One last word (tonight) on this trade.

[damekmo@teleport.com]

While I think Pitino salvaged something from the Fortson mistake, I'm not
about to say I'm thrilled with the job "Ricky the GM" has done. Anybody who
talks about "building value" and then goes out and acquires Battie, E.
Williams, Cheaney and McCarty (Have I forgotten anyone?) has confused
"value" with "liability." These guys are impossible to move and worthless
on the court. I'm guessing this is the last trade Pitino makes this year.
If the team doesn't start winning I have a feeling he's going to trade
Antoine. He has two players who can actually get him some real talent in a
trade. A trade like the one suggested by Mark, Ratliff and Hughes for
Antoine, doesn't thrill me, but it's better than the junk he'd get trading
anyone else. The next trade has to be an obvious upgrade somewhere in that
lineup. He can't afford to gamble on another Fortson. If he can upgrade two
positions at once, he's going to do it. This team is stuck with too many
mediocre-at-best talents. Ricky's not trading Pierce, although it would be
interesting to toss out his name and see what happens.

And finally...if he must get traded, for the love of God, not the Sixers!
I'm afraid I'd actually want the Sixers to win.

Paul M.