It doesn't matter who we get, if they aren't a super talented point guard or a megastar, with our current offense and poor defense, the results won't change much from this season.
SI's Burns suggests to Ainge: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/inside_game/marty_burns/news/2003/05/12/shootaround_0512/ Consider trading Antoine Walker: As hard as it might be to give up a big-time scorer like Walker, the Celtics need to do something. They are already over the salary cap and the new owners don’t want to pay the luxury tax. They can’t trade Paul Pierce. That leaves Walker as the team’s only attractive bait. At 26, with three All-Star selections, his trade value never has been higher. Plus, he’s looking for a huge contract extension. If Ainge could deal him for a decent big man or point guard, he should seriously consider it. Cato and Mooch...decent enough for me, is close on $s, and actually saves C's @15% of 'toine's cap room.
Ok, fine, you're right. He has positives, but honestly, they aren't many. He has to play the 4, that's for sure. So we're talking, what 6'8? Ok, let's break it down. The things he does well: Rebounding, passing. I can't say he's a good scorer, I can't say he's a good 3-pt shooter, I can't say he plays great defense, I can't say he's a presence, and I can't say he demands a double team. I really despise the idea of SAR, but I'd rather have SAR. Kenyon Martin picked Walker apart game by game, it was embarrasing. He doesn't do anythign exceptionally well except for the occasional "OOOOOOH, AHHHHHHHH" move when he takes someone twice his size to the hole. Maybe it's just me, but really, I think the guy is THE worst "franchise player" and All Star in the league. Who's worse? I'm really convinced that the guy is EXACTLY the opposite of what we need, and I'd much rather go with one more offseason on Eddie Griffin at the moment. I mean, really, Eddie does so many things better. He's a betetr rebounder, better shotblocker, better defender, and as good an inside scorer. Difference? Eddie is 8 years younger, has 2 seasons under his belt, and is BOUND to improve while Walker has shown a stubborness for taking advice (his 3-pt attempts are RIDICULOUS). I honestly honestly honestly don't think he does anything well besides passing. I'm not sure I'd do Eddie Griffin for Antoine Walker straight up, and you can bet that Ainge would LOVE to do a Cato and Griffin for Walker trade.
I definitely AGREE with SUMMER SONG GIVER and VERSE!!! I'm pretty sure as hell that Antoine Walker is better than Eddie Griffin. Forget Griffin's potential. He sucks. He's high. Walker...okay....he does have horrible games...and is pretty inconsistent...and is a Charles Barkley wannabe....well and is very emotional...and really stunk and the All Star 3 Point Competition. BUT HELL. He would be good as hell with the Houston Rockets man. Awesomeness. He can shoot. That's what we need...right now....HE IS FORCED TO SHOOT SINCE the rest of his team is unable to. I think he would be even better with a team as good as ours. He is also a playmaker and behind Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett...probably most triple doubles for a power forward. Altough IT SEEMS LIKE he jacks up a bunch of shots...he really doesn't....he is forced to. The whole Boston Celtics jacks up a bunch of shots. I think he would be great here. Really!!!!!!! He can shoot......create......pass......he really can. He is a leader. He tries hard all the time. He's definitely better than Maurice Taylor. And umm...yep... I like the 1st trade better than the one below it... Antoine Walker and Tony Delk for Cuttino Mobley and Maurice Taylor? Oh yeah...they have Paul Pierce. But really...Mobley would be perfect as a Celtic. Fits the typical Celtic...jacks up shots...jacks up a lot of shots..... Hmm...I think they would like Kelvin Cato. They also need a point guard to run the offense...Delk has horrible ballhandling skills...but he can shoot. JR Bremer is also there. They need a veteran or something...like Moochie. Anyways...I would love to have Antoine Walker on the Rockets with Yao Ming and Steve Francis, but there is no trade scenario between us and the Celtics that will work and make sense. Also...Walker is slow? I do not think so....he's faster than Yao Ming...Elton Brand and Jermaine O'Neal are pretty slow too...so is Mo Taylor. Who would you rather have as your third scorer.....or for the Rockets...the guy jackin up a bunch of shots? Anyways...if he miraculously came to the Rockets, he would change his role to fit our team. Cuttino Mobley, Maurice Taylor, and Moochie Norris for Antoine Walker, Tony Delk, and Kedrick Brown. We can even add Kelvin Cato along for Vin Baker..haha...to sweeten it.
We already have a player with the same skillset as Walker. The only difference between Walker and Griffin is that Walker is a better playmaker and Griffin is a better shot blocker. Their shooting percentages are nearly identical. In some ways Griffin is actually better. He is younger, so he has more room for improvement. He doesn't do a stupid little dance when he scores. He gets only 1 less rebound per game, despite playing 17 fewer minutes. He also is accustomed to splitting time with Taylor, which Walker probably wouldn't do. If we were looking or a PF to run the offense, this might be a good idea. Since we have a passing center already though, Griffin's off the ball play probably fits us better.
How's this: Antoine Walker and Bostjan Nachbar to Portland Rasheed Wallace to Houston Eddie Griffin and Kelvin Cato to Boston, Boki to Portland Houston's 2004 pick and Portland's 2003 pick to Boston I'd go for that one.
Walker isn't nearly tough enough for the WC. If we bring in a PF (which I don't think is the answer either) then we need a Brian Grant type player, tough on the boards and defense, gets his points cleaning up after other players. I'm not a huge BG fan but his game is right for us. Someone needs to have Yao's back and Walker isn't the guy.
Sane, um, thats nuts dude. We give up a pick, a SF, a PF and a C in trade for one PF with a ton of baggage? Didn't Sheed set the record for Technical Fouls two seasons in a row? Sure he's an enforcer but other teams just bait him into cursing out the refs and getting tossed. Sheed may have the total game but he's also a total head case. We are also then left without a back up Center, without back up SF who has the potential to start in by the end of next season. EG potential is a hot topic of debate but as goofed up as he may be he's still not costing his team technicals and getting tossed in the first half.
I'll keep this brief. Walker is a no talent clown. He only motivation to score is so he can do the worst impersonation of the Mertan Hanks duckwalk of all time. Selfish, no D, no real athletic ability, and did I mention a horrible attitude? I wouldn't give a pile of Hardee's cupons for him.
Okay.....I'm the only supporter of Antoine Walker. He is emotional. But compare him to Eddie Griffin and Maurice Taylor. At least Antoine Walker tries hard. He is not selfish. Have you seen him pass the ball? He creates for others. Maybe since he has had some HORRIBLE games...Boston might not want him. Griffin doesn't HAVE ANY EMOTIONS. Doesn't react. Occasionally smiles...that's probably when he's high and all lightheaded and joyful. Now Mo Taylor. He's all tough..and he talks all this trash. And I like him. Boston would too. Mobley and Pierce could play backcourt together with Mo Taylor... Also.......I guess only Houston fans hate him...because he is an All Star.
I said it was ok by me, but I believe Walker will be dealt -- and for more. 2.6 isn't close? At @13 mil 15% + 100K is 2 mil. 600K is in the details.
he cant even make layups anymore. when was the last time you even saw him dunk the ball? he is the definition of an eastern conference power forward: crappy.
<a HREF="http://www.nba.com/games/20030309/SASBOS/boxscore.html">Spurs at Celtics (03-09-03)</a> Your interpret that as part of <i>holding</i> Duncan..........I don't.
Oh man, I still can't believe someone wants to trade for Walker. I've tried so hard to think of a few good things to say about him and here's what I came up with: crafty passer decent rebounder has heart He really doesn't do ANYTHING else well. My trade gives up a lot of potential but brings talent to this team, and Rasheed will put us in contender status. It's like the old Blazers with Ming/Rasheed/Francis in the lineup. Rasheed DID cool off this season btw, thx to player's coach Mo Cheeks. I think Rudy T is the best "player's coach" in the league isn't he?
I knew the nightmarish rumors of Walker to Houston were going to come sooner or later. Please NO Walker.
