building the team

["Gene Kirkpatrick" <GKIR@tjc.tyler.cc.tx.us>]

A few months ago I suggested that the way to beat LA (or Shaq) was to
oppose him with more talent on the floor.  We just took that direction
in the draft.  We should keep Vitaly as a primary banger and good
second string C/PF, but not put too many eggs in the basket of finding
the alter-Shaq.

By going for K. Brown instead of Diop (that was our thinking, wasn't
it) we went for a player that needed to be "broken in" to a new level
rather than one who needed to "develop" what raw talents "may" be
there--a big difference.  Now, we have more talent on the floor than
before, perhaps much more.  And more speed, defensive ability, and
certainly fire power.  That's how Milwaukee beat LA twice; at least,
that's my assumption.

I don't think we will fill in the blanks up front by switching one
all-star PF for another, i.e. Walker for Webber, the primary
difference to me is that Walker is a Celtic and Webber doesn't want to
be.  We will either draft someone next year who will be our "sleeper"
big man, or more likely we will find a young vet, like Parish, who
Wallace realizes is ready to blossom as Ratliff and Mohammed did.

The idea that #5 and #1 positions do not require stars is new to me,
but I'm trying to get it.  I accept it at #1.  Forte is not a pg, but
neither is Palacio or Brown.  He is low to the ground in a way that
helps him guard the shorter guys, so maybe that is the most important
aspect of being our #1.  Still, at #5 I want an aircraft carrier and
Battie will always be too slight, Vitaly too little of a
rebounder/shot-blocker, and Blount just not talented enough.  One good
rebounder/shot-blocker and we're on our way.  And yet, we've made
plenty of changes for this year.  I wouldn't hurry to change the core
but try to massage the edges.  Maybe Kevin Cato is ready to step up
his game.  We need to get Wallace on this list.  Cheers,  Gene