AUBURN HILLS -- Once again, the fate of a blockbuster trade appears to rest in the lap of Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge.
Ainge helped facilitate the Pistons' acquisition of Rasheed Wallace in 2004 and took considerable heat for doing so. He's probably not going to be as accommodating this time.
Here are the particulars of the trade that was proposed Monday, at least as it has been reported by ESPN and other outlets.
The history of Florida players taken in the NBA draft is filled with recent first-round draft picks and some legends of eras past.
But for Gator basketball, the NBA draft has never been as fruitful as the one expected Thursday night.
Florida has never had more than two players taken in the same draft. On Thursday, three could potentially get picked among the first 10 selections.
By most accounts, Maryland's D.J. Strawberry is one of the nation's top defensive guards, who excelled in one of the country's best conferences.
Lanky and lean at 6-foot-5, he covers the court, has excellent footwork and anticipation, and has the length to get into passing lanes. His heroes are Bruce Bowen and Raja Bell. He could step onto an NBA court today and hold his own on defense.
"That's what I pride myself on, making it hard on other people like Kobe Bryant in the league," Strawberry said last week. "I want to get my chance for making their nights as long as possible. And I think I can do that in this league."
It's easy to imagine Mike Krzyzewski giving thanks daily for the strength it must have taken in 2004 to turn down a $40-million offer to coach Kobe Bryant. …
BTW, shouldn't No. 8/24 switch to No. 1, as in, looking out for ...? …
A former NBA player might never again be overshadowed within his own family in quite the same way as former Lakers forward Stan Love, father of highly touted UCLA basketball recruit and incoming freshman Kevin Love. …
Lakers, T'wolves talking about Garnett deal (original) - 6/26/2007
Romney gives money to his campaign again (original) - 6/26/2007
Romney to Tap Own Money for Campaign (original) - 6/26/2007
Romney uses own money (original) - 6/26/2007
Agent: Hudson now requesting a trade (original) - 6/25/2007
Golf Trust urged to re-evaluate plans (original) - 6/25/2007
Perry grad the hottest of commodities (original) - 6/25/2007
Player profile: Al Horford (original) - 6/25/2007
Portland hopes to wipe away sins of past NBA drafts (original) - 6/25/2007
Romney lowers expectations on approach of 2Q fundraising deadline (original) - 6/25/2007
Blogs related to Boston Celtics:
Chicago Bulls, Memphis Grizzlies, NBA Draft, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons, Sports, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Atlanta Hawks
