Re: kEEP MERCER AND WALKER!!!!

[Alex Wang <awang@mit.edu>]

The idea of making a trade is to improve the team, not to punish a player.
If Mercer is traded for a PF, it will be because Pitino considers a 
lineup of PF, Walker, Pierce to be superior to Walker, Pierce, Mercer.
It's irrelevant that it's not Mercer's fault that Walker is not excelling
as a power forward. If Walker's natural position is small forward (and that
was Pitino's opinion before he realized that the Celtics were hopelessly
short at that position), then someone has to go.

I don't know that I really agree with the assessment that Mercer has 
improved his game either. He still doesn't have three-point range and
his shot selection isn't what it was last year. And he really does seem
determined to get his 16-24 shots a game regardless of whether it's 
helping the team or not. I think the contract year mentality is really
affecting him.

Alex
 

> I thought last year we wanted a small forward.  We got Pierce!  Remember
> Antoine was going to play the power forward,Mercer the shooting guard,
> and Anderson the point.  However, Antoine has not turned out to be the
> power forward that the Celtics need.  Since Walker is not the banger that
> the Celtics wanted, there are people saying traded Mercer for a power
> forward.  I think Mercer has improved his game (three point range) and
> Antoine has not performed up to par.  
> 
> I am only writing the facts and definitely not being critical of either
> player.  My question is, why should we traded Mercer for a power forward?
>  Antoine is the power forward.  If Antoine  performs up to par, there
> will be no trades!!!!
> 
> 
> 
> Greg
> gh18@juno.com
> 
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