Denver Lottery Hopes/Wallace Speaks

[Way Of The Ray <wayray@ix.netcom.com>]

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1002,90%257E26981,00.html

Lottery hopes at No. 11 rest with Celts


Draft strategy with picks remains guessing game

By Marc J. Spears
Denver Post Sports Writer

Friday, April 27, 2001 - The Boston Celtics, who control whether the
Denver Nuggets will have a pick in this year's NBA draft lottery, likely
won't reveal their decision before a deadline 15 days before the June 27
draft.
The Nuggets gave up a conditional first-round selection in the
six-player Ron Mercer trade with Boston on Aug. 13, 1999. Denver has the
11th overall pick in the draft. That choice is protected only if the
Nuggets land one of the top three picks at the draft lottery May 20.
Boston, which also owns the 10th overall pick, could take the Nuggets'
selection. The Celtics could have as many as three first-round picks and
are expected to receive the 24th overall selection from Utah.

"We're considering it, but it's tough," Celtics general manager Chris
Wallace said in a phone interview Thursday, about taking Denver's No. 11
pick. "We have until the end of business June 12 to make a decision.
Basically, there are some real legitimate reasons on both sides of the
equation why you would move into that particular direction. It would be
nice to get a player right now and get him going. You also never know
where the Nuggets are going to go in the future. They are steadily
improving, so maybe the picks are never as good as (No.) 11 again."

Wallace understands the risks involved.

"We're going to consider all the options," he said. "We are going to
take a long look at the possibilities of rolling it over. That involves
a bit of crapshooting."

The Celtics have the option to take the Nuggets' first-round selection
sometime in the next four years. In 2002, the Nuggets' pick would be
protected if it's one of the top three choices. In 2003, only the No. 1
pick is protected. In 2004, there is no protection whatsoever attached
to the pick.

The Nuggets also have the rights to the Phoenix Suns' 21st overall
selection in the first round, but that pick will likely go to Utah to
complete a previous trade. Denver could obtain or turn down a
conditional selection from Orlando if offered. The Magic, which could
have as many as three draft picks, also have until 15 days before the
draft to decide whether they will offer the conditional pick. The
Nuggets also have the 47th overall selection in the second round.

Although their draft situation is up in the air, the Nuggets are
preparing as though it's set in cement.

"You just have to prepare for the draft as though you're going to have
that pick," said Denny McGowan, the Nuggets' vice president of
basketball operations. "I think you look at the best pick ... you
prepare for that. And you have to prepare for your secondary pick. We're
going to have to bring quite a few players in (to try out). We'll know
15 days before the draft.

"We can get in six, seven or eight, 10 players in that time frame. You
have to be prepared because you never know what can happen draft day if
there is a player you like a lot and you want to trade for."

The Nuggets' needs include backup point guard, a center and possibly
another shooting guard. The Celtics' needs include a point guard, a
scorer to take the heat off stars Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker and a
center.

When asked about the upcoming draft's talent, Wallace said: "We don't
know who all is coming out. Until you see that list in mid-May, you can
never tell for certain. I think this is going to be another very young
draft."