RE: NBA.com Lionel Hollins Coach Info

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

Mark,

McGrady's health is a big issue.  The NBA schedule is not kind to
chronic back pain and as McGrady ages will his back worsen to the point
of not being able to play anymore?  

A healthy back and this trade is a no brainer but given his injury
history I'm not sold on it. 

Ravi

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-celtics@xxxxxxxx [mailto:owner-celtics@xxxxxxxx] On Behalf
Of Berry, Mark S
Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2004 11:22 AM
To: Celtics@xxxxxxxx
Subject: re: NBA.com Lionel Hollins Coach Info


Ray wrote:



Do not fret. Chad Ford says Westphal too.
How about the ultimatum given to McGrady?   Seems like a real
trade possibility. What can the Celtics bring to the table for McGrady
and that Orlando pick?



--- --- ---



I'd offer Pierce straight-up for McGrady. The Magic are dealing with
little leverage. They can't let T-Mac walk, and any team trading for him
runs the risk of that happening. They get a slightly lesser player in
Pierce, but gain the guarantee of knowing he's under contract and can't
walk. Plus, they get to keep the top pick and add an Okafor or Howard to
Pierce, and then shuffle pieces around them.



For the Celtics, they upgrade slightly with a true, all-NBA caliber
superstar. He joins a team with a nice nucleus - LaFrentz, Perkins,
Jiri, Ricky, Chucky - and some hope for the future with the three picks
or whatever they turn into. The Celtics can offer him more than anyone
else after next season.



Works for me. I don't see any way to get McGrady AND the top pick, but
I'd be trying. My first choice would be a sign-and-trade for an
acquitted Kobe Bryant, but T-Mac would be a nice second option. And it
doesn't seem that far-fetched.



Mark