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Celtics aren't sorry to be repetitive
Game Time: Celtics 107, Magic 88 Even though the defending champs ran away from the short-handed Magic in the second half, there was an abundance of significant information to be gleaned from the game. BOSTON'S STRENGTHS With the Celts' lead at only two points at the intermission, they relied on Paul Pierce to rally their offense throughout the third quarter. He responded with 17 in 10 minutes played — scoring on drives, pull-ups, a 3-pointer and 6-7 from the stripe — as well as registering an assist. His dominating performance reinforced the fact that he is without doubt the Celtics' main man. If you have a question or comment for Charley Rosen, submit it below and Charley may just respond. Subject: Comment/Question: Name:

Hardaway was about as soft as a bag of feathers. He could score in isolation situations, on the run and with mid-range jumpers. He lacked shooting range and was strictly a finesse defender. Hey, but if over-hyped big-numbers guys like Walt Bellamy, David Thompson, and Connie Hawkins can get in, maybe there's room for Hardaway.

Sampson was even softer than Hardaway and belongs in the Hall of Shame for wasting so much size and talent.

Hill's career was definitely curtailed by a series of incapacitating injuries. If he'd remained healthy, he'd be the certified Hall of Famer here.

Larry Johnson was a guy who put up big numbers for bad teams. And except for his miraculous four-point play that won a playoff game for the Knicks, LJ was a big-time choker and ball hog, as well as a small-time defender.

Walton would clearly head yours and anybody else's list. In truth, he played less than three full seasons at his full capacity (1975-78) — and during that time his leg and foot miseries caused him to miss a total of 95 games.

But I'd also add Willis Reed, Joe Caldwell, Ossie Schectman, Kevin Johnson and Bernard King.

Travels with Charley

Here's a good-news CBA Thanksgiving story.

In his rookie year with the Bulls (1986-87), Pete Myers played only 155 minutes in 29 games. He actually spent most of that season getting abused by Michael Jordan in practice. In any case, Pete was totally distraught when he was cut in training camp that following year. So overcome with grief that he holed up in his hotel room for days.

I was coaching the Rockford Lightning at the time and, after several phone calls, convinced Pete to resume his career in the CBA.

He was adopted (and soothed and encouraged) by the always gregarious Fred Cofield. It didn't take long for Pete to revert to the friendly, vivacious person he naturally was. Not to mention that he was a terrific player — an excellent driver, runner and finisher; and despite his chicken-wing release, an adequate jump shooter. But his specialty was playing downright awesome on-the-ball defense (after he returned to the NBA, he was the only guy I ever saw who could consistently stay in front of Allen Iverson).

Anyway, we were in Rapid City, S.D., preparing to play the hometown Thrillers on Thanksgiving Day. In order to maximize the audience for the nationally-televised game, the scheduled start was 11:00 a.m. local time.

So I took Pete aside after a brief practice session Wednesday and told him that this was a golden opportunity for him to get back into the league. Come game time, everybody else would be somewhat logy from over-indulging their early holiday feasts. Plus the early jump ball would likewise make it difficult for both friends and foes to be alert and at the top of their games. I therefore advised Pete to eat lightly, go to bed early, and be ready to play like a house-on-fire from the opening tip.

Which he did.

Numerous NBA scouts, general managers and coaches watched as Pete simply took over the game. Scoring points by the dozen, making slick assist passes and even hitting a pair of long-range jumpers. But, most of all, they couldn't help being totally impressed when he victimized his slightly dazed opponents for 12 steals.

Within days, he was called up to San Antonio. And discounting another brief sojourn in the CBA, Pete wound up playing a total of nine seasons in the NBA. And he's still there, as an amiable and always helpful assistant coach with the Bulls.

Pete Myers is a sterling example of good things happening to good people — even during a CBA Thanksgiving.