KEEP ANTOINE

[Michael Gooen <callmebogie@yahoo.com>]

Memo to Il Presidente:  

DO NOT TRADE ANTOINE WALKER.  I do not want Dale (I can't stop Camby)
Davis.  I do not want Jalen Rose.  I do not want Jonathan Bender, or
anyone else on the Pacers' roster for that matter.  I do not want any
more draft picks.  

Antoine Walker is not yet 23 years old and has already displayed
basketball skills we have not seen in Boston since Larry Bird retired.
(Downplay that stop on Tim Hardaway all you want to.  Show me another
Celtic who's done anything like that in the past decade.)  That is not
to say that Antoine Walker is the next Larry Bird.  He is not and never
will be.  But he is a budding superstar, if properly handled, and is
only the same age as Bird was when he entered the NBA.  I don't care
about his stats from last year.  The only player in the NBA I'd accept
in return for Antoine Walker is Tim Duncan (and yes, I know that's not
going to happen).  Flame away if you must.

The trade of Ron Mercer has paved the way for Antoine to act as an
oversized point forward and #1 or 2 scoring option.  That is the right
role for him.  LET'S GIVE HIM A CHANCE TO FULFILL IT.  

Michael Gooen
_____________________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Free instant messaging and more at http://messenger.yahoo.com