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Celtics Basketball => Celtics Talk => Topic started by: Texstyles on October 04, 2012, 11:27:58 AM

Title: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: Texstyles on October 04, 2012, 11:27:58 AM
http://www.nba.com/celtics/news/sidebar/doc-finally-allows-celtics-run-wild


While Pierce and his teammates were running up and down the court, their head coach, Doc Rivers, was taking a laissez faire approach on the sideline. He stood back, watched, and enjoyed the sight of the green team, made up of the top eight players, and the white team, made up of the rest of the roster, competing at a high level.

Later in the article

Garnett, who is as competitive as they come, had to love what he saw. His teammates, which were the regular starters plus Jeff Green, Jason Terry and Darko Milicic, played well. Likewise, the third unit, performed at a high level and was able to win half of the games in the series.  
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: Chris on October 04, 2012, 11:37:02 AM
Too early to say.  I am sure he is going to be given every opportunity though.  At least at the start of the season, I think he is most likely the 3rd or 4th big man (not counting when they go small), in a battle with Wilcox.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: Who on October 04, 2012, 11:53:09 AM
He shouldn't be ... 4th string center behind Garnett, one of the PFs and Jason Collins.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: mgent on October 04, 2012, 11:53:38 AM
No, as of right now we will have a 9 man rotation with Wilcox.  Darko might get similar minutes depending on how he plays due to the fact that he's better suited to play alongside Bass (probably why they teamed up that way in scrimmage).
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: MBunge on October 04, 2012, 11:54:37 AM
If Doc goes with an 8 man rotation, either during the regular season or the playoffs, he's a fool.

When Avery comes back, that gives Boston a 4 man guard rotation.  Hopefully Doc will take advantage of that and we'll see plenty of full court pressure.

That leaves Pierce, KG and Bass in the front court and Wilcox, Green, Darko, Collins and Sully ready to come off the bench.  Now, a 12 man rotation is probably too much but given the need to rest KG and Pierce and the need for both offense and rebounding, Green and the best two out of Wilcox, Darko and Sully should definitely see plenty of time, with Collins the emergency option at center in case of injuries.

Mike
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: Chris on October 04, 2012, 11:59:58 AM
He shouldn't be ... 4th string center behind Garnett, one of the PFs and Jason Collins.

It remains to be seen how he fits in the system in the preseason, but his skillset is much more suited to being in the rotation than Collins.  Collins is a valuable guy against certain matchups, but when they are not facing Philly, LA, or Indy, he is a huge liability.  Darko has the skillset to be a useful rotation player.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: saltlover on October 04, 2012, 12:01:07 PM
Well, Bradley isn't playing, so he'd be part of a 9-man rotation once AB comes back.  And Doc's not going to start the pre-season off with Sullinger in the top group, even if he ends up there.  Furthermore, Wilcox is probably more of a 4 than a 5, so in this 8-on-8 drill, Green will back up the 3 and 4 for the starters/key reserves lineup, meaning you just want a true center to back up KG.  So that means it's between Darko and Collins for that spot, and it doesn't seem like crazy talk to me that Darko could be ahead of Collins.  But once AB is back and Sully has earned some PT, it would seem to me that Darko will be #10 or #10a with Wilcox in a 10-man rotation, depending on matchups.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: snively on October 04, 2012, 12:50:53 PM
I think Doc might be trying him out in the Stiemsma role - doesn't want KG to be the only defensive option in the big man rotation.

It'll be interesting to see if Doc can get Stiemsma or JO level production out of Darko.  If so, I think he'll stay in the rotation. If not, I think he'll relent and go all offense with Sully/Wilcox.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: BballTim on October 04, 2012, 12:53:51 PM
http://www.nba.com/celtics/news/sidebar/doc-finally-allows-celtics-run-wild


While Pierce and his teammates were running up and down the court, their head coach, Doc Rivers, was taking a laissez faire approach on the sideline. He stood back, watched, and enjoyed the sight of the green team, made up of the top eight players, and the white team, made up of the rest of the roster, competing at a high level.

Later in the article

Garnett, who is as competitive as they come, had to love what he saw. His teammates, which were the regular starters plus Jeff Green, Jason Terry and Darko Milicic, played well. Likewise, the third unit, performed at a high level and was able to win half of the games in the series.  

  I think that the herald or the globe said that Wilcox missed practice with a stiff back.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: Edgar on October 04, 2012, 01:02:57 PM
http://www.nba.com/celtics/news/sidebar/doc-finally-allows-celtics-run-wild


While Pierce and his teammates were running up and down the court, their head coach, Doc Rivers, was taking a laissez faire approach on the sideline. He stood back, watched, and enjoyed the sight of the green team, made up of the top eight players, and the white team, made up of the rest of the roster, competing at a high level.

Later in the article

Garnett, who is as competitive as they come, had to love what he saw. His teammates, which were the regular starters plus Jeff Green, Jason Terry and Darko Milicic, played well. Likewise, the third unit, performed at a high level and was able to win half of the games in the series.  

  I think that the herald or the globe said that Wilcox missed practice with a stiff back.

And this isnt strange at all. I have cero faith in Wilcox health, hope I am the only one wrong here
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: fairweatherfan on October 04, 2012, 01:22:21 PM
He shouldn't be ... 4th string center behind Garnett, one of the PFs and Jason Collins.

Do you really think Collins is better than Darko?  Not just situationally but across the board? 

I don't know Darko well so I'm not disagreeing, but why do you think so?
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: GreenEnvy on October 04, 2012, 01:34:19 PM
I don't see any team that can come close to a second unit of JET/Lee/Green/Wilcox/Darko.

And our starters aren't too shabby themselves.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: saltlover on October 04, 2012, 01:37:04 PM
I don't see any team that can come close to a second unit of JET/Lee/Green/Wilcox/Darko.

And our starters aren't too shabby themselves.

I would rather Sullinger be in that lineup than Wilcox.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: AshyLarry on October 04, 2012, 01:43:52 PM
I don't see any team that can come close to a second unit of JET/Lee/Green/Wilcox/Darko.

And our starters aren't too shabby themselves.

I would rather Sullinger be in that lineup than Wilcox.

He's a rook, so he'll have to beat someone out for the spot. And our big man rotation will be situational (WHICH I ABSOLUTELY LOVE AND CAN TOTALLY GET USED TO).

But imagine Sullinger's good enough, where he does beat one of them out, or better yet, beats out Bass for the starting gig?! That'd be sensational in my eyes, and the pastures could not be greener!! Bass off the bench, and having Darko/Wilcox be our 5th big off the bench... just wow, man. That depth, man... That depth

And don't even get me started on Fab Melo!!! hahaha

I'm getting way too hyped, I need a bubble bath or something.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: Who on October 04, 2012, 01:44:01 PM
He shouldn't be ... 4th string center behind Garnett, one of the PFs and Jason Collins.

Do you really think Collins is better than Darko?  Not just situationally but across the board? 

I don't know Darko well so I'm not disagreeing, but why do you think so?

(1) I think Doc should stay small with his backup big men because neither Darko Milicic or Jason Collins are good enough to be rotation players. So my primary backup center would be one of the PFs.

(2) So either player should only play in certain situations when matchups require a bigger body / interior defender. In that specific (minor) role, I think Jason Collins is the superior option. So Collins = third string and Darko = fourth string.

(3) I think Darko's best playing weight is around 240-245lbs and he is currently up around 275lbs or something like that. So he is around 30lbs overweight. At this weight, Darko is (a) unable to finish as well around the basket and is a large liability offensively (2) is slower and less active as a team defender and has reduced defensive value (3) is stuck to the ground on rebounds and is a liability on the boards. A much worse player in each phase of the game (offense, defense, rebounding).

Until Darko gets himself into basketball shape, I do not consider him a rotation caliber player. Like Jason Collins, he is a below average but just about serviceable backup center (more in the 5-10mpg fourth string big role than the 15-18mpg Boston needs from it's primary backup center behind Garnett) to high level third stringer.

If Darko gets himself into basketball shape, he is a below average but decent starter to high level primary backup center. A very useful asset. Unfortunately, that doesn't appear like it is going to happen. So my expectations for Darko this season are very low.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: MJohnnyboy on October 04, 2012, 01:45:25 PM
If Darko is as good as reports say, then just... wow. This team's depth and versatility will be something to be reckoned with (If it wasn't already). I mean we already have the best defensive 5 in the league in Rondo-Bradley(when he comes back)-Pierce-Bass-KG. Then we have Jet, Courtney Lee, Green, Wilcox, Darko, and Sully. We have the ability go small against teams like Miami AND go big against teams like the Lakers.

Darko could be the last piece of the puzzle. I'm not expecting him to be a star, but he can be our designated enforcer. Playing next to KG could do wonders for him.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: fairweatherfan on October 04, 2012, 01:52:52 PM
He shouldn't be ... 4th string center behind Garnett, one of the PFs and Jason Collins.

Do you really think Collins is better than Darko?  Not just situationally but across the board? 

I don't know Darko well so I'm not disagreeing, but why do you think so?

(1) I think Doc should stay small with his backup big men because neither Darko Milicic or Jason Collins are good enough to be rotation players. So my primary backup center would be one of the PFs.

(2) So either player should only play in certain situations when matchups require a bigger body / interior defender. In that specific (minor) role, I think Jason Collins is the superior option. So Collins = third string and Darko = fourth string.

(3) I think Darko's best playing weight is around 240-245lbs and he is currently up around 275lbs or something like that. So he is around 30lbs overweight. At this weight, Darko is (a) unable to finish as well around the basket and is a large liability offensively (2) is slower and less active as a team defender and has reduced defensive value (3) is stuck to the ground on rebounds and is a liability on the boards. A much worse player in each phase of the game (offense, defense, rebounding).

Until Darko gets himself into basketball shape, I do not consider him a rotation caliber player. Like Jason Collins, he is a below average but just about serviceable backup center (more in the 5-10mpg fourth string big role than the 15-18mpg Boston needs from it's primary backup center behind Garnett) to high level third stringer.

If Darko gets himself into basketball shape, he is a below average but decent starter to high level primary backup center. A very useful asset. Unfortunately, that doesn't appear like it is going to happen. So my expectations for Darko this season are very low.

Thanks Who - TP.  So Darko has a higher ceiling, would probably be a better backup, but isn't more useful for the 3rd string C role you see him in at his current fitness level.  Makes sense.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: saltlover on October 04, 2012, 02:02:31 PM

(3) I think Darko's best playing weight is around 240-245lbs and he is currently up around 275lbs or something like that.

I've seen you, or someone else perhaps (I can't remember everyone on this board) mention this weight, and I just don't know where you're coming from with it.  KG is listed at 253 pounds.  Darko is an inch taller, and has, at least visually to me, a bigger frame.  I just don't see where this 240-245 ideal range is coming from.  He's a big dude.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: Evantime34 on October 04, 2012, 02:45:42 PM
If Darko can get into our 8 man rotation it will be a huge boon for this team. If he ends up playing a lot that means he will have passed Wilcox (who looked great last year) and Collins (has been a very good nba defender) meaning that he has earned his time instead of being played for lack of a better option.

My ceiling for Darko is Perkins. He's about as big as Perkins, while being more agile and skilled. If he can mesh with KG in that same way he can give us a return far greater than the minimum contract we signed him to.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: Who on October 04, 2012, 02:51:57 PM

(3) I think Darko's best playing weight is around 240-245lbs and he is currently up around 275lbs or something like that.

I've seen you, or someone else perhaps (I can't remember everyone on this board) mention this weight, and I just don't know where you're coming from with it.  KG is listed at 253 pounds.  Darko is an inch taller, and has, at least visually to me, a bigger frame.  I just don't see where this 240-245 ideal range is coming from.  He's a big dude.

That was the best weight I've seen Darko at. Where he is capable of playing his best basketball. That is why I consider it his ideal weight.

Darko Milicic was a very athletic 6-11/7-0 center. He had excellent mobility and speed. Very good explosiveness. Leaping ability, multiple jumps / effort plays. That was when he was at that 240-245lb range.

As he has continued to pile on the pounds, Darko has lost athleticism in each of those areas for the added strength that he has gained. Unfortunately, while that added strength has added to his game in certain areas (like post defense), the losses elsewhere have robbed him of so much more. It's a net loss for him. A large one.

I don't understand why anyone would want a center with high level athleticism to throw that all away so that he can move around the court like Eric Dampier.

Greg Oden did the same thing. Physically, Oden was like a 7 foot Amare Stoudemire when he was college and weighed around 250lbs but then he came into the NBA and decided he needed more muscle so he went up to 280lbs in the NBA (and 300+lbs for awhile) ... yeah, it gained him extra strength but he lost so much more elsewhere (plus, probably increased his risk to injury too).

Basketball is a game of relative (to position / skill-set) quickness and mobility. If a player can add weight without hurting himself too much in those areas, then he should do it. If he can't, then he shouldn't.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: flyofchange on October 04, 2012, 02:57:36 PM
No! Hes not. Hes just in there right now cause wilcox was out. If wilcox could go darko sits on the bench and thats where he belongs.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: Who on October 04, 2012, 02:57:37 PM
I don't see any team that can come close to a second unit of JET/Lee/Green/Wilcox/Darko.

And our starters aren't too shabby themselves.

I would rather Sullinger be in that lineup than Wilcox.
Yeah, I think that should be Sully or Bass.

Neither Wilcox or Darko can make jump-shot. Shrinks the floor quite a bit. I don't think they'll be a good combination for the team offensively.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: mgent on October 04, 2012, 02:59:23 PM

(3) I think Darko's best playing weight is around 240-245lbs and he is currently up around 275lbs or something like that.

I've seen you, or someone else perhaps (I can't remember everyone on this board) mention this weight, and I just don't know where you're coming from with it.  KG is listed at 253 pounds.  Darko is an inch taller, and has, at least visually to me, a bigger frame.  I just don't see where this 240-245 ideal range is coming from.  He's a big dude.

That was the best weight I've seen Darko at. Where he is capable of playing his best basketball. That is why I consider it his ideal weight.

Darko Milicic was a very athletic 6-11/7-0 center. He had excellent mobility and speed. Very good explosiveness. Leaping ability, multiple jumps / effort plays. That was when he was at that 240-245lb range.

As he has continued to pile on the pounds, Darko has lost athleticism in each of those areas for the added strength that he has gained. Unfortunately, while that added strength has added to his game in certain areas (like post defense), the losses elsewhere have robbed him of so much more. It's a net loss for him. A large one.

I don't understand why anyone would want a center with high level athleticism to throw that all away so that he can move around the court like Eric Dampier.

Greg Oden did the same thing. Physically, Oden was like a 7 foot Amare Stoudemire when he was college and weighed around 250lbs but then he came into the NBA and decided he needed more muscle so he went up to 280lbs in the NBA (and 300+lbs for awhile) ... yeah, it gained him extra strength but he lost so much more elsewhere (plus, probably increased his risk to injury too).

Basketball is a game of relative (to position / skill-set) quickness and mobility. If a player can add weight without hurting himself too much in those areas, then he should do it. If he can't, then he shouldn't.
I agree, same thing with players like Perk and Baby trying to lose weight when it's their size that made them players in the league.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: erisred on October 04, 2012, 03:05:55 PM
I think Doc might be trying him out in the Stiemsma role - doesn't want KG to be the only defensive option in the big man rotation.

It'll be interesting to see if Doc can get Stiemsma or JO level production out of Darko.  If so, I think he'll stay in the rotation. If not, I think he'll relent and go all offense with Sully/Wilcox.
Yeah, that was my thought, too. Collins is for emergencies. Wilcox is more 4 than 5. Sully is a rookie. Melo is a very raw rookie. I think Milicic will be given every opportunity to make it as backup 5 and play 20 minutes a night. I think it'll be his job to take and his job to lose.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: Accension13 on October 04, 2012, 03:06:11 PM
"Milicic shined toward the end of the matchup by successfully defending guard Dionte Christmas on the perimeter, then blocking his shot attempt, to seal the win."

To me this was the Most important part of the article. If Darko can effectively guard a perimeter player like Christmas, he very well may be able to hold his own against a quick perimeter playing center like Bosh. That would be huge for the C's. it would allow them to potentially play KG and Darko together against the Heat. Two big rim protectors could cause the Heat real problems

Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: erisred on October 04, 2012, 03:16:44 PM

(3) I think Darko's best playing weight is around 240-245lbs and he is currently up around 275lbs or something like that.

I've seen you, or someone else perhaps (I can't remember everyone on this board) mention this weight, and I just don't know where you're coming from with it.  KG is listed at 253 pounds.  Darko is an inch taller, and has, at least visually to me, a bigger frame.  I just don't see where this 240-245 ideal range is coming from.  He's a big dude.
I think it's depends on what you want out of Darko. At 240, Milicic isn't really a center, he's a very tall PF, probably without the quickness to really be a PF. I think that's where he failed to succeed at these years.  Milicic at 270, otoh, *has* to be a C. Have we ever seen him play the role of the space-eating, low post, rebounding, defender, with enforcer tendencies? I think that's the role Doc has in mind for him.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: billysan on October 04, 2012, 05:07:24 PM
He shouldn't be ... 4th string center behind Garnett, one of the PFs and Jason Collins.

Do you really think Collins is better than Darko?  Not just situationally but across the board? 

I don't know Darko well so I'm not disagreeing, but why do you think so?

(1) I think Doc should stay small with his backup big men because neither Darko Milicic or Jason Collins are good enough to be rotation players. So my primary backup center would be one of the PFs.

(2) So either player should only play in certain situations when matchups require a bigger body / interior defender. In that specific (minor) role, I think Jason Collins is the superior option. So Collins = third string and Darko = fourth string.

(3) I think Darko's best playing weight is around 240-245lbs and he is currently up around 275lbs or something like that. So he is around 30lbs overweight. At this weight, Darko is (a) unable to finish as well around the basket and is a large liability offensively (2) is slower and less active as a team defender and has reduced defensive value (3) is stuck to the ground on rebounds and is a liability on the boards. A much worse player in each phase of the game (offense, defense, rebounding).

Until Darko gets himself into basketball shape, I do not consider him a rotation caliber player. Like Jason Collins, he is a below average but just about serviceable backup center (more in the 5-10mpg fourth string big role than the 15-18mpg Boston needs from it's primary backup center behind Garnett) to high level third stringer.

If Darko gets himself into basketball shape, he is a below average but decent starter to high level primary backup center. A very useful asset. Unfortunately, that doesn't appear like it is going to happen. So my expectations for Darko this season are very low.

For me this last bit is the key. I need to see him run the floor in a game situation. If he is really slow like the 275lbs might suggest, then he is not going to be as much value to us as a healthy Wilcox who can run well for a big.

I really want the Darko experiment to work and maybe he can be effective. I just think his value will be as a half court banger type player until he gets in 'Basketball Shape'.

I do still put him ahead of Jason Collins as a half court guy because I think he will be even tougher on post defense. He seems to play with a chip on his shoulder and is more aggressive than Collins. Just my opinion.  :)
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: guava_wrench on October 04, 2012, 05:47:10 PM
Do we know for sure what Darko's present weight is?

I always find the nonsense about bench beating starters in camp to be insignificant and overblown. The young guys on the bench without guaranteed contracts treat training camp like the playoffs. They are going to make sure they are at midseason form from day 1. The vets need to let their bodies rest more before season. The are likely farther from game ready than the young guys -- who also played summer league.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: pearljammer10 on October 04, 2012, 05:53:47 PM
I think our rotation will definitely be based on who we are playing and we will play to matchups. But looking at our team now I go with

Rondo
Lee
Pierce
Bass
Garnett

6th: Terry
7th: Green
8th: Darko
9th: Wilcox
10th:Sully
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: fitzhickey on October 04, 2012, 06:37:58 PM
Once Bradley is back, he will be part of a 9 man rotation
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: ianboyextreme on October 04, 2012, 07:39:06 PM
I understand its on comcast but I dont live in Mass anymore. Does anyone know if it will be shown online anywhere?
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: ImShakHeIsShaq on October 04, 2012, 08:28:39 PM
I understand its on comcast but I dont live in Mass anymore. Does anyone know if it will be shown online anywhere?

My tv schedule says it will be on NBATV. It's a pretty cheap channel (like $8), it comes with a couple other sports channels I have never watched and don't even know what they are (I think one is like a NASCAR channel).
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: ImShakHeIsShaq on October 04, 2012, 08:33:02 PM
I forgot to say, yes Wilcox is injured... one thing everyone is forgetting... it was Darko who took him out! Every report says it was a pretty big hit (Cox has a strained back)! I think we are already good on the VET. Min. if he can do the same against other teams... I don't know about you guys but if I had it, I would be willing to pay Darko the money just for him to deliver those blows to players like Brinda, KoMe, Wadena, and guys of that type!
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: vjcsmoke on October 05, 2012, 08:22:14 AM
I think our rotation will definitely be based on who we are playing and we will play to matchups. But looking at our team now I go with

Rondo
Lee
Pierce
Bass
Garnett

6th: Terry
7th: Green
8th: Darko
9th: Wilcox
10th:Sully

Who does Bradley bump when he gets back?
Also, I can't help but root for Dionte Christmas.
He's been a nice summer camp, training camp story so far.
He could eventually be our backup SF.
Green is talented, but that also makes him a possible trade chip if we need to make a move at the trade deadline.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: Moranis on October 05, 2012, 08:38:18 AM
Darko is the best big man on the team not named Garnett or Bass.  And frankly I don't think it is close.  Darko was a total bust as the #2 pick in the draft and I think that sometimes make people think he is a downright terrible player.  He is not.  He is a solid backup center and has a skill set that would be perfect on this team and in his role of backup. 
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: celticinorlando on October 05, 2012, 09:31:32 AM
depends really on how Sully develops...wilcox might need to play some PF which gives darko time at center...
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: saltlover on October 05, 2012, 09:38:42 AM
I think our rotation will definitely be based on who we are playing and we will play to matchups. But looking at our team now I go with

Rondo
Lee
Pierce
Bass
Garnett

6th: Terry
7th: Green
8th: Darko
9th: Wilcox
10th:Sully

Who does Bradley bump when he gets back?
Also, I can't help but root for Dionte Christmas.
He's been a nice summer camp, training camp story so far.
He could eventually be our backup SF.
Green is talented, but that also makes him a possible trade chip if we need to make a move at the trade deadline.

Christmas might back up Green after Pierce retires, but he will not be our backup SF this year, and Jeff Green is NOT getting traded.  Seriously, he's signed for four years, $36 million.  Who's going to want that contract if he can't beat out a guy who's been bouncing around the D-League and Europe?  Most people think that Jeff Green is overpaid, so he's not going to be movable in the first year of his deal unless he shows everyone he's not overpaid, and then why on earth would the Celtics trade him at that point, especially in the middle of the season?  Just not happening.  It is far far far more likely that Christmas will not end the season a Celtic instead of Jeff Green.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: lightspeed5 on October 05, 2012, 05:34:28 PM
heard he was passing great
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: saltlover on October 05, 2012, 05:43:11 PM
heard he was passing great

He looked all right.  Passed pretty well.  Hands looked mediocre -- not Ryan Hollins bad, but there were a couple Rondo passes he wasn't ready for, and a lost rebound or two.  Played a lot of the game, and I didn't see Jason Collins come in once.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: Eja117 on October 05, 2012, 05:45:37 PM
Darko is the best big man on the team not named Garnett or Bass.  And frankly I don't think it is close.  Darko was a total bust as the #2 pick in the draft and I think that sometimes make people think he is a downright terrible player.  He is not.  He is a solid backup center and has a skill set that would be perfect on this team and in his role of backup.
Woah woah woah. Let's not go nuts here. I need a bigger sample size than one Euro preseason game and I'm not ready to put him ahead of Green or Sully as a big man or as a basketball player
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: xmuscularghandix on October 05, 2012, 05:47:53 PM
Darko literally is the best big man on the team outside of Garnett and Bass... I don't know how anyone could argue. He has size, passing ability, he can block shots, he's got a mean streak to him... i think he's perfect. If Darko played on the 70's Celtic team Tommy would have him in All-Star games with those outlet passes.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: ManUp on October 05, 2012, 07:02:18 PM
Garnett, Bass, Wilcox, Sullinger, Milicic, Collins, Melo. He's the second best center, 5th best big ma
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: Fred Roberts on October 05, 2012, 07:24:09 PM
What can we do about getting him a nickname so that the word Darko goes away? I like how Doc told him his new name is Celtic!

You know how we embrace folks w/ nicknames in Boston. Something new might help this guy drop the baggage.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: SHAQATTACK on October 05, 2012, 07:58:51 PM
Darko is one of the newer additions , he needs time to gel,  I think Fab is just overwhelmed by the whole NBA thing still,  He seems still in awe of all the celeb players. Like he wants their autographs or somthing.

Sully is the ral deal...kid is bad to the bone , with a Barkley , NO FEAR attitude.  Love his game.

Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: Jon on October 05, 2012, 08:17:29 PM
Besides the very valid argument that this was just one game, let's also examine the topic title: is Milicic part of the 8 man rotation? 

If the answer is yes to that question it means one of two things:

Either Green, Terry, or Lee/Bradley is out of the 8 man rotation or it means that Bass is booted and KG is swung down to the 4.

I don't see either scenario happening.

I think the two much more likely scenarios are this:

Doc goes with a 9 man or more rotation in the playoffs.  (He'll clearly go with more than 8 in the regular season). 

OR

If Doc were to go to the small ball rotation, it won't include Darko. 

I lean much more heavily on the former.  Even if Doc plays a lot of small ball, I see Darko at least getting 10-15 mpg. 
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: Moranis on October 05, 2012, 08:58:29 PM
Darko is the best big man on the team not named Garnett or Bass.  And frankly I don't think it is close.  Darko was a total bust as the #2 pick in the draft and I think that sometimes make people think he is a downright terrible player.  He is not.  He is a solid backup center and has a skill set that would be perfect on this team and in his role of backup.
Woah woah woah. Let's not go nuts here. I need a bigger sample size than one Euro preseason game and I'm not ready to put him ahead of Green or Sully as a big man or as a basketball player
How about the ten years or so he has been in the league?
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: Kuberski1 on October 05, 2012, 11:54:45 PM
I think Doc will go with a 10 man rotation in the regular season.  Darko will probably get the back-up 5 spot, with back-up 4 going to either Wilcox or Sully, though there could be situations where Wilcox and Sully get the nod, i.e. when we want to go with a smaller, quicker line-up.   Regardless, I think Darko will get regular minutes unless he loses them....
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: mmmmm on October 06, 2012, 02:21:56 AM
I tend to agree with those putting Darko in the regular rotation.

If his attitude and effort are true to the lip service so far, then its a no-brainer that he's our best big option at 5 not named KG.

I disagree with the idea that he needs to be down at 240-245 to play effectively.  At that weight, he'd be skinnier than KG.  At his current weight he doesn't look fat at all.  He looks big and strong and perfect for the low-post / weak side defender role that works so well in Doc's defense.   This is the Perk / Sheed / Shaq / Stiemsma role.  You don't need a lithe, athletic big for that.  You need someone tall, big and intimidating who can protect the rim.

I expect that at some point we will start to see KG & Darko on the floor together and that will likely be by far our best, lock-down defensive front court. 
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: j804 on October 06, 2012, 05:15:57 AM
I don't know what it is but big fella makes me bust up with his expressions anybody see him beat his chest a la Ron Artest?  ;D
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: Celtics18 on October 06, 2012, 10:51:44 PM
I think that Fab could surpass Darko on the depth chart by season's end.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: Redz on October 06, 2012, 10:56:07 PM
I tend to agree with those putting Darko in the regular rotation.

If his attitude and effort are true to the lip service so far, then its a no-brainer that he's our best big option at 5 not named KG.

I disagree with the idea that he needs to be down at 240-245 to play effectively.  At that weight, he'd be skinnier than KG.  At his current weight he doesn't look fat at all.  He looks big and strong and perfect for the low-post / weak side defender role that works so well in Doc's defense.   This is the Perk / Sheed / Shaq / Stiemsma role.  You don't need a lithe, athletic big for that.  You need someone tall, big and intimidating who can protect the rim.

I expect that at some point we will start to see KG & Darko on the floor together and that will likely be by far our best, lock-down defensive front court.

Agreed.

You know who would have been good for this team over the last few years, is a Potapenko.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: pearljammer10 on October 06, 2012, 11:57:13 PM
I think that Fab could surpass Darko on the depth chart by season's end.

Not a chance. I'm rooting for fab but dude is clueless. Sweet block in game one but; shaky hands/dropping easy passes, air balling a lay up from 1 foot out, and very poor on ball defense. Kids got a few years to go
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: Celtics18 on October 07, 2012, 01:01:30 AM
I think that Fab could surpass Darko on the depth chart by season's end.

Not a chance. I'm rooting for fab but dude is clueless. Sweet block in game one but; shaky hands/dropping easy passes, air balling a lay up from 1 foot out, and very poor on ball defense. Kids got a few years to go

I agree that he's kind of clueless, but I think it might be more like a few months than a few years before he's ready to contribute.  He's got a good body, good mobility, good athleticism, and, perhaps most importantly, he seems to have a really good attitude.

I'm bracing myself for possible disappointment on this one (it's not like I haven't been burned before), but I'm really excited about Fab Melo.
Title: Re: Is Milicic part of 8 man rotation ???
Post by: SHAQATTACK on October 07, 2012, 01:15:08 AM
need Darko to get with the program ASAP , we'll need him for for sure against Bynum  and Howard. 

Can't expect alot of Fab.   Like AB was at first , he needs alot work and confidence.   He has alot of heart.