The Word Is .........

<h3><center>The Word Is.....</center></h3>

{Here are some late movements that may affect draft positioning and give us an overall view of where some of these teams are sitting, come tomorrow.}

1. NJ has stopped taking calls for number one. J.Williams is retiring due to injury. Kittles is out until December. Martin is still healing but is cleared by the Nets physicians. Unless the world collapses, watch for Kenyon Martin, New Jersey's most perfect fit, be the name David Stern calls as Number One. So that is settled. I don't know if I am relieved or disappointed.

2. Swift and Vancover have had a few but surprising words over the last 72 hours. Vancover saying that Swift was premature in stating that Vancover would make him their pick if he was available at the two. Swift's agent reiterated (via ESPN desk)that Swift put Vancover at the top of his list as the prettiest NBA city. But, did not go as far as mentioning Vancover as far as his favorite places to play list. Making it conspicous by it's absence. Mmmmm. Irregardless, Billy Knight, Chuck Daly and everyone else will pull the trigger on Swift at the two. That is solid. Frankly, if they don't do it, they may have S. Abdur-Rahim talking about going south.

3. Serious talks of a deal sending Vancover's Othella Harrington to Toronto for Power Punisher Oakley are still circulating. You would think a trio of Grant, Oakley and Swift would be a bit "headsup" for a Grizz team. But, Chuck and the new owners may have everyone smiling all the way to the playoffs this season. I think there's a new sheriff in town, Maude! A related story says that anyone can have Brent Price for free. Sound familiar?

4. Another Toronto deal that is still having some late action is Dell Curry going home to Charlotte. Appears Charlotte wants him and Dale Ellis may end up in Raptorland. They key though is a swap of draft picks, with Toronto getting #19 and Hornets getting #21. That would mean Toronto is focusing in on K Dooling, who they covet like the neighbor's wife. For us that means someone expects Barkley and Cleaves to be gone before #19. And that helps move even more quality to the #10-18 spot (which IMHO, barring a last minute blockbuster #1-#4 deal, is the most viable direction for the Rockets at this stage.)

5.The Clippers @ #3: they need help in a lot of areas. They are in a bit of a quandary and may be waiting to see what happens at the one-two spots. Some say that if Martin and Swift are gone, the Clips will trade down. They do not need Miles. They cannot afford the luxury of another first round center in Mihm. Chicago wants both those guys, but Jerry Krause has really got horny over Miles in the last week. A pick and swap between the Clips and the Bulls may solve all the problems. Clips #3 for the Bulls #7, and #24, #33, would not surprise some knowledgeable people. That would give the Bulls the #3 and #4. Jerry gets his wish. The Clips get a high first rounder at #7, two other first rounders at #18 & #24, and a good positioned second rounder at #33 to stock the tank tank..(Yes, I said the "tank tank.")

6. The Clippers @ #18. Well as above noted (item #4), that spot keeps getting some attention, especially from the Rockets. Some thoughtful and respected camps make a Drew trade involving the #18 as tempting for both teams. Drew would bring immediate production to the Clips. The Rockets get another crack at filling holes, and although it may involve "more" than just Drew, it still may be relatively inexpensive for them. The Clips also have spoken to several teams including the Rockets about trading down to say #9 to acquire Moiso. He would be a great fit at PF and a local commodity (UCLA).

7. The Sonics are getting ready to bust wide open. GP has given yet another ultimatum (I love the timing) and poor old Baker is being shopped for anyone within salary range. They have literally talked to everyone. If you can believe this: a Vinnie Baker for Big Country offer was actually discussed by the respective GM's .... but like I said there's a new sheriff in town up in Grizzville. No deal! The Sonics need a miracle to improve this summer. Still no need for them to panic, there will be lots of quality post up players around at the # 17.

8. San Antonio is in trouble. They have Tim in Florida this week and even worse, he's there with Grant Hill. They have no Point Guard. On their roster they have NINE FREE AGENTS. They have Kerr signed who is either under-utilized or under-achieved depending on who you talk to and when. Personally, I think he is overpaid and underused. Popovich's job is on the line. Well, at least one of those jobs. Mario Ellie will not be re-signed. They are trying to move Avery in a sign and trade (New York??). They have probably the worst long-term growth plan of any team in the West and the only pick they have is in the second round @ #41. They have tempted Dallas and Chicago in separate deals, attempting to move up a couple spots closer to #30, but what do they offer in exchange? Kerr? Yep they tried that. Honrest to God! Chicago said no of course. (Interestingly, I believe one of the first round picks that Chicago is using this year is the one they got in the Kerr trade. The irony is superceded only by the laughter it causes.) Dallas at least said: Well,let us think about it. Like, what is this with San Antonio and Dallas when it comes to trades? They continue to make each other miserable when they trade with each other.

9. This is not Laker bashing, but can anyone see what the Lakers have going into next season, except less of the same? Kobe and Shaq will be formidable to be sure. But Rice will be gone (Miami?). And unless they get PJ Brown or a comparable all-around PF, they will have some trouble repeating. As well as Horry probably seeing the trade papers slipped under his door. Sorry Alabama: They just cannot afford a new PF, AC Green(or his replacment), and a $5 million Dollar part-time Robert Horry. Even in LaLaLand. At the draft (#29) they will take the best available Power Forward.

10. A Utah sighting on the horizon of big deals!!!! Man, really???? The biggest story out of the mountains in a long while is centered around a complete revamping of the team. And for once there is not a lot of opposition to it. By the players or the public. Utah supposedly spoke to two Eastern teams (okay, the secret is: it was New York and Indiana, but you did not hear that from me) and opened preliminary talks on Stockton and Karl Malone both going as a package to either team with a comparable amount of salary equalization AND the Jazz getting a pick in the bargain. The Jazz already have #23 and #26 and that would mean another pick at either #22(if NY is involved) or #27(if IND is involved). A Camby/Houston deal with the #22 pick was discussed in earnest between the parties not long ago in New York. Details of the talks in Indiana are unknown, but apparently that has prompted even more talk of Austin Croshere wanting to go somewhere else.(As an added note, the worst kept secret in Indiana is that Mark Jackson is returning to the Knicks as a player/coach this coming season.)Although a roster that looks like it would include Stockton at PG, Miller at SG, Rose at SF and Malone at PF looks impressive, to me it looks more like "a little too little, and a little too late". There still is no answer at the C spot, and presumably the loss of that First Rounder in the process would eliminate any current rookie centers this year. But paramount to the understanding of Indiana's role here …. They would have to come up with $20 (some) Million worth of players to pay off Utah. Even with their $4.5M trade exemption that still leaves a heck of a lot of scratch for thye Pacer's to gather. That means Miller has to be involved and possibly a short contract (one year) with the Dutchman. My bet is it will be NY, if it happens. Interesting all the same.

11. Golden State Warriors. Circle the wagons, pilgrims, 'cause we are in deep doo-doo. They have # 55 and no hope in sight. They have approached several teams, including the Rockets for a lottery swap. Ours this year for one of theirs next year or the year after. Mmmmmm. I can't help but think CD sent a message back that he would include our pick if we involved Antwan Jamison somehow.

12. Many have been earnestly burning candles at their respective places of worship, for some deal involving a #9 - #3 swap coming to fruition. All estimates seem to point to both Mobley and Cato remaining in Houston, and it is hard to imagine the Clips accepting anything short of Cato or Mobley being part of such a deal. A likely scenario may include these guys(with Mobes agreement not withstanding), but it is doubtful. More likely scenarios would involve Chicago's #7, Orlando's #10 or Detroit's #14 or LA Clips #18.

Late movements: As we get closer … K. Dooling is rising in the PG pool rankings. Although Barkley is clearly the top of the heap for PG's, Dooling is getting kudos and accolades from some very respectable circles. Brown is getting closer to TzkTzk (I.Tzakalidis) at the center position. Some say Chris Mihm and Joel Pryzbilla are separate from the others by a widening margin and clearly Mihm is still the cream of the crop. The fast-forwarding small forwards include: Dermarr and Carrawell moving up to the ten or below spots in everyone estimation, and Mike Miller staying near the seven to nine spots. The vartious Power Forwards continue to be solid in both the first and second round. If the Rockets lose out at the nine on a SF and their chosen PF Moiso is gone also, they may trade down for Chris Porter. I cannot see him missing the first round. He is too versatile to be passed up by anyone.

8<|


------------------




[This message has been edited by oeilpere (edited June 27, 2000).]