Not even the Maytag repair man. Just an unbelievable game by Walt tonight. Shooting, passing, defending, blocking, he had it all. Throughout this early season Walt had been heating up offensively while keeping his teammates involved. Many, if not all have been screaming for Walt to be traded. After this game it pretty much solidifies why he is on this roster and if anything deserves more time. His veteran leadership and clutch play is absolutely priceless, especially for a young team looking to contend in the playoffs. Now, I believe a few people owe him an apology.
Time will tell if Walt can keep up with this hot streak he is on...... Its great to see a HUGE contribution off of our bench, while Cato is sucking his thumb.... DD
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He's the wiz . . . and nobody beats him. Well done Walt . . . I can just see him in that dumb "Wizard" costume from Seinfeld.
Cato played hard today, just not particularly well. He was diving on the floor for loose balls, and hustling his butt (no profanity) off.
It's great to see Walt playing well lately. I was calling for him to be benched earlier this year, but now he's starting to shot with more consistency. I'd start Walt over Rice right now.
The sad thing is that Walt decided this offseason to get in shape and come in ready to play. This is at least a shadow reminder of the player who could have been the 'next Magic Johnson' as he was dubbed when picked 7th by the Kings in '92. If this guy spent every offseason the way he did this past one, he'd have been a hall of famer. Instead, every great game like this just makes me ruminate for what could have been. Way to waste what used to be superstar talent, Walt. I know I'll never forgive you. Your best year was your rookie year and your talent has been slowly fading since.
I knew this was going to happen, I could smell Walt's smoke. For the next 10 games or more Wizard will be stroking the ball nicely for the Rockets. I stated this in one of ZRB's previous threads. Kick back and enjoy the ride Rockets fans, Mr. Williams is on FIRE!
Ottoman, hit it on the head. He's in shape for a change. Great game for Walt. Without his shooting we lose. Now, lets be careful. No long term renewals for him. Could be an extreme case of contract year motivation. I'd give him extensions yr by yr unless you could be certain he really has the fitness bug finally. Maybe we could trade him to the Blazers for someone, now that his stock is high. How about the Wiz for Dale Davis or about 9 other Blazers, but not Quitten. As a matter of fact let's trade him soon. ( I like Walt, but his value will never be higher between the expiring contract and his current level of play.) On the other other hand, that is the same reason he is valuable to us too?
I like the idea of giving him something close to what mooch is getting but for onli 3 years. What i mean is.... start him from about 2 mil next year, 3 mil on the 2nd year and 4 mil on the 3rd year, around that because he mixes with the guys on the team. He is always going to be a hot/cold shooter but he is very valuable to our chemistry. I have always and still believe in Wizard's abilities but all that i diss like is his contract. If he doesn't except a contract such as that, let him walk.
Painting one picture does not make an artist...I like Walt and have followed him since his college days (i was at Maryland when he was) but one 30 point performance doesn't exactly make him a candidate for a contract extension. I hope he keeps up the good work!!! I didn't see much of the game being that it's tough for us easterners to stay up for the west coast games...who was covering him?
I know that this is only one game and I would not base an extention on one game, that would be foolish. But he does this often, plays poor then he lights up for 10+ games in a row. As much as the people on the BBS say he sucks and all, Walt really has great basketball skills it's just that he has the old fashioned art for the game (slower, less physical ability, shooter). IMO he is rare in the NBA and that is another reason why he helps this team. Even with the inconsistancy he is a keep in my books.
