The Mark Acres Chronicles

1/9/88

Acquisition of Artis Gilmore may Impact Acres


Jan Volk plopped down behind his desk, leaned back in his chair and prepared to discuss the Celtics' acquisition yesterday of Artis Gilmore.

"Gilmore?" said the general manager jokingly. "Where did you hear that? It wasn't Gilmore. It was Jabbar."

Actually, the Celtics got the next best (and closest) thing to Jabbar in Gilmore, a 38-year-old, 7-foot-2-inch center in his 17th pro season and a six-time NBA All-Star. Though terms were not disclosed, the contract will extend to the end of the season.

"It's a very interesting acquisition, really," Volk said. "But one of the things we have to stress is that this move in no way means we are displeased with the performance out of the center position. It just gives us added insurance."

Though Volk said Kevin McHale, Mark Acres and Brad Lohaus were capable of shoring up the center spot, the move was designed to help "increase the depth." That said, if Gilmore plays to his potential, Acres and Lohaus may see more time on the pine.