You Don't Know the Power of the Darko Side!
by TheDarkoKnight on Oct 31, 2011 12:29 AM CDT
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PrintI don't know how pumped other T-Wolves fans for this upcoming season, but I am absolutely psyched. This last off-season was possibly the best in Timberwolves history (except the Garnett pick, of course). We got Ricky Rubio, we got Derrick Williams, and most importantly we got Rick Adelman. How awesome will these additions be for the Wolves? We shall find out, but in the mean time I'm going to annoy all the Darko-haters.
This year will be pivotal for Darko Milicic's career in the NBA. He recently turned twenty six; while not early in his career, there is still room for growth. With the arrival of the lauded Rick Adelman, 2011 could blossom into a great season for one of the most ridiculed players in NBA history. Adelman's accomplishments to this point rank amongst the best all-time, while Darko's aren't exactly legendary, to say the least. He's Infamous for the 2003 NBA Draft where he was selected second overall, before the likes of Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. He is also the youngest player to ever win an NBA championship.
The NBA lockout in 1998-99 was definitely a test for numerous player's will-power and discipline. Some players like Shawn Kemp, Mitch Richmond and Vin Baker began noticeable declines in the league. It makes me wonder if a guy like Darko Milicic (who has virtually disappeared since 2010-11 season finale), will not only stay in NBA shape but also improve; I guess only time will tell.
Returning to Adelman's affect on Darko's impending season, let's take a look at Adelman's previous big men and how they stack up with the Serbian wolf. I'll do this by comparing the year prior to Adelman's arrival to his first year as Coach for that player:
- Kevin Duckworth - C - Portland Trail Blazers
1987-88 Per Game
MPG - PPG - RPG - BPG - APG - PER
28.5 - 15.8 - 7.4 - 0.4 - 0.8 - 14.9
1988-89 Per Game
MPG - PPG - RPG - BPG - APG - PER33.7 - 18.1 - 8.0 - 0.4 - 0.8 - 13.9
Entering his third season in the league and with Portland, Duckworth had arguably the best season of his career in Adelman's first year as the Blazers Head Coach. Duckworth's career-high in minutes, points and rebounds per game translated for Duckworth's career as he continued to start for Adelman for the next four seasons. This may be a direct result of the boost in minutes, but extra minutes almost always translate into more production from game to game. Needless to say, Darko will have to prove himself in order to get significant minutes this year as the Wolves are rather crowded in the front court. On a side note both are lefties and are nearly the same size at 7 foot 275 pounds.
2. Vlade Divac - C - Charlotte Hornets > Sacramento Kings
1997-98 Per Game
MPG - PPG - RPG - BPG - APG - PER
28.2 - 10.4 - 8.1 - 1.5 - 2.7 -19.4
1998-99 Per Game
MPG - PPG - RPG - BPG - APG - PER
35.2 - 14.3 - 10.0 - 1.0 - 4.3 - 18.0
Vlade Divac's career looked to be on a downward trend during his stint with the Charlotte Hornets, but that was no longer the case when the Kings brass was able to acquire Adelman and Divac following the lockout. The combination showed good chemistry and good results as the Kings made the playoffs in the shortened season but were eliminated in the first round. Milicic and Divac actually have quite a bit in common; each hail from Serbia and a few sources identify both of them smokers, which most likely won't help Darko. Maybe Adelman knows some Serbian by now, although he'll probably want to know more Spanish for this year. Now here's a guy who could use some Rosetta Stone.
3. Yao Ming - C- Houston Rockets
2006-07 Per Game
MPG - PPG - RPG - BPG - APG - PER
33.8 - 25.0 - 9.4 - 2.0 - 2.0 - 26.5
2007-08 Per Game
MPG - PPG - RPG - BPG - APG - PER
37.2 - 22.0 - 10.8 - 2.0 - 2.3 - 22.5
The Yao Ming Situation is hard to judge because of his frequent injuries. Regardless, there's no denying that he also saw a sufficient increase in minutes, recording a career-high in MPG and also in RPG with almost eleven. It's tough to say whether or not Yao benefited from the addition of Adelman to the Rockets as he did see a drop-off in PPG and PER as well, but that also may have been tied to Yao's injury trouble.
After taking a glance at Adelman's main big men (with the exception of Golden State) before and after Adelman's arrival, a few things jump out. A significant increase in minutes occurred with all three of these centers, so with Darko at just 24.4 MPG under the unpredictable Kurt Rambis last season, I think it's reasonable to believe Darko could get an increase in minutes this season.
Now, there are a few factors that could decide whether or not this becomes reality:
1. Anthony Randolph - There were rumors that Randolph put on twenty pounds or so, and if that's the case he would be up to size with many other NBA centers, at the height of 6"11'. Randolph offensive skills are uncanny and undeniably better than Darko's low-post weapons. On the other hand, even with Randolph's solid offensive production, Darko's defensive impact may be enough to land Darko the starting job for the second consecutive season.
2. Nikola Pekovic - I can think of one thing I know Pek's been doing this off-season--he's been ballin' it up in Europe. As the starting center for the Montenegran national team and also the Euroleague's Partizan Belgrade. If you watch these games, you'll notice Pekovic playing nearly the whole game and putting up solid numbers night in and night out (16 PPG and 7 RPG this year in Euroleague and 16.6 PPG and 6.6 RPG in the Adriatic League). While we know for sure that Pekovic will be ready to rock, there hasn't been any off-season activity with Darko...at least not from the media. Hell, maybe he's been in a constant 'Rocky' training montage this off-season, ready to prove all his doubters wrong; let's hope so anyways.
3. Anthony Tolliver - I personally think he might be a bit small to start at center, but I've heard people say Tolliver's constant effort and tenacious style of play would make up for his height and should earn him more minutes as the center; not that 6" 9' is short or anything, it's just kind of just short for an NBA center. Regardless, Tolliver will be a solid back-up for Milicic, Kevin Love, and dare I say Michael Beasley. That's the good thing about the Wolves bench--versatility. Randolph could play at 3, 4, or 5 and I could see Tolliver doing the same, and maybe even Beasley and Williams if the need ever arose (uber versatility).
Once the lockout is finally resolved, everyone's undying questions about the Timberwolves will finally be answered. Can Rubio actually play, will Derrick Williams usurp Beasley in the starting five and of course, how much will Darko score each game, 20 or 30? Let's hope we like the results.
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The good news is hopeful doesn't mean dumb. The bad news is cynical doesn't mean smart. -- Sarah Silverman
by pagingstanleyroberts on Oct 31, 2011 1:10 PM CDT reply actions
Good post!
As much as I root for Darko and Pek.to succeed, I think that the wolves best hope is to play Williams, Love, and Randolf mainly in the 4 and 5 spots.
I'm Trill, I'm running w/ the WOLVES
by running with Twolves (and scissors) on Oct 31, 2011 1:40 PM CDT reply actions
Out of your choices, I picked Randolph.
Out of all possible, but still realistic choices, I would pick Chuck Hayes.
Update on Pek
Partizan is 4-3 (4-1 Adriatic and 0-2 Euro). He’s still averaging a solid 16-6 to go with 1.4 TOs and of course over 3 PF.
I'm Trill, I'm running w/ the WOLVES
by running with Twolves (and scissors) on Oct 31, 2011 4:28 PM CDT reply actions
Oh, nice. Yeah, they must be on a three game losing streak then. They started 4-0 in the ABA right? Yeah he’s good in Europe, I don’t any reason why he couldn’t put up 15 and 6 or 7 in the NBA as a starter, and of course a signature 4 PF a game. Pek’s old school for sure.
by TheDarkoKnight on Oct 31, 2011 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Ya they lost two to Macabbi Tel Aviv (I think that's their name)
one game was ABA and the other was Euroleague. Then they lost another Euroleague game. They will have a game on ESPN3 on November 10th. Hopefully Pek will be in the states by then.
I'm Trill, I'm running w/ the WOLVES
by running with Twolves (and scissors) on Oct 31, 2011 11:38 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree with you 100%
Coordinated seven-footers with some bulk and the ability to run are rare. Even the Bleacher Report listed the Wolves as one team that doesn’t have any contracts worth dumping, and they cited Darko as the closest call (but not really).
Owners are to sports like a colostomy bag is to a kitchen.
having previously talked myself into being excited about Michael Olawokandi
I have absolutely no ability to think glass-half-full with Darko. Stranger things have happened.
Darko is another of these
Do you make decisions based on the best possible outcome or the most likely outcome?
Too hot to handle, too cold to hold
They're called the Ghostbusters and they're in control
When it comes to the Wolves, more often than not I’m overly-optimistic…but isn’t that what being a wolves fans all about? I’ve never found it useful to be negative about any of the Wolves players really, besides guys like Marbury and Sprewell, but that’s just because they didn’t stick around.
With Darko the best possible outcome, in my opinion, would be something like a 15 PPG, 7 RPG, 2.5 BPG, and maybe 3 APG. On the other hand, if we are to be realists, I see Darko increasing production at least a decent amount to like 11 PPG and 6 RPG, but about the same everywhere else.
by TheDarkoKnight on Oct 31, 2011 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions
i think your optimism
Is less far-fetched than we may be conditioned to believe. I’d sign on to endorse a prediction somewhere between the numbers you state. If rather see less points, really, unless we find a good way to feed him gimmes- don’t want to see any more post up isos, at all! He should be the thankful recipient of lane-cutting passes for easy dunks/banks. And he should block,a lot. A few kick outs to open shooters, maybe more, and you have yourself a respectable stat line
15PPG?
So that means he’d be averaging 14 off balance left handed double teamed baby hook shots a game? Not sure I could stomache even half that.
"The journey of 1000 miles has begun. Baby steps...Baby Jesus steps, that is."
http://www.cheap-and-easy-car-insurance.com
We don't need Darko to score that much
The fewer shots he takes, the better off we’ll be. Hopefully, they’ll use the amnesty clause on him.
"The journey of 1000 miles has begun. Baby steps...Baby Jesus steps, that is."
http://www.cheap-and-easy-car-insurance.com
The interesting thing will be how Adelman works with Darko
On the one hand, there is no way in hell he is going to force feed Darko in the post down low. On the other, I doubt that he is going to tolerate any of Darko’s mentally in and out playing style.
Best case scenario: play darko out high on offense where he see the floor better. He is so terrible with his back to the basket, yet seemed to move pretty well from the elbow.
Those few highlights, the crossover, finger roll, ect. are enough to make me overlook the rest.
Actually, correction:
Best case is he is asked to do nothing on offense and doesn’t sulk about it.
by Tollysnipes on Oct 31, 2011 11:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Hopefully he had Professor Snape make him some magic effort powder for Darko
because a whole lot of coaches have tried to get through to Darko about where he might have a role on an actual NBA playoff team (a shot blocker and defender whose poor rebounding can be overlooked if he rarely shoots the ball) and Darko’s response to that was to essentially quit the league. That is until he found his patsies his with Kahn and Rambis (and, yes Tony Ronzone) – Darko is who he is and it is highly unlikely that will ever change. He’ll never be anything than a train wreck offensively when he is fed the ball but he basically refuses to compete unless he is fed the ball.
by Ailuridae on Nov 1, 2011 12:25 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
My favorite genre of Canis Hoopus fanposts
is the “Darko Dimension” genre (named after a legendarily-optimistic post by Oceanary).
I, for whatever reason, believed in Darko throughout most of last season. But the Earth is not flat, and Darko is not good.
Every example of a big playing better under Adelman listed in the main post was questionable — in every case, the “improved” numbers can be explained by increased playing time. Perhaps more tellingly, in every case, the “improved” numbers also included a marked drop in efficiency (as measured by PER).
So, to conclude that these players were playing better is a stretch. At best, they were just playing more. Arguably, they were playing worse.
If the pattern is repeated with Darko, we might see his 24.4 MPG increased to, say, 35, while his 12.2 PER drops to 10.5. My hope is that the Adelman regime steers wide of the horrible “high-minutes, low-effeciency” model.
Regardless, an entertaining read. As I said, Darko Dimension posts are my favorite.
...I've been drinking...
The only true way to approach this is to focus on all his centers and not cherrypick a few
Remember, his main bigs with the Warriors were Felton Spencer and Todd Fuller.
The good news is hopeful doesn't mean dumb. The bad news is cynical doesn't mean smart. -- Sarah Silverman
by pagingstanleyroberts on Nov 1, 2011 12:26 PM CDT reply actions
Darko
has a ton of flaws, but in the right role can be serviceable.
Take the ball away from him, let Ricky get him easy looks under the basket.
Allow him to do what he’s been doing defensively with less fouls and with Adelmans coaching.
You don’t need him to score much, if he averages 8 points off of Rubio’s feeds and lobs, so be it. But he might rebound 7-8, block at least 2 shots, and he’s shooting a higher percentage due to easy baskets, what more do you need from him?
Right!?
Key phrase in your post: feeds and lobs
No more post up! We’d be better off with wes posting up than darko
And I still believe he can thrive with good feeds. He is not a 3 second monster like pek, bless his scary soul
"what more do you need from him?"
To actually do the things you ask without having much of the offense run through him…
It almost seems like he fouls to get off the court when he is tired. I felt like I could predict when his completely unneccesary hand check 20’ from the basket was coming, about 8 minutes into the first quarter. I think he would be more effective if you didn’t play him for longer than six minutes at a time. You could get 20-30 minutes out of him with that strategy, and I think he’d be exponentially more valuable on defense.
by Ray Williams? on Nov 4, 2011 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions
its the smoking
Long term smoking and not being what you would consider a fitness freak are going to take years off his prime playing time (relative term, I know).
"My love for Jerry Kill knows no bounds." - Jeffrick
by TheEvilProfessor on Nov 7, 2011 2:56 PM CST up reply actions
Hey guys!
Long time no see…been very busy with school and pissed off at the players’ arrogance and stupidity. Here’s hoping the NBA gets locked out for the year and the players cave to a 37/63% deal in favor of ownership.
Anyways, I’ve all but given up hope on Darko. From what I’ve gathered on the Internet and from friends in Serbia, Darko’s been spending his entire summer fishing and even entered some fishing tournament. That, plus Pekovic stating that Darko wasn’t playing for anyone in Europe (and friends not seeing him frequent the court they use) tells me he hasn’t put in any effort this summer.
SAME OLD DARKO, PEEPS!
Ailuridae - Why can't we be friends? Why can't we be friends?
I got the same impression.
He supposedly rejected a solid offer just to stay with the family and go fishing. He´ll enjoy it now but in a few years this loss of natural talent should come to haunt him.
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