RE: Signing Antoine or Pitino the big mistake?

[John Lyell <Jlyell@concentric.net>]

Paul I agree and actually heard a few announcers one of which was a former 
player make this same comment about Pitino ball.  They said you won't be 
able to attract many veterans in the middle, to late of their career, with 
this style and I really don't think it will ever work in the NBA due to the 
wear & tear on the players.  Imagine a long season & then going deep in the 
playoffs with another 20 games. They will need some tri-athletes !  The 
teams that win, win with excellent ball movement, execution, clutch 
shooting, and team play. (Having an M.J. doesn't hurt either !)


>
> Again, I absolutely agree. And one more thing. Gaston is paying Pitino 
how
> much? Look, let's be honest about this. The last time Pitino coached a 
pro
> team he got fired because the GM of the Knicks wasn't sold on "Pitino
> ball." You know what guys? Maybe he was right. You know what? Can anybody
> honestly say that Pitino's the guy you want devising and coaching a
> slow-down half-court offense? Everybody in the NBA says that the playoffs
> are about half-court / grinding / 24 sec. clock eating basketball. George
> Karl makes a good point, I think, when he says that veterans win in the
> NBA, and that there aren't any veterans who are going to be able to play
> "Pitino ball" for a full season. And if it's true, where does that leave
> Pitino? Where does that leave the Celtics? And Pitino as a GM? Gaston 
gave
> this guy the franchise, for the next, what, seven years? That's not a 
risk?
> Compared to signing Walker? Now, I know that Walker might be "immature,"
> but guys, the kid has undeniable talent, and a ton of it. People grow up.
> They mature and it's amazing how often it happens all over the world. 
This
> isn't the NCAA. In the NBA talent wins. You don't ever give up on a 
player
> with as much talent as Walker. If I'm Gaston, I'm going to put my money
> where it does the most good. Sure you're taking a chance signing a player
> to a huge contract that puts you over the salary-cap for years. But
> Walker's proven he can score, rebound, handle the ball, pass, come up big
> with the game on the line...and he's only 22. Pitino's done what in the
> NBA? Of course they're going to wait until the CBA negotiations are over.
> But....the kid's getting huge bucks because he's got the talent that's
> absolutely needed to win in the NBA. Are we all sure about Pitino?
>
> Paul M.
>
>
>