Re:? on Walker

[Tammo29@xxxxxxx]

JB,
  Vin's play last night was not indicative of how he has been playing up to
this point.  Last night he was actually making himself available on the
blocks.  He was actually going to the basket, not running away from it.  He
was actually powering the ball to the hoop, not bringing it down so he could
be blocked by the smallest guy on the court.  Good for him.  Maybe the
Callahan article did give him the kick in the pants he needed.
For the record I never called him washed up.  In fact, I made a point to say
I thought he probably still had better offensive skills than Battie.  But he
was playing like crap and no one could deny that, not even Baker himself.  I
don't recall seeing Antoine ignore Baker in the post.  Not saying it didn't
happen, but I didn't see it so I couldn't comment.  But Antoine has given
Baker the ball many times, and many times with poor results.  I think last
night Antoine felt he had match up advantages.  A couple of times he even
found Houston on him.  I'm sure he was drooling at the prospect of taking him
to the basket and maybe he was too focused on his own mismatches than Baker.
  As for assists and passing, I'd like to point out that passing doesn't
always equal assists and lack of assists doesn't always point toward selfish
play. 
Paul took all of 7 shots in the second half.  One of those was a layup.  One
was a shot clock beater.  Two were off offensive rebounds, one being a tip
in.  That leaves three shots you could possibly be critical of.  Having been
a big reason the team was ahead by 20 points, you would think he would be
allowed 3 shots without criticism.  He was still passing the ball and Antoine
was too.  Part of the problem was Walter, Eric, and Shammond were a combined
1 of 12 for the game and Delk while 6 of 10 did miss two layups that should
have been assists.  Also Baker did let a perfect pass go off his fingertips
which would have been another.
  So the question is if 16 shots are too many in your mind and "only" 8
assists in 34 minutes is not good enough, what would make you happy?  You
seemed to be extremely happy with Antoine's line of 7-24 fag, 9 re, 7 as and
6 t/o in 43 min against Philly.  Why do you label one with being selfish and
the other with trying his hardest to win a game?  Is it possible they are
both trying their hardest to win games? 


TAM