RE: It's The Point Guards And Ainge, Stupid

[Josh Rice <joshr@xxxxxxx>]

When it comes to trade possibilities, don't forget Utah. Either Arroyo or
Raul Lopez would look great in green, and they need help up front. Both
these guys are classic PGs with great vision.

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-celtics@xxxxxxxx [mailto:owner-celtics@xxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of
wayray@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Saturday, November 08, 2003 7:36 AM
To: celtics@xxxxxxxx
Subject: It's The Point Guards And Ainge, Stupid


While Paul Pierce has been quasi-Walkeresque of late,
the real problem with the Celtics are their point guards.

They create very little offense,  and defensively, they're being massacreeed
by
opposing PGs:

Baron Davis - 37 points, 7 assists, and 5 steals

Chauncey Billups - 27 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals

Jason Kidd - 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists

Like "Big Ouch", baby!

That's why the Celtics are losing these games.

And unfortunately, more dread lies in store with the likes of Gilbert Arenas
and the surprising Wizards, the Philly crew of Iverson, Snow, and Salmons;
TJ Ford in Milwaukee, the upcoming Sacramento game, and
Jamal Crawford is even playing better.

Danny Ainge is the one, who has to take a great deal of the blame for
the current situation by  not complimenting  Banks and Pierce with a veteran
PG who can run the offense and defend.

Not that ol' Marcus doesn't have a lot to answer for. So far, when
his shot isn't blocked -- occurs at least three times a game -- he's shown
he can score going to the hoop.

And?

Well, that's about it.  His game is obviously in a very embryonic stage.

Somehow the finer aspects of the NBA point guard position, which have
eluded Banks so far, have been grasped at a more prodigous rate by TJ Ford,
Superstar Luke Ridnour, and Steve Blake. And you can
probably toss in Planinic and Barbosa.

James meanwhile, seems to be seeking that perfect 1:1 assists to
turnovers ratio.

Ainge needs to be proactive and acquire a veteran PG,
ship James to the far side of the bench, and let Marcus still play his
20 minutes a game and develop.

The Sonics with the ubiquitous Brent Barry, the blossoming Ronald
Murray, and Superstar Luke Ridnour are the club to seek out.
They need center help, of which the Celtics have plenty these days.
Unless, of course, they do the Battier deal.
Ray