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

["Orion" <johnlyell@hotmail.com>]

I have to agree with Mark. It was mentioned that the Celtics are the worst
shooting team in the NBA, last night was a good example. We have little
beyond the dynamic duo although I have been very happy with Kenny Anderson's
play. His trade value may be as high as it has ever been with the C's,
although his salary cap space must be considered. If we have to move Brown,
Johnson, or Forte in a package to get a proven big man so be it. I think
reuniting Lafrentz and Paul would be beneficial. It would be interesting
running Raef at the 4, Walker at the 3 & Paul at the 2 spot. We have to get
an inside game that Tony Battie or VP just do not seem to be able to
provide, and Antoine still needs to learn a lot. As Heinsohn mentioned he
should really take a look at the Kings game and Webber's inside to short
range dominance.  That is what we need from him with an occasional 3.  If we
can not get this we need to acquire a 4 or we will die from the perimeter.


John




----- Original Message -----
From: "Berry, Mark S" <berrym@BATTELLE.ORG>
To: <Celticsstuffgroup@yahoogroups.com>; <celtics@igtc.com>
Sent: Friday, January 04, 2002 5:39 AM
Subject: RE: [Celtics' Stuff FW: Sports Guy on the Celtics


> 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