Re: Keep the team intact! (And stop bashing Antoine)

[Jim McMaster <mcmaster@sweng.stortek.com>]

In message <199911230615.WAA29902@harrier.prod.itd.earthlink.net>, "David" 
said
:
> I keep reading about possible trades or trades that certain 
> members would like to see; however, I believe that this team has a 
> very good nucleus. Barring a  trade for a bona-fide all star, Pitino 
> should leave the nucleus intact. 
> 
I agree completely.  I rarely get to see the Celtics play (just against 
Chicago, so far), but they seem to have a good nucleus on which to build.  
Trades at this point would be counter-productive.  People complain about 
Pitino's constant roster turnover, then propose trading seven of the twelve 
players after ten games.  This would be insane.

> I know that there's a lot of 'Toine bashing going on, but just 
> remember that he is only 23 years old. Of course he makes 
> mistakes, but he has shown a willingness to adapt to what Pitino 
> wants him to do. His ego is large enough for him to assert himself 
> (a quality shared by all stars), but not too large to prevent him from 
> sharing the spotlight with others. To me, he is playing better than 
> when he made the all star team. Like I said, he will make 
> mistakes, but just think how good he is going to be in a couple of 
> years!
> 
I have watched Walker in a half-dozen games, so my sample size is inadequate, 
but I have *never* seen him play a good game.  I am willing to accept the 
reports of his "awesome" talents from members of the list, but have yet to 
see them in action.  All I ever see are dumb shots and an attitude.

Yes, Walker is "only 23", but he has also played in the NBA for three full 
seasons now.  At some point, he has to actually grow up and start learning to 
play the game properly.  If he does not, the Celtics are doomed.  I believe 
his becoming a "veteran all-star" was the worst thing that could have 
happened to Walker's career.  It convinced him scoring is the way to succeed, 
and has actually killed his desire to rebound and pass the ball.

Given that, there is no way to trade him for anywhere near equal talent.  If 
he can harness his game and learn to play more like Bird than like Marbury, 
the Celtics should win a championship or two.  If he does not, they are 
capped out for a very long time and will not succeed.
-- 
Jim McMaster
mailto:mcmaster@sweng.stortek.com
Go Celtics!