May On Walker/Pitino Feuding

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

http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/teams/celtics/
Celtics Team Report
By Peter May/Boston Globe
Even in offseason, Walker/Pitino feud in full swing
AUGUST 31, 2000



Antoine Walker made a quick visit to Boston to host a free, three-day
basketball clinic at the Celtics' practice facility.

But his visit didn't come without some controversy. The Celtics and
Walker have been uneasy partners for four years, the last three with
Rick Pitino overseeing the operation.

Throughout, Walker's name has constantly come up in trade talks and this
summer was no exception. Walker's agent confirmed that the team would
deal its captain in a nanosecond if the right deal came along. So far,
it hasn't.

But Walker wants to know why he's constantly mentioned in trade rumors.
Maybe it's because he has that cursed athletic disease -- potential --
and also carries a huge contract.

In addition, he and Pitino have what can charitably be described as a
love/hate relationship, although both seem to understand they also need
each other. Walker isn't easy to deal. His contract ($10.125 million) is
one reason; that's a large stash for someone who hasn't been in a
playoff game, or close to one.

He's also in the final year of base-year compensation, which makes it
harder to trade him. And the Celtics also are petrified that if they do
trade him, he will suddenly blossom into the All-Star they feel he can
be.

But can he be that player in Boston? With Pitino? He was named as a
reserve to the Eastern Conference team in his first year with his former
college coach. He hasn't come close since.

You never heard his name mentioned as both Shareef Abdur-Rahim and
Antonio McDyess copped Olympic spots. Both play the same position.

The league-wide perception of Walker is that he may be an undeniable
talent, but that he also is overrated and overpaid. He could silence
many of his critics by playing consistently like he did last spring,
when he almost became the first Celtic in seven years to be named NBA
Player of the Week.

The Celtics won six straight in that stretch, then turned around and
lost 10 in a row.

Walker also takes exception to Pitino's constant statements about his
(Walker's) weight and conditioning. Yet Pitino always seems to bring it
up in some fashion, which he has to know aggravates Walker. The two were
supposed to have had a clear-the-air meeting last fall, but, as we've
seen again this summer, the more things change… .

PLAYER ANALYSIS

What can the Celtics expect from Hot Rod Williams? Blocked shots?
Rebounding? Post defense? How about none of the above? Williams did not
play last year, was supposed to have back surgery in April, and will
likely collect his final paycheck ($2.1 million) this season as the
consensus winner of the Pervis Ellison Iron Man Award.

The Celtics aren't expecting anything from him, although it won't hurt
their bottom line that they may be able to get some insurance money from
Williams' contract. At one time, Hot Rod represented the player the
Celtics desperately need.

But that was long ago.

WHAT'S NEXT

Pitino and GM Chris Wallace, like many of their colleagues, are taking
some down time prior to the start of training camp. Pitino still may
make a deal or two before camp starts -- he has three veteran point
guards -- and add a player or two to fill out his roster.