I Watched The Game On 68...

[Mister Ghost <mister_ghost@yahoo.com>]

And here are my observations:

Paul Pierce - Most complete player on the C's
since Larry Bird.  It's clear from his skill
level, that he spent a great deal of his time
at the college level, just coasting.  Pierce
showed an excellent sense of anticipation on the
defensive end, as witnessed by his four steals.
His basketball movements are fluid and reside
within the system; he rarely forces anything.
He appears to have three point range, and 
superior rebounding skills for a small forward.

Dwayne Schintzius - Similar in style to Greg Ostertag of Utah, but
better passer.  Suffering
from Pitino fatigue at the moment, as he was
reaching for a lot of balls, and could barely
jump.  But at 7-3, he takes up an awful lot
of space and contested several shots.  An 
excellent signing by Pitino.

Toni Battie - He's either a quick 4 or a big 3,
but there's no way in hell he's a center. 
Showed some good shotblocking skills, but not 
much of a factor on the boards; can be easily
moved out.  However, he does appear to have a
fluid shooting touch.  

Dana Barros - When Anderson left the game, and
Barros came in, the offense lagged.  Barros
thinks shot first, pass second, as he winged
up a few three-pointers rather than setting up
the offense.  I see him being traded this 
season, as Pitino develops Marlon Garnet, who
showed  a three-point touch, and more defensive
talent than Barros.  And takes up a lot less
cap space. 

Kenny Anderson - He's the most important player
on the Celtics.  Their offense breaks down when
he's out of the game.  Definitely, their most irreplaceable person,
because there isn't a 
Travis Best type of backup point guard 
around.  The C's will most definitely take a 
point guard in the draft, unless something extraordinary drops down.

Ron Mercer - Has taken a more forcefull position
in the Celtics scoring hierarchy.  He's a
shooter, and he's going to toss them up this
season.  Still not much of a passer or
defender.

Other notes - Minor is not having surgery...
Antoine seems to be taking a more friendly
approach to officials this season... Eric 
Riley comes on as the 14th man... Vince Carter
can really jump - He's more explosive than 
Pierce, but doesn't have 1/2 of his overall
game... The extra pounds have slowed Michael
Stewart down... Alvin Williamson would be a
nice backup for Anderson... Sean Marks has some
nice passing skills.

==
MG In Exile

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