Re: Is it all worth it?

["Berry, Mark S" <berrym@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Egg,



I agree with some of what you're saying, but think you're being unfair
in other ways.



First, I agree that Banks doesn't seem to be the answer. I think Ainge
is beginning to see that also. That seems obvious, don't you think? So
Ainge missed on Banks. But look at the players drafted after Banks.
There aren't a lot of better options. Turns out this was a shallow
draft. That happens.



But you dismiss Perkins unfairly. Ainge said all along that this kid was
a project and we had to be patient. He said Perkins had great potential,
but it would take time. Danny has been on the job less than one season,
and impatience already is rampant. But let me ask you this. If Perkins
is the team's starting center in 2005, at age 20, will you give Ainge
credit for finding a starting NBA center with the 27th pick in the
draft? Wouldn't that have to be considered a great draft pick? I'll be
shocked if Kendrick isn't starting by then.



So ... you don't want to wait for draft picks to develop. OK. We could
trade them for serviceable big men like Vitaly Potapenko - only we've
already done that once, and Pitino was justifiably crucified for it. Or
we could wait until 2008 and let all our contracts run out and sit there
with all kinds of cap space that no one wants. Does that sound like a
good plan?



It's a gradual process. Part of it is drafting wisely and being patient
with those picks. Part of it is using assets like an expiring EWill
contract to acquire a better player - Ricky Davis. Part of it is finding
diamonds in the rough like Jiri Welsch.



This team right now is without a coach, its best power forward is lost
for the season, its best center is a year away, and it doesn't have a
point guard. You're talking about the four most important pieces on the
team. But the center is on the roster and will be ready in about a year.
The power forward will be healthy in a few months. And the GM is looking
for the point guard. The coach - let's see who Ainge comes up with. PLUS
... they have three first-rounders, including one likely to be in the
top 10 of the lottery.



Ainge knows what he's doing. Not every move will work, but his vision
for the team is a good one. I know you don't like him or his style, and
I can appreciate that. But let's give it a little time. We're talking
about nine months! Remember, when Ainge took over virtually everyone -
you included - considered the Celtics unwatchable and in need of drastic
changes. Well, Ainge is making drastic changes. Let's give it a little
time to see if they work.



Mark