Bulpett: While Mercer More Likely To Go, Walker Attainable

[Way Of The Ray <wayray@ix.netcom.com>]

Walker is said to have fired his personal trainer and put back weight
on...

      Boston Herald    

      Walker no longer untouchable 
      by Steve Bulpett 
      Friday, July 2, 1999
      When following the progress of Antoine Walker, it is best to get frequent 
      updates. After beginning the offseason getting in better shape, he has 
      taken a step back to the point where some NBA clubs believe he may be more 
      available in trade. 
      As the Celtics hit the free agent trail in search of inside help, there is 
      talk that Walker could be moved to clear space. While Charles Oakley 
      appears to be out of the picture, Seattle's Vin Baker - the former 
      University of Hartford star who has said he'd love to play for the Celtics 
      - is a growing possibility.
      However, to pull it off, the Celtics would have to get both creative and 
      fortunate with salary cap tinkering.
      It is true that Walker's name did arise in discussions on draft day - 
      though the talks were not initiated by the Celtics.
      A deal that would have sent Ron Mercer to Indiana for Antonio Davis and 
      the 26th pick fell through when the Pacers requested Walker instead of 
      Mercer. It is still more likely that Mercer will go in trade (teams are 
      still expressing interest), although if opposing teams believe Walker can 
      be attained, they may step up their efforts.
      Just three weeks ago, the Celtic captain was diligently at work on an 
      offseason program that included daily work with a personal trainer. But 
      word now is that Walker has veered off course slightly.
      The day after meeting with the Herald at a downtown health club in Chicago 
      and detailing his weight loss and progress, Walker skipped a session with 
      Celtic strength and conditioning coach Shaun Brown, who had flown in 
      specifically for the workout (whatever Walker's reasons, there was 
      displeasure at how it was handled). It has also been said that he has 
      fired his trainer and has gained back a few pounds.
      While Walker is still a prohibitive favorite to remain a Celtic and have 
      all this appear as water under the bridge come training camp, it is also 
      true that the turn of events is bothersome to the team. The belief within 
      the club that Walker truly wants to win hasn't really wavered, but there 
      is a growing exasperation that he is failing to see the most advantageous 
      road to the improvement he craves.
      As for trade possibilities, Rick Pitino yesterday insisted nothing has 
      changed with Walker.
      ``He's no more available now than he ever was,'' Pitino said. ``Antoine's 
      a part of this team, but as we've always said, we will do everything we 
      can to improve. If a trade is presented to us that makes the Boston 
      Celtics better, we're going to do what's right for the team. That doesn't 
      mean we're trying to move anybody. It just means we're doing what's best 
      for the Celtics.''
      That said, with a moratorium on until Aug. 1 regarding the completion of 
      trades (teams are still able to haggle, however), some teams were on the 
      phone yesterday seeking further background information on Walker.
      So even if the Celtics are making no push to move Walker, there is the 
      perception in the NBA that the Celtics may be more willing than before to 
      listen to a pitch for him.
      Teams have been told that Paul Pierce is the only player the Celtics will 
      not move.