my take

["Berry, Mark S" <mberry@journalink.com>]

I feel like I have a pretty good feel for the principals in this trade
because I live in the Cincinnati market and saw Fortson play for UC and
Mercer for UK, as well as following Mercer with the Celtics.

I think I've made it clear that I see Mercer as a nice, but limited, player.
I've been in favor of trading him for a bruising power forward all along.
Fortson, although only 6-7, fits the bill in my book.

Mercer is a guy I think is overrated in many eyes because of his
highlight-film dunks and pleasant demeanor. However, he has shown no
inclination to add a 3-point shot to his arsenal or any kind of post-up
game, despite being a solid 6-7 (if Denver thinks he's a small forward,
they're nuts). He is a decent shooter off screens (I refuse to describe a 44
percent shooter as anything more than decent).

Fortson reminds me of a young Charles Oakley. He is short and landlocked,
but an absolute bull in terms of his body. He is a willing rebounder on both
ends and has a real nasty streak that a player of his skills needs. The
misconception about Mercer is that he has no offensive skills. In fact, he
has soft hands and a soft touch around the basket. He has trouble getting
shots against taller players, but recognizes this and only takes good shots
(50 percent shooter). He gets fouled a lot and makes his free throws. On the
other hand, he commits a lot of fouls and often battles foul trouble.

For those of you unfamiliar with the University of Cincinnati's system, it
is much like Pitino's. The No. 1 requirement is hard work, and Fortson is
always willing. Bob Huggins makes Pitino look like a mute, and Fortson
handled it well because he wanted to work hard. 

The rest of the trade, with the exception of the draft pick, is a wash. Eric
Williams is a liability because of his contract, but you could say the same
for Popeye.

The draft pick could turn into a real impact player, and quite possibly the
point guard of the future for this team.

I like the trade. This team needed to get bigger and tougher, and it did
just that. 

Mark