Here are the facts.

1. In 2003-04 and 2004-05 when Darko was on the Pistons 12 man roster
the Pistons won one world title and lost in the Finals the other year. Since Darko has been gone from the Pistons we have not been able to get out of the Eastern Conference to get to the Finals

2. Darko played one full year for the Magic. They went to playoffs, Previous to that they were a lottery team.

3. Darko left the Magic after last season and the Magic have signed 3 big men in an attempt to replace him.


Magic bring big man Gortat over from Europe
August 27, 2007
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Forward Marcin Gortat signed with the Orlando Magic (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/orl/;_ylt=AvC2JjlGRmeAGAwkGiuwfG.LvLYF) on Monday.
The Magic acquired the 6-foot-11 Gortat from Phoenix on draft night in 2005 for cash. He was chosen in the second round with the 57th overall pick.
Gortat has played summer league for the Magic the past three years, but then returned to Germany each time. Gortat averaged 10.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks last year in the Euroleague for RheinEnergie Koln.


He is the third big man Orlando has pulled in this summer after All-Star Rashard Lewis (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3275/;_ylt=AmGaG8P0XkoSvUWy6.Kzu1eLvLYF) and veteran Adonal Foyle (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3178/;_ylt=AvY3_UalWOAznrJSlYk1ktyLvLYF). The Magic lost 7-footer Darko Milicic (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3705/;_ylt=AnwCujnLHJ7SB7daxlcK2vmLvLYF) in free agency to the Memphis Grizzlies (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/mem/;_ylt=AmCpomNtxoG9bnFMnf2QNLOLvLYF).
Magic bring big man Gortat over from Europe - NBA - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Aik5QkTPWJQ5vrvpbSR8PLK8vLYF?slug=ap-magic-gortat&prov=ap&type=lgns)

Those are the facts.

Is Darko that good?

Probably not, but for sure when he is around positive things happen to the team that he is on so much so that the Magic felt that they needed to replace his departure with 3 big men, including one all star caliber player.

:hoops:

Are you saying Lewis is a big man?

Darko is being replaced by Marcin Gortat? That says a lot.

Better Marcin Gortat than Unko Debunkalogo.

Are you saying Lewis is a big man?

I am just quoting the article?

They said he was a big man.

Have a nice day

:hoops:

Those are the facts.

Is Darko that good?

Probably not, but for sure when he is around positive things happen to the team that he is on so much so that the Magic felt that they needed to replace his departure with 3 big men, including one all star caliber player.

:hoops:

Didn't they sign Lewis first? And then Darko left? So how are you deducing from those facts that The Magic felt Darko was so good they replaced him with Lewis and whoever? What is the logic here Buddha?
If they felt he was that good wouldn't they have made it a priority to sign him? Or signed him to an extension when they could?

Regardless of what the article said, Lewis is not a big man.

So, you have 2 really crappy big men signed to replace Darko. The reason that they had to get poor quality big men was because they blew their wad on Lewis.

I agree that Milicic is a valuable commodity, but I don't think you can use his replacements to appraise his value.

The best way to guage his value is to look at the contract he just signed. That is exactly what he is worth.

Here are the facts.

1. In 2003-04 and 2004-05 when Darko was on the Pistons 12 man roster
the Pistons won one world title and lost in the Finals the other year. Since Darko has been gone from the Pistons we have not been able to get out of the Eastern Conference to get to the Finals

2. Darko played one full year for the Magic. They went to playoffs, Previous to that they were a lottery team.

3. Darko left the Magic after last season and the Magic have signed 3 big men in an attempt to replace him.

Is Darko that good?

Probably not, but for sure when he is around positive things happen to the team that he is on so much so that the Magic felt that they needed to replace his departure with 3 big men, including one all star caliber player.

:hoops:
yes. darko is that good. memphis will make the playoffs this year. yes shard plays the 4 at times. the magic left a big hole in the middle when darko left. yes we have had a big hole in the middle since darko left. darko would have started for us last year and would start for us this year.

in my opinion darko was given the boot from orlando with d. howard's blessing and maybe ultimatum. i don't think dwight liked the way darko's number started getting called at the end of the 4th quarter in the elimination game against us. darko was delivering and maybe signed his walking papers in the process.

At least we got something for him. Not a total disaster.

If Stuckey turns out to be 1/2 Wade-like, then it should ease the pain of letting a big man slip away.

Also, we would have had to re-up on Darko's contract at this point, right? So, we would be paying him a real #. If we would have used him correctly from the beginning and he would have flourished, then that salary # would be astronomical, and we would probably not have Chauncey on the team... or would have had to make other concessions.

I don't like the way it went down, but looking at this coming season, I don't think we are going to be that much worse off. I think that the past 2 years were the ones that we missed our opportunity on.

At least we got something for him. Not a total disaster.

If Stuckey turns out to be 1/2 Wade-like, then it should ease the pain of letting a big man slip away.

i think stuckey will be good. i've liked what i've seen from him so far.


Also, we would have had to re-up on Darko's contract at this point, right? So, we would be paying him a real #. If we would have used him correctly from the beginning and he would have flourished, then that salary # would be astronomical, and we would probably not have Chauncey on the team... or would have had to make other concessions.

he only wanted 10 million which is cheaper than chauncey. darko isn't about the money he just wants to play basketball. we may have had to give up mcdyess and never sign nazr. so i think that's ok in return for locking up a 22 year old for quite a few years. big men are what win championships. chauncey will be diminishing returns. even if he left for big money in free agency we probably would have 2 to 3 more titles.


I don't like the way it went down, but looking at this coming season, I don't think we are going to be that much worse off. I think that the past 2 years were the ones that we missed our opportunity on.yes. we are fine jmax, amir are coming along nicely.

Good point, if we had kept Darko, our payroll would be minus Mohammed's and Dyess's salaries to start this season. Which means we would be paying less money out altogether for the center position. Dyess could still have opted for this season, but we could easily trade him, have a front line of Darko, Sheed, and Tay, and never look back. By the time Sheed starts fading, Amir Johnson and Jason Maxiell would be more than ready to keep things going.

Talk about beating a dead horse. I don't have a problem with discussions of Darko's new role in Memphis, but asking the "what if Darko stayed in Detroit?" question over and over and over and over is just plain insanity.

Talk about beating a dead horse. I don't have a problem with discussions of Darko's new role in Memphis, but asking the "what if Darko stayed in Detroit?" question over and over and over and over is just plain insanity.

The question will never stop being asked. The fact is, people have continually stated that we could not afford to have kept Darko. Where were you then. It seems only now that the notion is being challenged that you object. What? Is only negative posting about Darko allowed here?

Let's not start with the "this board" stuff.

I tend to skip these threads because Darko is gone and unlikely to ever return to Detroit. Most of my breakups have been followed by fast rebounds. :)

Talk about beating a dead horse. I don't have a problem with discussions of Darko's new role in Memphis, but asking the "what if Darko stayed in Detroit?" question over and over and over and over is just plain insanity.

I had a few rotations worked up for the "what if Darko stayed in Detroit" scenario. I had 13 different rotations...but now I'm not going to post them...ever.

I had a few rotations worked up for the "what if Darko stayed in Detroit" scenario. I had 13 different rotations...but now I'm not going to post them...ever.

I don't want to be a downer. Go ahead and post your rotations, but be sure to do it in the "Rotations" thread.

The question was never about whether a team could afford Darko or not. The question has been whether Darko could help a team win a championship. Detroit's management decided "no". Orlando's management decided "no". Now, Memphis is going to give it a whirl.

I don't want to be a downer. Go ahead and post your rotations, but be sure to do it in the "Rotations" thread.

The question was never about whether a team could afford Darko or not. The question has been whether Darko could help a team win a championship. Detroit's management decided "no". Orlando's management decided "no". Now, Memphis is going to give it a whirl.

I think the real question is, in spite of Darko's ability and potential, why did so many coaches, and management dislike him so much?

I'm going with old boys club, once LB dissed Darko, Flip and BHill hated him from day 1. New coaching that doesn't worship at the altar of LB will give him a fair chance.

Did Hill dislike him?

Besides, they let Darko go after Hill was fired.

And I got the impression that it was more of a financial decision and a salary cap play after they acquired Lewis than it was a condemnation of Darko.

Just because Ben Wallace left the Pistons in free agency didn't mean that we didn't want him back. The price was just too high.

Three strikes, you're out. Let's see how things play out in Memphis before dragging the Pistons franchise through the mud (again).

Did Hill dislike him?

Besides, they let Darko go after Hill was fired.

And I got the impression that it was more of a financial decision and a salary cap play after they acquired Lewis than it was a condemnation of Darko.

Just because Ben Wallace left the Pistons in free agency didn't mean that we didn't want him back. The price was just too high.

Hill played Tony Battie over Darko. I think the playoffs clearly demonstrated who was the better player. The only explanations for Hill playing Battie was he was incompetent or playing favorites.

I'm not sure if it is a strike if you get a higher salary with your new position.

Things would play out better for Memphis this year even if they didn't pick up Darko. Healthy Gasol. New point guard. Great draft pick. The rise of Rudy Gay, etc.

And with him, they should be the MIT this year.

Hill played Tony Battie over Darko. I think the playoffs clearly demonstrated who was the better player. The only explanations for Hill playing Battie was he was incompetent or playing favorites.

Or he didn't want the bench unit to totally suck. He played Darko in the 4th quarters and gave him more overall minutes than he gave Battie.

Three strikes, you're out. Let's see how things play out in Memphis before dragging the Pistons franchise through the mud (again).
The Pistons franchise will decide their own fate this year. If Joe allows Flip to keep Stuckey, Amir, and JMax on the bench again; it won't just be me or the rest of the DHOF screaming about how we don't know how to use our youth.

I think the real question is, in spite of Darko's ability and potential, why did so many coaches, and management dislike him so much?

I'm going with old boys club, once LB dissed Darko, Flip and BHill hated him from day 1. New coaching that doesn't worship at the altar of LB will give him a fair chance.


You actually think that an NBA coach would not play Darko because his former coach Larry Brown didn't like Darko? If I was a coach, I would play the guys that give me the best chance to win. I think all coaches subscribe to this theory, for the most part.

in my opinion darko was given the boot from orlando with d. howard's blessing and maybe ultimatum. i don't think dwight liked the way darko's number started getting called at the end of the 4th quarter in the elimination game against us. darko was delivering and maybe signed his walking papers in the process.

Sounds awfully close to your Darko/Ben theory. I'm beginning to notice a pattern.

Lets see how he performs for Memphis before coming to any conclusions. In reality Darko hasn't had much time to develop and show what he can do. We have to remember that he sat on the bench for over 2 years and only got just over a year and a half of regular playing time. He's still in learining process and the results, if any, should start showing soon.

Lets see how he performs for Memphis before coming to any conclusions. In reality Darko hasn't had much time to develop and show what he can do. We have to remember that he sat on the bench for over 2 years and only got just over a year and a half of regular playing time. He's still in learining process and the results, if any, should start showing soon.

I already know that Pau Gasol is resentful about the comments Darko made conerning him. I have a feeling Pau will push Darko out of Memphis and Darko will get traded.

I already know that Pau Gasol is resentful about the comments Darko made conerning him. I have a feeling Pau will push Darko out of Memphis and Darko will get traded.

Trust me, Darko will be traded or released once he begins to really show his true skill and ability. Memphis will be forced to do this because it will become glaringly obvious that Darko is threatening the Grizzly legacy that Gasol has built for himself. Pau, nor the Grizzlies will want this legacy tarnished and that will force them to move Darko in an attempt to save Pau's HOF status.

OMG!
Did Darko make those Pau G remarks knowing he was going to the Grizz?
If he did he was setting Pau up for some serious practice rejections.
If he learned anything in Det. ---no mercy---!

As you all know, I have been wrong quite a lot but I believe that Darko's presence on the Grizz will actually help Pau increase his level of play. Taking pressure off him by having another big can only help him, if they decide to let Darko take a shot every now and then, thereby making him a threat and forcing people who would be guarding Pau to leave him.

From what I have gleaned, there does not seem to be any animosity between Pau and DMC. Those remarks were in the excitement of the upcoming Euros and had nothing to do with Memphis. Probably if Darko had known at the time he was going to Memphis, he probably would not have said what he did.

With DMC's sense of team-first play, Pau should increase his stats, just as Dwight did. Dwight scored and rebounded better with Darko on the floor. But hopefully, Pau will understand this more than Dwight did.

I just hope that whatever Darko does that pisses everyone off when he joins a new team, he stops doing.

I just hope that whatever Darko does that pisses everyone off when he joins a new team, he stops doing.
Great sense of humour lazy. :thumb:

Darko must have a defiant streak in him.

As you all know, I have been wrong quite a lot but I believe that Darko's presence on the Grizz will actually help Pau increase his level of play. Taking pressure off him by having another big can only help him, if they decide to let Darko take a shot every now and then, thereby making him a threat and forcing people who would be guarding Pau to leave him.

From what I have gleaned, there does not seem to be any animosity between Pau and DMC. Those remarks were in the excitement of the upcoming Euros and had nothing to do with Memphis. Probably if Darko had known at the time he was going to Memphis, he probably would not have said what he did.

With DMC's sense of team-first play, Pau should increase his stats, just as Dwight did. Dwight scored and rebounded better with Darko on the floor. But hopefully, Pau will understand this more than Dwight did.

I just hope that whatever Darko does that pisses everyone off when he joins a new team, he stops doing.

I like Dwight. I cheered him on for a season and a half. But if its true that he would not share the limelight-he is pretty much worthless. Its championships that matter in the long run, not your individual stats.

Yeah, you show up first for practice, and are the last one to leave. It does tend to show people up. But those people insecure about this-hey, Darko only knows one thing-practice, practice, practice. Thats his life. Understand, and appreciate it.

And if the person reading does not understand this-it was Ben he was showing up as far as his stay in Detroit-Ben use to be the first to practice, last to leave. He did not take kindly to Darko outdoing him.

Yeah, you show up first for practice, and are the last one to leave. It does tend to show people up. But those people insecure about this-hey, Darko only knows one thing-practice, practice, practice. Thats his life. Understand, and appreciate it.

And if the person reading does not understand this-it was Ben he was showing up as far as his stay in Detroit-Ben use to be the first to practice, last to leave. He did not take kindly to Darko outdoing him.

How do you know this stuff?

How do you know this stuff?

It's classified. If he told you, he'd have to kill you. :gun1: :nerd2:

So, from what I gather from this conversation Darko's main problem is that he shows up to practice too early and doesn't leave soon enough?

With that much practice time it's no wonder he has a career shooting percentage of .444. Pretty damn good for a big man. Even Ben Wallace, the renound shooter that he is, can only muster a .479 career shooting percentage. Impressive.

So, from what I gather from this conversation Darko's main problem is that he shows up to practice too early and doesn't leave soon enough?

i'll help you out. darko seems to come to a team and own the wrong people in practice. the big men with ego's don't seem to like darko's steady improvement. so while the player darko pisses off is better at the time they can feel darko looking over their shoulder. a few choice words to management plus contract issues and darko is gone.


With that much practice time it's no wonder he has a career shooting percentage of .444. Pretty damn good for a big man. Even Ben Wallace, the renound shooter that he is, can only muster a .479 career shooting percentage. Impressive.

he's played a style of basketball that doesn't fit his skill set since he's been in the league. he's had coaches that pulled him out of the game after one miss. confidence and comfort is a big part of shooting.

imagine what ben's shooting percentage would be if he's was forced to be an outside only player.

Wouldn't it go easier on Darko then...if he just pretended he was a bad player? He is so good it just makes people mad.

I think we aren't far away from Darko being blacklisted by all of the frontcourt players in the league. The NBA power forwards and the centers are going to band together and try to keep the superstar Serb from stealing the thunder. It really is just unfair to Darko that he is so good.

i'll help you out. darko seems to come to a team and own the wrong people in practice. the big men with ego's don't seem to like darko's steady improvement. so while the player darko pisses off is better at the time they can feel darko looking over their shoulder. a few choice words to management plus contract issues and darko is gone.



How do you know this stuff? Don't tell me that Lee told you.

How do you know this stuff? Don't tell me that Lee told you.

Linwood, you are asking a lot of questions about YKW. Do you know what happened to the last guy who started asking questions? :gun1: :nailbiting:

I think we aren't far away from Darko being blacklisted by all of the frontcourt players in the league. The NBA power forwards and the centers are going to band together and try to keep the superstar Serb from stealing the thunder. It really is just unfair to Darko that he is so good.


Exactly. It's been a dirty little secret in the NBA that players don't want really good players on their teams. I think Darko made some early attempts to look bad (getting a dunk blocked by the rim, etc.) but then the natural talent took over and he was alienated from the other players due to his exceptional talent. I imagine someone will write a dissertation on it soon. I checked Dissertation Abstracts but nothing yet.

Exactly. It's been a dirty little secret in the NBA that players don't want really good players on their teams. I think Darko made some early attempts to look bad (getting a dunk blocked by the rim, etc.) but then the natural talent took over and he was alienated from the other players due to his exceptional talent. I imagine someone will write a dissertation on it soon. I checked Dissertation Abstracts but nothing yet.

The search engine at Dissertation Abstracts is very picky, so you have to choose wisely when submitting key words on the Advanced Search form. Try "sandbagging", "blood flow", and "i just vant to play".

How do you know this stuff?

From Darko's family.

From Darko's family.
Solid answer. And I can respect that.

I'm almost convinced that Darko SHOULD actually make the HOF. If for no other reason than the incredible creativity with which his supporters produce "reasons" for his lack of production and inability to make a home in the NBA. Maybe he really IS that good.

yes. darko is that good. memphis will make the playoffs this year.

Memphis might make the playoffs this year but Conley, Gay, Gasol, Miller, and Warrick will contribute more to that playoff run than Darko. Memphis made the playoffs 2 years ago. If injuries did not occur last year they probably would of made it again. If Memphis makes the playoffs the main reason that their will be such a turn around from last season is because of injured players like Gasol returning.

I bet Darko comes off the bench and the 5 guys I mentioned start. If Darko starts it's only because the Grizzlies don't want to play Warrick, or Gasol at Center.

I wonder - was there a Chauncey HOF club in Denver deluding themselves with visions of grandeur until he made a place for himself in D-Town, won a ship, earned the Finals MVP?

Memphis might make the playoffs this year but Conley, Gay, Gasol, Miller, and Warrick will contribute more to that playoff run than Darko. Memphis made the playoffs 2 years ago. If injuries did not occur last year they probably would of made it again. If Memphis makes the playoffs the main reason that their will be such a turn around from last season is because of injured players like Gasol returning.

the grizzlies are just a better team. they picked up navarro too in the offseason. i'm not saying darko is the sole reason. i'm just saying darko + full season = playoffs on any team. but to go further not only will they make the playoffs but they will be a very tough round series. they will have one of the best frontcourts in the league. darko will help gasol so much he may return to the all star game.

I bet Darko comes off the bench and the 5 guys I mentioned start. If Darko starts it's only because the Grizzlies don't want to play Warrick, or Gasol at Center.

darko will start. that's why they brought darko in because they don't want to play warrick or gasol at center.

I'm almost convinced that Darko SHOULD actually make the HOF. If for no other reason than the incredible creativity with which his supporters produce "reasons" for his lack of production and inability to make a home in the NBA. Maybe he really IS that good.

His family thinks he should make the HOF...that's a solid enough recommendation for me.

From what I have gleaned, there does not seem to be any animosity between Pau and DMC.

The same thing was initially said about Ben and DMC, then Howard and DMC. After a while, Darko starts outworking the superstar and makes him look bad. The superstar goes to management, and Darko is gone. The pattern should be obvious. Look for Darko to be traded by January.

The same thing was initially said about Ben and DMC, then Howard and DMC. After a while, Darko starts outworking the superstar and makes him look bad. The superstar goes to management, and Darko is gone. The pattern should be obvious. Look for Darko to be traded by January.
Sheed and Billups still talk up Darko

Does anybody else remember when the DHOFer's were saying Darko's problem was that he was playing out of his natural position the 4 to play the 5. It just bugs me that stories can change so damn much, I mean how many excuses can we give the guy. If I was new to the whole Darko thing I might actually think he is the best player ever reading some of this stuff, when the truth is he is a talented 7 footer to bad he is also a lazy unmotivated chain smoking sissy, who will never amount to anything unless his attitude changes. I wanted him to succeed as much as any other piston fan here but he didn't. And his attitude seems to be the biggest reason why, hell just look at some of the crap he said when Orlando didn't make an effort to resign him. NEWS TO DARKO you are not the greatest thing since sliced bread get over yourself, once you do that you may actually be a player in this league.

What''s Darko worth? Well according to the free market, less than Gerald Wallace, but more than Jason Kapono and Luke Walton.

Considering his lack of PT on previous teams, and lack of coaches that wanted to coach him, that's not a bad place to be.

Here are the facts.

1. In 2003-04 and 2004-05 when Darko was on the Pistons 12 man roster
the Pistons won one world title and lost in the Finals the other year. Since Darko has been gone from the Pistons we have not been able to get out of the Eastern Conference to get to the Finals

2. Darko played one full year for the Magic. They went to playoffs, Previous to that they were a lottery team.

3. Darko left the Magic after last season and the Magic have signed 3 big men in an attempt to replace him.

Magic bring big man Gortat over from Europe - NBA - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Aik5QkTPWJQ5vrvpbSR8PLK8vLYF?slug=ap-magic-gortat&prov=ap&type=lgns)

Those are the facts.

Is Darko that good?

Probably not, but for sure when he is around positive things happen to the team that he is on so much so that the Magic felt that they needed to replace his departure with 3 big men, including one all star caliber player.

:hoops:

The tires on my car are round in one plane. The first thing I do each morning is pee. Those are facts too. And equally related.

Does anybody else remember when the DHOFer's were saying Darko's problem was that he was playing out of his natural position the 4 to play the 5. It just bugs me that stories can change so damn much, I mean how many excuses can we give the guy. If I was new to the whole Darko thing I might actually think he is the best player ever reading some of this stuff, when the truth is he is a talented 7 footer to bad he is also a lazy unmotivated chain smoking sissy, who will never amount to anything unless his attitude changes. I wanted him to succeed as much as any other piston fan here but he didn't. And his attitude seems to be the biggest reason why, hell just look at some of the crap he said when Orlando didn't make an effort to resign him. NEWS TO DARKO you are not the greatest thing since sliced bread get over yourself, once you do that you may actually be a player in this league.

Sorry, you lost me when you say Darko played. When was this?

Check it out: a 3-4 year project maturing in...4 years. It's rocket science.

The only thing Darko represents to me right now is a thrown away complete waste of a #2 pick. In the last 25 years the Pistons have only had 3 top picks. Isiah, G.Hill and Darko. Which one does not belong in that group?

If Darko keeps improving then I will enjoy watching him but he is never going to put on a Pistons uniform again. That ship has sailed. Too many bridges burned.

We did get Rodney Stucky out of the deal. Any chance Stucky could make us forget about losing a #2 pick?

One can only hope Max. and yeah, I agree about the waste.

One can only hope Max. and yeah, I agree about the waste.

Whats really sad is if you include Delfino in the mix then the bottom line of our 2 1st round picks of 03 have netted us Stucky and 2 future 2nd round picks. Not exactly one of Dumars most steller moments.

The only thing Darko represents to me right now is a thrown away complete waste of a #2 pick. In the last 25 years the Pistons have only had 3 top picks. Isiah, G.Hill and Darko. Which one does not belong in that group?

If Darko keeps improving then I will enjoy watching him but he is never going to put on a Pistons uniform again. That ship has sailed. Too many bridges burned.

We did get Rodney Stucky out of the deal. Any chance Stucky could make us forget about losing a #2 pick?

Uhh, did we really get the 15 pick from Darko. Remember, Arroyo was also included in that deal. We preannounced that Darko was going to be traded, and got nothing for him. We got the 15th pick for including a guy who was their backup point for the most of the last season and a half.

Uhh, did we really get the 15 pick from Darko. Remember, Arroyo was also included in that deal. We preannounced that Darko was going to be traded, and got nothing for him. We got the 15th pick for including a guy who was their backup point for the most of the last season and a half.

Yes thats right. If you include the Arroyo deal that actually costed us a 1st round pick to begin with. So its really a 3 1st round picks ( incl #2) for Stucky and 2 future 2nd rounders. In all fairness though Arroyo did help us out back in 05. He was pivotal in one of the 2nd round wins over Indy.

What''s Darko worth? Well according to the free market, less than Gerald Wallace, but more than Jason Kapono and Luke Walton.

Considering his lack of PT on previous teams, and lack of coaches that wanted to coach him, that's not a bad place to be.

I kind of have to agree, but then also must admit that being 7 feet tall might have a liiiiiittle bit to do with it too.

The only thing Darko represents to me right now is a thrown away complete waste of a #2 pick. In the last 25 years the Pistons have only had 3 top picks. Isiah, G.Hill and Darko. Which one does not belong in that group?

ok. zeke has a ring, darko has a ring and grant doesn't. i think grant and zeke had long careers i would say grant was equally ineffective at the end of his career as darko has been at the start of his career. i don't think darko was a waste we did win a championship and go to the finals when he was here. even if you call him a good luck charm he wasn't a waste.

If Darko keeps improving then I will enjoy watching him but he is never going to put on a Pistons uniform again. That ship has sailed. Too many bridges burned.

We did get Rodney Stucky out of the deal. Any chance Stucky could make us forget about losing a #2 pick?

i don't think it's impossible for darko to come back as a piston. his problems were mostly with lb and ben. i think in 3 years after his contract is up we will need a center. i think he'll be established and handed his key to the organization. i thought grant betrayed us when he left but i would have welcomed him back this year. the only piston i wouldn't welcome back is overpaid ben wallace.

ok. zeke has a ring, darko has a ring and grant doesn't. i think grant and zeke had long careers i would say grant was equally ineffective at the end of his career as darko has been at the start of his career. i don't think darko was a waste we did win a championship and go to the finals when he was here. even if you call him a good luck charm he wasn't a waste.


i don't think it's impossible for darko to come back as a piston. his problems were mostly with lb and ben. i think in 3 years after his contract is up we will need a center. i think he'll be established and handed his key to the organization. i thought grant betrayed us when he left but i would have welcomed him back this year. the only piston i wouldn't welcome back is overpaid ben wallace.

I guess never say never. Dunars has brought and tried to bring in former Pistons before. That nightmare quote from Darko may be something people never forget.

The title worked out well for Darko. Now if another never comes he does not have to be some pathetic 35+ year old trying to jump on the best bandwagon. But I don't think he played 1 minute of meaningfull time that whole playoff run so Darko being on the 04 team was totally insignificant.

Didn't they sign Lewis first? And then Darko left? So how are you deducing from those facts that The Magic felt Darko was so good they replaced him with Lewis and whoever? What is the logic here Buddha?
If they felt he was that good wouldn't they have made it a priority to sign him? Or signed him to an extension when they could?

My post was obviously all in jest. Darko is the Piston Forum poster child? LOL

:hoops:

yes. darko is that good. memphis will make the playoffs this year. yes shard plays the 4 at times. the magic left a big hole in the middle when darko left. yes we have had a big hole in the middle since darko left. darko would have started for us last year and would start for us this year.

in my opinion darko was given the boot from orlando with d. howard's blessing and maybe ultimatum. i don't think dwight liked the way darko's number started getting called at the end of the 4th quarter in the elimination game against us. darko was delivering and maybe signed his walking papers in the process.

Right On!!

Will Darko play for Serbia in the Olympics next year? Did Serbia qualify?

My post was obviously all in jest. Darko is the Piston Forum poster child? LOL

:hoops:

I'll take it that all of your post's supporting Darko are in jest then. Wouldn't you really rather have Otis Thorpe on your team than Darko?

Talk about beating a dead horse.

Whats wrong with beating a dead horse? The horse can't feel any pain. Plus it's better than hanging or electricuting a live dog.

I'll take it that all of your post's supporting Darko are in jest then. Wouldn't you really rather have Otis Thorpe on your team than Darko?

This is not like the Ty Cobb question is it?

When a reporter asked Cobb a few years before he died how much he thought he would hit if he played then rather then when he did and Cobb's answer was. "Only about .300" and then he said with a straight face. "But you have to realize that I am now over 60 years old."

At this point I would rather have Darko.

On the other hand if Thorpe were Darko's age I would rather have Thorpe.

:hoops:

Darko's value just went to 0 in my opinion. Threatening to rape the wife and daughters of refs. Unbelievable. I say ban him from the NBA. That's much worse than killing a canine.

Darko's value just went to 0 in my opinion. Threatening to rape the wife and daughters of refs. Unbelievable. I say ban him from the NBA. That's much worse than killing a canine.

Does anyone have a link to these comments? I hadn't heard this story.

Darko's value just went to 0 in my opinion. Threatening to rape the wife and daughters of refs. Unbelievable. I say ban him from the NBA. That's much worse than killing a canine.

I certainly would not want him dating any female relatives or friends of mine that is for sure.

:hoops:

There are currently rumors swirling in the international press that Darko will be heavily fined by FIBA and possibly banned for a year. This has nothing to do with the NBA, obviously, but this whole episode builds on the myth of the Serbian Gangster.

Darko is a Serbian gangster! | Detroit Bad Boys (http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2005-11-20/darko-is-a-serbian-gangster/)


:hoops:

I hear Stephon Marbury was supportive of Darko:


I don't like it at all," Marbury told The Post. "I don't think he's right. He's 100 percent wrong. But this dude is trying to ask for forgiveness and everyone's turning their heads on a man trying to ask for forgiveness. The way it's going about in the newspapers and TV, it's ridiculous."
Marbury said during his sneaker tour, "from what i hear, it is a sport," and defended Darko.

Does anyone have a link to these comments? I hadn't heard this story.
There is a link on Free Darko in the comments, under the Free Amir post.

There was a good translation (readable) on the Grizzlies website, but the moderators kept removing it, and then they closed the thread.

YouTube - Darko Milicic izjava (http://youtube.com/watch?v=e1Jz_MVMwW0)

the comments have translations from multiple peopleses. DArko doesn't deserve forgiveness. He deserves punishment. mete it out and we can all move on.

Being swept in their group has left Serbia out of the competition and out of the top-12, an almost unthinkable circumstance only a few years back. Never since 1951 had Serbia, or its predecessor Yugoslavia, failed to make the top-12 in the Eurobasket (of course, we're not counting the 1992-94 period when they were banned due the Balkan war). Even if we consider young squads, only twice did they fail to make the top-12, in 1998 and 2002 at the U-18 stage. Actually it's an interesting fact, since the generations that played those years (including names such as Milos Vujanic, Vladimir Radmanovic, Kosta Perovic (http://www.draftexpress.com/viewprofile.php?p=147) and Darko Milicic) should be among the ones carrying the load at this moment.

The Serbian Federation and coach Slavnic knew the risks of calling a very young squad, with seven guys born in 1985 or later. Despite their dominance this summer in youth competitions, they are not the next coming of the unbelievable generation featuring Divac, Djordjevic, Kukoc or Radja that led Yugoslavia to the 1989 European title while being around 20 years old. Mix it with such inconsistent and not very smart players leading this team such as Marko Jaric, Darko Milicic and Milan Gurovic, while also facing a very tough group that included Greece and Russia, and it was the perfect recipe for disaster.

DraftExpress: EuroBasket 2007 Notebook: Preliminary Round (http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=2219)

There is no excuse for the tirade he spewed out. I liked him a lot better when he knew how to keep his mouth shut. He has done major harm to his career.

He should apologize, naturally, but this should not be enough for us to all just move on. He has taken a giant step back and should be punished by the Euro league for this misadventure.

sup lazy! what do Memphis fans say?

YouTube - Darko Milicic izjava (http://youtube.com/watch?v=e1Jz_MVMwW0)

the comments have translations from multiple peopleses. DArko doesn't deserve forgiveness. He deserves punishment. mete it out and we can all move on.

Thanks Slippy -- and Roscoe.

No word yet on this from DHOF club members. How surprising.

people have chimed in. its been a negative reaction overall. I don't think anyone said anything positive or deflective about it.

Thanks Slippy -- and Roscoe.

No word yet on this from DHOF club members. How surprising.

Try reading other boards on occasion. This one ain't the only one. As I said on another board, unless you know how to speak Serbian, and are familiar with what goes as acceptable (which can be pretty raunchy), I would not try to judge Darko.

What if you were in a very strongly religious country, and you heard someone over here had sworn, using a very common swear word meaning you want someone to be damned by their creator. Are you going to start preaching that the American who said that meant what he said, and should be severly punished for such a thing? Are you really ready to judge someone's severity of swearing-without even knowing the language, or what goes as the norm?

And some of you didn't think he had fire. He has too much. He needs therapy he's so intense. He needs a transponder bracelet on his ankle and neighborhoods should be notified when he is within 50 miles.

Try reading other boards on occasion. This one ain't the only one. As I said on another board, unless you know how to speak Serbian, and are familiar with what goes as acceptable (which can be pretty raunchy), I would not try to judge Darko.

What if you were in a very strongly religious country, and you heard someone over here had sworn, using a very common swear word meaning you want someone to be damned by their creator. Are you going to start preaching that the American who said that meant what he said, and should be severly punished for such a thing? Are you really ready to judge someone's severity of swearing-without even knowing the language, or what goes as the norm?
find me 1 link where someone says that thats the norm for serbians. Swearing whatever. He was pretty specific as the WHAT he wanted to do with the refs, their moms and their daughters. I don't care how many expletives he uses but to defend that behavior with a cultural shield is to insult that culture. Oh yeah. Serbians to that to each others moms all the time.

people have chimed in. its been a negative reaction overall. I don't think anyone said anything positive or deflective about it.
Apparently I take that back.

The problem here is...even the loose translations have all been pretty consistent. I don't care what country your from, that's pretty vile and there's no amount of explaining about dialects, cultures, and/or linguistics that makes that kind of rant excusable.

I find it remarkable that anybody can still make excuses for this guy. If someone like Barry Bonds had said something even close to this, there would be a public execution.

Try reading other boards on occasion. This one ain't the only one. As I said on another board, unless you know how to speak Serbian, and are familiar with what goes as acceptable (which can be pretty raunchy), I would not try to judge Darko.

What if you were in a very strongly religious country, and you heard someone over here had sworn, using a very common swear word meaning you want someone to be damned by their creator. Are you going to start preaching that the American who said that meant what he said, and should be severly punished for such a thing? Are you really ready to judge someone's severity of swearing-without even knowing the language, or what goes as the norm?
Lee,
I come from the same part of the world Darko comes from, and my language is close enough to get a pretty good understanding of what he did say. And I'll say this - it is unacceptable in Serbia just like it is unacceptable here in US.

There is no excuse for the tirade he spewed out.
Lazy, when I first heard about this and thought about fan reaction, I thought about you. I'm sorry to see you are disappointed and appreciate your classy and thoughtful perspective.

find me 1 link where someone says that thats the norm for serbians. Swearing whatever. He was pretty specific as the WHAT he wanted to do with the refs, their moms and their daughters. I don't care how many expletives he uses but to defend that behavior with a cultural shield is to insult that culture. Oh yeah. Serbians to that to each others moms all the time.

Show me the link to a translation that was that specific. I think a lot of people are just making stuff up. I have been reading translations extensively over at the Grizz forum. I can't refer you to that since they have deleted the thread. Basically, Darko was cussing up a storm. Sure, there is a translation. But the most correct one is that he was swearing and cussing, blowing off steam, and there simply was not much more to it. Certainly nothing meant seriously by Darko.

Lee,
I come from the same part of the world Darko comes from, and my language is close enough to get a pretty good understanding of what he did say. And I'll say this - it is unacceptable in Serbia just like it is unacceptable here in US.

Quite unacceptable, just as if you were to start taping the conversations in the locker rooms of this country after a loss. Care to wager how well it would be accepted if some of what Larry Brown was yelling at Darko in practice if it got taped and released to the public? I will give this one excuse for Darko cussing. He learned from the master.

I will give this one excuse for Darko.

Can I hold you to that?

Darko's value just went to 0 in my opinion. Threatening to rape the wife and daughters of refs. Unbelievable. I say ban him from the NBA. That's much worse than killing a canine.

Well...I have to disagree with you on that last statement. I think that in general, merely saying something is vile while actually doing a deed is much worse...but I see your point. Darko should not be let off and I hope the punishment is severe.

I didn't like Darko very much before, but I'm glad he did this because it removes any lingering doubt I had about him. Now there is absolutely no question in my mind that he is a spoiled self-centered overpaid brat.

I hope that those people that avidly supported this (insert expletive) stick finally get off the Darko bandwagon, because the wagon is filled with (insert same expletive).

Care to wager how well it would be accepted if some of what Larry Brown was yelling at Darko in practice if it got taped and released to the public? I will give this one excuse for Darko cussing. He learned from the master.

Lee, that's a bunch of bunk and you know it!

Lee, that's a bunch of bunk and you know it!

No its not. Believe what you want. And by the way, I will still continue to watch every game Darko plays.

Show me the link to a translation that was that specific. I think a lot of people are just making stuff up. I have been reading translations extensively over at the Grizz forum. I can't refer you to that since they have deleted the thread. Basically, Darko was cussing up a storm. Sure, there is a translation. But the most correct one is that he was swearing and cussing, blowing off steam, and there simply was not much more to it. Certainly nothing meant seriously by Darko.

contains vulgar language

We Suck at Sports: Darko: "I politely disagree with the officiating" (http://suckatsports.blogspot.com/2007/09/darko-i-politely-disagree-with.html)

Quite unacceptable, just as if you were to start taping the conversations in the locker rooms of this country after a loss. Care to wager how well it would be accepted if some of what Larry Brown was yelling at Darko in practice if it got taped and released to the public? I will give this one excuse for Darko cussing. He learned from the master.
The difference is that its public. if LB said that in public, he would be crucified. IF Darko said that behind closed doors and it leaked out...that would not warrant anything at all. But Darko apparently made those comments public. Amir can flip the bird in his pool and that ain't the same as Vick doing the same thing to fans at a game.

I will give this one excuse for Darko cussing. He learned from the master.

LB knows Serbian?:) Seriously though don't blame this on LB. He's a grown man it's not like Larry Brown raised him as a child. If anything he learned it from Sheed, but Sheed doesn't even take it that far. Sheed is very open, but he is not dumb enough to lose control in a press conference/interview.

It always nice when your the GM of your new team is forced to make a public statement about your actions before you've even suited up for the preseason.

Griz unhappy after Milicic outburst (http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2007/sep/06/griz-unhappy-after-milicic-outburst/)


Griz general manager Chris Wallace and head coach Marc Iavaroni spoke with Milicic via telephone Thursday, and admonished the 7-footer about his threatening and distasteful interview following a loss to Greece.

“We’re very displeased with Darko’s actions and comments,” Wallace said. “It’s an emotional situation playing in national competition, particularly with Serbia, because they take pride in having good teams. But Darko has to be in control of his emotions.”

They probably just read the wrong translations.

They probably just read the wrong translations.
Nice try. They may be the lowly Grizz, but they're not reading a third-hand account by some random fan trolling the Internet. They've got the Pro Translation.
Wallace said he read a reliable translation of Milicic’s profanity-laced tirade. Speaking in his native tongue, Milicic appeared irate and maliciously spewed vulgar remarks about the referees and their families.

Bro, I'm Kidding:pound:

Which is dumber?

Losing your temper during a game and costing your team the game... or losing your temper in a press conference and incurring a small fine?

Which is dumber?

Losing your temper during a game and costing your team the game... or losing your temper in a press conference and incurring a small fine?

If all that matters is the final score (e.g., Cavs 98, Pistons 82) then the answer is obvious. But of course there are many ways to define "dumber."

Try reading other boards on occasion. This one ain't the only one. As I said on another board, unless you know how to speak Serbian, and are familiar with what goes as acceptable (which can be pretty raunchy), I would not try to judge Darko.

Lee, tell me which other boards you don't post messages on and I'll read those.

It always nice when your the GM of your new team is forced to make a public statement about your actions before you've even suited up for the preseason.

Griz unhappy after Milicic outburst (http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2007/sep/06/griz-unhappy-after-milicic-outburst/)

Clearly, the Grizz GM simply does not understand Serbian language and customs.

Which is dumber?

Losing your temper during a game and costing your team the game... or losing your temper in a press conference and incurring a small fine?

If the fine was the only repercussion, then you have a good argument. I doubt that will be the case, though. Besides embarrasing himself, his family, the Grizzlies, and his national team, he may lose ground in other areas (national team standing, endorsements, etc.) as well.

If the fine was the only repercussion, then you have a good argument. I doubt that will be the case, though. Besides embarrasing himself, his family, the Grizzlies, and his national team, he may lose ground in other areas (national team standing, endorsements, etc.) as well.

That is also true with Sheed.

The thing is, Dumars never felt the impetus to announce a public statement regarding Rasheed as the Grizz did with Darko. Its comparing apples to oranges. Which one is fruitier? They can both be criticized but the merits of one cannot be validated but finding fault in the other.

Luke, just saw your post. From what I see, the Memphis fans are not much more forgiving than the rest of bball fans, and they shouldn't be just because he is on their team.

What Darko did will reflect badly on Memphis, even though he has not yet put on a Grizz uniform, and they should be angry. I know I am.

There are all sorts of excuses and reasons and such, but face it. What this kid did was completely off the charts and deserves the attention it is receiving.

Being a fan of his, I hope he can rise above his own inadequacies and shortcomings and that he did not irreparably damage his relationship with his new bosses and teammates. But he has to EARN forgiveness for this breach. And that will take time.

Thanks Lazy.

on orlando's boards someone said that at least he showed some fire and another poster ripped that comment by saying that if Darko was passionate about winning he would work harder, play harder...passion is not threatening the refs.

I hope he can grow from this moment. Right now I want to kick him to the curb and forget I had any hopes for him.

I vant to sex their mothers....I mean....both teams played hard.

But does he vant to sex Mutombo? :sssh: :pound:

I think Darko might start taking a page out of Sheed's book:

So Darko..what did you think about the officiating today? It looked like you weren't getting many calls.

I vant to sex their mothers....I mean....both teams played hard.

This is another scandal where all we're talking about is somebody's outrageous quotes, not their actions.

He didn't get in a fight, steal anything, starve animals, use drugs, etc. He just said some offensive things, which was his intent. It's not illegal.

So, he's a jerk and a PR liability for Memphis. We'll see if they waive him.

This is another scandal where all we're talking about is somebody's outrageous quotes, not their actions.

He didn't get in a fight, steal anything, starve animals, use drugs, etc. He just said some offensive things, which was his intent. It's not illegal.

So, he's a jerk and a PR liability for Memphis. We'll see if they waive him.

That's true...but if someone threaten's to blow up an Arena that's just talk too, but the threat itself is a crime.

This isn't a crime of course but it certainly warrants some type of punishment.

That's true...but if someone threaten's to blow up an Arena that's just talk too, but the threat itself is a crime.

This isn't a crime of course but it certainly warrants some type of punishment.

Darko thought the families of the refs should be punished for their crimes against the Serbian team. You want to punish him for saying that they should be punished?

I hope your thoughts on justice are not as extreme as his are.

Darko thought the families of the refs should be punished for their crimes against the Serbian team. You want to punish him for saying that they should be punished?

I hope your thoughts on justice are not as extreme as his are.

I think Darko's thoughts on justice are much more extreme than mine or most any law abiding citizen.

This is another scandal where all we're talking about is somebody's outrageous quotes, not their actions.

He didn't get in a fight, steal anything, starve animals, use drugs, etc. He just said some offensive things, which was his intent. It's not illegal.

So, he's a jerk and a PR liability for Memphis. We'll see if they waive him.
No, its his actions. People get fired for stuff like this. Lucky for Darko, he's talented and unique and people have invested a lot of money in him so he'll get some form of punishment and continue to play.

That's true...but if someone threaten's to blow up an Arena that's just talk too, but the threat itself is a crime.

This isn't a crime of course but it certainly warrants some type of punishment.
I'm not a lawyer, but I'm not sure that the question of whether Darko's statements constitute a crime is all that open and shut. If he had done it in the US, it could potentially fall under the definition of terroristic threat (http://definitions.uslegal.com/t/terroristic-threat/):
(a) A person commits an offense if he threatens to commit any offense involving violence to any person or property with intent to:
...
2. place any person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury;
Presumably most people would assume that Darko wasn't really going to track down the officials' family members, but who knows what the courts would think. Are there any attorneys here who can help us out?

Without even knowing the law, I'm more than willing to bet he doesn't get arrested for this. Any takers?

Without even knowing the law, I'm more than willing to bet he doesn't get arrested for this. Any takers?

I've read a lot of comments and articles but I haven't heard anyone say he might get arrested...where did you hear that?

edit: I see you are responding to Lurker. I guess you guys can lay some money on it.

Clearly, the Grizz GM simply does not understand Serbian language and customs.

Probably not, but I bet he understands phone calls from the league office and Grizzlie ticket sales.

:hoops:

I've read a lot of comments and articles but I haven't heard anyone say he might get arrested...where did you hear that?

edit: I see you are responding to Lurker. I guess you guys can lay some money on it.
I'm not predicting that Darko will be arrested. I'm just pointing out that when you make specific violent threats against other people you're not necessarily on the right side of the law.

Actually, it's Dumars who should be arrested for squandering a #2 pick on someone so unworthy. :stirthepot:

Actually, it's Dumars who should be arrested for squandering a #2 pick on someone so unworthy

What's the Statute of Limitations for squandering a draft pick?

What's the Statute of Limitations for squandering a draft pick?

If your team wins the NBA title within 7 years of the draft pick you are exonerated from all charges with regards to squandering a draft pick, however you may still incur the perpetual wrath of your fans and the ridicule of your opponents fans and the media for an indefinite period of time.

:hoops:

I don't know about you guys, but I think it is time to trade this guy to some Western team. Maybe Minnesota or Memphis. It just doesn't look like it is working out in Detroit.

I don't know about you guys, but I think it is time to trade this guy to some Western team. Maybe Minnesota or Memphis. It just doesn't look like it is working out in Detroit.

What we need to do is trade all the threads about Darko to the Grizzlies' forum. :MusicBigGrin:

What we need to do is trade all the threads about Darko to the Grizzlies' forum. :MusicBigGrin:

What would we get in return, Brian Cardinal and Damon Stoudamire threads?

I'm not licensed to practice law either but I can tell you guys the definition of an assault.

I'll give you the tort definition as well as I can remember...

Assault is an act by the defendant creating a REASONABLE APPREHENSION in plaintiff of IMMEDIATE harmful or offensive contact (You need intent and causation).

In criminal, it also can be the intent to commit a battery (but it has to fail or it is a battery. (Battery is an actual touching).

Lastly...Apprehension does not equal fear.

OH...and WORDS ALONE are not sufficient.

So I'll leave it to you to apply it to Darko's actions...

I'm not licensed to practice law either but I can tell you guys the definition of an assault.

I'll give you the tort definition as well as I can remember...

Assault is an act by the defendant creating a REASONABLE APPREHENSION in plaintiff of IMMEDIATE harmful or offensive contact (You need intent and causation).

In criminal, it also can be the intent to commit a battery (but it has to fail or it is a battery. (Battery is an actual touching).

Lastly...Apprehension does not equal fear.

OH...and WORDS ALONE are not sufficient.

So I'll leave it to you to apply it to Darko's actions...

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/7666/thankssj9.jpg

D4E, you win the thread. "But does he vant to sex Mutombo? :sssh: :pound:"
Besides those Italian refs might have money on the game.

I think his current value is about 10,000 Euros.

:hoops:

I think his current value is about 10,000 Euros.

:hoops:

I'm just curious Buddah, why do you use that Smily in EVERY single post?

I'm just curious Buddah, why do you use that Smily in EVERY single post?

I think you mean Smiley, as in Smiley Face. You know, back in the day, when there were no graphics, we made Smileys out of ASCII characters:

=) (Smiling)
;] (Winking)
:] (Neutral Expression)
:/ (Partial half smile)
:'( (Crying)
:-) (Smiley with nose)

Here is a little information for you about the origin of the smiley face:

The earliest known examples of the graphic are attributed to Harvey Ball, who devised the face in 1963 for a Worcester, Massachusetts, USA-based insurance firm, State Mutual Life Assurance. Ball never attempted to use, promote or trademark the image; it fell into the public domain in the United States before that could be accomplished. As a result, Ball never made any profit for the iconic image he allegedly created beyond his initial $45 fee.

David Stern of David Stern Inc., a Seattle-based advertising agency also claimed to have invented the smiley. Stern reportedly developed his version in 1967 as part of an ad campaign for Washington Mutual, but says he did not think to trademark it.

If you were wondering about how the popularity of the smiley face has grown, well here you go:

The graphic was popularized in the early 1970s by a pair of brothers, Murray and Bernard Spain, who seized upon it in a campaign to sell novelty items. The two produced buttons as well as coffee mugs, t-shirts, bumper stickers and many other items emblazoned with the symbol and the phrase "Have a happy day" (devised by Murray Spain).

The smiley was one of the many icons adopted by the acid house dance music culture that emerged in the late 1980s, as engraving famous logos on ecstasy tablets was a common practice at the time.

Smiley - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smiley_face)

Well, I hope this has helped. :)

I'm just curious Buddah, why do you use that Smily in EVERY single post?

It's his style man. Kind of like a signature that a lot of people have here. I might be wrong though, so Buddah should explain.

:hoops:

I always used to just use the words "smiley face" at the end of my posts to indicate my good nature.

I always used to just use the words "smiley face" at the end of my posts to indicate my good nature.

Why did you stop?

Why did you stop?


A whole lotta peer pressure.

I'm just curious Buddah, why do you use that Smily in EVERY single post?

Because I am happy to be a Piston Forum poster.

:hoops:

Because I am happy to be a Piston Forum poster.

:hoops:

So why not something like this? :djparty:or :peace:

So why not something like this? :djparty:or :peace:

Wait until AJ and Hot Rod start showing their stuff for real. LOL

:hoops:

Wait until AJ and Hot Rod start showing their stuff for real. LOL

:hoops:


haha :MusicBigGrin:

Orlando is going to miss Darko dearly. Battie may be done for the year with a torn rotator cuff:
Battie's Injury Puts Magic in Big Man Crunch - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog (http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/09/28/batties-injury-puts-magic-in-big-man-crunch/)

I'm not sure if anyone "misses" Darko.

..especially euro refs and their families.

I'm not sure if anyone "misses" Darko.

..especially euro refs and their families.
Oh, come on, Low, he was heads above Battie for Magic last season. He's a better player. And while he may never reach so-called "stardom", he'll be a solid contributor on his team.

I'm not sure if anyone "misses" Darko.

..especially euro refs and their families.
I don't miss Darko, but I sure miss that #2 pick we had back when it was shiny and new and full of promise. :crying:

Oh, come on, Low, he was heads above Battie for Magic last season. He's a better player. And while he may never reach so-called "stardom", he'll be a solid contributor on his team.

Obviously not seeing as how he was benched for one Tony Battie.

I'll consider Darko a solid contributor when he actually becomes a solid contributor. How many coaches have to bench this guy before he stops getting the benefit of the doubt?

Obviously not seeing as how he was benched for one Tony Battie.

I'll consider Darko a solid contributor when he actually becomes a solid contributor. How many coaches have to bench this guy before he stops getting the benefit of the doubt?
Maybe our collective obsession of granting Darko the benefit of the doubt comes from the fact that most of the roster that won the ship in '04 was existing of players that actually got benched or underrated until they were formed to a group that won it all.

I don't miss Darko, but I sure miss that #2 pick we had back when it was shiny and new and full of promise. :crying:


Here's the message that tells my feelings.............:crying::rip:

Obviously not seeing as how he was benched for one Tony Battie.

I'll consider Darko a solid contributor when he actually becomes a solid contributor. How many coaches have to bench this guy before he stops getting the benefit of the doubt?

darko hasn't truly been given a chance by any of those coaches who've "benched" him. 2 out of 3 of those coaches were fired the year after the job they did with developing darko. i watched lots of orlando games darko outplayed tony battie on a regular basis. so this showed me it was the coach and not darko.

which solid contributor did orlando go to in the 4th in game 4 of the playoffs??
dwight howard??? no
tony battie?? no
grant hill?? no

orlando went to darko milicic. i think that coach was trying to save his job.

which solid contributor did orlando go to in the 4th in game 4 of the playoffs??
dwight howard??? no
tony battie?? no
grant hill?? no

orlando went to darko milicic. i think that coach was trying to save his job.

and how did that work out for Orlando in that 4th game? :stirthepot:

and how did that work out for Orlando in that 4th game? :stirthepot:
they lost. if they had been going to darko all series it may have turned out differently. the offense should have been ran through darko instead of howard.

they lost. if they had been going to darko all series it may have turned out differently. the offense should have been ran through darko instead of howard.

Do you think the Grizzlies will be smart enough to run their entire offense through Darko?

Do you think the Grizzlies will be smart enough to run their entire offense through Darko?

http://www.animaltrial.com/Resources/madgrizzlybear.jpeg

:hoops:

http://www.animaltrial.com/Resources/madgrizzlybear.jpeg



It looks like Darko has bulked up this past summer. I hardly recognized him at first.

Is that a Grizz or just a big Brown bear?
Don't try and fake me out.
Could it be a Kodiak?

Do you think the Grizzlies will be smart enough to run their entire offense through Darko?

the griz should run the offense through pau gasol. i do however think darko should get plenty of shots. i haven't seen the new grizzlies offense yet but i'm sure it won't be like orlando's slowdown and drop it in the post to a guy with no post moves offense. i said orlando should run it through darko because darko is a better fit for that style than dwight "turnover" howard.

Maybe our collective obsession of granting Darko the benefit of the doubt comes from the fact that most of the roster that won the ship in '04 was existing of players that actually got benched or underrated until they were formed to a group that won it all.
Now that is one of the most intelligent things I have read from the pro-Darko side in quite some time. An argument that is plausible and makes sense.
Is that a Grizz or just a big Brown bear?
Don't try and fake me out.
Could it be a Kodiak?
If no one replies, you will probably fake yourself out! :D

Battie to undergo shoulder surgery, likely out for season


October 3, 2007
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Orlando Magic (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/orl/;_ylt=AoknBrgx2cdLbZtQoB.HG.eLvLYF) forward Tony Battie (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3176/;_ylt=AsaRcwP9w66tiEJj5EN10YuLvLYF) will undergo rotator cuff surgery likely to end his season, the team said Wednesday.

With the 6-foot-10 Battie out, offseason acquisition Adonal Foyle (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3178/;_ylt=Ao.XNf7IVkzxPEL9GwyRPfuLvLYF) and rookie Marcin Gortat (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3983/;_ylt=At6JH_9HTU5wcXcbfXyTz2aLvLYF) could be called to fill the post beside Howard. Gortat was drafted in 2005 but has stayed overseas, playing only in the NBA summer league.

The Magic signed Foyle after losing free agent Darko Milicic (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3705/;_ylt=Atcq5kOINyxwPP9odhrTcpiLvLYF) to the Memphis Grizzlies (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/mem/;_ylt=AtuimtFdq85M4DHPxrW8OPaLvLYF).

Battie to undergo shoulder surgery, likely out for season - NBA - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AkUQH2MfTidr42XpKSEZ7TO8vLYF?slug=ap-magic-battie&prov=ap&type=lgns)

:hoops:

Right now, it looks like Darko is providing value to everyone but the Magic. Memphis gets Pau a buddy, and Detroit gets Stuckey to back up Flip.

It's all good, unless of course Flip decides that he can't get over his love for Flip Jr.

Right now, it looks like Darko is providing value to everyone but the Magic. Memphis gets Pau a buddy, and Detroit gets Stuckey to back up Flip.


Orlando gets salary space because he's not on their payroll anymore.

Orlando gets salary space because he's not on their payroll anymore.

And spend that and more on Lewis.
:pound:

I wouldn't call it value.

Halfway through the 4th quarter, DM has the most points, rebounds, blocks... and turnovers. Pretty good off the bench.

Edit: scratch the rebounds and blocks... Pau has 1 more of each.

Gasol is already trying to destroy Darko's career, and it's only the preseason! :gun1:

Gasol is already trying to destroy Darko's career, and it's only the preseason! :gun1:


But did Darko make Gasol better then he would have been? I think we can all agree he did.

If Pau keeps out stat-ing him Darko might saulk.
Or try and do his wife.

I know that it is still very early but through tonights games now that Darko is starting he is averaging more rebounds per game, about 9, this year than any other player drafted with him in 2003, except for Kaman.

:hoops:

I know that it is still very early but through tonights games now that Darko is starting he is averaging more rebounds per game, about 9, this year than any other player drafted with him in 2003, except for Kaman.

:hoops:

Too bad he couldn't hit the broadside of a barn tonight, he was 3-13 including some dunks that got sent back by Pryzbilla.

He's a nice guy to put next to Pau, but his conditioning must improve, he's sucking major wind out there.

As a fellow chain smoker, I feel Darko's pain when it comes to conditioning.

During the summer, the only conditioning I get is air conditioning.

Well, Darko looked pretty valuable tonight as he played excellent defense on Yao Ming and he scored 20 pts himself on 9-14 shooting. He did a great job of fronting Yao and making his life miserable as he tried to establish position in the paint.

Aside from a bizarre airballed FT that fell at least 3 feet short of the rim, Darko did have a pretty great game last night. The Grizz will be pretty solid if they can get him going consistently.

that's the biggest thing that is overlooked about darko. i think lots of people look at stats of the other 2003 draft class and say darko isn't on thier level. i think darko was the right pick for the pistons because we used to be a defensive based team. darko in my opinion can pretty much check all centers in the league. defense wins championships. darko was the right pick at that time because defense wins championships and we played the right way and darko is very unselfish offensively and that would have fit right in.

in my opinion darko gave yao all he could handle offensively and defensively. i think if memphis had have went to darko more yao would have fouled out. i have watched all but 1 of darko's games this season for memphis. i know he's a team guy but i wish he would be more selfish and stats oriented. i mean darko could average a double double. mike miller and the guards grab lots of rebounds after he boxes out for them.

he did look gassed out there against the rockets. i think it's more the extra weight he's carrying around. yao looked huge compared to darko and darko is a huge guy. it's a tough matchup and that will take a lot of energy out of you. darko didn't do a tayshaun by playing good defense at the expense of offense.

i feel that if he loses 10 more pounds and the grizz keep him involved in the offense he won't look tired by mid season.

that's the biggest thing that is overlooked about darko. i think lots of people look at stats of the other 2003 draft class and say darko isn't on thier level. i think darko was the right pick for the pistons because we used to be a defensive based team. darko in my opinion can pretty much check all centers in the league. defense wins championships. darko was the right pick at that time because defense wins championships and we played the right way and darko is very unselfish offensively and that would have fit right in.

in my opinion darko gave yao all he could handle offensively and defensively. i think if memphis had have went to darko more yao would have fouled out. i have watched all but 1 of darko's games this season for memphis. i know he's a team guy but i wish he would be more selfish and stats oriented. i mean darko could average a double double. mike miller and the guards grab lots of rebounds after he boxes out for them.

he did look gassed out there against the rockets. i think it's more the extra weight he's carrying around. yao looked huge compared to darko and darko is a huge guy. it's a tough matchup and that will take a lot of energy out of you. darko didn't do a tayshaun by playing good defense at the expense of offense.

i feel that if he loses 10 more pounds and the grizz keep him involved in the offense he won't look tired by mid season.

Darko is 300 pounds these days. Still, he moves pretty darn well for his size.

When Darko was here we were all waiting for him to bulk up...now he's bulked up and folks want him to slim down:sssh:?

I may be the only Darko supporter that thinks that he SHOULD be 290 and banging in the paint all day long. He's proving LB right by being effective as a defensive minded traditional center who allows Memphis to play inside out bball. His ability to hit outside shots is a bonus, but Memphis has better shooters and needs him down low to board.

When Darko was here we were all waiting for him to bulk up...now he's bulked up and folks want him to slim down:sssh:?
Well, when he was making all of those 3 pointers during warmups, people wanted him to shoot, but now that he blocks shots, people want him to defend.

Darko is the Swiss Army Knife of expectations. He can excite you in ways that LeBron James can't, and he can disappoint you in ways that Mateen Cleaves only dreamed of.

Well, when he was making all of those 3 pointers during warmups, people wanted him to shoot, but now that he blocks shots, people want him to defend.

Darko is the Swiss Army Knife of expectations. He can excite you in ways that LeBron James can't, and he can disappoint you in ways that Mateen Cleaves only dreamed of.
True that.

Well he had another nice stat line against Milwaukee, He puts in 10 pts on 4-10 shooting, 2-4 FTs, and has 13 rebounds and 4 blocked shots.

Well, when he was making all of those 3 pointers during warmups, people wanted him to shoot, but now that he blocks shots, people want him to defend.

Darko is the Swiss Army Knife of expectations. He can excite you in ways that LeBron James can't, and he can disappoint you in ways that Mateen Cleaves only dreamed of.

Mind-boggling, roscoe, just mind boggling. Nicely put.

But those disappointments "seem" to be getting fewer and further between. I can easily see him averaging 12-14 points and 10-11 boards within a month or so.

One very important improvement he seems to have made now is not trying to block so many shots that are pretty much beyond him so that he can stay in the games. With being able to average more like 30 minutes, his contributions to his team will improve, and that will be borne out by his stats.

I think I am going to enjoy seeing the Pistons-Grizzlies game in Memphis in December.

That is very true. He is playing with much more restraint on D.

I guess he got sick of getting yanked from games after the 6 minute mark.

One other thing. They had him playing the high pick and roll yesterday and he was very effective. 1 dunk, 1 finger roll, and 1 assist in 3 consecutive plays.

Once he gets in better shape and builds confidence a little more, the pick and pop would make sense to mix it up.

Darko fans...congrats!

Your favorite player is finally ballin'. Are you guys organizing a parade yet? :)

I like what Darko did for the Magic. He taught those guys how to play basketball and now Orlando is 8-2. You can't really measure the value of Darko.

I like what Darko did for the Magic. He taught those guys how to play basketball and now Orlando is 8-2. You can't really measure the value of Darko.

Does that mean Darko should be Magic's MVP this season?

Had he played at the post like this when he was here . . . reckoned that he is getting to know the way he has to play after traveled over three cities.

Had he played at the post like this when he was here . . . reckoned that he is getting to know the way he has to play after traveled over three cities.

Darko never got a chance here. He hardly played in the first two seasons. In the third, he was out of the rotation by the 14th game. In those 14 games, he played quite sparingly. He did not play in every game, and in a few, he only played 5 minutes. The most he played in a non-blowout game was about 11 minutes. To say anything at all negative concerning such a short amount of playing time after sitting for two full years - well, draw your own conclusions on that.

Darko never got a chance here. He hardly played in the first two seasons. In the third, he was out of the rotation by the 14th game. In those 14 games, he played quite sparingly. He did not play in every game, and in a few, he only played 5 minutes. The most he played in a non-blowout game was about 11 minutes. To say anything at all negative concerning such a short amount of playing time after sitting for two full years - well, draw your own conclusions on that.

Lee, when he was here you were the one complaining that LB was forcing him to develop a post game, correct me if I'm wrong, isn't he now having success with a post game? Looks like maybe he benefited from some of his previous coaches after all.

Lee, when he was here you were the one complaining that LB was forcing him to develop a post game, correct me if I'm wrong, isn't he now having success with a post game? Looks like maybe he benefited from some of his previous coaches after all.

I think he would have been much better as an AK-47 type player, without being ONLY a lowpost guy. He was forced into the lowpost by LB and Brian Hill. He had all the tools and physique to play outside before bulking up to 280. The added size has dictated that he must play inside because he's lost alot of his natural quickness. He could have been so much better and more versatile if he were allowed to develop all facets of his game.

Is Darko hurt, I havent heard his name since they started winning?

They were 2-5 before his injury.

They are 2-4 since his injury. Sprained left thumb.

I think the short sellers cleaned up tonight. LOL

Was he re-injured?

http://www.pistonsforum.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=120112

:hoops:

Ankle sprain. He landed on Prybilla's foot and turned his left ankle out. Writhed in pain for a few minutes before they dragged him out of there.

Before that, he was trying to shoot with his right hand.

Before that, he was trying to shoot with his right hand.

I didn't realize Darko was amphibious.

I didn't realize Darko was amphibious.

His post moves looked like he was underwater.

His post moves looked like he was underwater.

Are you sure about that?


MEMPHIS MAYOR'S MESSAGE.; City Not Under Water and Flood Reports Are Exaggerated, He Says.





April 5, 1912, Friday


MEMPHIS, Tenn., April 4. -- Mayor E.H. Crump issued a public statement tonight as follows



MEMPHIS MAYOR'S MESSAGE.; City Not Under Water and Flood Reports Are E... - Article Preview - The New York Times (http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=950DE3D7143CE633A25756C0A9629C94 6396D6CF)

:hoops:

You guys a mess.

Looks like New York is about to move the the #1 EC spot. They are certain to become contenders oafter this move.

ESPN - Source: Knicks suggest dealing Randolph to Memphis - NBA (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3571031)

Looks like New York is about to move the the #1 EC spot. They are certain to become contenders oafter this move.

ESPN - Source: Knicks suggest dealing Randolph to Memphis - NBA (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3571031)


Well... New York is supposedly where his favorite gentleman's club is located. :)

Well... New York is supposedly where his favorite gentleman's club is located. :)

:pound: If Darko plays for the Knicks i might just have to go to a few games. Who can pass up the opportunity to see him play??

:pound: If Darko plays for the Knicks i might just have to go to a few games. Who can pass up the opportunity to see him play??

I heard that mayor Michael Bloomberg is repealing the NYC smoking ban to appease Darko.

Well... New York is supposedly where his favorite gentleman's club is located. :)
I walk pass that club every day at lunch. i'll let you know if I run into DMC.

If this is true, I'm definately going to a few more Knick's game this year.

If this is true, I'm definately going to a few more Knick's game this year.
I'll never understand your love affair with Darko.

If it were possible does anyone think that Memphis would trade Darko outright for Stucky? I do.

is that a serious statement?

is that a serious statement?

You don't think Stucky has more value than Darko now? Darko is off the radar.

Looks to me like Zach Randolph's value has plummeted.

You don't think Stucky has more value than Darko now? Darko is off the radar.

Nobody on the forum would want to trade Stuckey for Darko except 16.

I'll never understand your love affair with Darko.

Neither will my therapist. It's a lot like my love of the Lions. Common sense said take New England in my NFL Survivor pool, noooo, had to go with the home team. Atlanta's the worst team in the league, and Detroit has finally turned it around. :der:

Neither will my therapist. It's a lot like my love of the Lions. Common sense said take New England in my NFL Survivor pool, noooo, had to go with the home team. Atlanta's the worst team in the league, and Detroit has finally turned it around. :der:

People love bad teams because they are from their hometown...you don't see as much love for bad players that play for different teams.

Of course I'm not sure that there is much love for the Lions anywhere.

On a positive note, I've finally gotten over Drew Henson.

On a positive note, I've finally gotten over Drew Henson.I'll never forget his hit for the Yankees or forget his name in the toughest game ever played...Detroit Lions Trivia.