Re: Tonight's game

[Cecil Wright <nocw1@nsh.library.ns.ca>]

I'd like to think that all this TRADE BILLUPS talk will go to sleep now, 
but having been a faithful follower of the C's and this list, I know that 
there are some who will not be satisfied until he holds his man scoreless 
and has a triple-double.

Give him some time and he will blossom into a star in this league.  He 
plays very good defense for a rookie, his offense is improving, his 
passing ability has improved, he is icy cool from the line.  I've read 
comments criticizing him for a lack of facial expression when getting 
chewed out by the coach.  Would you prefer for him to freak out like 
Rodman and blow his stack?  Why should he be ostracized for having a 
reserved personality?  If he spoke his mind on everything ala Charles 
Barkley, he'd be quickly condemned for being so outspoken, especially as 
a rook.

Billups is a gifted athlete, just like Mercer and Walker, who, if given 
half a chance, will respond in a very professional manner that will be 
beneficial to this team for years to come.  He's a rookie PG on a 
relatively inexperienced team.  Let's give him a chance to 
experience the rigors of the NBA this year and watch him mature.

The whole idea of bringing in Sprewell is, IMHO, not a great idea unless 
we are able to dump at least Dee and Pervis.  And even then, he will take 
minutes away from Mercer.  I'm not sure of what kind of influence he 
would have on Walker, and maybe Pitino could get him to be a team 
player.  I would be careful to land him though knowing that we probably 
won't compete for a title for a few years since we're so young, and 
Sprewell is undoubtedly looking for a chance to get into the playoffs.  I 
would be more interested in Mitch Richmond if I were looking for a shooter.

Cecil