Darko Milicic at the 2012 Celtics Media Day

[Yoki_IsTheName]

Not really expectinguch from Darko other than his shot blocking prescence and his length. I like his responses.

My only problem with him is his work ethic, which I think is fixable with the veteran leadership this locker room has and a winning mentality.

Can't wait to see him next to KG and swat balls.

[pearljammer10]

I'm very excited about the darko signing. Gives us the potential to have an enforcer in the middle again and give us a bit of nasty and intimidation factor back if he somewhat pans out. If he doesn't, he's still a vet min bust who cares. I think darko won't live up to his "next dirk" expectations as a Celtic but is going to turn some heads and be one of our most important role players for this season.

[billysan]

I am hopeful that Darko and Collins can stay healthy and I don't think they need to be all that good and can still make a big impact.

Just consider a scenario where Darko learns the defense and plays well enough to not give up offensive rebounds or turnovers, doesn't foul out, and finishes when he is left open.  

That would allow us to put out a line up of Rondo, Pierce, Green, KG, and Darko.  How does anyone match up with that?  That will be a good team.

This would be huge and I add Collins to the mix like you did here. Two big bodies playing relatively mistake free, rebounds, picks and consistent post presence would be a godsend for this team. They dont have to be All Stars and we shouldnt have high expectations.

[Vermont Green]

I am hopeful that Darko and Collins can stay healthy and I don't think they need to be all that good and can still make a big impact.

Just consider a scenario where Darko learns the defense and plays well enough to not give up offensive rebounds or turnovers, doesn't foul out, and finishes when he is left open.  

That would allow us to put out a line up of Rondo, Pierce, Green, KG, and Darko.  How does anyone match up with that?  That will be a good team.

This would be huge and I add Collins to the mix like you did here. Two big bodies playing relatively mistake free, rebounds, picks and consistent post presence would be a godsend for this team. They dont have to be All Stars and we shouldnt have high expectations.

Yes, what I said about Darko, mistake free, etc., applies to Collins as well, as you describe.  The difference though is that I am holding out some hope that Darko actually has some upside and will be the better of the two.  Collins has 15 years or whatever of being what he is and that at best is what he will be for the Celtics (and what Collins is or should be will be just fine and very helpful for say 16 minutes per game).

If Darko can give us a little bit more than Collins, I will be happy.  I hope that isn't too much to ask and I don't think it is.  Darko is still a relatively athletic 7-footer, with some skill, and not too many miles on him.

[billysan]

I am hopeful that Darko and Collins can stay healthy and I don't think they need to be all that good and can still make a big impact.

Just consider a scenario where Darko learns the defense and plays well enough to not give up offensive rebounds or turnovers, doesn't foul out, and finishes when he is left open.  

That would allow us to put out a line up of Rondo, Pierce, Green, KG, and Darko.  How does anyone match up with that?  That will be a good team.

This would be huge and I add Collins to the mix like you did here. Two big bodies playing relatively mistake free, rebounds, picks and consistent post presence would be a godsend for this team. They dont have to be All Stars and we shouldnt have high expectations.

Yes, what I said about Darko, mistake free, etc., applies to Collins as well, as you describe.  The difference though is that I am holding out some hope that Darko actually has some upside and will be the better of the two.  Collins has 15 years or whatever of being what he is and that at best is what he will be for the Celtics (and what Collins is or should be will be just fine and very helpful for say 16 minutes per game).

If Darko can give us a little bit more than Collins, I will be happy.  I hope that isn't too much to ask and I don't think it is.  Darko is still a relatively athletic 7-footer, with some skill, and not too many miles on him.

Yes and if it works out the way I hope, then this will be reflected in minutes.


It could even result is Darko being a starter at some point, but I dont want to get my hopes up at this stage. I would be satified with about 12-15 mpg from Darko and 8-10 from Collins. This would give KG plenty of rest and maybe even some minutes at the PF.

[CelticHooligan3]

I am hopeful that Darko and Collins can stay healthy and I don't think they need to be all that good and can still make a big impact.

Just consider a scenario where Darko learns the defense and plays well enough to not give up offensive rebounds or turnovers, doesn't foul out, and finishes when he is left open.  

That would allow us to put out a line up of Rondo, Pierce, Green, KG, and Darko.  How does anyone match up with that?  That will be a good team.

This would be huge and I add Collins to the mix like you did here. Two big bodies playing relatively mistake free, rebounds, picks and consistent post presence would be a godsend for this team. They dont have to be All Stars and we shouldnt have high expectations.

Yes, what I said about Darko, mistake free, etc., applies to Collins as well, as you describe.  The difference though is that I am holding out some hope that Darko actually has some upside and will be the better of the two.  Collins has 15 years or whatever of being what he is and that at best is what he will be for the Celtics (and what Collins is or should be will be just fine and very helpful for say 16 minutes per game).

If Darko can give us a little bit more than Collins, I will be happy.  I hope that isn't too much to ask and I don't think it is.  Darko is still a relatively athletic 7-footer, with some skill, and not too many miles on him.

Yes and if it works out the way I hope, then this will be reflected in minutes.


It could even result is Darko being a starter at some point, but I dont want to get my hopes up at this stage. I would be satified with about 12-15 mpg from Darko and 8-10 from Collins. This would give KG plenty of rest and maybe even some minutes at the PF.

I think you guys are both right on the money. Im really curious to see that starting lineup, opening night. Nothing seems to be set in stone yet, which makes for a competitive camp. This feels like 2008 all over again honestly.

[cman88]

I think the Darko/Collins signings really are for certain matchups..with the players he has, Doc really has the versatility to put so many different lineups together depending on the opponent and the matchup


against Miami you can matchup small with Green at the 4/KG at the 5.....or against someone like LA or 76ers you could move KG to his traditional 4 and have collins/Milicic defend the 5

its the kind of versatility we havent really had since 08 with posey/Perk..where Doc had his choice of going big or small depending on the matchup

[GreenFaith1819]

Looking forward to Darko this season.

He can only help us.

[Jon]

I like the move, but I wouldn't be shocked to see Wilcox get the bulk of the backup minutes behind KG, making Darko merely a 3rd string center. 

Still, at the very least he and Collins will be useful against Bynum and Howard. 

[alley oop]

At one point in a game during the season with Shaq on the team, LBJ was driving toward the basket, ran into Shaq and bounced off dizzy for a bit (wish I could find the youtube of it). Maybe Darko can do some of that to LBJ; especially if he's driving to the basket with his knee leading the way, as he did sometimes to KG in the playoffs.

[ImShakHeIsShaq]

At one point in a game during the season with Shaq on the team, LBJ was driving toward the basket, ran into Shaq and bounced off dizzy for a bit (wish I could find the youtube of it). Maybe Darko can do some of that to LBJ; especially if he's driving to the basket with his knee leading the way, as he did sometimes to KG in the playoffs.

Yep, I remember that game, it caused both Wade and Brinda to stop going in there like they normally would... of course, we won.

[CelticHooligan3]

At one point in a game during the season with Shaq on the team, LBJ was driving toward the basket, ran into Shaq and bounced off dizzy for a bit (wish I could find the youtube of it). Maybe Darko can do some of that to LBJ; especially if he's driving to the basket with his knee leading the way, as he did sometimes to KG in the playoffs.

Yep, I remember that game, it caused both Wade and Brinda to stop going in there like they normally would... of course, we won.

Collins is here for this exact role too, let's not forget. I'd say skill wise between the two, Milicic is better. More potential too. So maybe he gives some hard fouls but nothing too outrageous. We could use his rebounding and shot blocking. To me the intimidation factor for him should only be utilized in serious cases. Sending a message plays are usually reserved for guys like Collins.

[billysan]

I like the move, but I wouldn't be shocked to see Wilcox get the bulk of the backup minutes behind KG, making Darko merely a 3rd string center. 

Still, at the very least he and Collins will be useful against Bynum and Howard. 

I think we will also need them against Marc Gasol and Z-Bo, those two big boys on the Clippers are not pushovers, Detroit may end up with a good size front line, Jefferson and Milsap, How about the Bulls?, Kaman and Nowitski?, and so on.

Not everyone is following the Heat's small line up recipe. There are plenty of teams in the league who still field a decent sized front line at times. Small ball is an option and change of venue, some teams have no choice, some do. We look like we can match up with anyone IMO.

[gar]

His answers were somewhat predictable. Like that he is focused on team and realizes that that is path to redemption; however, the quality you don't see in Pierce, Garnett and Rondo is Darko's willingness to settle. This is a key difference. I hope they can instill in him a drive to be the best he can be; but to be truly one of the best Centers in the league. That is what it takes to be a Champion.

I am not saying that it will make the C's this season; but if he can push himself to the next level, I think he could be big for the C's.

[SHAQATTACK]

Ok.....I'm throwing in with him ...   

I find it REFRESHING  , OLD SCHOOL basketball talk....he is willing to jump im amd kill somebody to win the game for his team.  There you go...you go in and DO WHAT is necessary to WIN....if you DON't. be certain  D WADE ( master ganster) will do anything to win .... so I say we GET IN LEBRONS FACE.. LEBRON gets kicked out ...the HEAT LOSE.

Thats what I"M talking about !!!! REAL MEN !!!

Yep.... the THUGS in Miami need a good dose of DARKO attitude. 

Wish we could get the Birdman too.... just to pick , worry and screw with LeBron, Kobe, Wade and Howard.

I hope DARKO bulks up another 30 lbs .