Walker trade

[mberry@journalink.com (Mark Berry)]

          I've been lurking through the summer because all this
          lockout garbage and philosophical nonsense (you know who you
          are Noah) bore me to tears.

          But when, finally, we had a basketball-related nugget thrown
          in there, my ears perked up. I'm starting to feel training
          camp withdrawal.

          Anyway, I thought I'd weigh in on the Walker-to-Portland
          rumor.

          First, let me say that I'm in favor of signing Antoine and
          keeping him here for a long, long time.

          But...of all the rumors and speculation I've heard
          concerning AW's future, I have to say this one seems to make
          the most sense.

          Look at it: Rasheed Wallace is a center playing small
          forward on a team loaded with centers and power forwards.
          Antoine is a small forward of power forward on a team
          desperate for a center. Both players are young, athletic and
          bring dynamic skills to a team.

          Wallace's numbers aren't what Antoine's are, but he's always
          been on a better team. He's never had to be the primary
          scoring option, although I'm sure he could be. I've been a
          backer of his for some time now and believe he could be a
          dynamite center in this league -- in the Alonzo Mourning
          class -- if used properly. His rebounding numbers are down
          because he's had to go out on the floor to cover small
          forwards or to clear space for Sabonis and Grant on the
          offensive end. Put him in the middle and he'd put up better
          rebounding numbers.

          By contrast, Antoine's rebounding numbers are inflated
          because he plays on a small front line without a true center
          and he pulls down several rebounds each game almost by
          default. Put him at small forward alongside Grant and
          Sabonis, and AW's rebounding numbers will drop.

          The Blazers would have a dynamic front court, while the
          Celts would have the young, athletic center they need. We'd
          have to include several cap "problems" to make the salaries
          work, which also benefits us. It might enable us, with a
          little creativity, to make an offer to another power forward
          -- say a Gugliotta or, if you want to risk it, a Coleman. Or
          we could settle for Popeye at that spot.

          Anyway, I know it's all just speculation, but at least it's
          not ruminations on "hard caps" or Marxism as it relate to
          today's NBA.

          Feeling better,

          Mark