ESPN Message Boards: Very Few Sports Fans In New England Care About The Celtics

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

                  ESPN Messgae Boards
                  Very Few Sports Fans Care About The Celtics 
                  In New England.... 
                   Posted by: New_England (260 Msgs)  5:34PM PDT, Sep 19, 1999 




                  We hold this truth to be self evident: The C's 
                  are off the radar screen for most Pro Sports 
                  Fans in the New England area, finishing fourth 
                  behind the always laconic Bruins. The interest 
                  just isn't there for the Green Team, a byproduct 
                  of the post-Bird malaise, being lottery bound 
                  for so many years, lacking a true superstar like 
                  a Drew Bledsoe, and the emergence of Pro Football 
                  in the New England region. 

                  And frankly, it doesn't look like things are 
                  going to change any time soon. What with the 
                  dynamic and surprising play of the Patriots, 
                  and the scrappy over-achieving, we-love-to-root- 
                  for-them Boston Red Sox, another area team that 
                  fields a legitimate superstar in Pedro Martinez. 
                  In fact, they have two superstars, if you rightfully 
                  count Nomar. 

                  The C's sadly lack anyone that can be considered 
                  a true impact player, near or at the top level 
                  of their sport. Possibly, if the ever-screwed- 
                  up Antoine Walker gets his act together, he could 
                  emerge, but at the present time, he's viewed as 
                  as one of those spoiled athletes, a not very 
                  likeable talent, given to petulant displays 
                  of unsportsmanship. No Pedro, Drew or Nomar is 
                  he, screeching at referees and engaging in 
                  ball-hoggedy dispays of selfishness. 

                  Perhaps, Paul Pierce could be the answer. 
                  He possesses more of a fan friendly nature than 
                  Antoine; he had a terrific rookie year, and 
                  from what I've read during this off-season, he 
                  has diversified his game, and also acted as a 
                  ambassador for basketball across the planet. 

                  And there is always Player X. 

                  Whom is Player X you ask? He's whatever superstar 
                  Pitino eventually trades for. And trade, Trader
                  Rick shall, for we all know, in his heart of 
                  hearts, there is one benchmark deal lurking 
                  in the future. One trade that will define his 
                  tenure as GM, as much as acquiring Alonzo 
                  Mourning did the same for Mr.Greasy Hair in 
                  Miami. 

                  We look forward to the day, when the C's will 
                  once again compete in the upper echelon of Boston 
                  Pro Sports. At least it would make listening to 
                  WEEI more tenable....