C's Interested In Anderson, Rickert; Better Draft Pavlovic at 16; News For The Day

[Way Of The Ray <wayray@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

- C's were impressed by Rick Rickert in his workout. He shot well
and his inside moves wowed. Howie Hanson tells us abour Rickert's
draft rise:

"Look for Rickert to be a mid first-round pick, which will shock a few
people. The NBA drafts on potential, and he surely has a good upside. It
will be difficult for teams to pass on Rickert, who can help them both
on the court and in the community. The knock against him is that hes
too skinny and needs to work on his foot speed. But he has excellent
footwork, can create space for an open shot and can shoot over smaller
defenders on the wing. One-on-one, hes tough to defense. Hes also an
excellent passer. I agree that he needs work on his defense." 

- C's may have to choose between Pavlovic or Rickert at 16, as the Jazz
are 
hot on the trail of Aleksandar Pavlovic. They could be interested in
Rickert too,
with Malone's near departure.

- It was Rick Carlisle's abrasive nature that got him fired,
says Vecsey. Perhaps this will mellow him out a bit, or not,
as some team like the Hawks could scoop him up.

- Celtics, rumors swirl, may re-sign Kenny.

- Miami really wants to trade their pick. Seattle might 
be a possibility, as Riley needs two firsts in a deal.
16 and 20 for the 5th pick - that's not happening,
so don't even think about it. Now, if Antoine Walker should
suddenly acquire trade value....

- Leandrinho Barbosa is nearly 6-5, so his stock has risen.

Ray