Re: Questions (was "Peter May Column")

[Josh Ozersky <josh_ozersky@yahoo.com>]

Joe, I think that it's either Clack OR Griffin,
especially if we want to sign Wayne Turner.  And since
we can retain Clack's rights by sending him to Europe,
I would bet on Griffin.

I was watching Antoine's 49 point game last night and
was struck again by how wonderfully athletic Ron
really is.  His athleticism is really a big part of
the team's identity.  We can't give him up for a less
athletic player (Dele, Kukoc) who just happens to be a
few inches taller.  Too bad we can't get Steve Smith
for Ron -- Portland seems to have him sewn up for
Rider and Jackson.  Francis would be the best trade. 
You know, before Pitino started his diffident suitor
routine with Ron, most observers had him picked as a
top three lock in the draft behind Unfair Luck Duncan
and Keith Van Horn.  We need to get value for his
talent.


--- j.hironaka@unesco.org wrote:
> Hi I'm wondering what Peter May means when he lists
> the following among the
> new rules that will be enforced in the upcoming NBA
> season:
> 
> 
> > PRO BASKETBALL NOTES
> > Recommendations might get offensive
> >
> > By Peter May, Globe Staff, 07/18/99
> 
> > On screens, the man who sets the screen must give
> the defensive player a
> > chance to change direction and get around it.
> 
> You "must give the defensive player a chance...to
> get around it"? How very
> gentlemanly. Does Peter May mean simply that a
> "moving" screen will be
> strictly enforced? Isn't it strictly enforced
> already!? I hope someone can
> explain.
> 
> Also, I believe May mentioned in passing somewhere
> that Paul Pierce has
> demonstrated he can play minutes at two-guard in the
> Fila tournament. Is this
> really the case (dying to know, actually)!? Wasn't
> Pierce normally out there
> with (at least) two other Celts guards on the floor?
> 
> It would be great IMO if Adrian or Clack could
> actually shoot from distance.
> I'm wondering which of the two looks less like a
> 'tweener in the opinion of
> list members like Hank and Steve who have been lucky
> enough to watch the
> games, and kind enough to describe them. I think it
> is obvious that neither
> player will get away with a small forwards offensive
> repertoire once they
> start playing in the major league, EVEN if it can
> look incredibly effective at
> that level of competition.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Joe
> 
> 
> FWIW, I have a feeling both Clack and Griffin could
> BOTH make the 1999 roster,
> since 1) Greg Minor has a hip fracture excuse to
> start the season on the
> disabled list, 2) the guard corps would thin out if
> Mercer/Anderson were
> traded for a front-court player, and 3) Bruce Bowen
> would cost Gaston a bit
> more as a 3-year NBA veteran compared to the two
> rookies. As I recall, Bowen
> was eventually singled out as the "veteran" who most
> likely complained to
> Michael Holley about Pitino's room checks back in
> March/April. From watching
> videos, I honestly think Bowen is a bonafide impact
> defender (it's not just
> hype), but I also think the rookies also may have a
> knack for forcing
> turnovers as well.
> 
> So although there are ten NBA veterans ahead of them
> competing for the final
> seven Celts roster spots, there is still a good
> chance IMO that Pitino may
> keep both Clack and Griffin (despite their having
> very similar games). IMO,
> Battie and Barros are the only "sure" bets to make
> the Celts bench, although
> both could get traded. FA's Damon Jones and Eric
> Riley will surely make the
> team if re-signed. Next there is Minor, Popeye and
> Pervis, all of whom could
> start the season on the disabled list and rotate off
> it all year long. Dwayne
> Shi-tzu can finally get cut in December or sooner.
> Marlon Garnett can be cut.
> Bowen may just be using the Fi-la-la tourney to
> audition for other teams.
> 
> Wayne Turner's numbers look well-rounded and
> impressive so far. I love to read
> that the point guards are pushing the ball fast and
> using the forward lob as a
> weapon. This obviously has translated into easy and
> exciting baskets (I pray
> the leisurely, over-dribbler Kenny Anderson is
> watching all this). Fantastic
> reports BTW. Those posts are what make it really
> great to be on a list like
> this.
> 
> *****
> 
> 

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