From: ellie@ora.com (Ellie Cutler)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.basketball.pro
Subject: Celtics training camp
Date: 7 Oct 92 14:05:17 GMT
Organization: O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.

Let the training camps begin!  Celtics invitees include:

JOE WOLF - Huh? I thought he signed in Europe. I was fairly unimpressed by
his stint in rookie camp.  He showed nothing special, certainly nothing
specialer than Joe Kleine or draftee Morningstar.

KENNY BATTLE - Now this is a kid I like.  He was one of the 10-day
contract boys Boston signed periodically last season to beef up their
Bird and Brownless lineup.  Battle had great hustle and attitude, could
take it to the hoop, and played tight D.  I'm not sure where he fits
though, as he's not big enough for PF, and SF is chock full o'Xman,
Fox, and Gamble (unless Fox goes for Gugliotta.)

MARCUS WEBB - the rook from Alabama.  Self-proclaimed lottery pick
(ahead of Robert Horry) had he not had a run in with Wimp Sanderson.
Man with an attitude. 6-9 powerhouse. Strong, pump'n dunker, take that!
in your face!  After a catch-your-eye rookie camp , he injured his foot
at the start of the summer league and was not heard from since.
I'm glad the C's kept him in mind.  If they can't get Gugs, look for
Mr. Webb to make the team.  My main question on Webb is, is he
coachable?

BART KOFOED - Jon Barry, we hardly knew ya.  Bart had a strong rookie
camp, plays both guard positions, has NBA experience, and is a tough
and solid competitor.

STEVE SCHEFFLER - Bang, bang.  With Kleine and Barry, what do they want
with this kid? He had a good college career, and was a scorer as I recall,
but showed little more that stiffdom at last year's camps. Although, they
could perhaps dangle Joe Kleine out there (though replacing Kleine with
Scheffler is like sifting sand, no?)- would Kleine and Gamble interest
anyone?

Barry is still unsigned, and the Celtics really don't have a big
incentive to get him on the roster.  With no bites on Sherman Douglas
on the trade line, Sherm may move into the starting PG role, with Dee
Brown as 3rd man in the backcourt (supposedly a few starters prefer
Douglas to Dee at the point - my guess would be Pinckney and McHale.)

Bagley is unsigned, and probably will not get an offer from Boston.
John had some real nice games last year, but would probably be better
off with some young team who needs the calming influence of a veteran
point.

Roster I'd like (barring trades):

Center: Parish, McHale, Morningstar
Forward: Pinckney, Webb, McDaniel, Fox, Battle
Backcourt: Douglas, Lewis, Brown, Kofoed 

Starters:  C:  Robert Parish 
           PF: Eddie Pinckney
           SF: Xavier McDaniel
           SG: Reggie Lewis
           PG: Sherman Douglas

With Dee Brown, McHale and Fox first off the bench, this ain't a bad
looking team!

In reality, they'll most likely keep both big Joe and Morningstar
because they need to develop Morningstar, but can't risk him as the
only backup to an injury-prone McHale/Parish center tandem.

Also in reality, they'll keep Gamble unless they can trade him. 
I just don't see the minutes anywhere for Gamble unless Fox is traded,
since there's a logjam of Xman/Fox/Reggie at SF, and Reggie/Dee/Fox at
SG.  I'm not sure Gamble is a great bench player either - not a
microwave type.

Bird will be on hand to help Gavitt & co. make their roster moves.
As for the Knicks, Puhleese! sic Pinckney and McDaniel on Charles Smith;
Pinckney, Morningstar and Webb on Oakley/Mason (till they foul out).
I'll take Dee and Reggie over Blackman and Davis. Parish and
Morningstar can do what they can against Patrick - while the Xman will
lead all scorers.  Close, but no cigar!

Expect a few weeks of training camp to go by before seeing much in the
way of trading activity.  It'll give coaches time to evaluate their
current roster, and see who really shows up and in really what
condition.
-- 
        Ellie Cutler

        ellie@ora.com               
        uunet!ora!ellie