RE: BSG Says Walker Out Of Control

[Jim Hill <jahill@leasingservice.com>]

CWebb was traded for other reasons then basketball issues alone.  I seem to
remember the question of drugs/drinking and the lifestyle in Washington as
having something to do with the trade.

Walker does not appear to have any of these problems.  CWebb may not have
turned into the player he is today if he had stayed in Washington.  He
deserves props for turning his life around.

> Walker (and Pierce) all year have been as intelligent and thoughtful
>in their roles as co-captains as we have any right to expect.

I disagree.  I remember Walker being overweight and out of shape at the
beginning of the season.  This has been his MO since Pitino came to Boston.
It isn't until the All star break that he is into NBA basketball shape.

I expect the Co-captain to be ready to play on the first day of preseason.
I don't think this is to much to expect.  Frankly, barring an injury, I
don't think this is to much to expect from any roster player.  An NFL style
contract would go a long way in this league.

>I'm convinced Walker's approaching the verge of demonstrating Iverson level
>scoring talent, and that he (like Pierce) would willingly make a lot of
>sacrifices in exchange for playing for a winner.


I agree that Walker has been playing some individually outstanding
basketball.  I see him taking a real leadership role with the team.  My
opinion was that once Pitino was gone all the players got a clean slate.  To
suggest that he doesn't make the other players around him better isn't
really fair.  Let's see what happens when they add some more players.
Pitino should have, IMO, chosen differently in the last draft.  Moiso may be
a player some day but there were other players who could have made an
contribution this year, next year that were taken after Moiso.  Give Walker
and Pierce someone who may draw a double from the other team and see what
they can do.

I am one that wants to see Walker moved out of the PF spot or bring in a
Marion style SF to do the rebounding.  Walker does not appear to want to
play under the hoop.  The problem is we need at least two players to
rebound.

So move Walker to SF and Battie/new person to PF. Or keep Walker at PF and
find a leaping rebounder/post player to play the SF.

<Jim