Re: position wanted

[Adam A Suchocki <Twilight@world.std.com>]

I agree with some of what you say about what Walker and Williams need to
work on...but I do not agree that Williams is having trouble with larger
players.  Despite being guarded by larger players over the past month, he
is consistently scoring 20 points a game (only 3 out of the last 11 games
have been in the teens, and only one has been bad (Detroit).  When Eric
does have trouble now, it is because he is having trouble quickly reacting
to the double team.  One on one, Eric is going after any power forward or
center who guards him, and he is winning the match up more than he is
losing it - he has repeatedly scored on and gotten in foul trouble the
likes of Mourning, Mutumbo, Smith, Williams, Rogers, Robbinson(Cliff) -
all of these are much larger players.  In fact, both Cleveland and Utah
were able to contain him by guarding him with a small quick forward and
quickly double teaming.  Eric has returned to better than his mid season
form of last year where he was going toe to toe with players like Mourning
and Malone and winning the match up.  I agree he needs to keep working on
the jump shot - but this is to bring the quicker players out on him - he
already is abusing the larger ones who have to drop so far off him, he can
hit the jumper with regularity.

As to Walker, I think he should work on shooting in genral, be it inside
or outside.  As to strength - he seems to hold his own very well on
rebounding and defense.  The only part of his game that really concerns me
is his inability to guard players on the perimeter.  He seems to turn
mediocre perimeter players into deadly scorers.  Again, another argument
to keep him in the low post as power forward.  

But with a jump shot for Williams, and better shooting for Walker, I do
think they could be as good a forward tandem as any.

Adam


On Mon, 3 Mar 1997, Adam Litchy wrote:

> In reply to all the discussion about Walker and Williams true postions.
> 
> It really doesn't matter what we call them, or what the Celtics call
> them.  If opposing teams continue to defend Walker with the other teams
> small forward, and Williams with their power forward, our two forwards'
> strengths are negated.
> 
> The only way Williams will become a small forward is to develop a
> consitent outside shot, thus forcing a quicker player to defend him and
> stop his shot.
> 
> The only way Walker will become a power forward is to develop the
> necessary strength and post moves to overpower smaller people, thus
> forcing other teams to play him with their power forward.
> 
> I hope that both of these players work hard in the off season to develop
> these qualities.  (Walkers bulking up may take a while longer, but he
> can start.)  If they do we could have a great forward tandum for years
> to come.
> 
> Adam Litchy
>