Re: responses to trade thoughts

[Cecil Wright <nocw1@nsh.library.ns.ca>]

On Thu, 11 Jun 1998, Alex Wang wrote:
>  
> Cecil Wright writes:
> > I am confused by the willingness to give up Mercer in any deal with the 
> > flashes of brilliance he displayed last year.  If we were to draft a 
> > surefire talent, such as Mercer, would that player be constantly looking 
> > over his shoulder anticipating a trade?  It takes players a period of 
> > adjustment before they become familiar with the coach and his system as 
> > well as his teammates.  I'm not sure it's such a tremendous benefit to 
> > those who are holdovers to go through this year in and year out.
> 
> I agree that Mercer has shown flashes of brilliance and would not suggest
> dumping him for nothing. But this doesn't translate to him being untouchable.
> There must be some combination of cap room, draft picks, and players that
> would make this an excellent trade. (I think "a superstar player and Mike
> Bibby" is far, far overrating Mercer's talent.) 

My response was predicated on your scenario number 3 reagarding a trade 
of Anderson, Mercer or both.  To lose each of them, would require, at 
least my distorted view, a superstar player and Mike Bibby.  I do not 
feel I'm overrating Mercer's ability at all.

I recall that there were similar 
> grumblings when Billups was about to be traded and nobody is complaining now.

My argument for keeping Billups was that giving up on a rookie player 
may come back to haunt you.  2 years from now, he may prove to be a 
fantastic player.  Judging on a half season of play can be a mistake, but 
then hey, even Walt Frazier signed with Cleveland after brilliant seasons 
in New York.  Though he was at the end of his career, not the beginning.
 
> These are the scenarios that I can think of:
>  
> 3) Pitino believes he needs a superstar (and doesn't think Mercer and Anderson 
> fit the bill) to play along with Walker. If this is true, he'll pursue a trade 
> of Anderson, Mercer or both. And to those that believe he wouldn't do it, 
> remember that he was perfectly willing to give up the #3 and #6 for Pippen last 
> year and would have given that and more for Duncan.
>