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5 players the Grizzlies never should have signed

By Elaine Blum

PHOENIX - DECEMBER 15: Darko Milicic #31 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots a free throw shot against the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at US Airways Center on December 15, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Timberwolves 128-122. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX - DECEMBER 15: Darko Milicic #31 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots a free throw shot against the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at US Airways Center on December 15, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Timberwolves 128-122. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Everyone makes mistakes and NBA GMs are no exception. Free agency and the process of signing players is always somewhat of a gamble unless you are going after a certified star. Every team has given out contracts over the years that they would prefer to take back, including the Memphis Grizzlies.

So, let’s look at a few players from years past that the organization may regret shelling out money to.

Players the Grizzlies never should have signed

5. Darko Milicic

In 2007, Darko Milicic signed a three-year $21 million deal with the Grizzlies. At first glance that does not seem like a bad price for a former number two draft pick, but Milicic never lived up to that status.

The Pistons selected the Serbian big man in 2003 behind only LeBron James and ahead of eventual stars like Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, and Dwayne Wade. After putting up career highs of 8.8 points and 6.1 rebounds, it is fair to say that Milicic was a draft bust, especially when compared to other players in his class.

Nevertheless, the Grizzlies offered him a deal and it did not work out too well. In his first season in Memphis, Milicic started most of the 70 games he played, averaging 7.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 23.8 minutes a night.

All in all, that was not a bad season, but it was not worth all that money, and his production drop the following season certainly didn’t make the signing any better.

During the 2008 offseason, Milicic hurt his Achilles tendon but went on to start at the power forward position anyways. Due to poor play, he was moved to the bench, which caused certain frustrations, and right when he earned back his starting spot, he broke a knuckle.

The season was incredibly disappointing for the big and the team alike. Unsurprisingly, it was his last in Memphis. In 2009, he was traded to the Knicks for Quentin Richardson and cash.

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