RE: the Indy stuff

["Michael Griffin" <mgriffin@rillc.com>]

I don't think there is anyone in this draft worthy of trading up for.  A lot
of depth but no bonafide superstars.  Kind of like the year when Joe Smith
was the #1 pick and look how that ended up: Joe Smith took the $2M exemption
from Minnesota last year.

Just stand pat at #11 and hope Mo Petersen is there.  I don't think there is
a point guard worthy at #11 nor probably is there a center.  I'd stay away
from Pryzbilla even if he was there at #11.  He is not even Big Country or
Montross.  Perhaps this Brown kid who might come out straight from Community
College who is 6'11''+ and supposedly has a ton of "upside".

It's probably not a popular opinion but with the ability to lock up guys 5
years now (is that right?), the high school kids may be the best value for
your pick - better picks for teams that don't need a quick return on their
investment.  I'd say take Miles or Hightower.  I mean, are any of us Celtic
fans expecting our #1 draft pick @ #11 to be the reason we make or miss the
playoffs?  It will hinge on whether the Celts are successful in obtaining a
consistent 3rd scoring option via free agency.

Grace&Peace
Griffin

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-celtics@igtc.com [mailto:owner-celtics@igtc.com]On Behalf Of
> Berry, Mark S
> Sent: Monday, May 01, 2000 10:04 AM
> To: 'celtics@igtc.com'
> Subject: the Indy stuff
>
>
> OK, I've been hoping for a Mark Jackson signing/trade for a while
> now, so I
> was thrilled to read his name connected to the Celtics for the first time.
> Is he the long-term answer? Obviously, no. He's 35 years old. But
> he doesn't
> make his living running and jumping either. He's a big, strong, smart,
> pass-first point guard who knows how to win. In other words, all
> the things
> Kenny isn't. If you can sign Jackson and draft a Barkley or Dooling, maybe
> you solve the point guard problem.
>
> Now, I like Austin Croshere and think he probably deserves more
> consideration for the sixth man award than he's receiving. He'd look great
> in Boston. He's a high-energy rebounder and scorer who can play either
> forward position in a pinch. He's not, and never will be, an
> all-star. He'd
> be a good signing, though.
>
> I absolutely believe these are two names the Celts will look
> at-but I don't
> buy any of the Walker for Jackson-Croshere silliness. Walker is a 23 year
> old multi-talented star. You don't trade those guys for an old point guard
> and a nice role player. You think the Mercer-Fortson trade was
> bad? The only
> upside to this trade would be improving our lottery position next year.
>
>  The truth is Jackson probably will re-sign in Indy for the short-term and
> end his career there and Croshere may be out of our price range.
> Of course,
> if the big names eat up all the available cap space out there, guys like
> Croshere may be left with only the veterans' exception. In that case, we'd
> have to hope his Providence ties give the Celts an advantage.
>
> The bottom line, however, is that we'd still be weak at the C and
> PF spots.
> I'm not sure how we address that, but it may be by moving up in the draft.
> If the Celts are sold on Swift/Martin/Mihm/Pryzbilla, maybe it would be
> worth it to dangle a Walker or Pierce for a top-three pick. Then again,
> maybe we'll just get lucky in the lottery... oh, who am I kidding?
>
> Anyway, it's Monday, it's lunchtime and I'm bored...
>
> Mark
>