Re: FW: [Celtics' Stuff Re: "(Now tell me)Who do you love?"

[Kestutis.Kveraga@dartmouth.edu (Kestutis Kveraga)]

--- You wrote:
We talk about Walker getting a trainer during the off seasons, about VP
working out at Healthpoint all summer, about Pierce in LA during the off
season, about Kenny or Williams lifting, about summer leagues, mini-camps,
big man camps etc...  What have you ever heard about Walter doing to improve
his basketball skills during the off season?

Walter was in front of the home town family and friends in Indiana.  The
game showed that he can play with that kind of passion along with a dozen or
so other games out of the 200 odd games played during this $9MM contract.

So yes, I think he is playing for another contract and will disappear after
signing it, again.  Which is a shame, because he has skills and in the East
he could have given us time at the 5 with his length and hops.  If he were
to commit to basketball that would be a different set of circumstances, but
if not, we should find someone who will.
--- end of quote ---

This is not an unreasonable position to take viz. Walter. I've bitched about
his lack of professional commitment before. If he put in a tenth of the effort
that Pot puts in year-round, he could really help this team. With Pot, you
reach a point of diminishing returns pretty quickly because of his lack of
talent. He's already very strong, lean, in good cardio shape, has post moves
and a short jumper. Yet it doesn't get him far, because he still can't jump,
catch the ball well, doesn't have "length", and lacks confidence to score. 

On the other hand, McCarty hasn't even begun to scratch the surface of his
ability. He obviously doesn't eat right, nor lift enough, nor work to correct
his poor shooting form. His decision-making has improved, whether because of
maturation or the relaxed atmosphere created by Obie. But neither his body nor
the other facets of his game have improved over the years. Even
frequently-bashed Toine has improved his body, his shooting form, even added a
pump fake to his repertoire. 

I would give Waltuh a short money/year contract with team option after every
year - kind of what they gave Blount and Palacio, but with specific strength
and nutrition-related goals and incentives.  Imagine a stronger, faster McCarty
roaming around the court and hitting the boards. He could become our Ben
Wallace/Rodman/Outlaw, except he is 4 inches taller, can defend guards, make an
occasional 3 and shoot FTs. It's a type of player we've been missing all these
years. I can dream....
Kestas