Re: The Jury's out

["Gregg Allen" <gr_allen@conknet.com>]

Theresa makes some excellent points.  I particularly agree with her comments
about ball movement by the point guard position.  I think Kenny Anderson
will provide the kind of ball movement/penetration that the Celtics have
been lacking for some time, and this will surely be a big plus.

Several others have posted remarks concerning Anderson's attitude.
Hopefully, this will not prove to be a problem.  I understand that the
Celtics were on Anderson's "approved list" of teams he would accept trades
to.  That's encouraging.  Maybe Coach Pitino's enthusiasm will fire him up.
So, from a glass half full perspective, what we have is a proven point guard
who is in his prime.  And, if he proves to be a good fit, we have him for 5
years.

As for the rest of the trade:

Who knows if Tabak or Jones will be with the team next year.  From what has
been reported, their contracts are up after this year and could easily be
dumped.  Who knows?  I've always liked Popeye Jones, though, and he
certainly has proven his value as a role player, particularly with his
rebounding talents.  Tabak doesn't excite me much, but he too can play a
role.

I admit, that I was a little sad to see John Thomas go.  He was more than a
little raw, but he showed some potential.  As for Roy Rogers, who knows?
Didn't see much of him, but I imagine we would have if he was showing
anything at all in practices.  And Dee, well, I wish him well.  I always
liked him, but I certainly can understand why many on this list were
frustrated with him.  It was best for him and the Celtics to part ways.

I hope Kenny Anderson rediscovers his enthusiasm for the game with the
Celtics.  If he does, I think Celtics fans will come to view this as a very
good trade.


-----Original Message-----
From: Theresa Lee <tjoyce@mit.edu>
To: celtics@igtc.com <celtics@igtc.com>
Date: Wednesday, February 18, 1998 6:48 PM
Subject: The Jury's out


>Before we all start hyperventilating, let's pause to think what really
>happened....basketball wise, that is.
>
>We now have a good, consistent point guard....a must in this system,
>particularly to stimulate that tired offense!!! If anyone watched the game
>last night, you would have seen the world of difference when Edney was in
>the game (ok, he did get nailed defensively). He moved the ball toward the
>hoop consistently....not laterally like Chauncy does. I like Chauncy's
>potential, but after watching Edney's play last night, it reminded me just
>what a point guard is supposed to do and how easy basketball can look and
>be when you have someone who feeds teammates for easy baskets...another
>thing that we all complain doesn't happen with this team. I think Anderson
>will improve the play of everyone on the team. Why?
>
>Veteran on-floor leadership in the person of the point guard (instead of
>Antoine who seems too distracted lately...one gets the feeling that he is
>worn down by having to do it all and the pressure is building) and....
>
>Another consistent scorer. Anderson has averaged 12.6 points and 5.4
>assists per game for Portland. Chauncy has not been consistent. He has
>shown flashes of brilliance, yet so has Dee Brown (ironic that they will
>leave town together). Chauncy's scoring average is 11.1 with 4.3 assists.
>
>I am sad for sentimental reasons, but I am trying to think about the good
>of the basketball team, not my favorite players. I think Anderson will
>improve this team. I do worry about Mercer who I think is close to Billups.
>This might throw him for awhile. I also worry about Chauncy's confidence.
>How often does the #3 pick get traded halfway through his rookie season?
>
>I also think that he can not and will not be a cancer to the
>Celtics....Pitino won't let it fester and there are too many positive
>people on the team to have that happen.
>