8 Orlando Magic

Under different circumstances, Darko Milicic would be preparing to fill the Ben Wallace--sized void in the Pistons' frontcourt. But Milicic is not interested in what might have been. "I don't want to talk about Detroit," he says of the team that took him in the 2003 draft. "That's over."

The 7-foot Milicic is more loquacious about his prospects with the Magic, who acquired him from Detroit last February. "I feel like I'm here to play, not to sit on the bench," he says. Indeed, in 30 games in Orlando, he got more minutes (627) than he did in his entire 2 1/2-year career in the Motor City, and he averaged a solid 7.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocks. The Magic went 17--13 with Milicic in the fold, 10--2 when he scored in double figures.

This season expect Milicic, 21, to push his long stint as human seat warmer further into the recesses of his memory. Over the summer he added 15 pounds of muscle (he's up to 275) and was impressive playing for Serbia at the world championships. (He averaged 16.2 points, 9.2 boards and a tournament-leading 2.8 blocks.) "His body has improved," says new Magic assistant John Kuester, who was with the Pistons during Milicic's rookie year. "He looks healthy, and he looks strong." Milicic vows to use that bulk to complement Orlando's force of nature down low, Dwight Howard. "I think Dwight can be the best player in the league," says Milicic, "and I'm just happy to be next to him."

The Pistons visit the TD Waterhouse Centre on Dec. 8. Then Milicic's old teammates will get a chance to see just how happy--and productive--he is.

Projected Starting Lineup with 2005--06 statistics

Record: 36--46 (10th in East)

Points scored: 94.9 (22nd in NBA)

Points allowed: 96.0 (13th)

Coach: Brian Hill

(second season with the Magic)