Re: Kevin Garnett?

["JLyell" <jlyell@concentric.net>]

> 
> What do people think about the possibility of trading Antoine Walker to
the Timberwolves for Kevin Garnett?  Of course, it would mean that the
Celtics would have to agree to a "megabucks" extension with Garnett, but
they could probably settle at a number between the $102 million Garnett
> turned down and the $132 million he asked for (from what I heard there
were no "negotiations" with the Timberwolves, just both sides throwing out
numbers).  I'm not sure of the C's are prepared to pay *anyone* that much
money, but they had better be if they plan on buliding a winner.
> 
> From the Celtics standpoint, Garnett would end up being the only big
acquisition Pitino could make, as the C's would immediately go over the
cap, to stay.  However, Garnett is the same age as Walker, but is a couple
of inches taller, and a player with more potential.  He is more of a power
forward than Antoine, so the Celtics frontcourt would be strengthened, and
Eric Williams would be able to claim the small forward spot.  The C's could
have a starting five of Knight, Garnett, Williams, Mercer and Billups.  As
for the megabucks, it might not look so expensive anyway, if salaries
continue to inflate, and the C's will likely have to pay as much or more to
Walker if they hope to retain his services.
> 
> From the Timberwolves standpoint, instead of losing Garnett after the
year is over, they gain another year of flexibility by acquiring a similar
though less talented player, who might be easier to sign long term. Perhaps
the C's could sweeten the deal by throwing in a number one draft
> choice, or giving the Timberwolves the right to swap first round choices>
with the Celtics.
> 
> I wouldn't touch Garnett.  All he has proven is that he has potential,
but is no where worth the salary he is asking.  If I were mcHale I would
move him for McDyess or Joe Smith who may have a little more interest in
winning a championship than simply making some serious bank. This is a
joke.  Unfortunately I could see the Celtics finding themselves in the same
position with Walker in a year.  I don't think Garnett or Walker are ever
going to be the "go to" star that takes you to the top and can be that
Bird/Jordan like assassin in the big games.  These salaries are getting too
outrageous for guys like Mourning & Juwan Howard that still get schooled
big time by the old veterans and aren't really making their teams much
better.

Garnett reminds me of another coming of a John Salley or Kevin Willis.  
Also unless Eric Williams learns to shoot the outside jumper consistently &
play some better D against quick 3's,  he will never be a top notch 3 in
the NBA.  Pitino will make his decision this year on keeping or moving him
and may regret having to release Fox.