Several months ago, I used this space to argue that the Pacers should push for the playoffs rather than "tank" to get into the lottery (and keep their pick).  My thought was that it was better to take pride in making the tourney than to tank for the right to end up with what most likely would be, and was, the 10th pick, which most likely would be, and was, Spenser Hawes.

Hindsight is a Lasik-like 20-15 and, with the clarity it provides, me thinks I was wrong.  

Like Cornrows, I'll chuckle every time I hear his name, but Stanko underwhelms.  Perhaps shutting things down and ending up with Hawes, Al Thornton, Julien Wright or Acie Law was the way to go.  Who knows.  I wouldn't be surprised however, if Carlisle, JO, Granger and every other Pacer who busted tail down the strecth find "thank you" notes from the Atlanta front office in tomorrow's mail.

Speaking of front offices, it appears more certain than ever that neither Ainge, McHale, nor LJL spent much time seeking Red's tutelage after practice.  

Two segues and I'm finally onto the Celtics and the Ray Allen acquisition.  The deal reminds me of my five years at UVM.  What looks sexy at 11:30 PM, seems horrific at dawn's early light.  Take heart Pacer fans, as you enjoy your morning coffee,  your team is not any worse than it was yesterday.  I'm sure that there's a philosophical argument, then, that the Pacers improved simply by not getting any worse.

The Celts have no such argument.  The 5 pick, a solid young PG, and a decent shooter with a contract that will be attractive bait as it expires in 08-09 were exchanged for an aging shooting guard with a huge contract and fresh scars from double ankle surgery.  Wow.