Re: Rodney Rogers?

[CeltsSteve@aol.com]

In a message dated 99-05-30 21:03:25 EDT, ttitus@mindspring.com writes:

<<  does defense count for anything in this equation?  where do championships 
come from?  just an interested by-stander. >>


I'm not thrilled about the prospect of giving up on Battie and like someone 
else commented, it would be more prudent to keep Battie and try to sign 
Rogers with the $2 million exception slot, if possible.  That said, however, 
Battie is still a backup player and the C's would be gambling that Popeye can 
come back healthy to also play the "4" spot. While Popeye is certainly not as 
accomplished a shot blocker as Battie, he is probably at the very least the 
equal of Battie as a rebounder and defensive player.

The "X" factor in this hypothetical deal involving Battie for Rogers is 
Pervis. Based on past history, the C's can't count on him to return but in 
the event he does, he could pretty much negate any lost shot blocking if he 
(Pervis) were able to play 8 - 10 minutes a night. Pitino would have to count 
of a tandem of Popeye/Pervis to give him 20 - 25 minutes (and 12 fouls) per 
game to offset the departure of Battie.