Bye, Bye, Banana Boy?

[Michael Gooen <callmebogie@yahoo.com>]

I'm guessing that "Way of the Ray" is already way ahead of me on this
one (I only get the digest version of this list), but in case I'm
wrong:  ESPN's David Aldridge is reporting that the Celtics and Lakers
are close to a deal that would send Travis Knight back to LA in
exchange for Tony Battie.  No other details were mentioned.

I like this trade, especially if the C's can sign Stewart and keep
Popeye.  Battie is apparently only 6'9", and he's no center -- but
then again, neither is Knight.  From all accounts, Pitino was truly
impressed with Battie's raw athletic ability during his pre-97 draft
workout.  He certainly has more of an upside than Elden Campbell, if
not Campbell's immense wingspan.  The C's clearly don't need Knight's
outside touch, and perhaps Battie will lend a measure of quickness and
toughness inside. 

So if all goes Pitino's way, the Celtics are left with:

1-Anderson, Barros, ?
2-Mercer, Bowen, Minor, Dontae'
3-Pierce, McCarty
4-Walker, Jones, Battie
5-Stewart, DeClerq

A little undersized, perhaps, with nobody over 6'10".  But not bad. 
Not bad at all.
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