Re: Keeping Billups

[Georgek27 <Georgek27@aol.com>]

We have the makings of something wonderful here!

Celts from A to W:

Barros: Was ok and may get a little more comfortable in the system. I can live
with him if he gaves us this every night, Would be nice if he had more games
like he did against the Knicks but this would be ok.

Billups: Probably won't have another game like this one for a month,but who
knows.
He proved to me why he was the #3 pick. Let's give him a chance to develop. It
isn't 
like he's going to cost us the NBA title this season. I would have liked to
see him out there at crunch time.

Bowen: This is what Dee Brown was supposed to do! Sure Bruce is taller but for
a guy with one minute of NBA experience he sure looks like he understands the
game well. A real bargain!

Brown: The poster boy of the Pitino era was the only real disappointment out
there last night. He just can't do, even when he tries. Maybe he'd be a good
change of pace guard in a half court system but he isn't going to help here.
Eat half his salary and trade him for a case of gatorade (a bottle of
gatorade?).

DeClerq: Plays like an out of control madman! But I think that is what he's
here for. He will get to be a LITTLE more productive and that will be fine. As
long as he's not shooting he's fun to watch (although he did can that buzzer
beater!).

Edney: Need to dump Dee so Tyus can get on board. He'll help provide some PG
play and help with Billups development. It'd be a shame to keep Dee and waive
him.

Ellison: If Pervis can stay healthy (BIG IF) and give us an inside presence
for 10 minutes a game we can live with him. He isn't quite ready for that yet
but he will be. No one is going to take him off our hands unless he exceeds
our hopes. If he gets hurt and goes on the DL it doesn't hurt us anymore than
releasing him would.

Jones: Deserved a pardon on his suspension! ;)  Another great athlete who will
play out of control at times. Very raw but made to play in this system. Word
in NY was that he (based on summer league play) was the reason the Knicks felt
they could deal Wallace. A wait and see.

Knight: The look on Knight's face in the 2nd half spoke volumes - he was
having the time of his life! He will play between 20 & 35 minutes a game
depending on foul trouble and put up some nice numbers. A fine pickup and a
great fit in this system.

McCarty: (For some reason I was terrified of spelling his name wrong!) So much
hustle and athletic ability. Walker loves playing with him. Foul prone but
that may improve. Wow can he slice to the basket! Worth the deal for Mills
even up. Mills may be a more complete player but wouldn't fit so well in this
system.

Mercer: Had a good but unspectacular game but what do you expect when he had
primary responsibilty for Jordan. Mercer will develop fine. Credit Pitino for
conning everyone at the draft into allowing him to drop to #6. It's nice to
see a Celtic guard with both size and effort!

Minor: A Celtic guard with size, anyone see any effort? I know he didn't play
and is on the injured list but we got as much effort out of him last night as
we ever will. There must be someone out there willing to take a chance on a
young guard with his size and athletic ability. Dallas? Denver? LA Clips?
Maybe someone will get hurt on another team and create a need for him.

Rogers: I am really anxious to see what he can add! Another thoroughbred to
throw at teams. He's going to cost DeClerq and Thomas minutes unless something
else is done. Hope he's on the active roster by game 6!

Thomas: A project. He was a role player in college so probably will never be
more than that here. He doesn't appear to be a fit in this system but Rick
supposedly loves him so I won't question. Needs time to adapt. Will never
provide offense but may provide rebounds, box outs, and picks.

Walker: Our true star. Still needs to mature but has sooo much talent. Hubie
said it best last night - he's careless with the ball - but this is only his
senior year! It's amazing how fast defense can be taught by a competent coach.
Antoine played more D last night than last season! Boy does he enjoy being THE
MAN! Sure looks like he enjoys playing for Rick to me.

THE COACH: Nice to be able to say that and mean it! If he can use his entire
12 man bench he will be able to wear other teams into the ground! He really
outfoxed the Bulls (and the announcers) with his plan to hold off trapping
till the second half.
We got a great one here guys!

THE GM: Our two headed GM (Pitino/Wallace) has done a great job improving the
talent level on this team and getting players who fit the system. "What would
you say if M.L. made these moves?"  PLEASE!  It makes a big difference when
management knows what they want and acts decisively. 

And we still have Ben Pepper waiting in the wings!  ;)

George