Re: Post doctor

[Joe Hironaka <j.hironaka@unesco.org>]

I kind of view certain post players like Maxwell as having unteachable or
innate instincts, as though they were born with a third eye facing
backwards. But, on the other hand, Bird mastered post play as a 3rd or 4th
year pro and even McHale didn't really quite get it as a rookie, so it's
possible Antoine can pick it up too, what with his peripheral vision etc. I
guess the big trick is to stay calm and focus your decision making on which
way the defender may be leaning, whether left, right or forward and back.
It's probably a lot like Judo or Sumo in terms of body balance and using
your opponent's strength against them. Anyway, it's obvious that the great
post players literally ALWAYS react or adjust exactly according to what a
defender gives them, rather than mechanically spin and shoot. That's way
easier said than done. Whenever they do it right, it looks like everything
is moving in slow motion.

BTW, yes Antoine Walker seems to have an unusually wide head. Sometimes he
reminds me of a big baby. His mom and sisters probably can't help but spoil
him.

Joe

N.B. I don't think I could keep a straight face referring to ANY Celts list
member as "Il Dolce". Maybe Sweet Sugar Jim?

***
Jim Meninno wrote:

> Your description of Max is exactly how I see Antoine playing.  He's not
> the type that bumps a guy three feet to make space and then goes up
> strong, dunking in his face.  He's also not very much of a leaper, from
> what I see.  He's a finess inside player, but he isn't as savvy as Max
> was, yet.  He's ultra-quick for a power forward, but has to learn that
> speed is most effective in bursts, not constantly going at full speed.
> As far as his physique goes, he seems pretty narrow to me, especially
> around the shoulders.  Either that or his head's three feet wide.
>
> One other observation, for what it's worth, is that he never stops
> playing with his shorts.  Even when he's in the middle of a play,
> especially on defense.  My wife thinks he should start a trend to go
> back to the tight shorts now that Jordan's gone.
>
> One final thing, I know you are fond of Pseudo-Spanish but I thought
> that in defference to my Italian heritage and Rick Pitino, not to
> mention my fondness for cannoli, a more appropriate nickname would
> be....
>
> Il Dolce