The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

October 29, 2000

“Pack Heads back to Denver, in 4 player Deal”

The Boston Celtics acquired G Chris Herren and G / F Bryant Stith from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for F / G Calbert Cheaney and G Robert Pack.

Notes:

• Herren, Pack, and Stith are all eligible to become free agents next summer.

2000 - 2001 Player Salaries:

Chris Herren, Bos: $0.331 M.

Bryant Stith, Bos: $5.6 M.

Calbert Cheaney, Den: $2.2 M.

Robert Pack, Den: $3.4 M.

Who got the better of the deal?

Neither club.

Why?

This deal simply involves 2 teams hoping their new acquisitions respond positively to playing in a new environment. Also, of the 4 players involved in the deal, only Calbert Cheaney has anymore years (just one) left on his contract after this season.

Herren, 6’2, adds to the Celtics glut at point guard (Kenny Anderson and Randy Brown).

“It's a dream come true to play for the Celtics,” Herren said. “Growing up right down the street, it's an amazing thing for this day to come. I dreamed about this a long, long time ago as a little kid.”

Stith, 6’5, adds to the Cs growing glut at shooting guard (Paul Pierce and Chris Carr). However, Stith’s veteran leadership (this is his ninth year in the league) could prove valuable to the Cs.

Robert Pack didn’t want to play for Boston. In fact, he asked to be dealt to a Western Conference team; so, he should be happy returning to the Nuggets. Denver was the only NBA team Pack has played for where he enjoyed much success. Robert has always had explosive quickness and a scorer’s mentality as a point guard; however, he’s never managed to avoid injuries.

“If Robert can stay healthy, I am not worried about what he is going to be able to get accomplished,” Nuggets coach Dan Issel said. “I already told him he can't dunk this year.”

Pack, 6’2, will back up Nick Van Exel at point guard. However, on occasion and depending on matchups, the two will be on the court together.

Cheaney, 6’7, may be waived by Denver because the Nuggets already have Tracy Murray, Voshon Lenard, George McCloud, and James Posey at the big guard / small forward positions.

“You're never guaranteed a spot on the team,” said Cheaney. “That's how it is in this business. So you have to just go out there and play hard every night. I'm just trying to get back into a groove and get used to (playing) where I used to. That's all I can do.”