folks I'd like to see the C's get

[Mark Piotrowski <markp@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Like most of us, I'd like to see the Celts add 1 PG and one more Big 
Forward.  I believe that many of the following (outside of Travis 
Best) could be had for the minimum -- a la Erick Strickland last 
year.  I haven't included players like Darvin Ham or Malik Rose -- 
who I don't think we can get for a Vet. Min:

(in order of preference)

GUARDS:
------------
1.  Travis Best -- this may be purely wishful thinking but I don't 
think its outside of the realm of possibility that Best has to end up 
settling for a Vets Min deal -- at least for 1 year.  The C's will 
stand poised to make another deep playoff run -- which would mean 
more exposure for Mr. Best.

2.  Raja Bell -- I think i'd lean towards Bell over a resigned 
Strickland b/c he's younger and maybe a bit hungrier.  He's 2" taller 
than Strick and shoots 43% to his 39%.  I don't know though if he can 
really run the point.

3.  Erick Strickland -- unless he gets some sort of off-the wall 
deal, I would assume we have as good a chance as any to resign him.

FORWARDS:
---------------
1. Kevin Willis -- yeah, yeah I know he's 40 years old (!), but how 
many 30 year olds averaged as many rebounds as Willis (6.5 !) over 
the past 2 years coming off the bench?  Can't see him playing more 
than 2 years so maybe he wants to take one more shot at the playoffs.

2. Gary Trent -- had a lot of injuries last year - but I don't think 
there is any way the T'Wolves can afford to resign him.  Never put up 
great rebound numbers but has always been the 3,4 or 5th Forward on 
his team.

3. Brian Skinner -- I remember being impressed with him the first 
game of last season when we blew out the Cavs.  Seemed to not mind 
the dirty work.  Don't think the Cavs have any room to sign him -- 
and seem clueless enough to not really care.

4. Grant Long -- odd man out in Memphis.  Not sure he has anything 
left, but I was always impressed with his hustle and drive in Miami 
and Atlanta.