Mike Szostak On Pierce and Pitino

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

5.2.99 00:03:19
MVP? Mourning looks like he's the best of a bad bunch
BY MIKE SZOSTAK
Journal Sports Writer
<snips>

Gentry sold on Pierce
Count Detroit coach Gentry among Pierce's admirers.
Comparing Pierce to Carter, Gentry said, ``Paul Pierce
doesn't have the flash, but to me he's every bit as
good a player. He's a better shooter, better ball
handler, better passer. If Vince Carter is the rookie
of the year, then Paul Pierce is rookie of the year
1-A.''



On the merit system?
Ernie Grunfeld gets fired as president and general
manager of the Knicks because his $64-million team is
playing .500 ball and the chemstry stinks. Elgin Baylor
in Los Angeles (Clippers) and Wes Unseld in Washington
have bumbled along for years, yet remain employed. Go
figure.

Given some of the personnel moves he has made, and
back-to-back losing seasons, would Rick Pitino be
secure in Boston if not for his reputation and his
$50-million contract?



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