Berry / Walker

["Josh Ozersky" <jozersky1@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Mark,

Without wishing to open the endless, horrible,
nightmarish quagmire that is the Antoine debate,
I wish to say that I think your analysis, while valid
and insightful, is somewhat skewed by your
under-rating of Antoine.  I dislike all the same things
about Antoine's game as you do, and realize how
little leadership and fire count when your star shoots
and rebounds poorly, never gets to the line, etc. etc.

But certain facts about Walker are undeniable, despite
his on-court and contractual shortcomings.

-- he is very talent and plays and practices hard.
-- he is very durable
-- he demands a double team
-- he creates his own shot
-- he is one of the best and most willing passers
at 4 or 5 in the game.
-- he is capable of averaging ten rebounds a game
without having a career year.
-- he is still young (27)

Add to this the fact that his contract is up in two years and
that many people blame Obie's indulgence for Walker's
style of play, and you have a very desireable player.

And the real reason for my post:  you can't go around saying
that Lamar Odom is better than Antoine.  Do you really hate
Walker that much?

Josh

p.s. for what it's worth, I believe that I probably overrate Walker.
But I want him to see him in a different offense before I lose
his rare fire and floor game.