billups as a point guard

[John Shepherd <shepherd@hpwarmn.an.hp.com>]

In response to concerns about Billups, a few observations.
I have been to see Billups at training camp and two preseason games,
NY and Milwaukee.  He will deliver.  The raw talent is there.  
He is quick off the dribble, quick to the hoop with a remarkably
soft shot.  When he learns to dish to his low post (McCarty??), defenders
will have to play him straight up and not just defend his moves in the paint.
He has not tried a lot of threes, thank God we have Barros. He sees the
floor well and hits the open man with his pass.  I would hope to see more
fast break opportunities, but they just don't pick their spots to force 
turnovers, they act too frantic on defense all the time.  It is almost
comical. Defensively, he is out of control, not confident.  All of the young 
players are hand slap happy.  They need to learn who they are defending.
When they settle down to a system, these stupid fouls will diminish.  I 
think NY went to line 34-35 times, we went 5. What I think we will see this
year is growth, in intelligence. I think Pitino is the man to give it to them. 
Right now they are trying to live up to Pitino's manic defense strategy, and 
team play is suffering. Be patient, they will make you proud to be a Celtic
fan again, but not this year.  23 wins.  tops.