Re: The Boston Celtics Mailing List Digest V6 #290

[HARRIS-TL@redstone.army.mil]

Fellow Celtic Fans,

Several of you guys/gals have some good ideas, others  ... well ... I 
won't go there!  First off, I want to say that the Potapenko trade was 
a great deal.  Once Richard Hamilton was selected at 7, everyone else 
was a big step down in talent.  It's not to say Andre Miller isn't 
good, but point guards are in greater abundance than quality big men.  
DeClerqc was a backup at best.
Now, since the draft is over, the only decent undrafted players worth 
taking a look at are Wayne Turner (because he's Pitino schooled) and 
Ademola Okulaja (solid player who has been Dean Smith Schooled) - and 
if either were to make it, they would be 12th men.
As for the trades, is it possible for Pitino and the Gastons to make a 
fair deal regarding Mercer with No Limits (a.k.a. Master P)? If so, 
then let's make a good trade for Derek Anderson and do a fair deal for 
both.  If Master P is determined to get Mercer the maximum, then it's 
good-bye Ron.  If Ron is to be traded, package him and include 
Anderson, Popeye, Greg Minor and maybe even Tony Battie and Walter 
McCarty.
Forget trading Pierce and Vitaly!  Both are cornerstones to any future 
Championship run.  Vitaly is locked up for years and Pierce doesn't 
seem to be motivated by $$$'s.  Also, Dana Barros makes to much for any 
team to consider taking him ... besides, he's a model citizen and the 
kid's love him.
Now if Walker is not in the shape Pitino expects, then trade him and 
some of the above mentioned bagage to Chicago for Toni Kukoc, Randy 
Brown, and Elton Brand and/or Ron Artest (If Pitino is truely in love 
with Artest's game).  This still may be difficult due to salary 
constraints.  The only other possible trade I would consider for Walker 
would be to Portland for Rasheed Wallace.
Now as for the Clipper deals, Mercer would certainly have to be 
included with any of the above mentioned guys, but the Celtics would 
certainly need Lamar Odom and Maurice Taylor.  Taylor is much better 
than L Wright or R Rodgers.
As for the G.S. deal, Tony Delk has potential and can shoot the 3, and 
E Dampier would be a good backup in the low post. 
Finally, if the free agent list I saw on one of the mailing list is 
correct, then the only free agents we should pursue are Mutombo - the 
only legit center available, AC Green - old but brings veteran 
leadership the Celtics certainly need, and Greg Foster - because his 
value has bottomed out and he plays Shaq well (the Lakers are someone 
we are going to have to contend with in the near future).
Let's just pray that we don't over pay anyone else and make any 
bonehead mistakes with trades.  There are too many teams that are 
desperate, so good deals are available!