But We Have To Give Credit To Chris Wallace For One Thing

[Way Of The Ray <wayray@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Wallace was correct a year ago in his evaluation of this upcoming
draft being plentiful in quality point guards that could help the
Celtics.
Therefor his point was proven, that it was prudent to wait until this
draft to find a point guard.

Of course, he lucked out a bit, with the large influx of International
Players
and the advent of two top twenty picks from that group:  Leandrinho
Barbosa and
Pacellis Morlende being point guards; as well as the emergence of TJ
Ford.

Thanks to the these events, the No. 1 rated PG in the country prior to
this season, Luke Ridnour, may very well be available to the Celtics at
16 and would make for a spectacular addition to the team. A pure PG that

could run the offense, score, and provide more than competent outside
shooting.

Or perhaps the Celtics could package their picks and the neglected
Kedrick
Brown and take a run at Barbosa the Brazilian, who's set to wow scouts
in his workouts. Barbosa has the size, the long arms, the quickness,
and the athleticism to be a top flight defensive PG, as well as being a
decent
shooter and scorer, and exhibiting fine leadership qualities.

Then there's Kurt Hinrich from Kansas. Sort of the safe pick, but at the
very worst
will be a solid NBA contributor, and at the very best, very good.

Or maybe it will be the Frenchman Morlende, who's been compared to Tony
Parker and
possesses fine athleticism. Considering the psychic damage resultant
from bypassing
Parker, the allure of Morlende may be too strong.

Just avoid Reece Gaines. Not that he's a stiff, but that the Celtics
have been
mis-served with their use of combo guards at the point.

This truly is a draft that presents the Celtics with a chance to avail
themselves of a quality
playmaker and let's hope they grasp this opportunity.
Ray

PS: No scenario mentioned viz a vis acquiring TJ Ford because he seems
set at
4, and it would take a Walker trade to acquire him. The Celtics with
their
large ticket price increase would not be willing to engage in such an
endeavour.