Ray, you got the rest of the Bulpett article (tuesday)

[DJessen33@aol.com]

Celtics in shop mode
by Steve Bulpett 
Tuesday, June 8, 1999





CHICAGO - The NBA hopefuls will be working out on the floor of the Moody 
Bible Institute at the league's pre-draft camp. But for the Celtics, the 
real work will be happening on the balcony track that rims the 
three-court setup.

Expecting to have just the 55th overall pick in the draft later this 
month, the Celts are not exactly here in search of the perfect choice 
for the near end of the second round. However, much of the next Celtics 
team you see could be shaped by what happens when general manager Chris 
Wallace canvasses his peers for trade possibilities.



And far from being in a stand-pat state, the Celts are looking to shop. 
With the possible exception of Paul Pierce, pretty much any Celtic can 
be had for the right price. It's clear from the Boston ``interest'' in 
Penny Hardaway that Rick Pitino wants to talk about some big names.



Pitino isn't here for this event, citing some team commitments, but his 
presence will be felt as Wallace seeks to make a move for the talent and 
experience the coach says is necessary for the Celtics to make the 
playoffs.



The Hardaway deal remains highly unlikely, in that the Magic guard won't 
be opting out of his contract to come to a cold-weather city and the 
fact the Celts probably aren't ready to purchase a ticket for Hardaway's 
head trip. But there is no question Pitino enjoyed the hot stove aspect 
of the matter.



Those coming in contact with Pitino should be prepared to see that 
giddy, glassy look in his eyes several more times this offseason as 
trade discussions float to the surface. It is important to understand at 
such times that the C's leader simply loves this stuff.



Pitino is an aficionado of hoop gossip and when a name like Hardaway's 
is up for discussion, he is a child in a candy store. With good reason, 
he says.



``We have to go out and talk to every team to see what they will offer 
us for our players,'' Pitino said. ``If we were to miss something that 
could make us a better team because we weren't willing to talk about 
trading our players, then we wouldn't be doing our job.



``The unfortunate thing is that it gets out and it looks like you're 
trying to get rid of your players. And that's not what we're trying to 
do. What you're trying to do is see what's out there. You just talk and 
sometimes it works out. It's how Tony Battie came about - just getting 
on the phone and constantly calling. LA says, `Look, we're not going to 
be able to play Tony here. And we'll take Travis (Knight) back.' That's 
how we got a guy who can help us.''



There won't be much help for the Celtics among the pre-draft 
participants, so they'll be trying to help themselves.