Saturday, July 31, 1999
The Celtics are indeed looking at acquiring forward Samaki Walker, but he
won't be coming as part of a proposed package with a Dallas No. 1 pick for Ron
Mercer.
Rick Pitino confirmed that the Celts had worked out the 6-foot-9 free agent.
``We're looking at him for possibly our $2 million exception,'' Pitino said
last night. ``I like Samaki Walker. I've been watching him since college and I
think he has a lot of talent.''
Pitino said Walker could be part of a larger sign-and-trade deal with the
Celtics, ``but we're not interested in that,'' he added, in reference to a
Mercer for Walker and a No. 1 deal.
One of the obstacles is that taking a draft pick doesn't address the Celtics'
desire to take a step forward now.
Another possible problem is that Walker has suffered a series of injuries,
never coming close to playing a full season since coming out of Louisville in
'96.
It remains likely that the Celtics will make a trade involving Mercer. The
club seems to be concerned about its ability to sign him to an extension and
fears losing him with no return next summer. To leave, Mercer would almost
certainly have to pass up more money with Boston to go elsewhere, as salary cap
room should be gone for all but a few teams by
then.