Fine exhibition

[Steve Ouellette <bosox18@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have to say that last night's exhibition game was more fun to watch 
than most of the regular season and playoff games the last few years.

The Celts actually ran and forced the pace ... and in the halfcourt 
there was, I swear, motion. People set picks and cut to the basket and 
everything. If Paul Pierce was double or triple teamed then the open man 
got the ball for an easy look. Not once did I have to yell at the TV 
"Antoine, just shut up" or "What the Hell is he doing?"

LaFrentz looked like he'd been practicing since day one, fit in very 
smoothly. I figured the offense would be missing in action for a month 
or so, but it certainly didn't look that way last night.

It definitely looks like O'Brien is preparing for a lineup with Baker 
and LaFrentz starting ... Blount started at center last night with 
Battie off the bench. Blount is obviously (I think) just a place holder 
until LaFrentz learns the plays, maybe even by opening night. I think 
that's the Celts best option really. With Battie's questionable health, 
he'll be better playing 20 minutes off the bench. Put me down as someone 
not so keen on trading him (since I don't see his having that much value).

I think Banks should also be starting, though James will probably begin 
the season at the point. He looked very explosive last night and made 
some smart passes. With him and Kedrick (!!) in at the same time, the 
Celts can't help but fastbreak.

Someone else described the Celts as "liberated" last night. The perfect 
word. They played like a giant(-headed) weight had just been lifted.

STEVE