The old shell game.

[keltsfan]

If there is any truth to the rumor, perhaps the Celtics are realizing Pierce
is going to be too expensive, perhaps it is just a negotiating ploy
regarding his extension or perhaps Pierce wants out.

Personally, I think if you can get Chicago's #2, #16, and Hinrich or Gordon,
for Pierce, that would be a great start.  As well, this would very likely
put Boston in excellent top five draft position next year when an
outstanding crop of talent might be available at the top of the lottery.
Then another strong draft in 2008 and this team will have completed the
rebuilding process and really have a chance at a developing a championship
caliber team. 

Status quo for an average team breeds mediocrity and mediocrity is the kiss
of death in the NBA because you're never good enough to get out of the first
round of the playoffs and never bad enough to obtain the talent to move
beyond.  Ainge needs to put an end to this misery now, but does he have the
authority?  


Ravi


> -----Original Message-----
> From: celtics-bounces at igtc.com 
> [mailto:celtics-bounces at igtc.com] On Behalf Of Berry, Mark S
> Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 10:39 AM
> To: The Boston Celtics Mailing List
> Subject: RE: The old shell game.
> 
> I'm not turned off by Sergio's comparisons to Jason Williams. 
> I still remember the impact Williams had on the Kings when he 
> first joined them.
> If you can get a guy who really loves to pass and is great at 
> it, it is contagious. Everyone starts passing and as a result 
> everyone starts moving -- if you move, you get the ball. So 
> if his comp is Jason Williams, and he comes without the 
> baggage that Williams carries, I wouldn't object.
> 
> But I just don't see him as No. 7 pick material. If they 
> trade down, maybe. I'm becoming more optimistic that there 
> will be a slider. If Tyrus Thomas or LaMarcus Aldridge or 
> Brandon Roy falls in their laps, they have to take him. Even 
> if it's Roy, you have to take him and see what you can sort 
> out. Yes, I'm sick of drafting swingmen. But if all the 
> impact bigs are gone, then you take him and see if you can't 
> work out a trade. Easier said than done, but that's the 
> approach you have to take.
> 
> What are everyone's thoughts on Peter Vecsey's bombshell that 
> the Celtics are shopping Pierce? That one caught me 
> completely off guard. I thought he was pretty much 
> untouchable at this point. Before you bash Vecsey, remember 
> he seems to have a source with the Celts. He knew about the 
> Pierce-to-Portland talks before anyone last year.
> 
> You have to figure the teams they'd be talking to are Toronto 
> and Chicago, with names like Hinrich and Villanueva -- and 
> their picks -- in the discussion. At least that's what I 
> think should be in the discussion. I can't imagine any other 
> teams at the top of the draft being a fit. Portland obviously 
> likes Pierce, but there isn't a fit there. The Bobcats don't 
> have a fit. Neither do the Hawks. It has to be the Bulls or Raptors.
> 
> Thoughts?
> 
> Mark
> 
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