Still no point guard or big man.

[JB <JBMetzEA@yahoo.com>]

       This trade, seemingly, was done, for two reasons.
       The first and foremost, was probably to insure a playoff spot, which
is probably necessary, for O'Brien and Wallace to keep their jobs.
       While Joe Johnson has the tools to be a major player, along the way,
as someone noted yesterday, management had given up on him. Randy Brown and
Milt Palacio were roster cloggers. As reported, the pick was protected.
       Delk is a Vinny Johnson type scorer and a capable defender. I think
this will spell the end of Eric Strickland's tenure here, this summer. I
don't think Tony is much of a point guard, but he has some experience
handling the ball and will upgrade what we have.
       Pitino/Wallace were trying to acquire Rodney Rogers two seasons ago.
He will help. He's a player, with all around skills. Eric Williams minutes
will be reduced, I'm sure.
       As a playoff move, I like it. We now can go 9 deep, without holding
our breath. It will be interesting to see if they continue to play Kedrick.
   Whoever said this isn't a Celtics of olde type move, I disagree. This is
the modern version of the playoff trade for Wayne Embry, Clyde Lovellette,
Don Nelson, etc. We have found two players, who upgrade our rotation and who
don't mind coming off the bench. Veterans, who won't make many mistakes and
who recognize their skills and limitations.
       The second reason, seems to me, that we now have two windows, to
acquire both a serious point guard and a center. 2003, when Anderson's money
frees up and now, next summer, as Musty pointed out, we could drop about 10
million in salaries. Will the Clippers  match an offer in that range, for
Olowakandi? Brian Skinner was also on that free agent list, but it won't
take such serious money to sign him. Yes, Mike Bibby is also the kind of
player we could go after now.
       We could still use a natural point guard and a rebounder/ banger,
this season. With a roster spot open, I hope to see one of those types
signed soon. 
       Not only does this move propel us towards a playoff spot, but
enhances the possibility of a home court advantage and even a first round
win. 
       As much as I liked Joe Johnson's game, we all knew that there was no
way we needed three rookie wing players, or had the playing time to develop
them. 
        JB



                  Unchain My Heart !