The Boston Celtics announced they have waived Darko Milicic, likely ending one of the oddest and most disappointing careers in the NBA's history.
Milicic started his career as the second pick in the celebrated 2003 Draft. The expectations that came from being that pick in that draft. He could never live up to Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. Even Kirk Hinrich.
MIlicic started as the "Human Victory Cigar" in Detroit before a decent year and a half in Orlando. He signed a large contract with Memphis and never lived up to his potential or expectations. He moved on to Minnesota where there were rumors he damaged locker room morale and chemistry. He signed with Boston this offseason as a last ditch effort to save his career on a team with a strong veteran leadership and a chance to win a championship.
Unfortunately, personal matters got in the way. Milicic asked the Celtics to let him go so he could be with his mother while she battles an illness.
His mom gets sick; he's not playing, the whole sickness, it happens," Rivers told Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe. "I didn't fight it much. I told him he's got to do what he thinks is right. I am going to support him one way or the other. But it's been going on for a little bit now. You could see a change when he found out she wasn't doing well, no doubt about that.
It is unclear whether Milicic will want to return to the NBA when he is ready to resume his basketball career or if another NBA team will give him a chance.
Milicic has played nine years and averaged only 6.0 points per game and 4.2 rebounds per game. Hardly what many thought he would average when he was drafted and had some incredible workouts before the draft.
Unfortunately, not every draft pick works out and Darko may forever be synonymous with disappointment.
