You Have To Cut Pierce Some Slack And Other Truisms

[wayray@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]

- I see where the Walkerphiles are quick to condemn Pierce and those -- the Few,
the Proud, and the Brave  -- who are defending him.  The key difference is that Walker
had Pierce and still screwed up, with a negative effect on the team. Pierce doesn't 
have a second Pierce to bail Pierce the First out.  Walker did and yet his egregious 
errors continued. Give Pierce the First a Pierce the Second and Pierce the First's
play improves greatly.  

- That of course isn't happening, as the Celtics lack the talent base at the moment 
to acquire a Pierce type or his equivalent.  However, it doesn't mean that Ainge
can't help the situation out some by acquiring another scorer. I would say to Danny,
screw the worry about depth and injuries, make the deals, and let the pieces
fall where they may.  If you have to play McCarty ten minutes at center until 
LaFrentz returns, so be it.

- And you really do have to trade Battie, It's the only way to force Coach Jimbo
to play Perkins.  That or injuries, but injuries are counter-productive, and 
deplete trade value. Tis best to ditch Battie now and let some other team worry
about his swollen knees. 

- And send Kedrick Brown with him. Solid player, appears to be so.
Ever having to worry about him becoming an All Star and having
the trade come back and haunt the C's: seems unlikely.

- And don't hesitate to deal Eric Williams either. This Chemistry/Leadership stuff
is very overrated. It's pure raw unadulterated talent that's most important,
along with some guidance of that talent. Best example of this is Kobe.
Leadership and chemistry seem lacking from him, but still one of the
top three or four players in the NBA, and his teams are automatic championship
contenders because his talent succeeds on the court. Eric William's leadership still
has the Celtics at a 5 -5 record.  So don't hesitate to deal him.
Ray