Pitino, the Dallas pick

[Chris Littlefield <chrisl@mjr.com>]

Pitino has gained my respect with what he's done this year with a
decimated.  He did have success with the Knicks in the late 80's.  To get
the most out of what we have next year, Bring in Pitino and Bird.  This,
combined with the draft picks and, if possible, a trade of salary deadwood,
is management's best and perhaps the only way to reestablish the C's as a
player in the NBA realm.  With the picks, the C's will potentially have the
tools to become competitive.  A strong, focussed, successful coach such as
Pitino can be the hand that sharpens and hones that tool to its highest
level of efficiency.  If the C's land Duncan and Pitino, next year should
be interesting.

Okay, now onto the Dallas pick.  It will probably be, unless it wins the
lottery, #6.  Clarifying one perhaps already-clarified point:  If the C's
record is the 2nd-worst in the league, the worst pick they can get is #5,
and that is if 3 teams with better records than the C's get picked for the
three lotto-positions.  Thus, the absolute worst they could do is get the
6th and 9th pick, the odds of which happening is almost nil.

Jamison is another Walker/Williams/Fox/Minor type size and skills-wise.
Stay away from him.  We do not need another player in that range.

If we get Duncan, and Foyle is available with the 6th pick, I would,
hesitantly, say take Foyle.  Nothing like another banger, and a big man is
always easier to trade than a small man.   This is the way things stand
now, draft wise, assuming no surprises:

1 - Boston (PLEASE!!!) - Duncan
2 - Vancouver - Mercer
3 - San Antonio - Battie (see below)

	What will the Spurs do?  Van Horn is a lot like most of the Spurs,
a wee bit soft-seeming.  Tends to stray outside, not known for his mauling
toughness.  They may want inside help for Robinson.  Foyle or Battie (if he
comes out) may fit this bill.  Battie is also local (Texas Tech).  Let's
say Battie.

4 - Philly - Foyle.  They need a center.
5 - Denver - They need a point guard.  Would they take Brevin Knight?
Chauncey Billups if he comes out (which he won't.  His coach is staying)?
I think they may try and trade down to lower lottery to get Knight or
Billups  (or this kid Daniels).  I find it hard to think that Van Horn
would slip past whoever ends up with this pick.
6 - Boston (w/Dallas pick) Who's left?  Jamison?  No thanks.  Lafrentz?
Nope.  Fortson?  Please.  If Foyle is left, which I find highly doubtful,
take him.  All the rest, unless I'm forgetting someone, are 6-8
Walker/Williams clones.  If we have Duncan, Walker, and a healthy Radja, a
real shooting guard might be in order.  Thus, trade for a real guard.
Hell, I'd trade this pick and Dee Brown for a mid-teens pick (yes, by
itself) for Derek Anderson.  Would you trade the rights to Foyle to
Milwaukee for Ray Allen? Did Ray Allen have a forgettable rookie year
overshadowed by the Bucks' reliance on their forwards, or is he overrated?
Your call.

I am also still a BIG Brevin Knight fan.  Stoudamire was a surprise at the
7th pick two years ago.  Who's laughing now?

Later.  Talk to me!


Chris