Ike Austin

[jmc@ptc.com (Jonathan McIntyre)]

From: Peter Delevett <pdelevett@nopg.com>
> I've been thinking today about these Ike Auston rumors. First, I dont 
> think it will happen -- I dont think Riley would trade to Pitino (just a 
> hunch), and I dont think he'd trade within the division, and finally I 
> think other teams probably can offer more.

I think you're right on the money here... Riley would not trade within 
the division if he could avoid it, and probably not to Pitino. 

That makes me think the Celtics would have to give up one of their 
best young players to get Austin, which may be too much of a risk. 

I like your analysis of the benefits to Walker and the other Celtics 
forwards of having an Austin-like center and a healthy Roy Rogers.  It 
may be enough to get Walker's FG% up, since he wouldn't be playing against 
larger defenders anymore and would have more room to pass or shoot when 
double-teamed down low, and bigger targets to pass to.  His rebounding 
would also be helped. 

Jon