So What Does The Signing Of Erick Strickland Mean To The Celtics?

[Way Of The Ray <wayray@ix.netcom.com>]

Generally, I'm a critic a Chris Wallace (Hello Richard Jefferson), but I
endorse
the signing of Erick Strickland, a player than has performed
consistently well
for the teams he's played on, though never really given the minutes or
chance
to be anything more than a peripheral (let's say) complimentary player.

As far as what Strickland means to this current Celtics incarnation, you
can break
it down into the following categories:

Talent Level:

I think he's better than anyone but Kenny at the point, and with Kenny
likely to
experience some downtime whenever, it's good to have a good substitute.

Veteran Presence:

Unlike most of their Eastern counterparts, the C's eschewed adding any
quality
veterans over the off-season. Rookies are nice and all that, but unless
they're
of stellar quality, they're prone to non-production and inconsistencies.

In Strickland, you basically know what you're getting, and you know what
you're
getting every game.

Trade Possibilities:

The C's pride of point/combo guards is quite overcrowded. There's
Anderson,
Strickland, Palacio, Forte, and the ever groin-pulled Brown. Might there
be
a deal in works?

Well if they're planning to deal Forte out West for a Big Man, the Moiso
like approach
they're using with him early in this NBA season is counterproductive.
You want
to showcase your tradeable talent, not imbue them with DNPs. So, Forte
seems safe.
But Kenny may be a possibility. He's in shape, he's playing more than
reasonably well,
the years remaining on his exhorbitant contract are decreasing, and
teams are always
looking for point guards. Dealing Kenny for someone whose contract
expires this season,
may be Celtics' manangements goal. Then perhaps they can stake a claim
in the
Nate Huffman sweepstakes after the season.
Ray