| New Griz Milicic ready to prove he belongs |
That chip you might notice on the shoulders of 7-foot Darko Milicic concerns him being ready to prove he is a quality NBA big man.
For the first time in his four-year NBA career, Milicic, the No. 2 overall pick of the 2003 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, will get his chance to shine this season with the Grizzlies. Milicic, who signed as a free agent with the Grizzlies for three years and a reported $21 million, was presented his No. 31 jersey at a news conference at FedExForum Tuesday afternoon.
All I want to do is make this team better, make this team win,'' Milicic said. ``I can't wait to play again. I can't wait until training camp because I'm really excited about it.''
After languishing on the Pistons' bench for nearly three years, Milicic spent the last year and half in Orlando where he averaged 7.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.84 blocked shots. Last season, his first full one with the Magic, Milicic averaged career highs in points (8.0), rebounds (5.5) and blocks (1.75) in 23.9 minutes.
But once Orlando signed free agent Rashard Lewis, Milicic became expendable. The 22-year-old will now team with Pau Gasol to give the Grizzlies a pair of twin towers.
"He's the versatile big man that we need to go along with Pau Gasol on the Grizzlies front line,'' Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said. ``And he also has the skill set to operate very well in (coach) Marc Iavaroni's system. After July 1, it became apparent that Orlando's loss could be Memphis' gain. And we quickly shifted our recruiting efforts full throttle in Darko's direction. We're very happy to be able to add him to the team today.''
Used courtesy of: Memphis Commercial Appeal |
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