A Serbian center in shamrock splendor.
The Boston Celtics have agreed to sign free-agent center Darko Milicic to a one-year contract for the veteran's minimum, according to Ken Berger of CBSSports.com. Sportando.net first reported the agreement.
Milicic became a free agent in July after being released by the Minnesota Timberwolves using the amnesty clause. He then cleared the amnesty bidding process with no bidders.
In Boston, Milicic will mostly be a foul-giver and a depth-provider. He joins a frontcourt that includes All-Star Kevin Garnett, Brandon Bass, Jeff Green and rookies Jared Sullinger and Fab Melo. The Celtics also signed veteran center Jason Collins back in July.
Milicic has been a punchline for seemingly his entire NBA career, as he was drafted second in 2003 ahead of the likes of Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. He was, however, a favorite of Timberwolves president David Kahn, who memorably said in a 2010 television interview that Milicic was like "manna from heaven."
Milicic, 27, averaged 4.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game for the Timberwolves last season.
His nine-year NBA career has included stops with the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Memphis Grizzlies, New York Knicks and the Timberwolves. He holds career averages of 6.0 points and 4.2 rebounds.
