Celtics Soapbox 10/13

[OzerskyJA <OzerskyJA@cmog.org>]

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Based on the first two games of the preseason, 2000 is not getting off to an
auspicious start.  Back-to-back 20 point losses can take the starch out of
even the most devoted fan, and your Celtics columnist is no exception.
Although Paul Pierce, Randy Brown, Bryant Stith, Chris Herren, and (for the
first game) Jerome Moiso didn't play, we saw everything we didn't want to
see:  overweight and/or slow athletes, man-to-man defense worthy of Doo Duk
Kim, a press that handed up dozens of layups and dunks, Kenny Anderson
refusing to pass the ball, Tony Battie drifting, and a pudgy Antoine Walker
taking it in one on three to get stuffed.  It was a depressing spectacle
indeed, and cries of "it's only the first preseason games" were cold
comfort.  It was the first preseason game for the Bucks too.
The second game was less painful, because Jerome Moiso showed why we took
him ahead of Courtney Alexander.  The guy blocked four shots, including a
big one on Duncan, who afterwards called him "a great shotblocker."  He
scored on several fluid and accurate jump shots, and gave fans something to
look forward to.  For my part, I just want to see the team locked in a guy
with Rick Pitino, and run ragged until they are in the right kind of shape
and know what they are supposed to be doing.  I am also hoping and praying
that Chris Herren comes in and puts Kenny Anderson on the bench; the passing
vibe has to become contagious, and quick.  On the injury front, Chris Carr
has an infected toe and a hamstring pull, Randy Brown is over his ankle
sprain, and Paul Pierce participated today in HIS FIRST FULL PRACTICE.  We
may actually see him in a preseason game, although he certainly would not
have made any difference this week.  Kenny Anderson is taking off for two
days to be present for the birth of his child.  Let's hope it pops out
cleanly, because our so-called point guard looks two steps slower than
everybody else on the court.
And how was your week?

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