Ryan and MacMullan On The Celtics

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

Heard Bob and Jackie on the radio discussing the
Celtics, and here's what they said:

- Unlikely the Celtics will make the playoffs as they're
marginally better than last season, while a lot of the teams in
the East -- while still JV compared to the Western Conference --
have improved.  Atlanta, NJ, et al. cited.  They also noted
that there won't be much of a drop off among the playoff
teams from last season. New York possibly, Miami,
but they're still playoff teams.

- MacMullan says Celtics management is really counting
on Joe Johnson to serve as the third option on offense
and to negate the Pierce/Walker double teams. If
Celtics management is wrong, they'll take a "big hit."

- MacMullan expects Walker to have a big year as he tries to
prove Pitino wrong.  O'Brien is Walker/Pierce's coach and those
two appreciate being invited to the Celtics draft.
Ray