Celtics close in on Strickland

[kevin <bostonceltics17@yahoo.com>]

i am trying to think of reasons why the C's would be interested in
another 6-5 guard who is suspect on the jumpshot, got limited 3 point
range. 

maybe becos Strickland (I've seen him play for the knicks) 
is a above average defender, 
tough and likes to drive to the hole type
good on help defense, 
plays within team concept, 
can back up at the point,

I think Strickland can be a 7 or 8 man off the bench for any nba team
but I think we should get a PF backup instead, should wait for Big O2
to be cut.

Let's hope Wallace knows his stuff. Maybe he'll offer a 2 year veteran
minimum with year 2 at team option - in this way, Strickland can be
traded later if the opportunity arises.

yes?



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Celtics close in on Strickland 
Celtics Notebook/by Steve Bulpett 


Wednesday, October 31, 2001








CLEVELAND - The Celtics are moving closer to a deal with free agent
guard Erick Strickland, as reported in Tuesday's Herald. Sources said
yesterday they expect the acquisition to be finalized as soon as today
and by the end of the week at the latest.

Strickland, at 6-foot-3, is attractive to the C's because of his
ability to strongly defend both shooting guards and point guards, as
well as his long-range shooting skills.

The five-year NBA veteran, a product of Nebraska, averaged 5.2 points
for the Knicks and Grizzlies last season after his most productive
year (12.8 ppg for Dallas in 1999-00). He opted out of the final year
of his contract after making $2.56 million. He would have made in the
$2.6 million-to-$2.8 million range if he had stuck with the Grizzlies
as they moved to Memphis.

With no big-money takers, Strickland will be looking at something in
the five-year veteran minimum of $653,350 with the Celtics. And unlike
the contract signed by Chris Herren, who was waived by the C's Monday,
Strickland's deal would be fully guaranteed.

Celtics general manager Chris Wallace wouldn't confirm the talks with
Strickland.

``After waiving Chris Herren, we're looking obviously to do something
at that spot - not just do something, but something that makes sense
and could have an impact this season,'' Wallace said. ``So it's
probably unlikely that we would sign a developmental player, someone
we would have to bring along.''


kevin lok
48-34