New England Sports Mailbag

Questions answered by Peter Legasey, John Kulsck, Glen Maganzini and Bobby Sweet

Edition #1: August 3, 2007

Q. Bam Childress and Kelvin Kight are two players that aren't mentioned too often when discussing the Patriots' receivers. From what I have heard, they are both performing extremely well in training camp. Do they have any shot at making the 53 man roster?

A. Childress and Kight are both getting a wealth of playing time in training camp because of the injuries to Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth, Troy Brown, and Chad Jackson. With that said, they have more of an oppurunity to shine than the guys aforementioned; they have. Over the next four weeks, we need to closely monitor the progression of Moss, Stallworth, Brown, and Jackson to see if they are ready to start playing again. Jackson likely will be out for the whole season, but the other three could come back anytime. One published report says that Randy Moss is day to day. When Stallworth and Brown will come back is not exactly clear at that moment. Don't forget about Reche Caldwell, Kelley Washington, and Jabar Gaffney; these players are all veterans and have a 1-up on the inexperienced Childress and Kight. In the end I don't believe they will be a part of the five or six receivers the Patriots will carry. -GM

Q. How will Tony Allen factor into the Celtics' winning equation?

A. Everyone seems to have forgotten the fact that Allen averaged 11.5 points per game before tearing his ACL on a missed dunk attempt in January. Subsequently, Allen underwent reconstruction surgery on his ACL. Recovery time is usually six months to one year. One would think that Allen might be ready for the opening of the 07'-08' season. Assuming that he is ready, Allen would be behind another Allen -Ray- at shooting guard. Ray Allen was a minutes machine while he was in Seattle and Milwaukee. One must wonder how Doc Rivers will create playing time for Tony. Moving Tony Allen to another position is out of the question because he is only 6-4, too big for a point guard, but rather small for a small forward. Oh yeah and small forward is occupied by a man named Paul. In conclusion, we will just have to see if 1) Tony Allen is ready for the season opener and 2) Doc decides to cut the minutes of Ray Allen.

Q. Danny Ainge said that the roster isn't a finished product. What are some areas of need for the Celtics?

A. A very good question right here. The Celtics need a point guard, preferably somebody over the age of 22. I am not going to condone the abilities of Rajon Rondo and Gabe Pruitt, but the Celtics need a veteran player who has a lot of experience and can teach these two a little more about the game. One player that particularly catches my eye is Brevin Knight. Knight will be entering his 10th season in the NBA and is coming off a 9.1 PPG, 6.6 ASG season. - GM