Sixers Had Interest In Potapenko; Trade Called Sleeper Deal

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

                                               March 14, 1999

                                       On the NBA By Stephen A. Smith
     
                             In review of Marbury deal, Timberwolves
                                          come up short
                             <snip>
                             Why not, 76ers? The Sixers, craving a
                             young, powerful center, supposedly didn't
                             have enough to offer to get their hands on
                             the Cavaliers' young center, Vitaly
                             Potapenko. Somehow, the Celtics did,
                             giving away journeyman center Andrew
                             DeClerq.

                             "And a No. 1 pick," Sixers GM Billy King
                             said. "Don't forget to add that. Plus,
                             think of this: How much money was that kid
                             going to ask for at the end of this
                             season? We didn't need another situation
                             like that." <snip>
                             

                             Sleeper trade: Celtics. In Potapenko, they
                             finally have a natural center and a young,
                             post-up presence. Combine that with
                             Antoine Walker, Ron Mercer, Paul Pierce
                             and Kenny Anderson. That should scare a
                             few people.

 
                                ©1999 Philadelphia Newspapers Inc.