Popeye Still Has A Fat Butt And More Celtics Notes

[wayray@ix.netcom.com (Way Of The Ray)]

Lynn Zinser - Philadelphia Daily News

"Best Draft.

"Boston made the most of its one pick, when Kansas forward Paul Pierce fell 
into it lap at No. 10.  Rick Pitino showed amazing restraint (or was bribed by 
TNT) for taking the entire five minutes to make the pick.  He gets an athletic 
guy for his run-n-gun system who fell that far only because he was out of shape 
for predraft workouts.  Well, Pierce will be in shape by training camp or won't 
hold his cookies through Pitino's first practice."


Popeye

It looks like the C's will re-sign the Sailor Man or at least enable his team 
option, as the Boston Globe's Peter May reports the Popster has lost 40 pounds,
and is down to 13 percent body fat.  May says however, he still has one large
behind which should be helpful when establishing post-position.  May does not 
like Matt Geiger, and doesn't think he's worth the money.  His plan is to use
multiple centers, "until something better and affordable comes along."


Paul Pierce

Peter May says Pierce is staying in LA, because of the impending lockout.  So, 
for all of you Paul Pierce fans, it's going to be wait for November? December?
January? before you see him in a C's uniform.


Keon Clark

Celtics still have eyes for him and his checkered past.  May reports that some 
type of deal between Boston and Orlando could be worked out some time down the
lockout line.   This especially makes sense, if the C's don't go free agent 
center good will hunting.  The Green Team desperately needs some type of shot 
blocking fool.


Jerry West Is Never Idle

According to Tim Potvak of the Orlando Sun, Jerry West has already offered 
Eldon Campbell and Eddie Jones to Sacramento for Chris Webber and jason 
Williams.  Potvak also reports (confirming May's comments) that the C's are
still after Keon Clark.  Orlando needs a point guard, which is why they were so 
interested in Jason Williams.  Perhaps Dana Barros would be a nice compliment 
to
Afernee Hardaway.  Orlando is also looking for a small forward who can score, 
and goodness the C's are crawling with them.  Potvak, a font of information on 
this day of the Sabbath says the Lakers are interested in New Jersey's Jayson
Williams.  Can Jerry West be stopped?


Rocky Mountain News On The Celtics Draft

"Word from Mister Rick is the Celtics are set at shooting guard, small forward 
and big forward.  But there are rumors that Ron Mercer, Paul Pierce and Antoine 
Walker are all the same person.  Pierce had a reputation in the Big 12 for not 
liking a lot of contact, which should make Pitino's practices a lot of fun."


Teams Barred From Signing Their First Round Picks

According to Nunyo Demasio of the Seattle Times, clubs are banned from signing 
their first round choices until the lockout is settled.  Obviously, the league 
is trying to insure that whatever new rookie wage scale is implemented,it will 
be retroactive to this current crop of draftees. 
WC