Last minute thoughts on Pierce and Stewart

[HMURDOCH@aol.com]

My two bits as trading/signing season is about to start at 2pm : Please,
please, please don't trade Pierce !  

I tend to agree with the arguments already presented on this list for giving
him a chance to show his stuff - given the star potential he may have.  But in
addition to that, my opinion is partly based on seeing Pierce in an exhibition
game in L.A. last summer.  Playing on a team of NBA rookies vs "all-stars"
including Kenny Anderson and Antoine Walker, he looked pretty good.  In
particular, I think maybe he got Antoine's attention by stripping the ball
from him twice - one leading to an easy trip down the floor for a jam.  He
looked like he belonged on the court with the pros.  Really hope he stays to
go along with Anderson, Mercer, and Walker - a very talented bunch of young
players.

My other hope for the day - is that the rumors are true that Stewart may sign
with the Celts.  Stewart may not (or may) be the long-term answer for us at
center - but he sounds like he would be a very good step in the right
direction - and it should be relatively easy to recover from the experiment if
it doesn't work out.  Also, he's gotten pretty good reviews out here in his
rookie year.

If we end up keeping Pierce *and* get Stewart, I will be a very excited Left
Coast Celtics fan !  Can't wait for the Celts vs Lakers and Clippers games,
when I can actually see this group in person !

Hank M.