Looks Like A Bimbo Eruption As Coles Close To Signing

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

8.2.2000
CELTICS
Coles mulling Celts' offer
BOSTON -- Free-agent guard Bimbo Coles, who spent last season with
Atlanta, was weighing an offer from Boston yesterday that he appeared to
be close to accepting. The Celtics have offered Coles their $2.25
million salary cap exception slot, and team officials and Coles spent
yesterday negotiating a contract.

Coles is also considering Cleveland and Atlanta, but moving to Boston
appeared to be his first choice. The Celtics were also chasing Chicago
Bulls free agent Randy Brown.

The Celtics did sign Mark Blount, a 7-foot center from Pittsburgh who's
spent the last three seasons in minor league basketball. Terms were not
disclosed, but Blount likely received a minimum contract for this season
with an option for a second season.

The Celtics are also exploring a way to get something in return for free
agent forward Danny Fortson. The team apparently does not want to retain
Fortson even though it lacks the rebounding presence Fortson provides.
Other teams, namely Golden State, have interest in Fortson and the
Celtics could sign Fortson to a contract and then trade him for a player
or draft picks.



-- KEVIN McNAMARA