Lineup and the future

[Alex Wang <awang@mit.edu>]

The most immediate effect of this trade will probably be the release
of Doug Overton, which is no big deal. Also, it seems like Marks isn't
going to stick around according to some reporters. Were his injuries
real or was he buried behind five other big men? Either he or Ellison
will be the third-string center. I would expect that Vitaly and Battie
would get more minutes with Fortson out, perhaps together on the court
at times when Antoine is out. 
 
The Celtics probably would have spent a $2M exception at some point to
try out a young, but non-rookie, backup point guard. Hopefully Alvin
Williams can develop into a solid backup point guard and potential
future starter, since he is the same age as the core players. His stats
aren't good but compare him to the well-regarded Howard Eisley at the
same point in his career. If he does develop, the Celtics can use that
$2M slot on another need - perhaps a sharpshooting swingman. Then we
can spend at least two of our next three first rounders (including
Denver's) gambling on big men. Any big man not drafted #1 or #2 is a
gamble, and even many who are drafted that high, so you probably spend
multiple picks hoping one of them pans out. Gambling on young guys isn't
a bad idea either. Either that or you use the picks in trades to upgrade
your talent for more immediate returns.

Eventually, if you're fortunate in the draft or with free agency, and 
stand pat with the core talent, you have a lineup that looks something
like: 

5. [Successful Big Man Gamble]	Vitaly
4. Walker			Battie
3. [Draft pick or Exception]	Griffin 
2. Pierce			[???]
1. Anderson			A. Williams

Of course the successful big man gamble, or a trade for an big athletic 5,
would be a dream come true. More likely you just keep developing Vitaly,
who seems to be playing effectively recently.

Alex