Darko: Down in the Dumps

by Marcel Mutoni

This was supposed to be Darko Milicic’s year. Money was a non-issue; and a team (the Grizzlies) needed and coveted him for the first time in his NBA career. Darko, who showed occasional flashes of brilliance on the boards (and the defensive end of the floor) as a member of the Orlando Magic, seemed ready for the challenge.

Unfortunately, it hasn’t exactly worked out as previously envisioned, and Milicic is disillusioned.

“My confidence level right now is really low. It’s horrible,” Milicic said. “It’s weird. I’m with a team now that needs me, and has given me every opportunity to play.

I’ve got a nice contract, but for some reason I can’t even do the things I used to do.”

The good thing for Darko, whose game has inexplicably regressed this season, is that he’s still only 22 years old. So, he’s got time to turn things around, but he better get going.