Re: I'm on the Nazr Mohammed bandwagon

[David A Wickerham <aw623@bfn.org>]

Beware of Centers who ahve one big year (or half year in Nazr's case).
Consider the cases of Ike Austin, Matt Geiger, and Yogi Stewart before
mortgaging the house on Mohammed.


On Fri, 29 Jun 2001, Berry, Mark  S wrote:

> We're at a disadvantage because we can only offer the $4.5 mill exception,
> but things can be done. If Nazr makes it clear to the Hawks he will take
> that exception elsewhere because he wants to start, then he has a little
> leverage to force a sign-and-trade. I certainly could see a Vitaly-based
> sign-and-trade package going to the Hawks for Nazr, and locking him up at
> somewhere around $6 mill a year. The guy isn't an all-star, but he's better
> than anyone on our roster. He'd come in and start right away, and keep
> Battie and Blount in their natural roles. He's a pretty good rebounder and
> shot-blocker, about 6-10 but solidly built. He'd be a great addition.
> Everyone knows about his friendship with Toine, and I wonder how he feels
> about O'Brien? Just seems like a natural target.
> 
> By the way, whether it's Nazr or someone else, I expect the Celts to
> actively explore moving either Vitaly or Battie this summer for either a
> point guard (not likely) or more of an impact big man. I have no idea who
> (other than Nazr) but it just seems to make sense. I could see Portland
> having a real interest in Vitaly, and Dale Davis is available. 
> 
> One more thing... I don't know who mentioned it in a post yesterday, but I
> wanted to comment on the thought that the triangle offense seems like a
> natural fit for the Celtics. I think that's genius. Now, it will never
> happen because O'Brien would rather play five small forwards and have them
> shoot 3-pointers all day (oops, that slipped out)... but the triangle would
> be perfect for the Celts. It de-emphasizes the traditional point guard and
> center (our weaknesses), emphasizes long, versatile slashers and shooters,
> and demands passing and player movement. With all of these talented
> swingmen, I think we'd see a beautiful offense. Too bad Tex Winter didn't
> join the team with Dick Harter.
> 
> Mark
> 
> P.S. I agree with Josh that as optimistic as most of us are, we probably
> still are underestimating the talent we just pulled. This draft was
> incredible. I think in Joe Johnson and Kedrick Brown, we got what normally
> would be top-five talent in most drafts, and Forte probably late lottery. We
> may not see it all this year, but the first two guys could turn into
> definite impact players, and Forte may even become a starter at some point.
> It creates a logjam, but that will sort itself out through trades.
> 
> 

-----------------------------------------------------------------
	  Dave Wickerham
	  aw623@freenet.buffalo.edu
	  Saratoga Springs, NY