Very interesting article about Red Auerbach and Joseph Forte

[HMURDOCH@AOL.com]

Smoke signal
By Shira Springer, 7/11/2001
Celtics coverage from Boston.com

Joseph Forte was a two-cigar selection. After decades of draft participation, 
when Red Auerbach doubles his pleasure, he must see something special in the 
player he celebrates. Forte, taken with the 21st pick, long ago sparked 
Auerbach's interest, but the Hall of Famer and famous stogie smoker did not 
let his excitement really show until the Celtics made their final selection 
of the 2001 NBA draft. 

An unofficial countdown began after Boston made the second of its two lottery 
picks at No. 11. Nine spots to go, and Forte on top of the wish list. The 
Celtics' war room filled with a mix of giddiness and relief once Cleveland 
picked North Carolina center Brendan Haywood at No. 20, leaving college 
teammate Forte on the board. Knowing the sophomore shooting guard would join 
Boston, it was time for Auerbach to light 'em up.

''He's an ideal 2-guard,'' said Auerbach. ''He can flat out shoot the ball.''

In the NBA, there is no better job recommendation than a simple statement by 
Auerbach. The Celtics entered the draft desiring scoring talent and 
originally considered Forte as a lottery pick. But they changed course and 
hoped for a steal at No. 21. By most accounts, Forte slid because scouts 
questioned whether his 6-foot-4-inch, 192-pound frame could handle NBA-sized 
expectations. After two-years of national television exposure at a big-time 
university and early entry into a draft top heavy with size and youth, Forte 
came up comparably small.

But seasoned observers saw past the popular trends and any perceived 
shortcomings. Auerbach had watched Forte longer than most, following the 
shooting guard from his career at DeMatha Catholic in Hyattsville, Md. to his 
abbreviated stay at North Carolina. During that time, Auerbach compiled his 
own enthusiastic report.

The Forte File: Standout scorer capable of creating his own opportunities. 
Gets his shot off quickly and in traffic. Finishes plays. Rebounds well for 
his position. Comes up with steals and loose balls. Plays to win. Kid you 
like to be around. Appears versatile enough to play point guard. 
Extraordinarily coachable. In conclusion, he seemed like a perfect fit for a 
Celtics team being built on perimeter scoring threats and interchangeable 
parts.

------ snip -------

Wooten introduced Forte to Auerbach. Not formally in a congested high school 
gym, but over lunchtime conversations at the China Doll restaurant, a couple 
of blocks from the MCI Center, where the Wizards play in Washington. Since 
the friendship between Wooten and Auerbach spans more than 30 years, it was 
not the typical presentation of coach touting basketball prodigy to NBA 
legend. The pair meet every Tuesday with other Beltway basketball experts 
over Chinese food to talk about the game and ''swap war stories.'' Between 
Wooten and Auerbach, there's always plenty to go around.

Moo Goo Gai Pan. Zone defenses. Joseph Forte.

---- snip - from his high-school coach Wooten :

''[The Celtics] were just praying that he was going to be there. There are a 
lot of players in the top 20 you will not hear from. You'll hear from Joseph. 
I think a lot of people are going to be saying, `How did we let him get 
away?'''

----- snip ------

Forte believes in setting the highest standards possible. He entered Carolina 
expecting a lot of himself and quickly succeeded. At 20, he hopes his 
transition to the Celtics unfolds the same way. Without sounding arrogant, 
Forte rattled off his goals for the 2001-02 season. ''Starter, All-Rookie 
team, Rookie of the Year,'' he said. Forte will work on his game at the 
Shaw's Pro Summer League and focus on building his strength and ball-handling 
skills during the rest of the offseason.

''Red has been on me for a long time about Joseph,'' said Celtics general 
manager Chris Wallace. ''He's been telling me, `You've got to get this guy. 
Look what he's done in the ACC and playing in the programs he's had.'

--- snip -----

The Celtics are confident Forte can stretch his mid-range accuracy to the 
3-point arc. But most intriguing is the possibility of Forte at point guard, 
especially since the Celtics have been searching for options at that 
position. Wooten, Auerbach, Wallace, and coach Jim O'Brien all see point 
guard potential. In an uptempo college game, Forte handled the ball well and 
made few mistakes. He will spend time at point guard during summer league 
play.

''When Antoine Walker and Paul Pierce are double-teamed, I want to be the guy 
that they can kick to, to be a threat,'' said Forte. ''Know that you've got 
to guard me and you're not going to be able to double down.

''If you're in the NBA, it's a job. More than that, you've got to breathe it. 
You've got to love it. I love it. I'm all about taking advantage of 
opportunities. Wait till they see me. A lot of people have said, `He's too 
small.' I can't say anything. I can show you better than I can tell you.''


This story ran on page F1 of the Boston Globe on 7/11/2001.
© Copyright 2001 Globe Newspaper Company.