Darko Milicic, the 7-footer who was picked second in the 2003 draft, will try to rescuscitate his busted career in New York. The Knicks finalized the Quentin Richardson-for-Milicic swap last night. The Knicks also gave $1.2 million to Memphis. Both players have expiring contracts and will not affect the Knicks’ 2010 cap. Milicic has struggled during stints in Detroit, Orlando and Memphis. Milicic broke his thumb after playing in 61 games last season, averaging 5.5 points and 4.3 rebounds.
“I think this season he’s matured mentally and physically and has been able to adjust better to adversity,” New York-based agent Marc Cornstein said. “He just 24. He’s not that much older than some people in the draft.”