DeClerq

[Jeremy <jwarren@emerald.tufts.edu>]

	The DeClerq signing is a good move (assuming it goes through).  If
we hadn't signed Knight to such a big contract it would be a great move.
DeClerq is flat out better than Knight.  He's much tougher and more
aggressive.  They both have decent mobility.  Knight is a better shooter
but I'll take DeClerq over him any day.  He seems to play with a lot of
anger, but he focuses it pretty well.  This does cause him to pick up a
lot of fouls on defense.  But they aren't "I'm hacking because I can't
guard you" fouls.  They are of the "get the hell out of my house before I
beat the crap out of you" variety.  He's exciting to watch because he
throws down a lot of two handed dunks.  I predict he'll be a fan favorite
and a solid 25 minute player.

	What do people think of trading Billups and Knight or Pervis
(Milwaukee's choice) for Vin Baker?  Would we have to throw in Eric
Williams or a draft pick (lottery protected)?  Getting Baker now (as
opposed to 2 years from now as a free agent) would be great.  I think
having a young all-star on the team (and IMO the best power forward in the
eastern conference) would make us playoff caliber right away.  And for
those of you who are gonna say, "Then why hasn't he lead Milwaukee into
the playoffs?"; two words: Coach Pitino.

	My 2 cents on the Dino must Die thread: First of all, he doesn't
smoke.  That was a false rumor started by WEEI.  They were confusing him
with Stojko.  Secondly, like someone else said if he died we'd never get
out of his contract.  So I hope he has a change of heart and let's the
Celtics off the hook very soon.  But I don't really have any ill will
towards him.  The only thing I think he did wrong was not telling the C's
he went to see other doctors about his knee.  I don't blame him for
failing the physical in Philly.  That has Larry Brown written all over it.
And you can't blame any player for their contract.  Who would ever say,
"Oh no please I don't deserve that much.  Why don't you give me half of
that and make it non-guaranteed so that you can cut me if I get injured."

	Chris about the Mercer and Billups versus Battie and Foyle
argument.  I agree with Pitino's draft.  Mercer and Billups appear to be
players who can come in right away and contribute.  Whereas Battie and
Foyle both need more development (and neither of them is really an NBA
center).  And while Wesley will be better than Billups this year, he also
required a longer contract.  As far as Fox and Mercer go, I predict that
Mercer will actually out score Fox this year.  Fox will get more steals
and assists though.  But Mercer is better for the C's because he is a 2
(which is a position we needed to fill) and has the potential to develop
into a #1 option on offense.

Jeremy