Lamar Odom

["smishra" <smishra@ix.netcom.com>]

ESPN reported that Lamar Odom is pissed of by allegations of cheating etc
would like to pursue pro-career. This guy is 6' 9" and coming out of high
school was rated higher than Tracy McGrady. Pitino wanted an SF to fill the
void created by Fox's departure. This guy could be it..if the celtics could
get him, it will be a real feather in Pitino's cap.
Now clearly teams have to be under the cap to sign him. Teams likely to
compete for his services would be as under: Celtics, Cavaliers, Toronto,
Grizzlies, Clippers, Denver. 

Let's analyze the cap situation of these teams:
Celtics: After signing of two first rounders & Knight, the C's are 2.8 +
<amount by which the cap goes up>. I have not accounted for DeClercq
because that news could very well be a rumour.

Cavaliers : Last year they were about 4.5 under the cap, assuming that they
let Phills go, they will be 6.3 mill under the cap, accounting for their 2
first round draft picks. They will be left with most money i.e. 4.3 mil
under the cap.
Toronto: After signing Christie, Rogers and Williams + 1st round pick, they
hardly have any money left under the cap.
Grizz   : Same as Toronto <Big Country & Daniels>
Clippers: Marginally under the cap
Denver: Was under the cap but after signing Battie & Fortson will be
marginally under.

Based on this Cav's seem to be the only real competition.

One more question that merrits discussion is: Odom will be an FA, so should
the rookie salary cap apply to him? I belive it will, but I could be wrong.
What do you all think about Odom's potential and his liklihood of being a
celtic.
                                                                     -
Mishra