Re: How can we make the trade work?

["Jim Meninno" <jim_meninno@hotmail.com>]

>From: Joe Hironaka <j.hironaka@unesco.org>

>     FWIW  I think Boston should time a serious rebuilding decision for 
>next summer, what with two draft picks in hand, Pierce a year older, and 
>Walker without his base-year contract hassles. Walker will be 24 next 
>August 1st. That's not "washed up" by any means and we'll know a lot more 
>about him.
>
>     I don't mind if Pitino stays on after this season. I don't think fans 
>should beat him over the head about the 3-year playoffs promise as long as 
>he starts making smart basketball decisions in the longer term interest of 
>the team. "Seven years to build a championship caliber basketball club" 
>(the second part of his original promise) still sounds almost realistic. 
>But that's only if there are no desperate, flavor-of-the-month trades.

That's what I've been trying to say for a while now, Joe.  Next year is a 
unique opportunity to really overhaul the team, if things don't work out 
this year.  What a coincidence that it comes as the last of the ML contracts 
come off the books!  If it happens, I'd rather do it with a new coach, 
though, and I know you feel the same way.  I don't believe that "as long as 
he starts making smart basketball decisions" talk for a second!  But then, 
you probably don't think there's any chance of that happening anyway!

But, seriously, you really bring up an important point.  We MUST NOT do 
anything to hurt the team's long term rebuilding prospects.  Unfortunately, 
that is not the way Pitino is talking.  The future is now.  Well, if that's 
the case, it's a pretty mediocre future.  Many will say it's Pitino's 
desperate way to save face in his last year in Boston.  I would counter that 
it's a reaction to a very real message being sent by the fans and the talk 
radio nincompoops that any more losing will result in a serious revolt.  
Bottom line is, there are NO deals out there that will dramatically change 
the face of this team.  There are just not enough bullets in Pitino's gun.  
But, next year?  With Walker and Pierce and two first round draft picks as 
collateral?  I like those chances a lot better.

Jim

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