Bleacher report says that the Celtics are going to sign Darko Milicic.

 Other sources are reporting this now too. They’re getting a big that can come off the bench and do some dirty work, and also give Fab Melo more time to develop, which he definitely needs.

 As a Celtics fan I’d love this signing, Milicic just needs a coach who can motivate hin, and Rivers is certainly capable of that. He’d be a great addition and should be handy if we face Bynum and the Sixers in the playoffs.

A great pickup, considering that the expectations will be low for him. The Celtics need a big body who can block shots. That’s what Darko has done, and will do in Boston.

At this point, I really can’t see Rivers turning Darko into a motivated player. I hope I’m wrong.

If Doc Rivers can’t help turn Darko Milicic into a useful player, than he’s pretty much finished. Its good to be a decently athletic 7 footer because it gets you lots of chances to succeed. If Darko was a 6’1" point guard, he’d have been out of the NBA long ago.

Good for Darko

Must be good being a 7 footer in the league. Even if you are terrible you’ll still find a job, sucks for guys like barbosa and Peitrus

 I’m very surprised neither Barbosa or Pietrus has been signed yet, both are very useful players. Especially on a contender.

Milicic and Steimsa playing musical chairs.

In other news, Kenyon Dooling is retiring to spend more time with his family. The Celtics released him.

 Suckers… As a wolves fan, I’m sure he’s a great guy, but I’m glad he found somewhere else to play he is so ridiculously slow and frustrating to watch..

Personally I think he is very overrated on defense. Sure he puts up some decent numbers and makes a nice pass here and there, but the rest of the time there is just no energy and activity to speak of. 

 It will be interesting to see if playing next to KG makes a difference on Darko. If there is one guy in the league that inspires (scares) teammates into playing with more tenacity, it’s KG.

Either he becomes inspired thanks to KG, or lazy thanks to Fab Melo.

I know the Celtics needed another big but I wouldn’t expect a lot IF he stays healthy.

He’s had enough new teams and coaches to be inspired or motivated. I hope I’m surprised but I cannot see him being any better than his last couple of seasons.

Just left the Terrence Williams thread to comment on another player who has the tools to be an All Star but the drive of a parking lot….. What’s interesting is that Darko was considered the white KG coming into the league and the comparisons really weren’t that far off. Except the supposed mean streak and tenacity Darko played with turned out really to be PTSD from growing up in worn torn Serbia and dodgin bombs and automatic rifle fire on his way to practice. Darko has the talent and tools to be a top 5 center easy but he’s shot out in the head. Darko couldn’t of found a better situation tho. He was always limited in his mpg due to foul trouble and poor shot selection. He can score n the post but. settss for 18 foot jumpers shot withoit confidence instead. If he comes to camp in shape it could spare KG from playing too much center. Rondo, Bradley, Pierce, KG and Darko is truly a formidable defensive lineup with Terry, Lee, Bass and Jeff Green off the bench this is probably my favorite Celtics team since 08 I like their roster makeup. This could turn into a very overlooked and important signing. Darko cetainly can offer more then The O’Neals and Greg St. as far as place. holder centers go.

Indyball hits it on the head, Darko has effectively swapped roles with Greg Steimsa. Darko will give them a legit 7 footer when they want to go for a bigger line up against certain match ups and can help KG keep his minutes down and also surrender his own minutes if they want to give Melo garbage minutes. I’d be interested to see what the deal is worth as Darko could make good money in Europe but with a lot of decent NBA contracts behind him money isn’t really an issue considering he had his buyout cash as well.

I’d not expect anything huge from Darko but if he can give a solid 15mpg or so when needed he’ll do his job and it gives Sullinger and Melo a bit more time to develop.

 Wow, that is a funny switch. I think this will make Celtic fans miss Steimsa. 

On a per 48 minute basis, Steimsa blocked 5.3 shots per game while Darko blocked 2.5. Blocking shots is Darko’s best skill and it isn’t even in the ballpark of Steisma. Darko’s true shooting % is a shocking low for a center 46%. While Steisma was a solid 58%. Neither takes a lot of shots but at least when Steisma takes them they go in at a good clip. And Steimsma has more upside though he isn’t young he is still getting used to the NBA.

If Rivers and KG can’t find a way to get more out of Darko (or just keep him chained to the bench), then he is capable of tanking the Celtic’s season. Wait until you see the victories piling up in Minnesota. You will wonder why. The reason is that they aren’t playing 20 minutes of Darko every night anymore. 

I’m pretty sure Sullinger is way better than Darko now. Problem is that Fab Melo probably isn’t. 

 Keyon really retired because he didnt want another one of Darkos chestbumps of death

This is why there are haves and have nots in the NBA. Minnesota goes out and signs Boston’s 3rd string center who is 27 years old with one year under his belt. They give him $3 million to someone who is essentially a fringe player. He tries to block everything and if he doesn’t get the block often picks up the foul. Boston responds by signing Darko, who Minnesota paid to go away, for essentially one-quarter of what Minnesota will pay Stiemsma (remember that the team only pays about $800K of a vet minimum contract). Darko the brand is awful and a career disappointment. Milicic the player is still more productive than Greg Stiemsma.