NBA/Celtics Notes: Rogers To Boston Or Houston, etc.

[Way Of The Ray <wayray@ix.netcom.com>]

Michael Murphy of the Houston Chronicle reports that if the
Tony Battie to the Clippers for Rodney Rogers deal falls through,
look for Rogers to sign with the Rockets.

Houston also has interest in dealing Scottie Pippen for Gary
Payton.  

The Hawks are trying to entice teams to trade for one or all
four of their first round picks -- 17, 20, 21, and 27 -- in
hopes of acquiring a quality veteran player.  I wonder if
they'd be interested in Dana Barros?  Quincy Lewis,
Chris Herren, and the shot-blocking center from California,
whose name always eludes me, are three players that pique
my interest.

Charlotte may be looking to trade down in the draft,
as they're bringing in players like Jonathan Bender
and Jason Terry in for workouts, and they don't expect
Steve Francis to be available where they draft...

So does that mean the Grizzlies take Francis, and if
so is Bibby up on the block?  Mercer for Bibby?

Steve Francis' stock seems to be rising.  He's
coveted by both Toronto and Washington, either one,
may trade up for him...

Eric Strickland from Dallas and the four years
left on his contract is available, should Pitino
wish another reclamation project in the backcourt...

The Warriors may be thinking about trading down in the
draft, since they're not sure they can find a potential
starter or an impact point guard with the tenth choice.

Arn Tellem is supposedly demanding $7 million a year
for his client Tracy McGrady and shopping him
around, but there's no need to fear, because the
Raptor's GM says they plan to re-sign him.

Ray