Steve Bulpett on Oakley and Stackhouse

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

A Garden party grows on Duncan
      Oakley wants title
      Word is strong that free agent Charles Oakley will leave an offer of more 
      money in Toronto to sign for the $2 million exception with the Lakers. 
      Clearly the chance to win a title is at the heart of his decision.
      The Celtics have interest in Oakley, a friend of Rick Pitino, but their 
      proximity from championship contention probably rules him out.
      In case you missed Saturday's Herald, there has been a rumor of the Celts 
      sending Ron Mercer and a bad contract to Detroit for Jerry Stackhouse. As 
      reported then, the move is not in the works and is highly doubtful.
      While there is room to question whether the move should be made based on 
      the merits of the principals, Stackhouse makes $34.5 million over the next 
      six seasons (it may actually make budget-conscious owner Paul Gaston happy 
      to have him locked up for so long). But new Pistons front office man Joe 
      Dumars considers Stackhouse his pet project.