Re: Rush and the old guys

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

Gene Kirkpatrick wrote:

> I am not only intrigued by JaRon Rush, I am getting pumped.  If this
> kid has the bloodlines (potential), then he is what we need.  More
> talent!  I would sign him quickly if he shows some maturity and
> commitment.  He's got the talent already.  Before Workman, before
> Blount.  We need talent.  Consider this lineup:  Sesar at point, Rush,
> Pierce, Walker and Moiso.  That's talent.  Now, teach them to play
> defense.

    It's hard to handicap, but I wouldn't be surprised if the CBA MVP
Silas Mills gains an inside track for a job, just as Adrian Griffin did
last year. The fact that he and big pointguard David Vanterpool played for
a championship team last year is a big factor, plus Mills can score and
sounds a little more athletic than Griffin.  As older players (27) who
have been around the block, they might have a few more tricks up their
sleaves and be a little hungrier than a McDonald's All American like Rush.

    Judging by what the brass is hinting, Blount also looks like he has a
solid chance of replacing Pervis on the roster.

    Even if the Celtics keep 15 players and Minor agrees to retire, there
just aren't that many roster spots open. In fact, there may only be one
spot for Rush, Sesar, Workman or Clack as a backup guard. And maybe no
spots at all if Boston hires an NBA free agents like Mark Jackson or gets
a roster player in return should they sign-and-trade Fortson. Basically,
Boston already has eleven guaranteed contracts plus Fortson and the two
veteran exceptions.

Joe

p.s. I think the Celtics should make it a policy to try to negotiate
future contracts that all end on a specific year. For example, when Paul
Pierce is ready to re-sign, Boston should try to make his contract (or
team option) end on the same year (2005) as Antoine's and Potapenko's.
This way, Boston could clear enough space to take part in the free agent
market and improve the team's winning chances, prior to re-signing their
own core players. Of course, you also need an owner willing to spend that
much over the cap to compete, as well as the good faith of the players.

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