Celtics waive Milicic

Darko Milicic has been released by the Celtics. (Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

By Ben Golliver

The Celtics announced Wednesday the release of Darko Milicic just a few months after signing the veteran center to a one-year veteran's minimum contract in September.

On Monday, a report indicated that Milicic was leaning toward leaving Boston to attend to his mother in Europe.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers confirmed Tuesday that Milicic's days with the team were likely numbered.

"He has some family issues, more his mom. Not playing, and being in another country, and the NBA hasn't gone exactly great for him over his career. So, it's a lot of reasons for him to want to leave. And I understand that, and I told him that. So, I pretty much left it up to him. He has my blessing either way."

Milicic has made just one appearance for the 6-5 Celtics, playing a total of just five minutes. Rivers has favored reserve forwards Jared Sullinger and Chris Wilcox behind starters Kevin Garnett and Brandon Bass, who both play big minutes.