HATERS??

["Juddy" <norine@sover.net>]

I'd like it if we didn't have to hear about "Antoine Haters" again, please?  I'd like to believe all the people on this list are mature enough to realize that's not true.  If any on the list criticize Antoine for anything it doesn't make us "haters".  Just about everyone concedes his raw talent and believes he has the ability to have a great game now and then, as he certainly did last night.  He made some unfortunate first impressions on the fans at the beginning, and those are hard to overcome, whether you're a basketball player or just one of us ordinary folks.  Though I love Tommy, I don't like it when he perceives the fans as being down on any particular player and starts singing their praises. The real Celtics fans are, if nothing else, very knowledgeable about basketball, and will give credit when/if credit is due.  You should, therefore, be aware that sometimes you do more harm than good when you constantly regale us with the Antoine stuff.  The only one who can turn the fans around who are on his case is Antoine.  I would never boo my team at a game and don't like it when anyone does, but I reserve the right to be critical if I choose to be.  We all have favorites on our team, according to our own judgement.  My personal favorites are Pierce and Griffin, for entirely different reasons and it's instinctive, nothing else, based on watching the Celtics teams so many years and what I enjoy.  I do not hate Walker or anyone else, I hope - 

Bill, I see where you're coming from with not particularly enjoying the halftime celebrations, but I personally welcome any chance to see the greats back on the floor - I saw them all play.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and a healthy, happy New Millennium.  I believe this young team will, in time, bring another championship to Boston and New England.

Dorine