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

["Ravi Singh" <kelticsfan@attbi.com>]

If Walker is moved to the three I have absolutely no problem moving any
two of the rookies for LaFrentz, Jackson or Clark.  This the dilemma
about bringing in one of those guys. With Walker cemented at the 4,
Boston needs a major shot blocking/defensive presence inside to mask the
size deficencies, however, if Walker is moved to the three then a
LaFrentz and Battie up front does wonders for the interior defense.
Boston has been reluctant to move Walker to his natural position because
they fear he cannot defend the quicker players.  But I think he creates
huge mismatches on the other end as very few small forwards can guard
him. As well, I have actually seen him guard some pretty quick point
guards as well as any of the PGs the Celtics currently have.  

There are a host of possible personnel moves that could be made if
Boston would only move Walker to the three.  Stromile Swift would come
cheap.  LaFrentz either now or when he becomes a free agent, Clark if he
becomes a free agent, the high schooler, Stoudamire, that will be the
next Alonzo Mourning, etc....There are a lot of good 4 out there and
that is where Boston may be able to find themselves the shot
blocking/defensive presence they currently lack.  

 

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-celtics@igtc.com [mailto:owner-celtics@igtc.com] On Behalf
Of Orion
Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2002 10:48 AM
To: Berry, Mark S; Celticsstuffgroup@yahoogroups.com; celtics@igtc.com
Subject: Re: [Celtics' Stuff FW: Sports Guy on the Celtics


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