Walter: Not that talented actually.

[GuyClinch@xxxxxxx]

> Yeah, but I think it's not that simple. What Walter doesn't have is the 
> slightest basketball brains, which makes it tough to develop him past a 
> certain point. 

Its even worse if you count skills as "talent" not just athleticism.. Most 
people do e.g. Walker is talented because he shoot, handle, pass and dribble 
quite well for a big man. I think you do have to judge people this way in 
part..not just based on athleticism. (Actually I think Walter athleticism is 
overrated some.. I think Tony Battie is more athletic.) I mean would you say Bethel 
Johnson (Pats ultra-fast wideout) is a talented basketball player? ...

Anyway, If you look at this way Walter is perhaps the least talented 3 in the 
NBA. Think about it.. Walter is perhaps the only guy who plays the small 
forward in the NBA who can't pass, dribble, or rebound. Its kinda staggering. I 
can't think of any other 3 remotely like that. 

And as far as brains go:

Personally, I think Walter makes KBrown and Mosio look like basketball 
savants.
He makes an astounding number of bonehead plays when he is freewheeling out 
there. I find it amazing that an old school skilled player like Tommy H. would 
love the guy. Its like loving Manute Bol.

I find the loving Walter thing disturbing. Guys who work diligently on their 
games in the offseason and do things like go to the weight room and develop 
their post moves etc.. are pushed aside for this guy who does not care about 
developing his game.

I have never in all my years read anything like,
"Walter has added a nice drop step post move, or Walter has put on 10 pounds 
of muscle" It's a crying shame that he is a hero in this town... 

Now Battie there is a guy I like. He played through painful knees all year 
and still produced well. He works out and maximizes his ability. He has learned 
some better offfensive moves and has improved his passing, IMHO. 

Pete