The same guy who broke collegiate scoring records held by Michael Finley and Devin Harris at Wisconsin has played in just two games since the Timberwolves acquired him from Phoenix on Dec. 29.
It’s an exile from which third-year forward Alando Tucker has sought comfort in the game he loves and in what he calls his “big brothers.”
“When I’m feeling down, I come to the court,” he said.
When he feels down, he comes to Target Center and works extra with team strength and conditioning coach Dave Vitel on his shot and his body.
And when he feels down, he picks up the phone. He calls his real big brother, Antonio. He exchanges texts with former teammates Steve Nash and Grant Hill, two NBA stars who, for different reasons, can tell him a little bit about persevering.
Making my way into Minnesota’s locker room, I found Darko sitting alone at his locker. He just came back in from shooting and was watching film of Houston. He looked winded just from pregame warm-ups, but was in better spirits than when he arrived in Minneapolis. Even after being slammed with the same questions since his arrival, Darko was more than willing to chat.
“It’s a good experience,” said Milicic on his brief time in Minnesota so far. “I’m still trying to get back in shape. It’s better than it was because I was in really bad shape when I got here. It’s much better now because I’m working after practice, before practice and trying to get back into shape as soon as possible. It’s been good. Good people, good staff and it’s been a good experience.”
Corey Brewer, Wolves: The third-year guard is working his way into consideration for the NBA’s Most Improved Player: He scored 24 points Wednesday in Dallas, and his one three-pointer Saturday gave him a three-pointer in 27 consecutive games, a franchise record.