Re: ESPN Celtics Sportlight

[Thndrblt31@aol.com]

In a message dated 7/13/00 4:02:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time, nbaj2k@home.com 
writes:

<< The
 Celtics stunk again because they lack leadership, rebounding, passing, and
 to some degree coaching. Pitino has to be blamed for some of this. The
 Celtics were knocking on the playoff door in March until a 10-game losing
 streak settled the matter.>>

I somewhat disagree with this.  Rick Pitino is a good overall coach.  His 
problem is that he is a bad president and has a bad (or perhaps merely 
inexperienced) general manager in Chris Wallace.  Some of the moves they have 
made in trades and free agency make us all wonder what the hell can they be 
thinking.  Travis Knight?  Walter McCarty?  Losing a first round draft pick?  
And even the Fortson for Mercer trade to some extent.  At the time though the 
trade looked very good until Danny started "abandoning the sinking ship."

<< Pierce might overtake Walker as the first scoring
 option soon. >>

If this allowed Antoine to focus more on passing and defense and let the game 
come to him, this might be an excellent idea to pursue.


<< What the Celtics need is a big man who scores and
 rebounds and scares opponents when they drive the lane. The overly slender
 Tony Battie led this team in blocks with 70, and Walker was the only player
 who averaged more than 6.7 boards. This is a soft team. Maybe Armen Gilliam
 can be brought in -- he'd fit right in.>>

I actually hope Moiso or Battie can grow into this role.

Thndrblt31