NBA bust Darko Milicic becoming pro kickboxer

When you look at a list of NBA draft busts, while Darko Milicic’s name may not be atop the list, it’s certainly going to be close. Now the former power forward/center will embark on a new career as he’s set to become a professional kickboxer.

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That’s the word from NBA Serbia (via SI) who says the former No. 2 overall pick will give up basketball and sign a contract with World Association of Kickboxing Organizations.

Milicic, unlike many other ‘busts’ never dealt with any significant injury but simply wasn’t a good basketball player nor was he motivated to become one. Making the situation worse for Darko Milicic was that he was sandwiched between LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony during the 2003 NBA Draft, which was among the best in league history.

Still just 29, Darko Milicic last played in the NBA in 2012 for the Boston Celtics though asked to be released after he wasn’t given enough time on the floor. The Serbian has since been training for the WAKO and could actually be a threat given his immense size. Of course, judging by his lack of drive or motivation which was on display during his short NBA career, that might be wishful thinking.

Milicic averaged 6.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 1.3 blocks per game during his time in the NBA and will be permanently attached to Joe Dumars, who with one action, set the Detroit Pistons back an unprecedented amount of seasons.

Crazy to think how much the culture of the NBA would have changed had Milicic went elsewhere and somebody like Carmelo Anthony or Dwyane Wade went to Motown.

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NBA bust Darko Milicic gives up basketball to become pro kickboxer

By Bryan Rose | Sep 22, 2014

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