Darko Miličić Net Worth

What is Darko Miličić’s Net Worth?

Darko Miličić, the Serbian basketball player who once held the unfortunate title of the second overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft, has a net worth of $20 million. While his NBA career may not have reached the heights many expected, Miličić still amassed a substantial fortune, earning a total of $52 million in salary during his time in the league. His peak earning season was the 2009-2010 season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he earned $7.5 million.

Early Life

Darko Miličić was born on June 20, 1985, in Novi Sad, then part of the Socialist Republic of Serbia in Yugoslavia. His parents are Zora and Milorad Miličić. He has a sister, Tijana, who pursued a career in volleyball. Miličić’s early passion for basketball led him to play in his youth at BFC Beočin and Sports World. By the age of 14, he joined the junior team of the club Hemofarm, marking the beginning of his journey in organized basketball.

Detroit Pistons

The 2003 NBA draft saw Darko Miličić selected second overall by the Detroit Pistons, a pick that generated considerable buzz. Despite the high expectations, Miličić’s playing time in his rookie season was limited. However, he was part of the Pistons team that clinched the 2004 NBA Championship, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals. This victory made Miličić the youngest player to appear in an NBA Finals, at just under 19 years of age, and also the youngest to win an NBA championship. Despite the championship win and assurances from Pistons president Joe Dumars about a significant role in the team’s future, Miličić’s playing time remained sparse in the subsequent seasons. He averaged only 5.6 minutes per game, typically only seeing action in games where the Pistons had a large lead or were experiencing a substantial loss.

Orlando Magic

In early 2006, Miličić was traded to the Orlando Magic. His time with the Magic included a playoff appearance in the 2006-07 season. After the expiration of his rookie contract, he became an unrestricted free agent.

Memphis Grizzlies

In the summer of 2007, on the first day of free agency, Miličić signed a three-year contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. He began the following season as a starting power forward, but was soon relegated to the bench due to inconsistent performance. He regained his starting role in December 2008, but a hand injury soon hampered his progress. During his time with the Grizzlies, Miličić struggled with frustration and, as reported, would often resort to punching walls in his home after difficult games.

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New York Knicks

In the summer of 2009, Miličić was traded to the New York Knicks. His tenure with the Knicks lasted less than a full season. During this period, he expressed his intention to leave the NBA and return to playing in Europe.

Minnesota Timberwolves

February 2010 saw Miličić traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Statistically, his first season with the team was the best of his career. He averaged 8.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. In a game against the Golden State Warriors in December, he achieved a career-high 25 points and 11 rebounds. Miličić started the 2011-12 season as the Timberwolves’ starting center and recorded a season-high 22 points in a January game against the Los Angeles Clippers. However, his playing time decreased as the season progressed. He was eventually waived by the team in the summer of 2012.

Boston Celtics

In September 2012, Miličić signed with the Boston Celtics. He played only one game with the team, a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, before being released by request in late November. In June 2013, Miličić announced his retirement from the NBA, ending his professional basketball career.

International Playing

On the international stage, Miličić represented the FR Yugoslavia U16 national team, which won the 2001 European Cadet Championships. In 2006, he led Serbia and Montenegro in the FIBA World Championship. He also played for Serbia in the FIBA EuroBasket in 2007, showcasing his skills and contributions on a global scale.

Post-NBA Career

Following his retirement from the NBA, Miličić transitioned to a different sport, becoming a professional kickboxer in 2014. His debut, under WAKO rules, took place in his hometown of Novi Sad, where he lost to Radovan Radojčin. In 2019, he returned to basketball, joining the amateur basketball club I Came to Play in Novi Sad, maintaining his connection to the sport. In addition to his athletic pursuits, Miličić has engaged in farming in Serbia. He owns and operates an apple orchard spanning approximately 125 acres, highlighting his diversified interests.

Personal Life

In 2009, Darko Miličić married fashion designer Zorana Markuš. The couple has three children together: two sons and a daughter. Miličić is known for his strong Serbian nationalist views and supports the far-right Ravna Gora movement in Serbia. In 2013, he voiced his support for Vojislav Šešelj, a far-right politician and convicted war criminal, which has drawn controversy.

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