Pistons trade Milicic to Magic, Good or bad?

[datek23]

I read this just now and I think the Magic got a steal.

I think Darko has some real talent on him. Larry Brown never liked young Players and Saunders just didn't have no room for him to play on the impressive Piston Roster.

I think Darko will prove everyone wrong in Detroit, they forced the poor kid to play down low when he actually is a great shooter that has long range like Dirk. Pistons will bit their ass on this trade for a long time. Last year I did ESPN full 48 minutes for a player and to see the stats. Even if Darko barely played if he played 48 minutes his stats were mind boggling. What stood out was 17 rebounds a game, 8 block shoots, 3 steals a game.

THis kid can play like most of the European players. I remember when Detroit gave up on Okur and Mike Games, remember that? Okur is stellar along with James. Just imagine if the Pistons keep James and Okur.

Heres the full story if it comes up true,

Pistons trade Milicic to Magic
By LARRY LAGE, AP Sports Writer
February 15, 2006

The Detroit Pistons gave up on Darko Milicic on Wednesday night, trading the No. 2 pick in the 2003 draft to the Orlando Magic for a first-round selection and center Kelvin Cato, a source told The Associated Press.

The source within the league, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced by either team, said reserve Carlos Arroyo also was dealt to Orlando as part of the trade.

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Detroit drafted Milicic three years ago after LeBron James and ahead of Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. But he barely played as the Pistons won an NBA title, almost repeated last year and compiled the best record in the league so far this season.

The 7-foot, 245-pound center from Serbia-Montenegro played in 96 games in three seasons, averaging 1.6 points, 1.2 rebounds and 5.8 minutes. He is 20 years old.

After being relegated to the bench under former coach Larry Brown for two seasons, first-year coach Flip Saunders insisted Milicic would be given a chance to play. But he was still stuck as a seldom-used reserve, averaging 1.6 points in 25 games this season.

In return for one of the NBA's biggest busts, the Pistons acquired a first-round pick and future salary-cap space when Cato's $8 million-plus contract expires this summer.

If Orlando's first-round pick next year is No. 5 or better, the Magic will keep it. If it's not, the Pistons will acquire the Magic's 2008 first-round slot.

Cato is not expected to contribute to the Pistons this season, but the cap room created by his departure will help them re-sign Ben Wallace this summer. Cato has not played since Jan. 18 because of a sprained ankle and is averaging just 3.8 points and 2.7 points for the Magic this season. The 31-year-old center averaged a career-high 8.7 points with the Houston Rockets during the 1999-00 season.

The Pistons acquired Arroyo from the Utah Jazz nearly 13 months ago, with three years and about $12 million left on his contract. He averaged 3.2 points and 3.1 assists this season, his fifth in the NBA. With the return of Lindsey Hunter from injury, Arroyo might have played even less the rest of the season. Detroit also clears some salary-cap space by dealing the point guard.

Detroit heads into this weekend's All-Star break an NBA-best 42-9 while the Magic are among the league's worst teams.

Despite his struggles with the Pistons, Milicic was a fan favorite during his first two seasons and was embarrassed when they chanted: "We want Dar-ko!" This season, the fans seemed to give up on trying to get him into games -- and the team ran out of patience with a player it knew would be a project.

With Detroit's playoff position secure last season, Milicic started the final two regular-season games and responded with 25 points and eight rebounds -- the kind of numbers the Pistons said he would if he was on a struggling team.

During practices and workouts, Milicic often looked impressive scoring on an array of low-post moves, mid-range jumpers and 3-pointers. His skills rarely carried over into games.

Updated on Wednesday, Feb 15, 2006 9:17 pm EST

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[Illusion]

I think it's good. The guy will finally have a chance to prove himself.

[datek23]

I think it's good. The guy will finally have a chance to prove himself.

I agree with you on that. Detroit has just way too much talent, they are set for the next ten years with all the talent they have. They probably will win 5-6 six championships. The reason I say that is they all love each other the starting five, they were all outcast and found a home.

Regardless I believe Darko will help Orlando greatly and will help Detroit alot also since this will free up money cap to resign Ben Wallace to end his carrer in Detroit.

Regardless Joe Dumars also seems to be a genius even with the Darko situation.

[datek23]

THis is what ESPN is saying,

Pistons get Cato, first-round pick for Darko, Arroyo
ESPN.com news services
click this

Darko Milicic
Milicic

The Detroit Pistons have completed the trade sending forward-center Darko Milicic and point guard Carlos Arroyo to the Orlando Magic for Kelvin Cato and a first-round draft pick, ESPN.com learned Wednesday.

ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported Wednesday that the first-round pick in the deal won't belong to Detroit until the 2007 draft at the earliest. Orlando keeps the pick for this June's draft and the pick is top-five protected in 2007, meaning that it would only go to the Pistons if it's No. 6 or lower. The pick is totally unprotected in 2008.

The little-used Milicic appeared in 25 games for the Pistons this season, averaging 1.5 points per game in 5.6 minutes. Arroyo, a reserve guard, averaged 3.2 points and 3.1 assists in 50 games for Detroit.

Cato averaged 13 minutes in 23 with the Magic, averaging 3.8 points and 2.7 rebounds.

Milicic didn't play much more for Flip Saunders this season than he did for Larry Brown last season, fueling more second-guessing on Detroit's decision to draft the Serbian 7-footer over Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.

Yet, even if Milicic had gotten more regular playing time this season, it's doubtful the Pistons could have afforded to keep him. With Ben Wallace bound for free agency in July and Chauncey Billups expected to seek lucrative contract extensions before becoming a free agent in the summer of 2007, Detroit also needed Cato's expiring contract ($8.6 million this season) to create the salary-cap space to resign both comfortably and keep together its vaunted starting lineup.

After Wallace and Billups re-sign, all five Pistons starters will possess contracts averaging at least $10 million per season -- an NBA rarity but a necessity for Pistons president Joe Dumars given the success and relative youth (Ben Wallace and Rasheed Wallace are both 31) of the group.

While Orlando continues to explore its Steve Francis trade options, the trade gives Milicic a chance to play immediately alongside franchise forward Dwight Howard. It might also eventually give the Magic two highly touted but unproven European big men for its frontcourt rotation, with the Magic still hopeful they will have 2005 first-round pick Fran Vazquez, who elected to play in Spain this season, in the near future.

[rm18]

This was a bad trade for Detroit, I doubt Ben Wallace has many years left

Darko still should be a good player, there are many great players who have done nothing in the NBA at 20 years old

[isetcap]

I disagree on the talents of Darko. He has not been logging minutes in games because he is terrible in the minutes he logs during practices. Keep in mind he has been practicing with the best team in basketball over those 3 years. That should have brought out a great deal of the "potential" he supposedly has. It hasn't simply because he is lacking in two departments; his hands are terrible and he lacks confidence. The Pistons will NOT look back on this trade at any point in time during the next ten years and wish they hadn't made it. They will look back and kick themselves for having drafted him in the first place.

[datek23]

I remember when Pistons traded or got rid of Chucky Atkins, Damon Jones, and Corlis Williamson, and also Okur and Mike James. I remember when Detroit begged to get rid of Okur and now look, one of the few centers that can shoot the three and very hard to defend. Usually any player that leaves the Detroit System usually will have a OK carrer, we shall see on Feb 21 when the Magic plays again and they say Darko will play right away. I am very interesting to see this box score stats for Darko.

[Bill Dozer]

Darko probably wouldn't have resigned with Detroit after his rookie deal was up and they knew he wouldn't help them in the mean time. Trading his potential for some bench help seems like a smart move to me.

[imgv94]

What do you guys think? If Detroit drafted Carmelo Anthony instead
of Milicic you think they would of been as good as they have been?? Better like a team that wins 72 games.
Or the same or worse?

[Bill Dozer]

What do you guys think? If Detroit drafted Carmelo Anthony instead
of Milicic you think they would of been as good as they have been?? Better like a team that wins 72 games.
Or the same or worse?

I don't know if the Pistons can be much better. Prince might not be the stud he is. I do think Carmelo would have been better.

[imgv94]

Prince plays better D than Anthony. I don't understand why Milicic didn't
get more playing time?? Does he suck that bad to only play 3 mins a game
if even that?

[Bill Dozer]

Physically he is not a bad player. On Dallas or Golden State he could be another gunner. On an Indiana or a Detroit you don't want to be the guy who sets a crappy screen after Richard Hamilton runs a 1/4 mile to get open. You end up in he dog house for messing up a real play. Then there is defense, which they don't teach in Europe.

[datek23]

It think the Pistons will be worse, since you got five strong personalities that force you to play in a system. Even if the Pistons had Wade, Bosh, or Carmelo they will be held back greatly. THe leaders of the pistons are as follows in Order,

1). Ben Wallace- longest Piston and the true quiet leader of the pistons
2). Chauncey Billups=relentless pitbull that pushes and bullies oppenents guards
3). Lindsey Hunter-invaluable bench player. Allen Iverson called him out before, the best defensive guard he has ever played against, in which Allen Iverson said about Hunter and Hunter has all the respect from the whole Pistons team.
4). Rasheed-Without Rasheed no title for the Pistons, I remember Rasheed coming to the Pistons and it seemed like no team could score over 60 points against the Pistons several years ago and it holds true today, with more teams scoring just a little bit more.
5). Richard Hamilition-Michael Jordon got rid of "Rip" because of his constant gambling problem. While Michael Jordan was player and GM of the Wizards, only one player never backed down from him, Richard Hamilton. Jordan .tried to bet on free throws in practice with Richard Hamilition and Jordan constantly always lost to Rip and which inflamed the great Jordan to get rid of him. Several times the teams bus in Washington was late leaving while Jordan and Rip battle it out in private and Jordan always trying to double or nothing bets with the Rip and still constantly lost. After Jordan got enough of Rip he traded him for Stackhouse. Jordan was a constant crybady if didn't get his way, he found ways to make it go his way. 100% true story.

[datek23]

THis is the best thing that can happen to Darko, this boy has real talent and at 20 will be a real force in the league now in the coming years.

[adriano]

I am happy for Darko that he finally got his chance. Whether he is good or not remains to be seen. Overall seems like Pistons threw in too much in that deal.

[imgv94]

5). Richard Hamilition-Michael Jordon got rid of "Rip" because of his constant gambling problem. While Michael Jordan was player and GM of the Wizards, only one player never backed down from him, Richard Hamilton. Jordan .tried to bet on free throws in practice with Richard Hamilition and Jordan constantly always lost to Rip and which inflamed the great Jordan to get rid of him. Several times the teams bus in Washington was late leaving while Jordan and Rip battle it out in private and Jordan always trying to double or nothing bets with the Rip and still constantly lost. After Jordan got enough of Rip he traded him for Stackhouse. Jordan was a constant crybady if didn't get his way, he found ways to make it go his way. 100% true story.I love you

Very interesting. Jordan's gambling problem is what
made Jordan attempt baseball. Where he hit .190 and
had 1 career HR

[bigboydan]

darko was in larry browns dog house right from the start. with that being said, he never really had a chance in detriot at all.

[datek23]

I am happy for Darko that he finally got his chance. Whether he is good or not remains to be seen. Overall seems like Pistons threw in too much in that deal.

Pistons didn't put in or lose much at all. Arroyo was a good player but also a horrible defender. Usually the Pistons will be up by 20 points and then they put in the bench to finish games and when Arroyo is in the game everything collapses, and in certain games the Starters have to come back on because of Arroyos foollessness.

Second Lidneys Hunter is back, and trust me, Hunter is a gem of a defender, he is able to shut down any guard in the league. I have watch games when Hunter is in the game it seems like there is always a halfcourt violation with the other teams time to ge the ball upcourt within 10 secounds. In one game Hunter cause 4 violations by himself, this guy is the real deal and the Pistons will be even better now since he is healthy.This is no joke when Allen Iverson has mentioned several times before that Hunter is the best defender he has ever faces.

Darko will be a stud, just not on the Pistons since they are already fully loaded. We will se in about a week how a total different environment can make a huge difference.

Pistons came out on top since this will free up all room for Billups and Wallace in the coming years. Also good for Darko to finally prove himself at the age of 20.

[isetcap]

I remember when Pistons traded or got rid of Chucky Atkins, Damon Jones, and Corlis Williamson, and also Okur and Mike James. I remember when Detroit begged to get rid of Okur and now look, one of the few centers that can shoot the three and very hard to defend. Usually any player that leaves the Detroit System usually will have a OK carrer, we shall see on Feb 21 when the Magic plays again and they say Darko will play right away. I am very interesting to see this box score stats for Darko.

There was no doubt that Okur was a quality player though. He received significant minutes and played an important role on that Pistons team. Darko is no Mehmet. He will get minutes and may put up occasinal numbers on that terrible team but his impact will be insignificant in terms of wins and losses.

[pags11]

haven't seen this guy play much, but I heard on sportscenter he just turned 21...still a pretty young guy...

[rm18]

I don't think he turns 21 until May, because I remeber debate on whether he was allowed to be drafted since he turned 18 before the draft but after the entrance deadline.

Nevermind I felt like looking it up, he turns 21 June 20th

[isetcap]

It think the Pistons will be worse, since you got five strong personalities that force you to play in a system. Even if the Pistons had Wade, Bosh, or Carmelo they will be held back greatly. THe leaders of the pistons are as follows in Order,

1). Ben Wallace- longest Piston and the true quiet leader of the pistons
2). Chauncey Billups=relentless pitbull that pushes and bullies oppenents guards
3). Lindsey Hunter-invaluable bench player. Allen Iverson called him out before, the best defensive guard he has ever played against, in which Allen Iverson said about Hunter and Hunter has all the respect from the whole Pistons team.
4). Rasheed-Without Rasheed no title for the Pistons, I remember Rasheed coming to the Pistons and it seemed like no team could score over 60 points against the Pistons several years ago and it holds true today, with more teams scoring just a little bit more.
5). Richard Hamilition-Michael Jordon got rid of "Rip" because of his constant gambling problem. While Michael Jordan was player and GM of the Wizards, only one player never backed down from him, Richard Hamilton. Jordan .tried to bet on free throws in practice with Richard Hamilition and Jordan constantly always lost to Rip and which inflamed the great Jordan to get rid of him. Several times the teams bus in Washington was late leaving while Jordan and Rip battle it out in private and Jordan always trying to double or nothing bets with the Rip and still constantly lost. After Jordan got enough of Rip he traded him for Stackhouse. Jordan was a constant crybady if didn't get his way, he found ways to make it go his way. 100% true story.

Very well thought out post. It applies perfectly to breaking down why the Pistons would not have been as good with Carmelo.

But with Wade...they'd be the reigning champions in the NBA.

Washington let go of Rip because he was a severe defensive liability when he first entered the NBA. He still would be a liability on most NBA teams but the players around him in Detroit cover his weaknesses from a strength standpoint.

[datek23]

Very well thought out post. It applies perfectly to breaking down why the Pistons would not have been as good with Carmelo.

But with Wade...they'd be the reigning champions in the NBA.

Washington let go of Rip because he was a severe defensive liability when he first entered the NBA. He still would be a liability on most NBA teams but the players around him in Detroit cover his weaknesses from a strength standpoint.

I believe there was more to the RIchard Hamilton story that anyone lets on. Hamilton was just way too much talented and was putting decent numbers every year when allowd to play. Hamilton has acknowledged Jordan got rid of him since Jordan always lost on a continued basis to Rip. Rip has also said he was deeply hurt by this his Jordan was his idol. THere is more to the story that people let on, I believe Jordan purposely got rid of Rip. Rip Hamilton for Jerry Stackhouse just doesn't add up. There was rumors that Washingtons owner was very upset over this and went out of the way to get rid of Jordan, and which they did, called him up one day and said you are done for good. Jordan thought he was god and could do whatever he felt like and thought nobody could beat him in anything. Thats where Rip came one of the first young players that step up to the plate and challeged Jordan and made Jordan furious when the whole team sometimes watched him lose on a continued basis to Rip Hamilton on free throw bets and other bets. THis story has more than it tells be I have found great articles on this situation.



Jordan Sets Pick as NBA Players Casually Bet for $40,000 Pots
By Scott Soshnick
Source: Bloomberg News

nullApril 25 (Bloomberg) — Michael Jordan and Richard Hamilton, then teammates with the Washington Wizards, engaged in a post-practice shooting contest three seasons ago.

Having lost a number of bets, Jordan, a five-time National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player, refused to leave the gym until he recouped his money, forcing teammates and coaches to wait more than 90 minutes inside an idling bus, Hamilton recalls.

“I can’t say how much we were playing for, but we were betting a large amount per shot,'’ says Hamilton, 27, who was paid $7.8 million this season by the defending NBA champion Detroit Pistons.

High-stakes betting is commonplace in the league, whose playoffs started Saturday. Disputes over IOUs have even led to fisticuffs. Whether it’s trick shots at practice, dice on the team plane, or poker — which participants say sometimes results in pots topping $40,000 — NBA players from an array of teams say they have a penchant for wagering.

Deputy Commissioner Russ Granik, the league’s second-in-command, declined to comment on the betting.

Players say it fosters camaraderie. It also helps kill time for athletes who spend countless hours in hotels during the 82- game NBA season.

“Everybody knows it’s going on,'’ says Brian Scalabrine, 27, a forward with the New Jersey Nets.

Five-card stud was the game of choice for the 2000 Indiana Pacers.

“Poker was a big thing. It brought us all together,'’ says Travis Best, a former Pacer who now plays alongside Scalabrine. “I’ve seen some $40,000 pots.'’

$4.9 Million Salary

Bets among NBA players, who earned an average of $4.9 million this season, usually are covered with IOUs. Animosity can fester when debts aren’t settled on time.

“Everybody has the ability to pay,'’ says 11-year veteran Eric Piatkowski, a forward with the Chicago Bulls. “I can’t imagine a teammate not settling up. It would blow my mind.'’

Yet, that’s what happened in 2000, when Philadelphia’s Tyrone Hill and Toronto’s Charles Oakley quarreled over an unpaid debt.

As Oakley told it in an April 8 interview at Madison Square Garden, a game of dice left Hill more than $60,000 in debt. Oakley slapped Hill in the face before a preseason game, then hurled basketballs at him before a regular-season contest. The NBA fined Oakley $10,000 and suspended him one game for the ball-tossing episode. Neither player was disciplined for betting.

“Some guys don’t pay,'’ said Oakley, 41, now retired. “It’s just one of those things you have to deal with.'’

League Rules

At the time of the incidents, Hill, who retired last season, said only that the squabble was a personal matter. Mark Bartelstein, Hill’s agent, said his client wouldn’t comment further.

The major U.S. professional leagues — the NBA, National Football League, Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League — bar players from betting on their sport or associating with known gamblers. Baseball banned all-time hits leader Pete Rose for life for betting on games.

Still, says NFL spokesman Greg Aiello, “if an individual racks up high gambling debts, that would be a concern.'’

Leagues don’t bar players from friendly, casual wagers or legalized gambling. There’s no prohibition on athletes partaking in a game of poker at a Las Vegas casino.

Professional golf is different. According to the PGA Tour’s handbook, players are forbidden from gambling or even playing cards at a Tour event.
A number of NBA players say they’re reluctant to discuss their betting practices for fear of drawing a rebuke from league or team officials.

`Not Supposed To’

“We’re not supposed to gamble,'’ says 14-year veteran Dale Davis, a forward with the Pacers. “You know how it is.'’

Coaches deflected questions about players betting, refusing to say whether they’re even aware of it.

“I have no comment,'’ said Eddie Jordan, 50, coach of the Wizards. “Go ask the players.'’

New York Knicks assistant coach Mark Aguirre, 45, who won two championships with the Pistons, says NBA coaches shouldn’t legislate player behavior. That’s best left to college coaches, he says.

“In college you’re coaching lives,'’ Aguirre says. “In the NBA you’re coaching basketball.'’

Starbucks Corp. Chairman Howard Schultz, who owns the Seattle SuperSonics, says he attends practice once a week and hasn’t observed any betting. When asked for his view on player wagering, he declined to comment.

Jerry Buss, owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, said, “I don’t pay much attention to that,'’ when asked whether his players gamble.

`The Worst Gamblers’

Sacramento Kings co-owner Joe Maloof, whose family owns the Palms casino in Las Vegas, says the betting is harmless. His casino is a popular destination for NBA players, who are lured by 7-foot (3.1-meter) beds and accommodating showerhead heights.

“Professional athletes make the worst gamblers because they always think they can win,'’ Maloof says. Toronto Raptors teammates Rafer Alston and Morris Peterson are among the players willing to chat about how much they bet and how they do it.

Peterson is adept at putting the ball through the basket from 47 feet (14.3 meters), earning him the nickname “the half-court king,'’ he says. Peterson occasionally bets on his ability to make three out of 10 attempts. The pot is usually in the hundreds of dollars, though on occasion it eclipses $1,000, he says.

“Ninety percent of the time I get the money,'’ says Peterson, whose salary was $4.4 million this season.



Poker Hands

Alston, who has a six-year, $26 million contract, says he’s the ringleader of the team’s poker posse. What kind of bankroll is required? “We start low,'’ Alston says, “but before you know it, it can be $2,500.'’

Five-time NBA champion Robert Horry, the 34-year-old sage of the San Antonio Spurs, says he opposes taking a teammate’s money. While disagreements rarely escalate into violence, bad blood lingers, which can affect wins and losses, he says.

“Attitudes, animosity and grudges develop,'’ says Horry, who won two NBA titles with the Houston Rockets and three with the Los Angeles Lakers. “It’s best that you don’t play.'’ Players hone their gambling skills before they reach the NBA.

Chicago’s Tyson Chandler, who skipped college and joined the Bulls as the No. 2 pick in the 2001 draft, says he and his teammates at Dominguez High School in Compton, California, regularly participated in shooting contests. The payoff, he says, depended on the day.

“It could be a Big Mac or a whole lot more,'’ he says.“The more money you’ve got, the stakes go up.'’

`Competitive Nature’

Chandler’s Bulls teammate, Kirk Hinrich, 24, says betting at his alma mater, the University of Kansas in Lawrence, was as much a part of practice as layup drills.

“Guys just love to gamble,'’ he says. “I guess it’s the competitive nature.'’

Chris Theisen, a spokesman for Kansas, says the school abides by National Collegiate Athletic Association rules. The NCAA doesn’t bar student-athletes from friendly wagers.

Jordan’s fondness for blackjack was well documented by journalists during his playing days, which ended in 2003. He was widely criticized in 1993 for a trip to a casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, before a playoff game against the Knicks.

Some NBA players win too often, making it difficult for them to find anyone willing to take their bets.

In San Antonio, players have learned to decline shooting-contest offers from Argentina native Manu Ginobili. A lifelong soccer player, Ginobili, 27, can make shots from center court by picking the ball up with his feet, bouncing it off his head and kicking it into the basket. “I just have fun,'’ he says.

Profit’s Profit

Washington’s Laron Profit, 27, may be appropriately named. He says he makes money on shooting contests that he prepares for during the off-season — including half-court shots standing with his back to the basket.

“Let’s just say we’ve done some wagering,'’ Profit says. He declines to say how much he’s won, adding, “Guys just won’t bet me anymore.'’

NBA players frequently challenge the shot-making prowess of Miami Heat guard Damon Jones, who made 225 3-pointers this season, third in the league. While Jones says he wouldn’t mind augmenting his $2.5 million salary, he declines contest offers.

“I don’t work on bad habits,'’ he says.

Some players accept unwise wagers just for the challenge.

Take Indiana’s Anthony Johnson and teammate Austin Croshere. At the outset of the season, says Johnson, they accepted a shooting challenge from teammate Reggie Miller, who has made more 3-pointers than anyone in league history.

`Expensive’ Gift

After each practice, the trio simulated an 18-hole round of golf. Whoever won the most holes won the day and received 10 points. Second received seven points, and third got five points. Miller, 39, had an insurmountable lead long before the season ended, winning a “very expensive'’ gift that Johnson wouldn’t disclose.

“For some strange reason, I thought I could beat the all-
time 3-point shooter,'’ Johnson says.

The Knicks’ Jamal Crawford, 25, says he works too hard to forfeit even a nickel of his $55.4 million, seven-year contract. Still, he enjoys watching when there’s so much money riding on one shot or one playing card.

“I get to laugh at guys losing their money,'’ he says.

As for Jordan, his affinity for separating his teammates from their paychecks developed long before he came out of retirement in 2001 to join the Wizards and challenge Hamilton. Jordan, 42, wouldn’t comment, said his spokeswoman, Estee Portnoy.

According to Steve Kerr, the most accurate 3-point shooter in NBA history, Jordan usually won the annual $800 shooting contest against his Chicago teammates. Kerr was in charge of keeping a tally throughout the season and disbursing the winnings.

“I guess I was the team bookie,'’ Kerr says.

[datek23]

Steve Kerr did a neat story on Darko,

It's Milicic time
By Steve Kerr, Yahoo! Sports
February 15, 2006

Steve Kerr
Yahoo! Sports Exclusive
After two and a half years of being referred to as the Human Victory Cigar, Darko Milicic is finally on his way out of Detroit, hoping to find greener pastures – and a new nickname – in Orlando.

The Orlando Magic will undoubtedly give the young center a legitimate chance to play, which is all he has hoped since the Detroit Pistons chose him second overall in the 2003 draft. Playing on a championship team with skilled, veteran big men left Milicic in the background, and his frustration grew, first under Larry Brown and then this season under Flip Saunders.

Without a realistic chance of cracking the rotation for many years, Milicic was desperate to move to a new team where he could develop his game. Orlando will provide him that opportunity.

With their future built around second-year power forward Dwight Howard, the Magic hope Milicic can play alongside him and become a star in his own right. To get Darko, Orlando gave up Kelvin Cato and a first-round pick in 2007. The selection is protected through the first five spots, meaning if the Magic have one of the top five selections in '07, they will hold onto it. Orlando would then give the Pistons its first pick in the 2008 draft unconditionally.

Playing next to Howard would appear to be a good fit for Milicic. In theory, Howard should draw the toughest assignment at both ends of the floor, freeing up Milicic to play against weaker opponents. The Magic are going nowhere this season, so if they don't throw the big man onto the floor for 35 minutes for the rest of the season, then something is wrong. Remember, Milicic is just 20 years old, and his potential is still vast and untapped.

ADVERTISEMENT
For Detroit general manager Joe Dumars, the trade represents an admission of sorts that the pick he used on Milicic was a mistake. Dumars has taken some heat the past couple of seasons for passing on Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade in order to take Milicic, but fact is, most of the GMs in the league would have done the same thing.

Milicic wowed scouts in pre-draft workouts with his 7-foot frame, his ability to run like a deer and his deft shooting touch. The fact that he didn't work out for the Pistons proves two things: 1) Even the best GMs make mistakes – Dumars has done just about everything else right in building the Pistons – and 2) that the draft is an inexact science.

Pick any draft in the history of the NBA, and you'll be able to find plenty of mistakes. (Anyone remember Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan?). Granted, Milicic's selection was one of the bigger errors ever, but it's one that will not haunt Dumars or the Pistons, given the success they have had and will continue to have.

In the next two seasons, Dumars will likely re-sign Ben Wallace and Chauncey Billups to extensions after shedding Milicic's contract – along with Carlos Arroyo's – to give Detroit more financial flexibility. (Cato's contract runs out this summer.) On top of that, the Pistons may have a very high draft pick in what is projected to be a very deep 2007 draft.

All in all, this is a trade that makes sense for both sides, but the big winner is Milicic. He needs to play, and he's finally going to get his chance. Let's hope he earns a new, more flattering nickname.

Steve Kerr is Yahoo! Sports' NBA analyst. Send him a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast.

[makadonska]

How many NBA centers in the NBA are able to shoot the three, that is a mecca of all holy grails. Very hard to find these players, what what I have read about Darko, he is able to shoot threes on a regular basis in practice.

[datek23]

How many NBA centers in the NBA are able to shoot the three, that is a mecca of all holy grails. Very hard to find these players, what what I have read about Darko, he is able to shoot threes on a regular basis in practice.

That is a good question. THere are a few of them only. I believe Dirk is good. Okur is good. Rasheed is very good.

Anyone else has centers that can hit the three?

I remember Sam Perkins back in the day was lethal at the three point line. Was Terry Mills a center? I remember he used to jack them up all the time also.

Just not very many of them with my recent memory.

[isetcap]

How many NBA centers in the NBA are able to shoot the three, that is a mecca of all holy grails. Very hard to find these players, what what I have read about Darko, he is able to shoot threes on a regular basis in practice.

He's not doing ANYTHING on a regular basis in practice! That's the biggest part of the problem. The best centers in the NBA are unstoppable inside, not from the perimiter. For example, Shaq will never shoot a 3 except in commercials. You guys are dreaming when it comes to Darko. Stop giving me this crap about, "Oh he just doesn't get a chance because the team is so good." Is that why Ginobli and Parker spent so much time on the bench in San Antonio? Oh, that's right, they didn't...

[datek23]

He's not doing ANYTHING on a regular basis in practice! That's the biggest part of the problem. The best centers in the NBA are unstoppable inside, not from the perimiter. For example, Shaq will never shoot a 3 except in commercials. You guys are dreaming when it comes to Darko. Stop giving me this crap about, "Oh he just doesn't get a chance because the team is so good." Is that why Ginobli and Parker spent so much time on the bench in San Antonio? Oh, that's right, they didn't...

isetcap do you think the networks might make this game of the week when Darko makes his first apperance? It wouldn't suprise me, since the networks are always looking for a rating boost. A lot of new stories on ESPN, FOX, CNNSI, SBR and etc on Darko. So much coverage for a player that has done nothing really to date besides being the human victory cigar.

I can't wait to see this how the networks handle this. They are going to make a cirus of this situation. how funny.

[isetcap]

isetcap do you think the networks might make this game of the week when Darko makes his first apperance? It wouldn't suprise me, since the networks are always looking for a rating boost. A lot of new stories on ESPN, FOX, CNNSI, SBR and etc on Darko. So much coverage for a player that has done nothing really to date besides being the human victory cigar.

I can't wait to see this how the networks handle this. They are going to make a cirus of this situation. how funny.

You are absolutely correct and that is a great point. They will continue to pound this story until Darko bores audiences away. The media is fascinated because he was #2 in one of the most important drafts in the last decade.

[isetcap]

That is a good question. THere are a few of them only. I believe Dirk is good. Okur is good. Rasheed is very good.

All these players are forwards. Okur occasionally fills the center role. NBA teams don't like to run offenses where the centers camp on the 3 point line.

[datek23]

All these players are forwards. Okur occasionally fills the center role. NBA teams don't like to run offenses where the centers camp on the 3 point line.

SOmetimes on certain websites they list Dirk as Center/Forward because he is so tall at 7 feet so many people think he is a center.

I like Okur finally found a place to flourish.

Sometimes Ben and Sheed intermix as center and power forward.

Bill Lambeer late in his career was a ok 3 point shooter.

[datek23]

Very interesting. Jordan's gambling problem is what
made Jordan attempt baseball. Where he hit .190 and
had 1 career HR

I have found another story on Jordan and Hamilton situation. Jordan is a punk and a sore loser. Jordan is a double or nothing type of crybaby.

washingtonpost.com
M. Jordan and Hamilton Bet on Shooting Contests

Post
Sunday, May 1, 2005; E08

Pistons G Richard Hamilton last week confirmed a Bloomberg News report that he participated in high-stakes, post-practice shooting contests with former teammate Michael Jordan when the two were members of the Wizards in 2001-02.

But Hamilton said that money never changed hands, even though the pots reportedly reached as high as $40,000. That's because, according to Hamilton, Jordan was the one always losing and would never leave the gym until he broke even.

"We never exchanged money," Hamilton said last week. "We played until he got even."

On Friday, a publicist for Jordan said the former NBA superstar was traveling and unavailable for comment.

"When you are Michael Jordan," Hamilton said, "the best player who ever played -- and team president -- nobody is going to leave until you get even."

The two used to make wagers on half-court shots.

"There were times he would get up on me, but by the time we were done, we'd be even," said Hamilton, whose salary this season is $7.3 million.

Hamilton said that Jordan was so intent on winning -- or at least lowering his debt -- that he would make the team bus wait up to 90 minutes while he and Hamilton dueled.

"There are times the team had to wait at least that long," Hamilton said.

-- From News Services

[datek23]

It's Darko time If you think Darko is a bust, pick the over today of Cleveland with the -9 spread if you think he will make the difference, pick the underdog with the +9. In my opinion I think Darko will make a difference with Arrayo. I expect Darko to have 15 points 12 Rebounds 4 Blocks 2 steals 5 fouls

[isetcap]

It's Darko time If you think Darko is a bust, pick the over today of Cleveland with the -9 spread if you think he will make the difference, pick the underdog with the +9. In my opinion I think Darko will make a difference with Arrayo. I expect Darko to have 15 points 12 Rebounds 4 Blocks 2 steals 5 fouls

LMAO..if Darko has a line similar to that tonight then the Magic would have to be considered the worst assemblage of talent ever in the NBA. At best, Darko will be the 4th option at any given point on offense. Him having 15 would be like a good NBA player having 50. That's a tough call to make.