The Truth

[W <wwfjericho@iprimus.com.au>]

Hi all,

I've been reading the list even in my limited capacity over the past 
month. I've read the NBA Insiders and appreciate the effort that y'all 
go to to post the various information that otherwise I wouldn't be getting.

However, we're deluding ourselves if we think we can draw a top notch 
player like Baron Davis to our ballclub. Not that Baron probably 
wouldn't like to come to Boston to play with longtime friend, Paul 
Pierce, but we dont really have what it takes to lure Charlotte into 
pulling off such a deal.

I view this team as having a core group of six players that the Celtics 
would be reluctant to deal away. I know you all have various reasons on 
why it may be best to deal each of them away, but I believe that the 
Celtics wont deal them. Those players being;

Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker - its rare to see two high calibre 
players have the lovable relationship that these guys have. Keepers the 
pair of them, warts and all. Truth be known, you wont get equal value if 
you dealt either away. To upgrade them you'd be looking at acquiring a 
Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady type player at Paul's position,(neither are 
ever going to be available for a deal) while to upgrade at center or 
power forward you're going to have to add a lot more into a deal and 
then you're more likely going to either get an aging star on the 
downside of their career (eg. Dikembe Mutombo) which wont help the team 
when we're ready to contend (not just make the playoffs and compete game 
in game out like this current team or a headcase (perhaps you'd be 
"lucky" and score a borderline deal for a guy such as Rasheed Wallace).

Kedrick Brown - Its no lie that the Celtics brainstrust view Kedrick as 
the best athlete and prospect that they've had come along since we 
drafted Pierce. Hes a keeper.

Eric Williams - Funilly enough its not the contract that makes him a 
Celtic for at least the end of his contract- its the fact that he has 
become an extremely valuable piece to our bench crew. Disappointing that 
he has had to start of late, but, he is a bench keeper and has 
surprisingly provided the player that he was talked up of capable of 
being in the preseason.

Tony Battie - close friendship to at least Pierce. Is continuing to 
develop and really is a nice player at his best. If he ever can become 
consistently good then we've got a great power forward - center. His 
salary makes him an expensive 25 minute per game player at power forward 
and center off the bench but that may be his ideal role. 

Erick Strickland - the contract and what he gives the team is more than 
enough reason not to deal him. Team already thinking of ways to keep him 
come seasons end.

After those six it leaves the Celtics tradeable players being;

Walter McCarty - end of contract - has provided support in a few games.
Roshown McLeod - end of contract - injured. May be dealt because of the 
contract
Mark Blount - end of contract - may be traded but has been a huge 
disappointment this season
Kenny Anderson - contract ends after next season - With the Celtics 
looking at opening space after his contract expires I dont believe he'll 
be traded except for a similar contract. Probably would not get a guy 
who can provide what he gives the team in a trade.
Milt Palacio - Limited in his skills may be dealt due to the team option 
in his contract
Randy Brown - Contract expires after next season but he may retire at 
seasons end due to injury which is the only way he could be traded as it 
will open an injury exemption for his team
Joe Johnson - the best player the Celtics could trade
Joseph Forte - I would be reluctant to trade him as we haven't seen what 
hes capable of doing. Celtics drafted him as a prospect for 2 or 3 years 
so he may also be on the untouchable list..A lot of teams have acquired 
about his services which may be a sign to support his case that he has 
NBA skills down the road. Could be a "Trajan Langdon" type though.
Vitaly Potapenko - could be traded to bring in someone who can help
Draft  picks - could be packaged to even a trade

Those who think that Kenny Anderson and a draft pick (or multiple picks) 
would be enough to lure Charlotte into a trade for Baron Davis must be 
kidding themselves. Look around the league at teams who require point 
guard or would trade their own high quality point guard to get a better 
younger one;

Teams such as Milwaukee, Washington, Philadelphia, Orlando, Atlanta, 
Portland, Seattle,  Clippers and Denver could all make more attractive 
offers than the Celtics. If it wasn't for the Eddie Jones and Alonzo 
Mourning deals with Miami I'd say that it'd be likely for Baron to end 
up in the Western Conference.

Expect to get a Nazr Mohammed without giving up a Joe Johnson and a 
draft pick at the very least? Forget about it.

Warwick