Re: Pitino Urged/Latest Trade Rumor... It's Time For Celtics Note s

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

John Lyell wrote:

> Although I think Houston could fit well, Blount and Battie at the 5 would
> get pounded nightly unless Tony does a dozen Krispy Kremes a day and puts on
> about 30 lbs, and get more physical and conmsistent. But if we were to suck
> for a year and land Eddie Curry ?

    I think the Celtics could make the playoffs next year with a Dream Team
veteran like Allan Houston and no true center, as per the Milwaukee Bucks clubs
of late. But to the degree that the ideal time to tank a season is in years
preceding a franchise center draft, it might be better to stick with the kids
rather than "risk" permanent .500 record status (as per the Bucks of late).

One thing you can say, however, is that many of the sure straight-to-the-NBA
prep centers might have second thoughts and attend college for a year. That
seems to be the case with Compton's Tyson Chandler (rated number one by TSN),
who at 7-2 weighs anywhere from a scrawny 215 to 225 and had what most scouts
called with reason a disappointing summer (he got dominated a few times).
Illinois' Eddy Curry (the baby Shaq) wasn't much of a scoring/rebounding
standout either for Adidas this summer. So who knows, he might also decide to
attend a nearby college next year. Of course most players often improve
dramatically in leadership and physical maturity between their junior and senior
prep seasons, so you can't judge a 17-year-old. Regarding college, a lot depends
on the wishes of their parents I would think. Even one year on a university
campus is a useful transition to the world separating Compton, CA and an NBA
contract.

    The kids at the very top of next year's draft might actually come from this
years power forward-rich freshman class, like 6-9 Eddie Griffin (Seton Hall) or
6-10 Zach Randolph (MSU). So it might actually be the 2002 Draft (hey at least
can retain the Denver pick) where the Celtics jackpot lies.

    Needless to say if Vitaly is worth Allan Houston to the post-Ewing Knicks,
I'd be shocked beyond belief (its hard to believe Kenny is viewed as anything
but a cap throw-in/gamble). Houston is a great fit on the 3-point happy Celtics,
but he is one of the least versatile Dream Teamers (doesn't create assists or
much else) and probably would not be able carry a team that lacks a reliable
inside presence and a natural rebounding edge over opponents. So much depends on
Battie and Moiso, and the optimist in me says they could give Boston what Philly
and Milwaukee typically get from their bigmen (which has been sufficient for
over .500 ball).

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