I'd love to deal for a real point guard, but those guys are few and
far
between. I still think our best bet might be Mark Jackson. He's a little
long in the tooth, but he knows how to run a team, has good size, and
has
been a winner. But we don't have the cap room to sign him. I wouldn't
be
surprised to see him end up in Toronto. Don't know what we have to
offer in
a sign-and-trade either.
Incredibly, I keep reading that Darrell Armstrong might be available
for the
right price. He might be the Magic's bargaining chip in an eventual
sign-and-trade for McGrady, but if not...and if they want to deal him...
I'd
love to see him in green. Pierce for Armstrong and Outlaw? Pierce and
a No.
1?
Anthony Carter, the guy who filled in nicely for Tim Hardaway, will
be
available. He has some size. There's always Alvin Williams (who should
be
here auditioning right now). You never know who will become available,
but
right now the pickings seem slim. One longshot: Jalen Rose wants to
play
point guard, and I still think it may be his best position. Pierce
for Rose,
straight up?
At this point, I'd do Anderson for one of the Knicks' lousy PGs. Both
Childs
and Ward defend better than Kenny, and both push the ball more consistently.
Neither is the answer, but they could help us.
I'm still hoping for a big man, and if we have to trade up in the draft
to
get him, I say do it. Vitaly and our pick to move up for Mihm or Pryzbilla?
I'd do it. Pierce for the No. 1 (Martin)? OK by me.
I'm not as down on Pierce as you Paul, but, like you, I see him for
what he
is. And to be honest, I don't see Pierce/Walker as an either/or. I
wouldn't
hesitate to trade both if the right deals came along. It's great to
hear
Antoine talk about getting on a program blah, blah, blah, but then
he said
he would practice "by guarding smaller guys in pickup games..." and
I
thought "here we go again." Walker is a great talent, and it's great
that he
recognizes the need to develop a consistent 15-footer, but he doesn't
sound
like someone committed to working on his body this summer. I really
believe
that's the only thing keeping him from being not just a great talent,
but a
great player.
If we have to choose, I choose Antoine, but I'm not tied to either guy.
Besides, considering his youth and reasonable contract that has him
locked
in, Pierce probably has much more value around the league. I'd like
to find
out what he might fetch.
Mark