Re: Jerry West interview.

["Michael J. King Sr." <kingpin@primenet.com>]

At 12:39 5/10/98 , damekmo@teleport.com wrote:
>Did anybody see the interview with Jerry West No whining...no bitching
about salary cap restrictions.
>He takes risks...he has guts...he makes moves...he gets it done.

>They might not win it all, but they're obviously closer than
>the Celtics. And if the Celtics had all that talent? If the Celtics had had
>anyone in their organization with the guts and vision of Jerry West? Maybe
>Pitino will do it. I've said it once...I'll say it again...I think we'll
>see how serious about winning this organization is  when they enter into
>negotiations with Walker. Talent guys. West gets it and believe me...if he
>has the chance to get a guy with as much talent as Walker...Walker's going
>to be wearing purple and gold. Talent first...you worry about everything
>else later. And to be honest, considering how low the Celtics have
>sunk...how little talent there is on this team...how miserable this team is
>on the offensive-end...I'd like to see this organization make talent the
>number one priority just once.
>But hey...maybe I'm just cranky because I have to clean out my basement.

But Paul how do you really feel?!  I agree that West is a great GM but not
to the degree that you do. I agree that the Celts organization WAS in the
toilet but M.L. et al have been flushed (Pun intended) and in one year RP
and Co. have dramatically improved the team and organization. That can not
be denied. Jerry West could not have done any better IMO than RP did and
yes we still have to see if he can continue the upward progression before
anointing him the next "Red" . The Laker organization didn't fall as far as
the Celts did so his job wasn't as hard as rebuilding the Celts. I have to
disagree with going solely on the  talent of a player no matter that he
might be a cancer in the locker room. Do you think Jerry would jump on the
likes of  J.R. Rider , Latrell Sprewell , Derrick Coleman , Oliver Miller,
Vernon Maxwell , Lloyd Daniels or Richard Dumas? I mean they all have
tremendous upsides but also can screw up a teams chemistry real quick.
Let's give RP a few years to continue the job he has started and hope it
will continue to bring the Celtics organization back to the higher echelon
of the NBA where we belong. I noticed that teams don't look forward to
playing the Celtics anymore and that I don't get sniggered at when I walk
in with Celtic regalia to my local watering hole or when the boys played at
America West this past season.  I won't be satisfied though until they
can't stand to see me in Celtic gear  and when they once again fear playing
the Celtics . Then I will know all is right with the world. Go Celtics.
Later.Mike