Re: Centers of attention

["David Boutte" <dajubo@earthlink.net>]

What defensive hole in the center? The Celtics are one of the top defensive teams in the league and in my opinion, Battie & Popapenko's contributions are a big part of that.

-David
-----Original Message-----
From: David A Wickerham <aw623@bfn.org>
Date: Wed, 23 Jan 2002 13:26:53 -0500 (EST)
To: celtics <celtics@igtc.com>
Subject: Centers of attention


> After watching last night's TNT game, it is apparent that we missed the
> boat on Haywood.  Can't say as I blame the front office afetr the trouble
> we had with the last North Carolina center we took.  However, it seems
> obvious that we can't take the next step without filling the defensive
> hole in the Center.  So, who's available?  Here's my list:
> 
> 
> Zo Mourning, Heat - Wow, wouldn't he look great as the enforcer for Pierce
> and Walker.  Problem is, he earns $18 million this year, and even if
> Gaston is willing to take the hit, we'd have to trade everyone but Kenny,
> Paul, and Antoine to make the salaries match.  A nice dream, but pretty
> unlikely.
> 
> Wallace, Portland.  Rasheed makes $14,400, so we have nearly the same
> salary problem with him, not to mention the mental baggage he brings with
> him.
> 
> Jackson, Foyle, Dampier - Golden State.  I'm not sold on any of these guys
> as an inprovement over what we have.  They earn $3.2 Mill, $4.4 mill, and
> $6.2 mill respectively
> 
> Ike Austin, Memphis.  This guy was the hottest property in the league two
> years ago and now earns $5.7 mill to sit on the bench for the worst team
> in the NBA.  Anyone know if he's injured or just a load?  Would he be
> worth a rehab attempt?
> 
> Shawn Bradley, Dallas.  The big stiff only goes for $4.5 mill and wouldn't
> be expected to do anything but block shots and defend the post.  With
> Finley out, Dallas definitely needs some swing men, and could be
> interested in JJ.  Call me crazy, but I think that type of deal, along
> with a Mcleod and other fodder could be interesting.
> 
> John Amaechi, Utah.  Another hot commodity after his big year in Orlando.
> Only $2.7 mill, he is an interesting journeyman.  Looks like Jarron
> Jacjson has beaten him out of the starting role.
> 
> Jamaal Magloire- A bargain at $1 million.  This guy was terrific in his
> workouts (gave Chris Mihm migraines) and always plays well against us.  As
> a Kentucky product, I'm sure OB knows his abilities inside out.  He is
> languishing behind Elden Campbell, and Charlotte needs a good swing man to
> complement the shorter Wesley.
> 
> Not much to pick from, but I think Bradley or Magloire our best bets to
> upgrade the 5.  Any deals that look reasonable to you?
> 
> 
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> 	  Dave Wickerham
> 	  aw623@freenet.buffalo.edu
> 	  Saratoga Springs, NY
> 

--