RE: Here's What We Know

["R. Singh" <keltsfan@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Ray,

While I agree something needs to be done with respect to the Celtics
offense, I'm not sure Barry is the guy.  He takes a lot of nights off
and frankly, I don't think he has the mentality to be the guy along side
Pierce. He's just not aggressive enough and he's another guy that cannot
create his own shots. The Celtics desperately need another player that
can create some offense for himself but still want to create offense for
others. 

Ridnour is offensively gifted no doubt, but after watching him quite a
bit this season, he is very lacking in the defense department and again,
he is not a player that is going to create for himself.  

What really intrigues me is this. Given Ronald "Flip" Murray's
impressive and extremely legitimate rise, would Ray Allen be available?
I can't recall if the Sonics already signed him to a max extension. If
not, would they be willing to trade him? And what would it take to get
him?  

Allen is the type of player that could propel the Celtics to the next
level. Not only can he create his own offense, he can create and, more
importantly, is happy to create for others. 

Battie, Eric Williams expiring contract, cap fodder and two first round
picks next year. Would that do it?  Allen's the guy I would target and
if I were Ainge I would make it very hard for Seattle not to at least
consider some type of deal.  

Ravi





-----Original Message-----
From: owner-celtics@xxxxxxxx [mailto:owner-celtics@xxxxxxxx] On Behalf
Of wayray@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2003 7:32 AM
To: celtics@xxxxxxxx
Subject: Here's What We Know


- The Celtics are a offensively-stagnant team. If I wanted Detroit
Pistons, 1990sstyle basketball, I would have moved to the Motor City,
well, what 
untorched buildings there are.

- Mike James is the Incubus of Fast Break Basketball.
He needs to be banished and soon. What was Ainge thinking?
He wants a running team and then provides the Celtics with
two of the least functioning running PGs in the Cosmos.
Aye Carumba!

- Seattle needs to be the No. 1 Celtics trading destination, as the two 
teams match up well, concerning each other's needs.
The Sonics need defenders and centers, while the Celtics require
offenders and creators.

Murray's great play may free up Barry or Ridnour to be traded after
Allen returns, as "Flip" has been guaranteed a spot in the rotation by
Coach McMillan.  

The question is: Who or what do the Celtics have that could interest the
Sonics?  

Well, Cap Space with Williams and Mills, first round picks,
and Defenders/Centers like Brown, Battie, and Blount may do. 
The Sonics would probably be very interested in Perkins,
but Ainge isn't moving Banks or him.

- Battie and Brown should be dealt: before Battie suffers another
injury, to make room for Perkins and Welsch, and to add some scoring to
the lineup.

- LaFrentz needs to be in the starting lineup ASAP, and find someone who
can pass him the ball, within like 15 feet of the hoop.

- The Celtics definitely need another offensive option, especially
someone -- with the paucity of true PG play -- who can create their own
offense. 

- Perhaps Banks is simply not a great finisher. He's certainly not a
great outside shooter or passer at the moment either.  Earl Boykins is a
fine finisher, and it's likely related to the fact that he has big time
shooting range. He's able to draw the coverage away from the hoop; Banks
shows no shooting range, so there's simply no reason to go out and cover
him.  
In fact, teams should play two to three feet off him and force him to
hit outside shots - best neutralization for his quickness.

- Jimbo ain't no run & gun type of coach, however he does have them
playing good defense. But at what cost to the offense?  They seem to be
a 70 - 30 defense to offense team. Sure defense is important, but the
name of the game is to swish the ball through the hoop easily. Nothing
comes easy on offense for the Celtics and it starts with Jimbo and the
the PGs.  
Ray