The Globe article on Pack

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

Copyright Boston Globe of course

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Celtics puzzled about Pack
By Shira Springer, Globe Staff, 9/22/2000

With the start of training camp less than two weeks away, the Celtics
have not seen or heard much from point guard Robert Pack, whom Boston
acquired from Dallas more than a month ago as part of a four-team,
nine-player deal.

When the sign-and-trade arrangement was completed in mid-August, Pack
was on a cruise. But since the family vacation ended, the Celtics have
communicated with Pack primarily through his agent, though team captain
Antoine Walker has spoken with Pack.

Unlike the Celtics' other summertime acquisitions, Pack has not been
made available to the media for either a customary press conference or
teleconference, fueling speculation he isn't happy about his situation.
Although coach Rick Pitino has not talked to Pack, he gave his take.

''I don't think he's thrilled about coming here,'' said Pitino. ''I
don't think he was thrilled being in Dallas. From what I understand from
his agent, if he plays, he'll be happy. He's looking at Kenny Anderson
and Randy Brown and not thinking it's the best situation for him. Robert
Pack wants a chance to compete and we've assured him he'll have that
chance.''

Regardless of Pack's reservations about playing in Boston, Pitino
believes the point guard, considered third on the Celtics depth chart,
has one option: play hard in training camp. Going into the final year of
his contract, it benefits Pack to put past injuries behind him and prove
he can contribute when asked.

''He has to come in and bust tail and show a great attitude,'' said
Pitino. ''Then there would be a lot of interest.''

Denver is thought to be interested in Pack. Prior to the draft, the
Nuggets came close to acquiring Pack from the Mavericks. In early
September, Pack surfaced again in trade talks involving Denver. A deal
sending Pack and Calbert Cheaney to the Nuggets for Fall River's Chris
Herren and Bryant Stith was discussed.

According to Pitino, John ''Hot Rod'' Williams, who was sent from Dallas
to Boston in the Pack deal, will be at training camp as a player/coach.

In informal workouts, free agent signee Chris Carr has impressed Pitino.