The Celtics have started searching for respectable talent to fill out their
roster. One minute after midnight, the 29 NBA teams began recruiting this
summer's free agent class. While the most prized free agents available (Tim
Duncan, Grant Hill, Tracy McGrady, and Eddie Jones) are being wined and dined in
Chicago and Orlando, Boston is looking for players (though most likely only one)
who fit the league exemptions. The home team has one exemption at $2.25 million
and another at $1.2 million.
With the selection of power forward Jerome Moiso in the draft, league sources
say the Celtics are looking for backcourt depth. But it may be too early to
mention names as Boston will probably wait to see which players filter down into
its price range and fill a need.
Hopefully, the Celtics will have a good idea what they're looking for and
what's available during Shaw's Pro Summer League action at UMass-Boston July
17-24. The Boston summer league team will allow scouts to evaluate players and
possibly come away with another Adrian Griffin. With the exception of three or
four spots, the home team is set.
A collection of Continental Basketball Association, International Basketball
League, and overlooked college players will be joining Moiso and current forward
Tony Battie on the Celtics' roster.
The team is replete with forwards, including Silas Mills, Damian Owens,
Rodney Elliott, and Kris Clack. The 6-foot-7-inch Mills spent last summer
playing for Mobiline in the Philippines, earning MVP honors before rejoining the
Yakima Sunkings of the CBA. Owens (6-6, 215 pounds) spent last season with the
Connecticut Pride, the same team that produced Griffin. Elliott (6-8, 235
pounds) was named the Baltimore BayRunners' most valuable player last season,
averaging a team-high 14.6 points and 6.2 rebounds.
The Boston crowds will recognize Clack. The 6-5 forward was the Celtics'
second-round selection (55th overall) in 1999. He spent most of the past season
with the IBL Stingrays, averaging 11.5 points.
At center, the Celtics will look at 7-foot, 235-pound Mark Blount, a product
of the University of Pittsburgh and a shot-blocking standout (52) with the
BayRunners. Another center and Pittsburgh product participating will be CBA
All-Star Bobby Martin, who was among the top rebounders in the league competing
for Quad City. David Vanterpool, a 6-5 product of St. Bonaventure, the Quad City
Thunder, and the Jilin Tigers in China, will audition at
guard.<<<<