Re: Antoine's Game

Almost right is still wrong. wrote:
> 
> >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.
> 
What exactly do you guys expect?  AW is a mere 20 years old.  Do you
think Birdy was playing his best at 20?  Walker has the ability to
develop into a premier player, maybe even more.  That all depends on his
coaching and desire.  AW has shown tremendous instinct and ability. 
This has to be developed and honed.  Let's hold off on the premature
judgements and predictions.  Patience, my fellow fans.