Bulpett C-notes

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

Steve Bulpett reports that the Celtics turned down Croshere for the Forte 
pick and players. He also confirms that Adrian Griffin and Chris Herren 
will play for the Pacers entry in the Shaw League and that ex-UConn 
sparkplug Khalid El-Amin will suit up for Boston. Utah may bid on Bryant Stith.

Personally I do wish "old school" and Herren well if they play for the 
Pacemakers, even though they are in our conference. Griffin in particular 
really doesn't have a place in Boston, even if Stith is let go. I hope 
Griffin's fully recovered from his nagging injuries because he is a player 
that deserves to be in the NBA. He doesn't have even a half-step in 
quickness to spare from injuries, but that doesn't mean he's not more than 
an average NBA player. For one thing, he was a great rebounder in his first 
half season in Boston and was a league leader in steals as well. He could 
be a good bargain for Donnie Walsh. I'm afraid to say he deserves a change 
of scenery.

As for Croshere, presumably Boston would have had to give back only half 
his salary (say an Eric Williams) because of base year rules. The length of 
Croshere's contract also probably scared them off. Boston is definitely 
moving in a different direction in terms of players that can create shots 
for themselves and create a little havoc on defense. I was never a huge 
Croshere fan, but Bird was so what do I know?

Joe


***
http://www2.bostonherald.com/sport/basketball/cs07102001.htm
Steve Bulpett
(...)The Celtics could have had Croshere for a draft pick, but they turned 
a deal down before it ever got moving.
According to sources, the Celts could have had Croshere for the last of 
their three first-round picks two weeks ago (No. 21 overall). Pacers 
president Donnie Walsh flatly denied that last night, but he did say the 
two sides would have had something more to talk about if the Celtics had 
been willing to put either of their earlier picks (Nos. 10 and 11 overall) 
on the table.
One source indicated that the 21st selection could have been involved if 
the deal were expanded to include other players.
The bottom line is that things became moot in a hurry because of Croshere's 
contract. The Celtics will be walking close to the luxury tax line when 
they get Paul Pierce signed to an extension, and it has already been stated 
that the team won't go into that higher territory (only a few teams will).
There was also the issue of how Croshere would fit into a frontcourt that 
has Pierce, Antoine Walker and the center committee. But after thinking a 
year ago that Croshere was the most prized recruit, the new regime decided 
it was better off with Joe Johnson (who it hoped would be available) and 
Kedrick Brown (who it was fairly certain would be) at 10 and 11.

El-Amin in the mix
The Celtics thought they'd be taking a point guard at No. 21, but when they 
went in a different direction because Joseph Forte was still there (and 
they still hope he can be a point at some time), the search was out for 
free agents. To that end, former UConn star Khalid El-Amin will be playing 
for the Boston entry in next week's summer league at UMass-Boston.
El-Amin is coming off a rough rookie year with Chicago, which had a crowded 
situation at the point and released him late in the year.

Testing the waters
Adrian Griffin will be playing for the Pacers during next week's summer 
league (as will fellow Celts free agent Chris Herren), and while Walsh 
thinks there is a place for both in Indiana, Griffin is taking no chances. 
He's spending some time this week at the Pistons' minicamp with new coach 
and former Celtic Rick Carlisle.
Detroit hasn't given up on Mattapan native Dana Barros, but the club is 
waiting to see how it does in the Chris Webber sweepstakes before it will 
know how much it can afford to spend elsewhere. . . .
Utah has expressed some interest in Bryant Stith, and the Jazz may be able 
to beat the Celtics if they go multiple years.

Busy opening act
The Celtics still haven't released their preseason schedule, but they will 
most certainly be the NBA leaders in building openings.
The C's are set to meet the Mavericks in the first basketball game at 
Dallas' new arena. Closer to home, the C's will play in the first game at 
the new facility at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.