Nothing yet known or revealed by Croshere, but he did say he would take "48 hours to think this over." We'll know by Friday. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/news/2000/07/26/croshere_thomas_ap/ INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Free agent Austin Croshere met with Indiana Pacers coach Isiah Thomas for lunch Wednesday and gave no indication if he would re-sign with the team or accept a contract offer from some other team. "I thought we had a great meeting and hit it off well," Thomas said after the meeting near Croshere's home in Santa Monica, Calif. "He wanted to know how I felt about him as a player and his opportunity in Indiana to win a championship," Thomas said. Earlier, Croshere told The Indianapolis Star that he planned to make a decision on his future by the end of the week. He can sign a new contract on Tuesday if he desires. "I want to get a good feeling from him and what he sees in my future," Croshere told the newspaper earlier. "Being that I haven't had the opportunity [to talk with Thomas yet], I've had to look in other directions. Fortunately, if things fall through with the Pacers, there's at least one good option out there." Croshere saw little action in his first two years with the Pacers, but he became a valuable reserve at forward last season when he averaged 10.3 points and 6.4 rebounds during the regular season. In the NBA Finals, Croshere averaged 15.2 points and 6.0 rebounds as the Pacers lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games. Toronto has emerged as the primary challenger to the Pacers for the former Providence star. The Raptors have room under their salary cap to make a serious offer to Croshere, probably in the range of about $5 million per season. The Pacers already have made an offer in that range, and are in position to surpass any offer Croshere receives, both in value and length. Pacers president Donnie Walsh has declined to reveal his offer. "You keep working at it, and you either get the guy or you don't," Walsh said Tuesday. "But it's been a very cordial negotiation." Croshere has declined to reveal what he is seeking in a contract, other than a long-term deal. Other teams that have indicated interest in Croshere include Houston, Boston, Atlanta and the Los Angeles Lakers. Croshere said Tuesday that he wanted to take "a solid 48 hours to think things over" after his meeting with Thomas. "At this point, there's no need to look any further," he said. "Things are starting to wind down. I'm looking forward to making a decision." Walsh said Thomas values Croshere's talent and potential. "He thinks he's a really good player and had a great year and is an important part of the team," Walsh said. "He likes his game a lot. As soon as he can talk to Austin, he'll tell him that." Croshere dismissed a trade rumor that had been reported by ESPN and widely circulated on Indianapolis talk radio stations in which he, Travis Best and Chris Mullin would be sent to Boston for Antoine Walker and Dana Barros. As a free agent, Croshere would have to agree to a sign-and-trade provision before any deal could be made. The Pacers would have to agree as well. "I've heard the rumor," Croshere said. "You hear a lot of rumors. A month ago I was going to Houston. I just take them for what they're worth." Say your prayers before going to sleep Thursday night guys. ------------------ http://www.saveourcuttino.com [This message has been edited by The Cat (edited July 26, 2000).]
hope that means he decided a month ago he wants in with Houston ------------------ Stuff BBS, the Rockets and you guys It's all Clippers these days, come join the bandwagon and visit http://www.ClippersCity.net
Achebe, Were you at the game tonight? If so, how did Collier look? His stats looked a lot better, did he do better on the court? ------------------ http://www.saveourcuttino.com
The Cat, I didn't get to go to today's game... but in the nice Collier thread, I posted some of the good things the former Jazz/Milwaulkee/Houston coach Tom Nissalke's said about Collier, including that he was a good shooter and that the 'soft' label was silly because there were no tough guys anymore (I would have liked him to say he wasn't soft, but anyway). Hearing another coach with a ring compliment Collier was definitely a positive experience. ------------------ The ClutchCity 500. [This message has been edited by Achebe (edited July 26, 2000).]
I guess I could have edited the other post... but isn't it interesting how the list is not in alphabetical order? After the Pacers and then the Raptors, Houston (finally!) is listed as an opportune destinitation... not the Celtics. ------------------ The ClutchCity 500.
Can you say oeilpere and Doc Rocket? Where are you guys with Croshere and Mobley's decisions looming? Come back, we need you!!! ------------------ http://www.saveourcuttino.com
