Re: Walker performance vs Atl]

[bird <birdwl@earthlink.net>]

>From: <r-ramani@usa.net>
>
>Forgive me if I get this wrong. You value his potential triple double then his
>shooting percentage?

No, I value his _actual_ triple doubles rather than his shooting 
percentage.  I also value his near-triple doubles, and those games 
where he may "only" get 7 rebs and asissts apiece.  I value all of 
Walker's good performances -- and when he has a less-than-stellar 
outing and the team wins, I don't call him a cancer (not saying you 
did; just using a little hyperbole to make a point).

>In my opinion, Walker as multi-skilled as he is, is a problem for our team.

_How_ is he a problem?  I see one of two guys who are carrying the 
team to the playoffs, "Coach" Thomas and a tough remaining schedule 
willing.  Look, no one is saying they are content with Walker's low 
FG% _or_ his shot selection, which could be improved upon.  He should 
work on that.  On the other hand, he's made some good strides this 
year.  Seems to me, watching games, that when Walker _does_ go 6-20, 
he often does other things to help the team.  Just as, a few games 
ago, he made a sort of boneheaded play during the last minute or so, 
only to steal the ball on the ensuing defensive stand.  He's _always_ 
doing something like this.  (OK, not _always_ but a lot more these 
days, and I'm too much of a realist not to take that and say, "Thank 
you, sir, may I have some more?")

The problem I see is that Walker is clearly more comfortable playing 
the quick forward.  I say let him.  Get (or develop [hint hint for 
you, El Tonio]) a more traditional-type power forward or center to 
complement him and Pierce.

>So far Pierce has stepped up his game, but eventually opposing teams will
>double him whenever he gets the ball.

Huh?  Aren't they doubling him now?  I don't see him taking many 
shots where there's only one guy guarding him (OK, when he _blows by_ 
the original defender, that may be the case).  Tommy even made 
reference to a play where Pierce had "four guys on him!" -- more 
about a collapsing Chicago defense rather than four defenders 
_really_ playing one guy, but Pierce gets double- and even 
triple-teamed on a regular basis.  Has all year, if I'm not mistaken.

>I'd been advocating Carr to play because I think he can flat out score
>baskets. At least I was hoping before he got injured he could score when teams
>double team Pierce.

Gotta agree with you here.  I had been pleasantly suprised at Carr's 
(relative) defensive ability.  Couple that with the ability to shoot 
and score the basketball, and he was a pretty good option off the 
bench.  Trouble is, I think, we've got a _lot_ of swingman-types 
(especially if Antoine moves there as well), and only 48 minutes at 
each position.  For example, a revitalized Adrian Griffin makes that 
rotation (for me), because AG just does good things on the court. 
Stith is similar.  What about EWilliams?  The draft picks (with which 
we are sure to come up with at least _one_ guy who has to play 
SG/SF)?  I dunno.

Regards,

Bill

The Celtic "Tird"