RE: Antoine's Game

>Am I the only person who has noticed how bad Antoine is playing recently?

This is odd.  I thought he had been playing better lately.  Granted I haven't
seen but one of two of the last half-dozen games or so, but when I saw him he
was looking better.


> None of the celtics media outlets have mentioned it.  Aside from his uneven
>free throw shooting, he is blowing layups, putbacks, open jumpers -- even his
>little bank shot misses the rim.  Worse stilll, he is losing his dribble
>right and left.

Very true, but he's been doing this since day one.  To me, it hasn't suddenly
gotten any worse.


>He beats his man whenever he wants to, but he can't seem to
>buy a basket.  What is going on?  Is it just nerves?  And what is with all
>this weak shit Antoine is bringing to the basket, finger rolls, left handed
>half hooks, etc.?  

I would think nerves would have worn off by now.  At this point it looks like
the best Antoine could develop into is a Dominique Wilkins-like player.  Great
speed, quickness, can get 7-9 boards, streaky shooter.  He takes threes but
doesn't have the range, brings the ball up the court a lot but doesn't have
the control.  He seems to have a nice passing touch.  To me, the defining
moment of which way Antoine's career will blow will be in the off-season.
Will he work on his range and ball-control or eat cheesecake a la Eric
Williams?

He's putting up nice numbers, but they're just that - numbers.  I've never
had the sense that has was anywhere near taking control of a game.  He
certainly doesn't look like a franchise player, but there's no reason he 
couldn't be a key piece to the puzzle.

There have been grumlbings about his attitude, but he seems to be taking the
Celtics's losing situation well - I thought he'd be more discouraged by now
but he seems to still play with a lot of hustle and enthusiasm.  He also 
hasn't complained about playing center which is a good sign.

Yes, he's extremely young, but again, the best I can see him developing into
is Dominique in his prime.

Dan


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