Re:Kenny

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

> > it comes down to needing the skills that they are, or at least once
> > were,capable of giving: Anderson: protect the ball, hit the slasher
> > going to thehoop, hit the open jumper, protect the ball.
>
> There's a huge difference between what Kenny is *capable* of giving and what he actually gives his team, healthy or not. That's why he's one of the most untradeable players in the NBA, and hated/disliked by many fans. Even if he were playing up to his cap
> abilities on offense, we get killed at the other end by the opposing PG when Kenny's playing. I'd rather watch Palacio develop as a player.
> Battie we could use, but I doubt he'll be able to return to form this season. We'll be lucky if he's completely free of the effects of that sprain by the start of next season.
> sKestas

That's somewhat harsh in my view IMO even if I know where the general frustration coming from etc. KA had some legitimate stretches last year against one top point guard after another, and he's also had legitimate injuries even if they happen too frequently
for our taste. He's a rah rah team guy in his quotes to the media and from what I can see is in every way quite likeable off the court and with teammates A lot of people now see a rapid decline in his game since the Portland-Toronto trade, but he did play all
82 last year (who else did that?) and was a good system player who had one of his best years in terms of FG% (44%) and steals (1.70).  His turnovers (1.59) last year also compare favorably to his career average of 2.33.

We're still talking about a Celts situation where our leading season scorer at pointguard among healthy players (Miracle Milt) is averaging all of 2.2 assists and 4.5 points. He sports a 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio, compared to Kenny's career 3:1 ratio or
Herren's 2.6:1 ratio.

The Celts are much more serious about defense now than before his injury, and I do wonder if he'll bring chemisty to the lineup. But this is a pretty proficient basketball player, and it isn't necessarily fair IMO to pass Kenny off as a slacker or a
dislikable guy. He's not the ideal fit in Boston and he's a real cap anchor until 2002, that much is for sure.

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