Forte Giving it a Go

January 2, 2005

Former Celtics first-round draft pick Joseph Forte is trying, once again.

Forte, whom the Celtics selected with the 21st pick in 2001 (we won't say anything more), lasted one year with the team, appearing in eight games and playing 39 minutes. He was, indeed, Clueless Joe. The Celtics moved him to Seattle in the Vin Baker deal and he lasted a year there. Seattle waived him, eating the final year of Forte's rookie contract.

   The Asheville Altitude of the National Basketball Development League signed him Dec. 14 and, in his first four games, Forte played 58 minutes, scoring 8 points on 3-of-17 shooting.

Forte may never make the grade as an NBA player, but he is one of only four University of North Carolina players to earn consensus All-America honors as a sophomore. The others were Jerry Stackhouse, J.R. Reid, and a guy named Michael Jordan.