Re: my initial thoughts on the trade

[Mark Piotrowski <markp@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Feb 20, 2004, at 8:58 AM, Berry, Mark S wrote:
> The Celtics also have, as Mark P. pointed out, some pieces to put
> together for a major trade in the summer. Davis, Welsch, Banks and 
> three
> first-rounders could be good starting points if a Steve Francis, Kenyon
> Martin or someone like that becomes available. And I'm becoming more 
> and
> more inclined to make a move with Pierce.
>
> Speaking of Pierce ... I fell asleep after three quarters last night. 
> He
> was in the midst of yet another terrible game, while Davis, Welsch, 
> Mihm
> (who, by the way, appears to be in the big picture after all; that's
> good news) and Banks kept the team in the game. Then I read the 
> accounts
> of the end of the game, and find out that Pierce basically butchered 
> the
> clock at the end of the game, shot too early and gave the Clips their
> winning possession. I'm becoming exasperated with him. He DESPERATELY
> needs a strong, disciplined, detail-oriented coach.

Mark -- i wonder if its not (only) a "strong, disciplined" coach that 
PP needs, but a charismatic leader-type like Antoine.  that is the one 
and only thing that i miss by trading Toine:  Since the 2001 run he 
realized PP was the better player, accepted his role as #1a or #2, but 
still was the lighting rod for the team -- leaving PP to sublimely 
dominate.

It was strange -- PP had the Jordan talent to Walker's Pippen (calm 
down everyone, i'm not comparing either PP or AW to Jordan/Pippen), but 
AW had Jordan's alpha-dog-ness to Pippen's "i'm comfortable to be #1a" 
attitude.  it was a strange combo but it worked.

IMO, Ainge needs to realize that PP needs a headstrong star playing 
next to him -- much like I think r. davis needs to play next to someone 
much better than him like PP to reign himself in.  LaFrentz isn't going 
to be that alpha-dog guy.  We need someone who's got some swagger -- 
like a Steve Francis, (in his prime) Gary Payton, or even Marbury.  
Rasheed Wallace -- though not as talented as PP -- is a similar in 
playing better as the guy slightly in the background.

Along those lines -- lets say for a moment, the Nets (given their 
ownership situation) refuse to give Kenyon Martin what he wants 
contract wise.  What would it take to get him in a sign and trade -- 
assuming the Nets would rather get something for him?  Would you do it? 
 If Ainge wants a running team K-Mart is a protypical PF (as much as he 
irritates me playing against him, he's damn good player).

could we offer 2 #1s, Welsch and a resigned Blount?  Seems like not 
enough for him staying in the division.

I imagine Portland might be able to offer more with their glut of PFs 
(Randolph and S. Abdur Rahim).

(the other) mark