There is an eternal list of qualities that separate the Celtics from New Jersey, the team directly responsible for their demise the last two years.

But few were as glaring as the Celtics' inability to protect or attack the glass against their more athletic and powerful opponent.

Little wonder that if a quality power forward or, much more remotely, a center drifts into view tomorrow night at either pick 16 or 20, the locals would be hard-pressed not to jump.

They have been intrigued by the skills offered by North Dakota's Jerome Beasley, the Division 2 Player of the Year and someone who can shoot as well as hit the boards.

Though the 6-foot-9 Sofoklis Schortsanitis - Baby Shaq to you - turned some heads during his Celtics workout, his stock with the team has apparently faded.