Re: Josh's talk with Wallace, etc.

[Eggcentric@xxxxxxx]

< The question is, have they made any promises that would preclude them 
from taking a slider at 16? There continue to be rumors that the Banks 
promise isn't at 20, but at 16. > - Berry

This year's draft is more of a crap shoot than betting on a Mideast 
peace settlement. Are you hoping for one of the four baby Shaqs to 
slide to us at #16,  or would you prefer one of the forty remaining upside 
embryos described as a ''poor man's''  Iverson, Duncan, McGrady, Bryant,
Malone, Davis, Wallace, Stockton, etc.? Being a poor man's whatever is 
one thing; being a future poor man's whatever, is quite another.

Getting back to your question, Mark, the latest I have heard is that Ainge 
has not yet made a final decision and is still looking into trading up, 
trading 
down, trading away, or staying with our two picks.  Thus the silence of the 
Boston media lambs since nothing solid can or should be reported even at 
a time when fans are starving for any scrap of exciting rumor.  At least 
we have WayRay.

Ainge has neither confirmed nor denied the Banks rumor, having no reason 
to do either.  Present thinking is that the rumor is the imaginative 
strategy emanating from the Banks PR camp.  I guess talent is no longer 
the issue.  These new wave draftees need PR hype and cunning to land a 
spot with THEIR choice of team on the first round.  Agent Arn Tellem 
owns the NBA.  Maybe Ashcroft will go after him for being a monopoly.  
Better yet, why not just send Tellem right now to Guantanamo Bay.

Present thinking is also that Ainge's top priority is not in drafting a
PG or a rebounder, but a scoring/up tempo/good defense WING - with 
our second pick slotted for the best non-wing player available at #20.
 
The time is long overdue for us to draft a winner.  Bowing to life's sense 
of balance, I have a warm and fuzzy feeling this just might be our year.

Egg