Celtics and Sesar

[Joe Hironaka <j.hironaka@unesco.org>]

 Cofman's article provides pretty much all the contract info you need to
know about Joe Sesar. BTW, have you all noticed that the Boston Globe
sportswriters now all provide their personal e-mail addresses at the
bottom of every article? This could be fun. ;-)


C's hail Sesar as shooting star
by Mark Cofman
Thursday, July 6, 2000

According to Celtics general manager Chris Wallace, Josip Sesar was one
of the best shooters available in last week's NBA draft. So it comes as
little surprise that after acquiring the rights to the 6-foot-6 guard in
a draft-night deal with Seattle, the Celtics are exploring the
possibilities of obtaining his services for the upcoming season.

Sesar, a four-year veteran of the Croatian Pro League, has one year left
on his current contract with Cibona Zagreb. Depending on that team's
willingness to negotiate a settlement, the Celtics could buy out the
final year of the contract and have him in place for the start of
regular training camp in October.

Wallace said yesterday he was also hopeful Sesar would be permitted to
participate for the Celtics in the Shaw's Pro Summer League. Again,
based on the willingness of Cibona Zagreb to cooperate, the timing of
that scenario works out for everyone concerned. Sesar isn't due to
report to training camp with his Croatian team until August.

``We're still trying to see what we can do about getting him over
here,'' said Wallace, referring to Sesar's availability for the
second-year summer league, which runs July 17-24 at UMass-Boston. ``That
situation is still up for grabs, but it's something we're certainly
looking into at this point.''

Adding Sesar to their roster this season would be an obvious plus for
the Celtics, who list depth at shooting guard among their needs. Adding
a scoring threat at that position would allow Celtics coach Rick Pitino
the flexibility to give swingman Paul Pierce more playing time at his
natural position at small forward.

Sesar's calling card is a 20.4-point average in four seasons in Croatia,
in addition to a prominent role on that country's national team. His
scoring average includes 40 percent shooting from beyond the 3-point arc
- another glaring Celtics weakness in recent years. Sesar is also
considered a good ballhandler and passer who saw extensive time as a
point guard last year.

Wallace, accompanied by Celtics associate head coach Jim O'Brien for
Sesar's pre-draft workout last week in Chicago, came away believing the
22-year-old scorer was worth pursuing through a deal. After selecting
UCLA's Jerome Moiso with the 11th overall pick in the first round of the
draft, the Celtics worked out an 11th-hour deal for Sesar with the
SuperSonics.

Despite his potential, Sesar lasted until the 47th overall pick in the
second round. Like many European players, his contract status and the
gulf between quality of play overseas and in the NBA scared off some
teams - particularly those in need of immediate help.

But the Celtics, whose second-round pick belonged to the Knicks to
complete a 1997 deal involving Chris Mills, didn't mind spending two
second-round choices next year (their own and another via Denver) to
secure Sesar's NBA rights. They retain those rights regardless of
whether Sesar joins them this season or next.

With regard to a buyout, as a team without salary-cap room, the Celtics
could offer Cibona Zagreb a maximum of $350,000 this season.

If they were to reduce the team's payroll below the salary cap, the
Celtics could add any difference to a buyout offer.

--------