Great NBA Mysteries: Why Does Everyone Think They Can Turn Darko Into a Good Pro?
NBA September 9th. 2008, 5:30pm
If the rumors are to be believed, the Knicks are pondering this following swap: Zach Randolph and his hefty contract to Memphis for two Euros, Marko Jaric and Darko Milicic.
First, the obvious: Randolph has a history of petulance, and at $14.6 million, $16 mil, and $17 mil, he’s not exactly a bargain, despite 17 points and 10 boards a night. Plus, he apparently doesn’t fit into new coach Mike D’Antoni’s up-tempo system and the Knicks want to make a run at LeBron in two years. D’Antoni, a former Italian coach, has a penchant for Euros, and the Garden could use some Adriana Lima, who is engaged to Jaric.
Perhaps this is just a salary cap thing. But of all the players to go after … Darko? He’s now played on three teams in five seasons since being drafted 2nd in 2003, after LeBron and ahead of ‘Melo, Bosh and D Wade, and despite an increase in minutes, he’s never averaged double figures in points. He has nearly as many fouls as he does assists and blocks, combined (566-560). D’Antoni’s system rejuvenated the career of Steve Nash … but Darko? No shot. Not happening. (Though we assume he’d out hustle Eddy Curry.) That being said … if the Grizzlies would do this deal – they’d finally have the low-post presence they couldn’t nab in the draft – the Knicks should pull the trigger immediately, no questions asked. Randolph or not, this isn’t a playoff team yet.
Knicks shopping Zach Randolph to Grizzlies in possible Darko Milicic deal (NY Daily News)
15 Responses to “Great NBA Mysteries: Why Does Everyone Think They Can Turn Darko Into a Good Pro?”
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September 9th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Kwame Brown could replace Darko in that question.
September 9th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
I love Adriana Lima…but she sounds like a man
September 9th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Lance is back baby!!!
September 9th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Addition by Zbo traction. That is why you do this deal. See Portland Trailblazers. Two offensive only turn over machines who play no defenseive is not necessary. Darko can at least block shots (very nice block% for career) but this is more about getting rid of zachy.
And is it really that hard to ‘rejuvented’ Darko? He will be 23 this season.
September 9th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
TBL you’re really losing my confidence today. First you satirize the Olympics, and now you nitpick Adriana Lima? That’s harsh.
September 9th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Too many NBA posts for a september if you ask me.
September 9th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Isn’t it obvious, I went after TBL’s pride and joy (Gossip Girl) earlier today and he’s striking back hard.
September 9th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
it definitely improved steve nash’s game, but rejuvenated his career? he was putting up really good numbers in Dallas, and flamed out in the playoffs each year. wait, not much different.
September 9th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
The trainers probably rejuvenated him.
Sparty – his numbers are much better in PHX across the board in every which way, including percentages.
September 9th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
@ oh no romo… Whatever you said about Gossip Girl, I will agree. It’s a soap opera in prime time. TBL to Gossip Girl is Jack Butler to Young and the Restless
September 9th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Thats cause she is a sophisticated sex robot, sent back in time to change the future for one lucky bastard.
September 9th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
hot robots are hot.
I don’t see the downside to Darko. It’s like he’s a late-round draft pick. He’s still a project because he’s insanely young with some real NBA experience. Plus you get to dump Randolph. Is Jaric good? I remember him sucking, but haven’t followed him since he left LA
September 9th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
If Memphis makes this move, Lebron is in NY in 2010. Darko and his seven million come off the books after the 09/10 season. They also get rid of the 17 million Randolph would be due in 10/11. If that happens, the Knicks only have 28 million in committed salary for 10/11, when Lebron can opt out. The Knicks will be roughly 60 million under the cap. Hopefully Walsh can pull this off cuz it would be nice to see Lebron playing in the Garden. It Memphis makes this deal they may also end up being responsible for restoring both the Laker and Knick franchises
September 9th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Quin, if Memphis makes that deal, they should also fold up shop and move to Seattle. They’ll be the greatest philanthropic franchise ever in the NBA
September 9th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
i am aware that his numbers are better. but it is not as if he was floundering in Dallas.