Error processing SSI filePistons: Notebook
Saunders praises Milicic
New coach takes notice of center, who has been aggressive, especially on defense, early in camp.
Center Darko Milicic came into training camp in fine condition, thanks in part to playing with his national team this summer.Pistons extras
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AUBURN HILLS --Evidence gathered over three days and five practices isn't sufficient for any binding conclusions, but it was enough for coach Flip Saunders to voice high praise for third-year center Darko Milicic.
"He's better than I thought he would be," Saunders said after the Pistons' two-hour practice Thursday evening. "And I thought he'd be pretty good."
Milicic has been impressive, so much so that Saunders is starting to wonder what all the negative talk had been about.
"He's playing pretty good," Saunders said. "He's been playing with the main guys and I think he's a lot stronger and obviously, playing on his national team (Serbia-Montenegro) this summer, he's in great condition."
Milicic was one of the more dominant players on the court in the team's scrimmages Thursday. He played on the red unit with Carlos Arroyo, Carlos Delfino, Antonio McDyess and Ronald Dupree, a unit that won both of its games easily -- including a victory over the blue team featuring Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton and Ben Wallace.
Milicic was, and has been throughout the week, an active rebounder, particularly on the defensive end. He also has been productive in the post and attacking the basket.
Those who watched his struggles the last two seasons can say he looks like a different player, much more self-assured and assertive.
"I can only judge what I have seen," Saunders said, "and based on that, I wouldn't say he lacks any confidence.
"He's got guys banging him and he's calling for the ball and making some moves in there. He had a couple of great moves today.
"The thing he's done really well is defensive-rebound. He's a big-bodied guy, a real quick jumper and he's long."
If the season started today, Milicic would be the fourth big man, behind Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace and McDyess.
The Pistons' plan is to allow 15th-year pro Dale Davis to ease into the season in the hope that he will be more of a force in the second half and throughout the playoffs. That leaves rookie Jason Maxiell as Milicic's main competition for the fourth frontcourt spot.
The two have competed intensely all week.
"He's been good," Saunders said of Maxiell, who, at 6-foot-5, is 7 inches shorter than Milicic. "He's a wide-bodied guy. He's undersized, but he plays bigger than he is."
Maxiell is more of a typical low-post player, much in the mold of two other players Saunders has coached -- Gary Trent and Reggie Slater. Maxiell will remind Pistons fans of a younger Corliss Williamson.
But, right now, Milicic is winning that competition.
"I just want to play my best and show him (Saunders) I can play," Milicic said. "I will play hard and do my best, and then it will be up to him. I will compete."
Pope promoted
The position of video coordinator continues to be an excellent springboard for aspiring NBA coaches.
Bill Pope is the latest in a long line of Pistons video men to be promoted. They announced Thursday that he has become their advance scout, replacing Brendan O'Connor, who is an assistant with the Knicks.
Pope, who was the team manager on Larry Brown's 1988 NCAA champion Kansas team, joined the Pistons last season.
In addition to his scouting work, he also will assist the coaching staff during training camp and the playoffs.
Other former Pistons video men who have advanced include George David (now the Pistons' director of scouting), Ron Oliver (an assistant in Indiana) and Pat Sullivan (a former Pistons assistant now with the Nets).
The new video coordinator is Paul Rivers, a Michigan State graduate, who worked for the Spurs last season.
No slogan here
Saunders has a name for his unique and much-admired zone defensive scheme, but don't look for it on any T-shirts or billboards.
"I call it a hyperbolic, paraboloid, transitional floater zone," he said. "And don't ask me to spell it."
The HPTFZ is a marketer's nightmare, for sure, but the Pistons hope it will be one for their opponents, as well.
You can reach Chris McCosky at (313) 222-1489 or chris.mccosky@detnews.com.
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