Celtics claim Nuggets' pick By Shira Springer, Globe Staff, 6/13/2001 The Celtics officially claimed the 11th pick in the NBA draft yesterday, which was the deadline for them to do so. The pick comes from Denver as part of the Danny Fortson/Ron Mercer deal in August 1999. The Celtics, who now have three first-round picks - Nos. 10, 11, and 21 - had the option of taking Denver's first pick in any year until 2004. ''The most worthwhile gamble was to exercise the pick this year,'' said general manager Chris Wallace. ''If they don't crash on their own, then you're playing for Ping-Pong balls to bounce your way. Let's say Denver stays the same or improves slightly. You're still looking at the same group of players down the line as this year. So why not get their acclimation to the NBA started this season?'' The Celtics continue their scouting today, with forwards Michael Bradley, Vladimir Radmanovic, and Brian Scalabrine, and guards Tony Parker, Kenny Satterfield, and Earl Watson scheduled for workouts at Healthpoint. ------------------ One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor.
