Re: trade rumors

[JOzersky@aol.com]

          If the rumors are true, I would make the Vin Baker trade
          (3 & 6 plus a player for Baker and 10). I also would make
          the trade for Terrell Brandon (No. 3, straight up).

No way.  Look at the last few #3 picks.  This guy made one all-star team, but
he's not a real all-star.  Mercer has at least the potential to be another
Mitch Richmond or Clyde Drexler.  (although I still like Ray Allen better).

 I think
          he is one of the outstanding point guards in the league and
          would flourish in Pitino's system. The No. 6 for Dampier is
          a tougher call. If the Pacers threw in their pick (I think
          it's No. 12), I would do it.

Yeah, maybe.  You get a legitimate big man and also Tracy McGrady/Austin
Croshere.  (hopefully McGrady)  Still, he looks like a stiff to me, Dampier.
 I like a stringbean like Cato a lot better.  Did I mention that he has a
7'4" wingspan and a thirty inch vertical leap?

I'm less interested in the
          Jayson Williams deal, although if they added Jimmy Jackson,
          I would do it.

NO WAY.  Williams for Williams might work, but no way to they get Dino into
the bargain.  And Jackson is a free agent, and largely a disappointment in
his NBA career.

          If we stay put with 3 & 6 (highly unlikely), and Pitino
          is being honest in his assessments, I'm hoping for a Billups
          - Van Horn draft. Sounds like it would have to go Billups at
          3 and hope Van Horn slips to 6. With Daniels and Mercer
          still on the board, there's a chance that could happen.

No way Pitino takes Billups at Three.  It just doesn't make sense.  Having
high picks can be limiting too, and you are sometimes forced to take a player
who you will trade rather than the player you want.