times can something like this happen? First Larry Brown, then Flip Suanders, and now Brian Hill.

Oh no, it's the Darko consipracy! lol.

Seriously, Coach Hill said that Darko still needs to learn the system before he gives him meaningful minutes. Too early to accuse Hill of not seeing Darko's "true all-star potential" yet. ;)

Oh no, it's the Darko consipracy! lol.

Seriously, Coach Hill said that Darko still needs to learn the system before he gives him meaningful minutes.

As it was in the beggining, is now, and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.

and the partying woes continue!! boy if he partied too much in detroit, imagine what he'll down in orlando!!

"Sorry coach, I missed game. Pluto want autograph," he said sheepishly, with mickey mouse ears on his head.

Yes that can potentially be a real problem for them. Pistons did have trouble with Darko's night life when he was here.

Detroit being Darko's nigtmare would be most folks dream come true... the salary... rock star status and playing basketbal (albeit practice)... that comment was not called for... didn't he grow up in a war zone?
I promise you he learned more under these two coaches than he could have in college.... and now he's gonna put out the effort in Orlando?
I think he was purposely dogging it to force a trade.
If he was better than Dice he would have played more.

I think he was purposely dogging it to force a trade.


Vince Carter revisited?

Yeah, his idea of a nightmare is much, much different than mine. I would trade places with him in an instant. Let the fans jeer me, 12 million dollars and the best seat in the house for Pistons games + playoffs? Wahhh.

"I fell asleep on the beach," he said, sheepishly.


No, no, no. This reporter's got it all wrong. Maybe he misunderstood the accent. It was: "I fell asleep on the bench." No wonder the kid's having nighmares.

Micro on Arroyo:
I predict a bad situation for him because the pressure will become impossible to succeed under.


I don't think so. The AFC don't care about winning unless it's the Olympics. They will be happy just to see Yo-Yo on the floor. To them, THAT is equivalent to winning the title.

Darko got a DNP tonight... the more things change the more they stay the same.
Arroyo played a lot of minutes.... he did alright considering he didn't know all of the plays.... Kid backed him down a few times... and Carlos still can't finish his shots... he actually had a chance to tie the game at the end and missed the 3.

I guess TDrib already knows the system.

Darko got a DNP tonight... the more things change the more they stay the same.
Arroyo played a lot of minutes.... he did alright considering he didn't know all of the plays.... Kid backed him down a few times... and Carlos still can't finish his shots... he actually had a chance to tie the game at the end and missed the 3.

Thats interesting because in the Orlando paper Brian Hill said the 4 mins Darko played last game would be the fewest mins for him this season. Some things never change.

Call me a hater but I am hoping he is a bust down there because thats going to help our cause getting a better draft pick. Why should I feel anything for a 20yr old millionair? Especially one who insulted the team on his way out. Kidd does not have to work another day in his life if he chose.

Micro on Arroyo:


I don't think so. The AFC don't care about winning unless it's the Olympics. They will be happy just to see Yo-Yo on the floor. To them, THAT is equivalent to winning the title.

AFC = ??

AFC = ??

Arroyo fan club, I believe.

I guess TDrib already knows the system.

good point.

Is Darko perhaps slow to learn? This is two games now where he hasn't played.

I agree. I have no loyalty to Darko. I hope he busts. It benefits us in the long run.

After Darko played four minutes in his first game, Bob Hill said "That's the fewest minutes he'll see all season." Naturally he got a DNP - CD against the Nets last night. I guess the "nightmare" continues.

(Not that I mind much, given the way Darko popped off in his interview. The real nightmare would have been his standing in the league if Joe D. hadn't stuck up for him EVERY SINGLE TIME people questioned him. Kid should just shut up and show a little class, instead of sabotaging his own position by getting a sunburn on the beach before his first practice with a new team.)

After Darko played four minutes in his first game, Bob Hill said "That's the fewest minutes he'll see all season." Naturally he got a DNP - CD against the Nets last night. I guess the "nightmare" continues.

yeah you would think he'd see plenty of time against the nets who have an especially weak frontcourt...

I love how Brian Hill says DMC has to learn the system. When you have as many injuries as Orlando, and are destined for the lottery (again), there is no freaking system. That's why Arroyo played. They needed a guard, he got to play. No one worried about teaching him the system before he hit the floor.

And wasn't that scrub Mario Kasun playing his tail off last night? Maybe Darko's arrival lit a fire under him. We'll see, because I don't think Tony Battie is going to roll over and hand out his starting job.

Anyway, the next week or two should prove telling because Orlando has a lot of walking wounded. Can they find consistent minutes for Arroyo and Darko? Stay tuned...

Kasun is out for the season.

One less obstacle for Darko to conquer.

Maybe there was too much smoke rising up from his face to see straight.
And if someone caught him across the face he would be all stinging.
TDrib played 23 minutes 13 p 4 r 4 a. I think he does know the system.

Hill is going to f'up and Darko is going to LA. Just like Shaq. Zen master knows exactly what to do with him. Let him swing until he goes down.

Millocrap is a loser!! He is immature and has no class. The dumb goof fell asleep on the beach. That should tell you something right there. The guy thinks he should just walk onto the floor and not have to put any work in to earn that spot.

i cant get the game on tv but from the sounds of things at magicmadness.us darko is kicken some but aganst seatle tonight.

it is nice to smile :)

Line tonight

Min - 22
Points 8 on 3 for 4 from the field
Boards 3
Blocks 2

Good Game DMC. It is just the beginning.

He needed out of Detroit.

i cant get the game on tv but from the sounds of things at magicmadness.us darko is kicken some but aganst seatle tonight.

it is nice to smile :)


Sometimes you are the bug. Sometimes you are the windshield. :nod:

Darko played 22 mins and got 8pts 2blks, 5 rebs, 1 ast, and ONLY 1 PF!!!

Why couldn't that f-er play like this while in Detroit!? :frusty::frusty::frusty::frusty:

Darko played 22 mins and got 8pts 2blks, 5 rebs, 1 ast, and ONLY 1 PF!!!

Why couldn't that f-er play like this while in Detroit!? :frusty::frusty::frusty::frusty:

Er.... I don't think he was given a chance. :doh:

Darko did play like that in Detroit. He pretty much put up those same stats in preseason.

Young, athletic, skilled 7-footers just aren't valued in Detroit. Once the games mattered it just wasn't worth it to develop Darko. It was more important to team chemistry that work ethic determine minutes. That's cool- we get stuck with Mr. Hard Work Jason Maxiell, who will never be more than a bench role player. Orlando gets a future All-Star and Top 5 Center who wasn't good enough for us.

Whoa fellas. Premature. Very premature.

They played a Seattle team with seven players, also without Ray Allen.

But I hope it holds up. I'm happy for Darko and Carlos. Just remember their style of play didn't fit here. Let it go and be happy for them.

Anyone watch the game? How was his defense? Why only 4 shots in 22 mins if he made 3 of them?

How was Arroyo's defense? Thats part of why he was shipped.

Max, I watched the game as I live near Orlando for the winter. First, Arroyo's defense seemed to work well although Seattle was seriously shorthanded. Carlos was pumped by the cheers from his countrymen and really showed it all. He stole the ball, got 18 points and several boards, I believe 4 assists. Darko fed him one bucket, getting an assist on that one. I don't know how much the Seattle shortage helped his game but he stayed in front of his man.

Darko did not shoot a lot because he still does not know all the plays. He did look pretty comfortable out there. He made more than a few passes that led to assists. He and Dwight looked pretty awesome when the gaurds forced the Sonics inside. One of the blocks DMC got, both he and Dwight went for it but Darko's longer arms allowed him to get it first. They are going to be an awesome pair soon. One thing I did not like was that Darko deferred to Dwight on one rebound. They both went for it but Darko drew back when he saw that Dwight had a good shot at it. He should be fighting even Dwight for them.

He still did not smile much but it looked good to have him standing in the huddle when the coach called time out during crunch time. Carlos is in seventh heaven. All the PR flags in the audience.

If this is how they play when they don't know the plays yet, and have not blended with the others, it portends well for them. And I believe the playing time controversy should be over.

Hope this answers your questions. Glad to hear the Pistons won tonight.

Good objective summary Lazyberbs! I knew you had it in you! :peace:

DaviaG-Rap
Young, athletic, skilled 7-footers just aren't valued in Detroit.

If we ever had one, he would be valued. :P


Orlando gets a future All-Star and Top 5 Center who wasn't good enough for us.

:hail:

Hi Burbs. Thanks for the update. I would shocked when I saw the stat-line of 22 mins. Figured he would be getting sparse PT as in the 1st 2 games.

wouldn't you think that Dumars was absolutely sure that this would not comeback to burn him prior to the trade? Pistons know more about Darko than anyone else. The staff has seen him play in practice. Dumars has gotten all the reports and seen 1st hand what exactly Darko is capable of. I simply cannot see Dumars dealing Darko unless he was absolutely convinced that it was the right move.

On Arroyo. Most bench guys on a contender are perfectly happy going along for the ride and seeking their fortunes after the title run. No way would Okur or James have wanted a trade before the post-season. Grab the title and then seek your FA fortunes or ask for that trade.

I liked Arroyo but since he had no interest in hanging around for an NBA title then perhaps this was the best move for both parties.

Howard/Darko? Even if Darko does work out ORL has always had problems keeping good players. They have had 2 superstars Shaq/T-Mac who they both lost. Mac was traded but only because he informed the team that he would not be re-signing. ORL is a commical francise who will always find ways to blow it.

Centers Darko was facing: Johan Petro (rookie) Mikki Moore (mediocre journeyman) Chris Wilcox (power forward)

dont read to much into some decent stats against sub-par centers

Anyone watch the game? How was his defense? Why only 4 shots in 22 mins if he made 3 of them?

How was Arroyo's defense? Thats part of why he was shipped.

that's why our bench sucked we always had to come, and help. because of that 3 things could of happened.


arroyo gets taken to the hoop and the opponent gets and easy score
arroyo gets taken to the hoop and has to foul
arroyo gets taken to the hoop. a big man comes to help and the pg dumps it off to the big man right under the hoop for a flush.lindsey did a much better job off the bench, and he created a lot of shots when he was left open. he knew he couldn't make the shot as well as other people right now so he drove and either threw a good lob or he had a nice kick out. plus he still had his great defense. that jumper will come back in a while.

ooooh hijacking a darko thread to talk about CA!! haha. For a team like orlando, Arroyo's liabilites mean less. They got holes all over the place but for us, that opening gets more crucial as we advance each round. You can get beat by Wade but CANNOT allow GP and Jwill to be productive too.

I loved his passing though and 0 TO's. He does a decent job of protecting the ball.

wouldn't you think that Dumars was absolutely sure that this would not comeback to burn him prior to the trade? Pistons know more about Darko than anyone else. The staff has seen him play in practice. Dumars has gotten all the reports and seen 1st hand what exactly Darko is capable of. I simply cannot see Dumars dealing Darko unless he was absolutely convinced that it was the right move.

I think Joe saw the writing on the wall. Darko would never try hard in garbage time. To get Darko motivated, he would need to be given 20+ minutes a game. Something Flip would never do, and something that would be impossible considering the 3 guys ahead of him. So either Joe traded him now, or kept paying him to sit on the bench and sulk.

arroyo had a nice game.

16 Mile
I think Joe saw the writing on the wall. Darko would never try hard in garbage time.

Agreed. And since the guy (a) could/did not earn anything more, trade him for somebody (anybody) who WOULD play hard in garbage time. Why keep a sulking player on the bench who would bolt first chance he gets during a championship run?

Darko needs a LOT of playing time to "develop." He can get that in Orlando. Meanwhile, we can pursue a ring right NOW with players who want to WIN, and get another crack at the draft in 07. :nod:

lets make it a good pick this time.

Thanx Mad and Max. Of course, Seattle was shorthanded and so was Orlando the night before when they came very close to upsetting NJ. The Magic had only 8 players that night and used 7.

Another good thing, after the game Coach Hill commented very favorably about DMC's sense of the game and that both he and Carlos made no mistakes in running the plays and were in the right places all the time. I was not sure because Darko had a look about him that suggested he was not sure, but always was there to relay the ball and do what he was supposed to do. He also daunted at least 3 or 4 shots besides the ones he blocked outright.

Before we get oo excited, Yao is here Sunday. Great Sunday. Get to watch the Pistons (seldom get them down here) and then at 3:30, Carlos and Darko go against Houston. Oh, yeah, there are some other Orlando players that will be there, too.

I have to mention that Grant is playing out of his mind right now. If the Magic do buy him out, this year, he would solve any problems off the bench for the Pistons, and still not be in the way next year to block the rookies. And it would get the old Piston a ring.

I watched the game as well.

I agree with all of Lazy's comments.

Solid game by both former Pistons.

Arroyo was outstanding..on offense.

Orlando team played great TEAM defense yesterday and the catalyst was.....Grant Hill.

A healthy Hill is the key to vicories for this young team.

Darko looked pretty comfortable yesterday. Let's see how he performs in the next couple of games.

Thanks for the Updates guys.

Burbs/MO - I will look forward to reading your reports anytime you want to report on an Orlando game. Obviously its a team I am going to pay attention to given that pick.

Another parting shot by Darko quoted in the NJ Star Ledger.

Quote of the Week.

From Darko Milicic, thinking back to his glory days in Detroit: "I felt like a ball boy".

I disagree Darko, ball boys are actually happy to be there, and they show more enthusiasm. Even in garbage time they hustle to track down those loose balls. Even at the end of a blowout, they're quick to wipe up the man sweat on the court.

Oh... and they aren't getting paid millions of dollars to do it.

Jam you and Low don't seem to grasp the "higher aspirations" mentality.
If you are content to play hind fiddle and do as the boss says and collect your average pay while the boss maybe promotes someone with what you perceive as less talent, then fine stay in your cubicle. But if your 7 ft. tall and want bang with the big boys you have to find elbow room. Elbow room, cryed Daniel Boone!

I'll get my first look at the dynamic duo on Houston basketball Tv today. Those guys are very critical so I'll get a good analysis. BTW, Tracy Mcgrady is such a woman!:laugh:

Oh my gosh, Arroyo and Darko are becoming the highlight of all of the plays today. No lie. Darko is dominating Juwan Howard and Arroyo is finishing plays like the guy I saw in the Olympics.

Coach Hill is finding it very hard to take Arroyo off the floor.

What a difference an environment makes.

Oh my gosh, Arroyo and Darko are becoming the highlight of all of the plays today. No lie. Darko is dominating Juwan Howard and Arroyo is finishing plays like the guy I saw in the Olympics.

Coach Hill is finding it very hard to take Arroyo off the floor.

What a difference an environment makes.

Seriously. Joe is going to look like an ass for this trade very quickly. Arroyo looks like a man possessed, and Darko is starting to look like the player he was supposed to be. I will be pissed if Darko turns into some superstar :ohwell:

Okay, Darko has cooled downed, become passive again.

Arroyo remains impressive.

Too much Yao for the Magic to handle.

Darko had a pretty good outing in today's "silent game" against Houston ... which showed Hill's comment about "not knowing the system" to be a joke, since maybe 3 regulars on the Magic actually show some knowledge of organized basketball. The only good looks Dwight Howard got all day came from Darko, and Arroyo is clearly better than anything else they've got.

If that is the environment Darko needs to develop, fine. We'll just have to kick ourselves for not being lousy.

Max in particular. You said to post my opinions on the Magic and the ex-Pistons, so that is why I am writing this. Otherwise I would not be posting about this.

I have not been able to get the minutes played today for Darko and Carlos but they both played most of the fourth quarter especially during crunch time, and DMC continued to play effectively even with 5 fouls. They wanted him and Batisse and Howard to drive at Yao to get some fouls on him but the Magic kept getting the fouls.

The announcers continue to be amazed at DMC. For Carlos, not amazed so much because it was kind of expected from him.

Anyway, early in the fourth quarter, Magic down just over 20 points when Darko and Carlos came in for their third appearance. Carlos made a shot, stole the ball and drove down for another bucket and then took a charge on the inbounds. Two buckets and a t/o on Houston inside 25 seconds. That got the Magic moving and they closed the margin down to 3 points just before it got back up a little due to fouls. Even then, Yao elbowed Carlos and knocked him senseless but it was not called. That would have resulted in a t/o and the Magic would have gotten the ball with about 10 seconds left only 3 down.

DMC had 6 points, 4 blocks (the announcers and I had him for 5), 2 boards, 1 assist, 2 steals and he had 5 PF. At one point when he completely wrapped up Jawan Howard blocking two shots and forcing him into a stumbling shot attempt, the announcers said that there is only one other big man in the league who could have done that. Of course, that would be Ben Wallace. The play of Darko and the not so good play of Batisse could be getting Darko closer to starting.

Carlos had 17, 5 boards, 2 assists, no turns. He continues to really spark the team and the announcers keep calling him to be put in when the team is slowing down.

They both play in crunch time and get mucho credit for the resurgence of the Magic, but as to the Pistons interest, another in the loss column. The draft pick looks like it could be a good one.

Grant Hill played really well too, but Dwight had a bad game. He was on Yao more than DMC, Batisse, and Mario. He had only 9 boards and no baskets until Darko got him a touch pass for a bucket. That pass brought the house down.

Just so you know that I am not picking out only the good stuff on DMC, when the Magic had the difference down to 3, Darko quickly doubleteamed Yao along with Dwight, and touched Yao, giving him two free throws. That made it 5 again. He touched him instead of just showing.

Watching the game, one thing became real apparent, and that is you can see the affects of playing 3 years against Ben and Sheed have had on Darko. He wil be a defensive monster once the refs start giving him a little respect. He had one play where Yao faked him out on a spin move, yet was able to recover and get a clean block, except for the fact that the refs bailed out Yao with a bs foul call.

You can also see the affects of having played for Flip and LB. The kid is afraid of his own shadow on offense. As soon as he gets the ball, he's looking to give it up. Is definately afraid of making mistakes. Once he becomes more comfortable, and unafraid of taking shots and making mistakes, he will be an allstar. The potential shown in this game is down right scary. Everyone has been talking about Darko supporting Dwight, but a year from now, I think it just might be the other way around.

If that is the environment Darko needs to develop, fine. We'll just have to kick ourselves for not being lousy.

:nod: :P

Left out was how well Yao did against Darko... which is to be expected from a rookie (we can call him a rookie?)

. Everyone has been talking about Darko supporting Dwight, but a year from now, I think it just might be the other way around.

..woahhhhh partner slow down.

that's being a little bit ambitious don't you think?

lol!

Today, Yao had his way with everyone who played him. I don't know if it is the way the defense was set up against him or what, but it seemed like all the Orlando 4 and 5s were playing with foul trouble. Dwight got them early; Mario got like 5 in 5 minutes; Darko played quite a bit of the fourth quarter with 4 and then 5.

And Yao was getting away with murder. He was setting a pick and extended his elbow, at the end of the game, knocking Carlos senseless.

I remember somebody here the other day saying that, "some days you are the bug and some days you are the windshield."

Anyway, for the next week or more, the Magic is out west; Tuesday at LA Lakers. And they will be visiting Memo before they get back. I think I will go over and see Darko and Carlos Saturday after next, the 11th.

Should I wear my Piston jacket and championship hat??

We sold our house down here and will be wending our way back to MI, starting the 15th.

Hey Lazy,

Thanks for all of the info. We should start you a Orlando info section.

I think everyone wants to see Darko do well.

I don't know about CA NOT wanting to win a Championship, Darko is the one that asked for a trade, not Arroyo.

CA said he wanted to stay and win a title. He wanted to be a starter, but he knew how rare this chance was, so he would worry about PT later.

I think 16 has a valid arguement.

From a fantasy standpoint Arroyo is filling it up. I don't know if that will result in wins though.

I really have no idea of who wanted a trade or who didn't but when you see CA interviewed down here, you can barely understand him because his grin is so big he cannot enunciate very well. I think he could be elected president of Puerto Rico right now, if it would not interfere with his basketball playing.

Today, a magnificent day, I watched the Pistons toy with Cleveland and then saw three ex-Pistons come to play. People are asking Coach Hill when Darko will be starting. I kind of wish people would settle down a little because I don't want all that hype to get in the way of his development again. Just let things settle in a little. He will get his chance. It is a little surprising but a lot of people down here are giving a lot of credit, and rightly so, to Ben and Sheed for Darko's success.

Maybe they are right (I think so). Playing against other bigs in the league is probably easier than practicing against WallaceX2.

darko had 4 blocks in 19 minutes. he did have 5 fouls though too. he had 2 TO's, 2 steals, 6 points, 3 boards, and 1 assist.

Berbs, thanks for the info. Probably only one more Orlando game I will see this year against the Pistons so please keep them comming.

Not sure what to think yet. I am surprised at all the PT. Not great stats so far ( except for blocks ) but he is only 20. It