Re: Walker is a shorter shaq

[Todd Crane <tcrane@isis.unc.edu>]

>
>
> Date: Thu, 18 Feb 1999 15:48:02 -0500
> From: Mike Dynon <mdynon@ix.netcom.com>
> Subject: Re: Walker is a shorter Shaq
>
> Todd Crane wrote:
> >
> > (snip)...Players who can't hit
> > their free throws at least 70% of the time have no right wearing a
> > professional uniform.  Never mind being given the title "veteran all
> > star."
> >
> > Now that my ranting is over let me profess my love for Mercer and
> > Pierce.  (snip)
>
> Well, thank God that Pierce is now shooting .714 from the stripe, so we
> don't have to rip that jersey off him.  And by the way, did you love
> Mercer with 30 seconds left in the second OT when he went in for a
> completely open lay-up that would have iced the game, but MISSED it,
> then committed a foul on a 3-pt shot to allow Vancouver back in the
> game?

If Pierce is shooting around 50% from the freethrow line in his 3rd year on the C's
you can bet I'll get on his case too.

The foul on the 3pointer looked like a weak call to me.  Nonetheless, Mercer goofed
up big time.  But, given that this is second game back after sitting out, his all
around performance was outstanding.  Every player makes mistakes.  I have no problem
with that.

There is a big difference IMNSHO between committing a mistake in the course of the
game action and being a complete loser when it comes to shooting freethrows.  A free
throw is a very simple shot, 15 feet from the basketball with absolutely no defense.
Why can't Walker make 7 out of 10!  It's all mental right now.  This kid has a sweet
stroke so there is nothing mechanically wrong it's all in his head.  This is why I'm
so concerned and a bit harsh on Antoine.  If Walker has a mental block about shooting
freethrows, he will certainly be a liability in any run for a championship the C's
make.  I have always contended that no team with Shaq will win a championship because
of his freethrow shooting..  Antoine is suppose to be "the man" for the C's.  I'm
afraid the statement that applies to Shaq applied to Antoine.  Of course, the C's are
much more than Walker shooting 75% or so from the freethrow line away from winning a
championship, but that area of his game needs to improve and it needs to improve
now.  We are not talking about a post player needing to develop his turnaround jumper
or his hook shot.  We are talking freethrows here.  Games are won or lost on the
boards and at the freethrow line.  The C's are averaging 99.3 points per game while
their opponents are getting 102.3 a game.  The C's are doing a great job of sticking
in games and Walker deserves much of the credit, but if he only could improve his
freethrow shooting the C's would win a lot more of these close games.

It's a simple request.  When Walker hits the 70% mark, I will be the first one to
stand up and congratulate him.  Until then, it's my opinion that there is a gapping
weakness in his game that will prevent him from becoming the truely great player he
can be.

Todd