RE: Ike Austin names Fave Teams

[John Lyell <Jlyell@concentric.net>]

Mike I think you are correct. Unless McDyess really shows his stuff in the 
second half, expect the Suns not to resign him and make a move for Austin. 
 He would be the big body they have needed just like us.  If they were to 
get Austin and move Nash for a scoring 2, they would have a pretty 
impressive lineup with Kidd, Ceballos, &  Robinson.

-----Original Message-----
From:	Michael J. King Sr. [SMTP:kingpin@primenet.com]
Sent:	Sunday, January 04, 1998 2:10 PM
To:	celtics
Subject:	Ike Austin names Fave Teams

This culled from the Sunday Tempe Tribune 4 Jan edition.written by local
hoops "Expert" Mike Tulumello.
Headline: Ex ASU star interested in Suns
 Ikes agent states that the Suns are "absolutely" among his top 5
choices. "It's not difficult to like playing for the Suns" said Ikes
agent Paco Belassen of Phoenix."They arew the best organization in
American sports thats never won a championship. An associate of
Belassens goes so far as to label the Suns Austin's "# 1" choice if he
doesn't stay with the Heat.
They of course refer to Ike's affinity for the Jazz and Karl Malones
friendship as a strong motivator for that franchise. Paco has told Heat
management to not assume that Ike will leave and may take less money to
stay.
This from the article:
" Miami is over the salary cap and because Ike has played just two years
with the Heat, salary cap rules state that the Heat could offer no more
than 108% of this years league average which is projected to be $2.6
million. That equates to the Heat's allowed to offer a maximum seven
year deal between $29 and $32 million. Brian Williams, a somewhat
comparable player  got about $45 million to sign with the Pistons.Miami
may offer fewer years ,possibly with an out clause after 2 or 3 years in
which renegotiations could take place for a more lucrative deal"

I am a season ticket holder for ASU hoops and watched Ike during his
stay with the Devils and while a super guy he can be  really
undisciplined in regards to chowing down and practicing! I recall his
departure from Utah was his inability to keep his weight to a reasonable
level. I for one am not in favor of the proposed trade and hope that
Coach Pitino nixed it for real. Anyway Go Celts!! Later.Mike