THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
MINNEAPOLIS — Darko Milicic is about to begin what might be his last chance in the NBA.
Milicic, who was traded to Minnesota last week by the New York Knicks, is expected to play for the first time in more than three months when the Timberwolves host Oklahoma City on Sunday.
The 24-year-old hasn’t played since Nov. 13 and saw time in only eight games this season for the Knicks. While Milicic wanted to be released so he could return to his native Serbia, he said he will try to make the most of the final 26 games on the Timberwolves schedule.
"I just have a fresh start next year in Europe, get ready physically and mentally and then just play for something else all season long," Milicic said after a morning shootaround. "But Minnesota wanted me to be here and I will try to make the best of it."
The former No. 2 overall pick who was selected ahead of Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh, Milicic had hoped that playing in New York this season would give him an opportunity for extended minutes at centre while David Lee played power forward.
That never happened.
During his seven years in the NBA, Milicic has watched more than he has played. Traded from Detroit to Orlando, the 7-footer had his most productive season in 2006-07 when he saw action in 80 games for the Magic and averaged 8 points and 5.5 rebounds. He spent the previous two seasons playing for a Memphis franchise that went a combined 46-118.
"I went through a lot of bad experiences in this league," Milicic said.
While the final weeks of the season could provide an opportunity for Milicic to contribute for a Minnesota team that has the fewest victories in the Western Conference, he’ll be hampered by his physical conditioning.
"I think he’s excited and apprehensive," said Minnesota coach Kurt Rambis, who will bring Milicic off of the bench. "He had high standards for himself, he expects himself to play very well and doesn’t want to play poorly. He wants to play, but he would love to be in better shape so he has more confidence."
As has been the case throughout his career, Minnesota officials see potential in Milicic. Rambis said it was clear in his first practice with the team that he has a high basketball IQ and understands what the team is trying to accomplish.
"I just think he fits in so well with what we want to do," Rambis said. "Our bigs are interchangeable, when one is posting up, the other can be at the elbow area. There’s nothing in our system that he can’t do and can’t do very well.
"He came in with the potential to be able to knock down 3-point shots, play with his back to the basket, play in an area where he can shoot the basketball or put it on the floor. He had all of those skills and capabilities at one time."
Rambis said he thinks Milicic can play at the same time with Al Jefferson, Kevin Love, Ryan Hollins or Ryan Gomes.
Milicic said he’s simply excited about getting on the court again.
"We’ll see how I feel on the court," he said. "I don’t want to play if I feel terrible. I don’t want the team to suffer."
"It’s almost like he’s coming back from an injury," Rambis added. "He’s just got to get out there and get his timing and rhythm back after having not played in such a long time."
