RE: Ryan and MacMullan On The Celtics

["Ravi Singh" <kelticsfan@home.com>]

Ever the optimist, I too, think it will be quite difficult for the C's to
make the playoffs.  Atlanta has definitely improved with the additions of
Ratliff, Kukoc and Rahim and Jason Kidd is a fantastic playmaker who should
really help Van Horn, Kittles and Martin.  If the Knicks snag Mason, they
should be a lock.  MJ bolsters a Washington team that has some talent.
Indiana could struggle with  Thomas as the head coach, but Charlotte,
Philly, Toronto, Milwaukee, and Orlando are locks unless injuries take their
toll.

In any case, if the Celtics show marked improvement as the season evolves,
and the youngsters show their promise and extend their skills over the
course of this season, another lottery trip with hopes of securing a big guy
or traditional point guard is fine by me.

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-celtics@igtc.com [mailto:owner-celtics@igtc.com]On Behalf Of
Way Of The Ray
Sent: Thursday, October 11, 2001 2:53 PM
To: celtics@igtc.com
Subject: Ryan and MacMullan On The Celtics


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