Darko Milicic was considered to be one of the most perspective future NBA stars in 2003. The Serbian giant was selected under №2 in The NBA draft, just after LeBron James. He was before players like Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. But, Darko never showed his real potential in The NBA.
However, 213-cm-tall centre played nearly ten seasons in the best basketball league. He had a minimal involvement in the Pistons’ matches, but eventually won the title in his debut season.
In 2014 he finally put an end to his basketball career. Darko Milicic, then became a kickboxing player, but this obviously also bored him and he quickly finished with this adventure. Can you imagine what is he doing now? Well, he is a farmer.
“I don’t miss basketball. I went to the United States when I was 18 years ago, so I was not prepared and. I do not hate the game, but I can say that now I am indifferent. When I watch an NBA match I don’t feel anything special, although I played there,” said Milicic in an interview.
“The system in America is very harsh. I did not like it and still does not like it. The clubs give some young players a chance, while they are neglecting other talented players. LeBron James is a ‘killer’, but he received enough playing time in his very first season. They trusted him, while I had to stay on the bench.”
“I couldn’t understand American basketball players, really. They used to speak only for slams and tricks. To me it was strange because I did not think this way,” the Serbian giant said.
“Kobe Bryant is the dirtiest player in the NBA. You cannot imagine what things he has done on the field. But he is incredible, of course. He is the best basketball player!”
Now, Darko Milicic is far away from the spotlight. After 468 games in the NBA, which have brought with him more than $52 m., Milicic lives a quiet family life on his farm. He is married and has three children. His wife deals with fashion. The latest occupation of the former basketball player is precisely agriculture.
“My son Lazar is seven years old and talks only about basketball. He wants to train. He says he wants to play for Red Star Belgrade and then in the NBA. I am sure he will be better than me if he makes the right choice!”
Milicic maybe was not the best basketball player. He also didn’t succeed in martial art. But despite all illogical moves and weird for some people decisions, he’s a good man. A Man with capital “M”. He does not want to fuss about his charitable actions, but it is clear that he has sold his championship ring and has donated money to the local church. In 2010 he paid the treatment for five Serbian children suffering from an extremely rare disease “Baton”. Maybe the Agriculture would be his best choice.