Celtics Acquire Minnifield

December 19, 1987

Celtics Acquire Minnifield

Dirk Minnifield's acquisition appears to be a concerted effort to help bolster the Celtics' sputtering transition game.

"We've been trying to do that since the year started," Jones said. "We haven't really run the ball with any type of consistency whatsoever. We've had many spurts, but right now we're just going to get him in condition and see what he can do when we give him a couple of minutes in a ballgame."

What are Minniefield's odds of hanging around? Consider that the last Celtic to wear No. 11 was Andre Turner, who was signed Nov. 6, 1986. After he played three games, Turner was waived Nov. 22.

"It has nothing to do with odds," Jones said. "It's a look-see type situation. If it looks good, then we have something to talk about. If not, then we have nothing to talk about. We'll see what happens when he has a chance to play in the games."

What transpires in those precious minutes of playing time is entirely up to Minniefield. Perhaps he will be another Conner Henry, who was signed to a 10- day contract Jan. 1 and wound up sticking for the season. Or perhaps he'll be like Turner, a quick departee.

"He's a little bit out of shape," Jones said. "We just have to get him up and down the court and get him into game condition."