Re: Knicks KRUSH celts: New York102-Boston 70

[damekmo@teleport.com]

On Billups from Cooper:

>He didn't seem to be playing his own game, as he was trying to yo-yo
>the ball outside while he waited for the Celts half-court offense to
>get set up.  This was a long wait as the Celts's don't have a half
>court offense at the moment.  I don't think he made a forceful drive
>to the basket, the whole game.

>Bill Cooper.

I had to drink the entire pot this morning before checking out the NY
newspapers. Before I head off to work, just a few thoughts. I know there
are going to be lots of posts today calling for the instant removal of
Billups, Walker and the ceremonial sacrifice of Pitino at center court; and
who knows...it probably couldn't hurt. But, perhaps it's the moon, the
stars, the sun coming up over Mt. Hood, I don't know...but I'm feeling
awfully generous this morning. Now, all this may be obvious but screw it,
I'm going to say it anyway. Let's all admit that there's nothing worse than
a loss to the Knicks, unless perhaps, it's a loss to the Sixers. However,
let's also all admit that the win against the Bulls was a giant fluke, and
that the Celtics are incredibly young and in reality have no business, at
this point, being on the same court with some teams right now. Pitino's
right...this team is not ready to win. There isn't a coach anywhere who
could get this team a win right now. There isn't a style of play that could
get a team this young a win right now. Miami is going to crucify this team
tonight. Now, concerning Billups, because I know a lot of us think this kid
sucks and can't wait to see him gone. A couple things before he goes. He's
young,...I think he actually has talent,...and it must be incredibly
difficult to be a rookie point-guard on a team of players this young,
running a new "system" they haven't figured out yet. In short, this team
shoots below 40% from the field because they're a bunch of kids, they don't
know what they're doing, and they're playing against the big boys. Every
one of them is confused beyong belief. They're overmatched at every
position because of experience and because they aren't a team yet. Maybe
Billups can't play the point for Pitino because he can't run, dribble, and
chew gum at the same time. Who knows? But I think it's way too early to
tell. Get ready for lots of losses, bad ones....every night...for a long
time. Progress is going to be very, very slow. An average age of 22.9
years! I actually think all these kids can play, and God help me, I
actually think that this idiotic pressing/running thing might work. I hope
they can take the humiliation because I actually think that given the
time....everything will work out. Now....I'm going after a bagel.

Paul M.