RE: my initial thoughts on the trade

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

Mark P,

This is a very perceptive take and I do agree. Pierce does need a tough
minded player next to him to push him.  I was thinking about that after
the game last night harkening back to the New Jersey playoff series two
seasons ago when Walker went off on the team and especially Pierce for
his seemingly frightened/funk-filled play.  Also, in Pierce's first two
seasons he was prone to getting into a funk on the court and I think he
has stated over the years that he credited Walker for helping him to
work through those moments. 

I think Ricky Davis could become that kind of mentally tough player but
he needs to mature some and also learn to take better care of the
basketball. Davis has an understanding of the game and personality quite
similar to Walker's and he seems to have the desire to lead.  

Ravi

 

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-celtics@xxxxxxxx [mailto:owner-celtics@xxxxxxxx] On Behalf
Of Mark Piotrowski
Sent: Friday, February 20, 2004 8:06 AM
To: Celtics
Subject: Re: my initial thoughts on the trade


>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