Orlando primed for growth
By Will Perdue
ESPN Insider
INDIANAPOLIS -- He collapsed the rim. He even gave out a yell.
When Darko Milicic sent down an authoritative dunk against the physical big men of Indiana here Monday night, it was a small but good sign. More assertive play would be a good development for an Orlando Magic team that is itself a work in progress.
Clearly, the 20-year-old, 7-footer still needs work. The former Pistons reserve often screws up the rotation on defense. He needs to learn the proper technique on playing the screen-and-roll . . . and not just shrug his shoulders when it doesn't work. He's not aggressive by nature; he's going to need to learn to be that way.
The Orlando newcomers Milicic and point guard Carlos Arroyo were coming off a winning weekend of play off the bench, submitting strong performances in wins over the Cavaliers and Warriors. These are two who could figure, two years from now, into a rebuilt Magic team that's a serious contender.
One building block knows how to block. Milicic had five in a 97-83 loss here against the Pacers. But he's getting these blocks in part because nobody respects him yet. Guards take it right at him, forward, centers, you name it. He's very long. What I like is how he blocks the shot and keeps it in play. In his last five games coming into Indy, Milicic averaged 21.6 mpg, posting 7.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 1.6 bpg.
With Arroyo, who averaged 14.6 ppg, four apg in 26.4 mpg over his last five games coming into Indy, I think the coaching staff of the Magic have answered their point guard questions. They're comfortable with Jameer Nelson starting and bringing Arroyo off the bench. I like what Carlos brings to the table. He's certainly not just the throw-in with the Pistons' deal; he has had immediate impact, and his toughness and aggressive nature were something the Magic needed.
With Milicic, the Magic are using this season as a learning phase. They want to see improvement, and want to see him pick up the defensive philosophy, improving from game to game. He certainly would benefit by playing for the Magic in the summer league.
It's not easy to judge whether he's a valid overall 2 pick in the draft. Maybe he's not an All-Star, but he could become a great bench player who has a long NBA career. He's a guy who can easily give you 10 points, 7-8 rebounds and some blocks. He likes to play on the fringes, he can pass and has good hands. Toni Kukoc is a name people have asked me about when sizing up Darko. Toni came in very skilled and it took him some time to adapt to the NBA. We'll see with Milicic.
This is a team on the rise. Their main blocks are Dwight Howard, Nelson and Milicic. They've got a good vet in Hedo Turkoglu. Keyon Dooling gives them good D off the bench.
They need to find a consistent two guard. They've got DeShawn Stevenson, but apparently he's going to need some surgery in the offseason, and I don't know how he fits in the plans -- they see him more as a defensive player than as an offensive threat.
Unfortunately, the Magic's immediate future (next year) lies in the health of Grant Hill. If he does play, how does he play? I've seen him play some games this year when he definitely shouldn't have -- you could see the severe pain on his face.
When Hill's contract comes off the cap in two years, they'll be a huge player in the market. They can find some veteran players who want to fit in and play with a Dwight Howard.
A lot of players as they get older, they consider quality of life issues. So, if it comes down to say, Minnesota and Orlando, everything's equal, Orlando will be helped by the prospect of a new arena. January and February in the warm sun makes family life better. Current Celtics coach Doc Rivers told me that was a factor when he once chose San Antonio.
You laugh, but those kind of fringe benefits are things agents and accountants bring up to their clients. Not to mention no state income tax in Florida. It could end up giving the Magic an edge down the road.
Will Perdue is a former NBA player and a radio broadcaster for ESPN and the Orlando Magic.