Wallace Dealt: Nice Trade For Portland

[wayray@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Portland now possesses one of the best frontcourts in the NBA with
the "R Boyz": Ratliff, Randolph, and Rahim, and picked up three good
NBA citizens in the deal, as they continue the process of cleaning
out their rats nest. The Blazers opted for talent over cap space,
and frankly who can blame them.

As for Atlanta, unless they're willing to overpay to keep Wallace after the season, 
an unlikely scenario (and he's crazy enough to sign with the Knicks for the Mid-Level), 
they're heading for rock bottom and top lottery picks in the upcoming drafts.  
A strategy that may see them flounder like the Bulls for the rest of this
decade, or if the next Lebron comes along, a chance to contend down the line,
though the latter is of a much rarer nature than the former.

As for the Celtics angle in this, well, Rasheed, Ratliff, and Rahim are all off the charts
and out of play, so the field of possible additions has been lessened. Dampier's still
out there, and it would be discouraging if the Knicks get him.

Maybe Ainge should do the Jessen deal, as help for present contention slips away.
Ray