Re: Walker

[Cecil Wright <nocw1@nsh.library.ns.ca>]

On Mon, 12 Jan 1998, Michael Joseph Byrnes wrote:
 
> I am not as yet convinced that Walker can be the kind of franchise player 
> that the Celtics need.  If they re-sign him, then he MUST be up to the
> task of being the Celtics central player for the next 7 years, or the
> Celtics will not be able to win anything even if they do get him a good
> supporting cast.  

Mike, I'll bet that the majority of Celtic fans believe they've seen 
enough to be convinced that AW IS the kind of franchise player Boston 
needs.  Like anyone else his age, he is erratic at times, but he has few 
peers when it comes to athleticism and raw talent.  If you watched the 
way he schooled Juwan Howard on that crossover dribble drive to the 
basket, I think you'd reconsider.  He's also one of the top rebounders in 
the league at his position and he'll improve with age. 
 
> I also think that there are other potential options in the trade market.
> One idea that intrigues me is a trade of Walker + C's number one pick to
> Toronto for Marcus Camby + Raptors' number one pick.  (Perhaps other
> players would have to be thrown in as well, and the C's would only swap
> picks if the Raptors' pick is better.)

Perhaps???  I think the Raptors would certainly be interested in trading 
an oft-injured player for a blossoming star in a second.  But the 
C's would be the laughing stock of the NBA for such a deal.
 
> Marcus Camby is not, and never will be, the offensive player that Antoine
> Walker has already become.  However, he has more height and athleticism,
> and he would be the ideal shot-blocking center for Pitino 's defense.  In
> addition, the Celtics would be assured of one of the top picks in the 1998
> draft, and they could use that pick to make up some of the offense that
> they would lose with Walker.  

You gotta explain how Camby has more athleticism than W
I think AW has more range to his shot, is as good a rebounder, is tougher,
has a much better handle and plays as good defensively.  You must be 
recalling Camby's glory days at UMASS.

Here are their present numbers: Guess who's who.

32.7mpg, .386fg%, .000 3pt%, .743ft%,  5.7rpg, 2apg,   30stl, 74bl, 11.6ppg
39.8mpg, .420fg%, .303 3pt%, .613ft%, 10.5rpg, 3.5apg, 72stl, 26bl, 22.9ppg  
 
Plus Walker is 2 years younger than Camby.  I just don't understand what 
some fans want from these players.  Walker gives an honest effort every 
night.  He doesn't ever beg out of the lineup and is shaping up to be one 
of the premier and most versatile players in the NBA at the age of 21 and 
you're thinking that we should entertain trade offers for him.  What do 
you think Arnold Auerbach would say to a deal like that??? 

Cecil