The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

February 18, 1998: "Pitino Takes Anderson off Toronto’s Hands in Seven Player Deal

The Boston Celtics acquired G Kenny Anderson, F Popeye Jones, and C Zan Tabak from the Toronto Raptors in exchange for G Chauncey Billups, G Dee Brown, F John Thomas, and F Roy Rogers.

1997 - ‘98 Salaries:

Kenny Anderson, Bos.: $5.01 M

Popeye Jones, Boston: $1.89 M

Zan Tabak, Boston: $950 K

Chauncey Billups, Tor.: $2.38 M

Dee Brown, Toronto: $3.5 M

John Thomas, Tor. : $640 K

Roy Rogers, Toronto: $763 K

Notes:

• Jones (out for the year, torn ACL) and Tabak are free agents this summer.
• Boston will pay for only four of the remaining five-plus years on Anderson's seven-year, $46 million contract, with Trail Blazer owner Paul Allen, a billionaire, paying the rest.

Who got the better of the deal?

Toronto.

Why?

The Raptors acquired players in return for Anderson who swore he would “never report to Toronto”.  Rookie G Chauncey Billups has been a scoring guard all his life; so, he did not adjust very quickly to the role of a ball distributor in Boston.  Consequently, Boston head coach Rick Pitino cringed at a lot of Chauncey’s mistakes.  Billups had been rumored to leave the Celtics through trade since the start of the season.  He and newly acquired G Alvin Williams should compete for the starting point guard and form a good tandem for the future.

Dee Brown went from being a Pitino favorite early in the season to the dog house.  He has never lived up to the flashes he showed early in his career. He not good enough as a play maker nor as a shooter.  However, he is a solid veteran who should provide leadership and stability to Toronto.

John Thomas has been praised for his work ethic and physical strength in New York and Boston.  However, he’s been traded for both places in his first year in the league.  Thomas is quite strong and has a good grasp for the fundamentals of the game such as passing out of double teams, setting picks, blocking out etc.  He should finally receive consistent playing time in Toronto.

Roy Rogers is a good shot blocker who, for whatever reason, never played in Boston.  Roy spent most of is time on the bench or the injured list as a Celtic which was a surprise considering how much of an impact he had on defense while playing in Vancouver last season.  However, he does have bad knees which will limit his effectiveness over extended periods of time.

Kenny Anderson pouted his way from Toronto.  Kenny excels in an up tempo style of play which Pitino wants to emphasize. However, it will be interesting to see how Anderson adjusts to the aggressive defensive style of full court pressure Boston plays.  Anderson has never been known as a very physically fit ball player; but, he will have to get into Pitino type shape in order to function, let alone excel, in the system.

Popeye Jones and Tabak seem to have been included in the trade for salary cap reasons.  Neither seems to be a good fit for the full court pressure defense.  Popeye is out for the season; however, when he’s healthy, he is one of the best offensive rebounders in the league. He’s a throw back player—he may not be the most athletic player; but, he is one of the hardest working players.

Tabak has been injury prone the last 2 years of his career. In fact, he is recovering from a broken bone in his right hand and won’t return to playing until early to mid March.

The key to the deal for Boston is whether Anderson can regain his desire for the game and return to his days of averaging 8 to 9 assists per game.