GOODBYE RON: HE'S TRADED - Chris Wallace Comments On The Trade

[Way Of The Ray <wayray@ix.netcom.com>]

It's gone down and Wallace says Mercer's impending free agency
and Pierce's ability to play the shooting guards were two major
factors along with Fortson's rebounding ability and the draft choice
- Wallace is naturally high on the draft choice.

Wallace says there's no personal enmity between Pitino and Master
P - In fact, Wallace bought Pitino a Master P CD for Christmas.

On future moves: Wallace says never say never - The Denver deal was on
the periphery, then it came hurtling down the Pike Saturday.

On Walker: We're always open to any suggestion - We think Antoine will
have 
a outstanding career with the Celtics 

On Eric Williams - Says they did a lot of research on him - Came back
with the findings that once he left Boston, he did a 180 degree turn
- another weight room warrior - Will be proficient on the offensive end.

Draft Pick - Very enthused - Says it can be high in the next few years.

Fortson - A below the rim rebounder - Like Paul Silas - Battie, Fortson
and Pot will keep the C's from being mauled on the boards - Fortson,
not a player that need the ball - wallace says they needed someone like
that
- Compatible to Walker and Pierce.

Kenny Anderson - Wayne Turner is insurance - wallace confident he
(Anderson) will
have a good year - last year's performance indicative of many veterans.