BSG: C's After Mercer and Toine Stays as Part of the Deal

[Way Of The Ray <wayray@ix.netcom.com>]

Well, a good move, if they can bring back Mercer at the
minimum.


http://home.digitalcity.com/boston/sportsguy/main.dci?page=links

The Celts are making a HARD run at Ron Mercer, who misses Boston after
being humbled in Denver and Orlando last season (as CM Newton alluded to
in Pete Vescey's column today). Rick Pitino even flew down south to
spend time with Mercer this weekend, where Coach P will certainly be at
his oily/convincing best. Remember, Mercer broke ties with agent
Tevester Scott earlier this year; Scott had convinced Mercer last summer
that Boston was trying to screw him with a generous 4-year, $28 million
offer (unattainable numbers for Mercer this summer). Mercer was bummed
out by his experience with Scott and regrets not trusting Pitino more,
especially when Pitino was urging him to be careful of Scott's and
Master P's motives last summer (their "No-Limit Agency" has become a
joke since last year).

Also, the Celts are also negotiating with Tariq Abdul-Wahad as a ploy to
make Mercer believe they'll go elsewhere if he drags his feet on a deal.
New Jersey is offering him the most money, but Mercer is weary of
playing there and even more weary of Stephon Marbury's "tough teammate"
reputation.

If I had to bet money on anything happening for the Celts this summer, I
would wager that Mercer signs a one-year deal for the $2.25 million
veteran exemption, with a handshake deal for an extension in the 5-year,
$25 million range after next season. Sure, he has some faults -- he
doesn't rebound, he doesn't create shots for anyone and he plays soft at
times -- but he can drain open jumpers and run the floor, precisely what
Boston needs from the 2-spot. The move would also allow them to play
Pierce at the "3" and stick Williams/McCarty/Cheaney et al on the bench,
where they belong.

One other note on this: Mercer wouldn't return unless he was guaranteed
that his buddy Walker is staying put -- he's even said as much to
reporters -- so any Mercer singing would indicate that Walker is either
A) off the trading block or B) not enticing enough for Chicago or
Detroit to pull the trigger (on a deal which would free cap room for
Boston to sign Austin Croshere).

One final conspiracy note: Did Pitino know that Mercer wanted to return
here as far back as mid-season last year -- because Walker and Mercer
are close -- which explains why they took Moiso with the #11 pick over
Courtney Alexander? And did they talk to Mercer before the 7/1 signing
period began? Stay tuned on this one... it could never be proven, but
the whispers are growing louder, especially if he signs with the Celts
for half the money he could get from New Jersey