Will McDonough On The Celtics & NBA

[wayray@ix.netcom.com (Way Of The Ray)]

And here's what the Boston Globe columnist said today in the boring broadsheet:

                    NBA Chutzpah

"Is this chutzpah or what?  The NBA sent a directive to all its teams telling 
them to conduct business as usual, meaning season-ticket holders will have to 
have their money in on time or lose the rights to their seats, even though 
there is a lockout.  And the expectation is that no games will be played until 
December.

"And how's this for stupidity?  Red Auerbach , who helped found the game and 
was its original director, doesn't know if he can return for the 25th 
anniversary of the Maurice Stokes charity game this year, because the league 
has told club officials not to socialize with players.  Wilt Chamberlain called 
Red to extend the invitation, but Auerbach could face a heavy fine by the 
league if it rules he cannot attend."


                   Celtics Profit

"Incidentally, in spite of paying Rick Pitino $7 million per season to come 
here, the Celtics turned a profit of $14.24 million last year."


                Bill Fitch On Paul Pierce

"Former Clippers coach Bill Fitch on the Celtics' top draft pick, Paul Pierce:
'The Celtics got lucky this year, after some bad luck a year ago in the Tim 
Duncan draft.  Pierce was the best player after Michael Olowokandi in my 
opinion.  The Clippers did the right thing taking him.  I think he has a chance 
to be another Olajuwon.  But Pierce to me is also a real-deal player."

                     ________________

In other news, USA Basketball won't allow NBC and Turner Sports to broadcast 
the World Championships, scheduled for July 29th through August 9 in Athens, 
because of marketing concerns.  They're afraid that by televising a weakened 
product, it will reduce their future economic possibilities.

Ray