Re: More Rumors

["hironaka@xxxxxxxxx"<hironaka@xxxxxxxxx>]

> ---------- Initial message -----------
> Hoopsworld:
> 
> "The rumored deal with Boston does not seem to be as 
active as the media has
> everyone believing, but talks are ongoing. The Celtics 
would like to see the
> Sonics taking on contract years in exchange for taking 
Vin off their hands,
> but moving Kenny Anderson seems to be a sticking point 
as his value is very
> high after a decent season last year, compounded with 
his ending contract. "
> .....
> "The Celtics seem interested in trade talks, so a deal 
involving Baker,
> through Boston may be a possibility as the Knicks are 
said to have interest.
> It would fit Boston's stance on finances to see Baker 
come through Boston to
> New York, with Boston picking up Kurt Thomas and 
Charlie Ward, both have
> Boston friendly contracts. It may open the door for a 
sign and trade for
> Roger's to Philly for an ending deal."
> <A 
HREF="http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_559.shtml";>http://
www.hoopsworld.com/article_559.shtml</A>


By the wording above, this three-way is clearly pure 
speculation. But it seems plausible in certain ways none-
the-less.

It remains impossible for me to believe that the Celts 
will take on Vin Baker's contract that calls for him to 
still be due over 30 million dollars in 2004-06 seasons, 
when he'll already be in his mid-30s. That's a serious 
financial risk, which I'm sure they recognize.

Meanwhile the Knicks have no one under contract to play 
center, unlimited money to spend, and a now-or-never 
roster of veterans.

Thomas and Ward both have "just" two years left on their 
hefty salaries. 

And it adds a fairly whopping 3.5 million more (rough 
math) that Boston can offer Rodney Rogers etc. to re-sign.

Thomas and Ward=$10.65 million in '02-03

Vin Baker=$12.375 million " "

Kenny and Pot= $14.4 million " "

Kenny and Eric= $14.2 million " "

As for Shammond for Forte, I think this is probably pure 
conjecture (I hope so too). 

Kedrick's inability to play any semblance of shooting 
guard (he looked slightly out of shape to me in the 
televised game), and Obie's praise of Forte today, makes 
it seems more likely that he'll get Strickland's minutes 
this coming year.

Forte plays small because of those narrow shoulders and 
his low (but quick) release point, but I still feel he is 
a tremendous natural talent who won't sit for long in the 
NBA. He can replicate Strickland or Delk's role in 
similar minutes, I think it can be asserted. 

If Boston can come out of this offseason with Rodney 
Rogers and Kurt Thomas or Vin Baker (I still don't buy 
it), hell yes we are a playoff team. No "pure" point 
guard, but a bench that can play smart and tough and put 
points on the board.


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