RE: ...

[Charles Jowett <jowett_charles@waters.com>]

>The only other comment is that a few weeks ago somebody made that the
>comment that we should not plan on getting the #1 pick. They also said
>that we could even end up with the 4th or 5th pick and then the Dallas
>pick. However, correct me if I am wrong, but I seem to remember a rule
>that states that the teams with the worst record can receive no worse than
>the #3 pick. And since the Vancouver Grizzlies can't get the #1 pick this
>year because of that stipulation, that technically puts the Celtics in the
>driving seat so to speak. So technically we should not end up with any
>worse than the #3 and the #7 picks in the 1997 NBA Draft.

The first 3 picks are determined by the lottery.  The team with the worst record
can end up with no worse than the fourth pick.  In the worst case scenario for 
the Celtics, three lottery teams with records better than Dallas could end up 
with the top three picks.  For example, Golden State, Toronto and Milwuakee.  
This would push the Vancouver down to #4,  the Celtics to #5 and Dallas to #9.

Charles