RE: [Celtics' Stuff FW: Sports Guy on the Celtics

["Berry, Mark S" <berrym@BATTELLE.ORG>]

First of all, has any franchise ever planned around a player that will never
wear its colors more than the Celtics have planned around Tim Duncan? It
didn't work when they tanked the season and there's no indication-none-that
he would be interested in playing here in two years. In fact, he was
thrilled when he wasn't drafted by the Celts. He's a warm-weather kid and
he'll either sign in San Antonio or go to Miami or Orlando. The Celtics will
have money, but so will about eight other teams. They'll all be bidding for
Tim Duncan and Jermaine O'Neal. I think it's great that the Celts get in the
mix, but you can't just shut it down until then and stand pat, because
chances are you'll be left holding the bag. Chris Webber wanted out of
Sacramento in the worst way, but not enough to take Detroit's money. Or
Chicago's.
 
Besides, why do you assume Joe Johnson will have more trade value in two
years than Lafrentz, Clark or Jackson? These guys are young, promising big
men. Big men are worth more than small men, and good big men are worth a lot
more. Plus, they give you the really attractive piece in a sign-and-trade-a
replacement big man. Just like Ratliff gave Philly when they went knocking
for Mutombo.
 
There's this assumption by Celtic fans that Joe Johnson, Kedrick Brown and
Joe Forte are going to turn into all-stars while other team's players just
plateau or never develop. The truth is, Joe Johnson could be Walt Williams.
Kedrick Brown could be Corey Maggette. Joe Forte could be Randolph
Childress.
 
And finally, at what point do you decide the future may just be now? The
Celtics are a game out of first in the entire Eastern Conference. The rest
of the conference, with the exception of New Jersey and Milwaukee, is in
disarray. If the Celts can stay healthy, they have a shot at a 1 or 2 seed
in the playoffs. Think about that. But even with home court, I don't like
their chances against big, strong teams like Philly-unless they add a legit
big guy.
 
It's not like I'm saying trade Joe Johnson for Charles Oakley-I'm not
(although I'd do Forte-Oakley). You're talking about acquiring young, impact
big men who will be in Boston for a long time.
 
Sometimes you have to decide it's time to go for it. That's been my biggest
complaint with Wallace. Before the season I didn't believe he tried to get
the fringe pieces to make the playoffs. Now I'm afraid he won't make a move
that might give them a chance to get over the top. 
 
Mark
 
 
Ravi wrote:
 
Mark,

The question that needs to be asked when considering the trade Sports
Guy proposes is this: does obtaining LaFrentz, Clark or Jackson get this
team a title in 3-4 years?  I don't believe so and therefore would not
trade JJ or Brown for any of them.   Each one of the players mentioned
above is highly flawed when thinking about a complete big man.  Clark is
all of 220 lbs and is more suited to power forward, Lafrentz disappears
as much as JJ and has no excuse since he's been in the league for three
years and Jackson has absolutely no shot blocking ability whatsover.
Patience is required when talking about tading the rookies as the next
several years may present sign and trade opportunities for players like
Duncan, O'Neal, Kidd, etc....Why blow a load now when the goods get
considerably better when the Celtics are ready to compete at the highest
level?  Wallace finally has a plan that requires some patience.  Why do
we want to become mini-Pitinos when patience is the best route to take.
This team is not going to win the championship this year or next.  If
Boston gets to the playoffs in the meantime, while developing their
young talent and paring the roster of bloated contracts, the benefits
will be huge 3 years hence.  It is not time to seek instant
gratification to gain a 1 or 2 seed in a weak Eastern Conference.  The
goal remains to be a 1 or 2 seed in the entire NBA 3-4 years from now.  

Ravi