Selective attention...

[Ryan W <ubiquitous_am_i@xxxxxxxxx>]

--- Peter Delevett <pdelevett@yahoo.com> wrote:
> I didn't see this posted to the list: this is from
> the
> Globe.
> 
> "''I don't think Vin's a center,'' said Walker. ''I
> think the East is small, but he's not a center. He's
> more of a power forward. Maybe we have to change up
> our lineup a little bit, adjust some things for him,
> make it more comfortable for him to where he can be
> effective.''
> 

First of all, let me say that the draft related
content on this list of the past month has been great.
 The list has really come together and investigated
each little tidbit of information regarding potential
draftees.  And, with the influx of foreign-born
players and underclassmen in this year's draft, such
an indoctrination is necessary if one is to find any
enjoyment in this year's draft (which, to echo Mark
Berry's thoughts, is one of the most exciting sports
nights of the year, in my opinion).  

Two things, however, have bothered me.  The first
thing--as related to the above post from Peter--is the
flat out quote from Antoine that he considers Vin a
four.  Now, let's disregard the fact that Vin probably
will never play at a high level (and thus make this
argument moot).  What this quote is saying (that is,
if we are to believe what we are reading) is that
Toine would consider or has considered (maybe at the
urging of Ainge, maybe not) moving full-time to the
small forward spot (something that certified Toine
haters have been urging for since the beginning of the
Pitino years).  Is this not something that the list
usually eats up with a spoon?  Of course it is.  And
why hasn't there been one peep from anybody besides
Peter and myself (and Peter's peep came two days after
the article appeared in the Globe)?  I wouldn't want
to speculate into things I have no business
specultating into (i.e., no chance of ascertaining the
truth of), but nonetheless, it strikes me that such a
quote, when ignored (albeit in the middle of an
exciting pre-draft hype period), only serves to prove
the point more forcibly that those Toine haters out
there in IGTC land have quit approaching the issue
honestly and instead have fallen into pure hatred
(making, I guess, the term 'Toine-hater' apropos) and
propaganda.  Is this the case?  Kestas and Mark, what
are your reasons for not even commenting on this quote
(even if it is to, as you are often want to do,
disparage its intent is as complete a manner as
possible)?  Mind you, this is mere days after the
article on Toine's workout regiment was minutely
scrutinized by Kestas, among others, and rejected
out-of-hand as another example of Toine not getting it
(specifically the quote, from Antoine, that the Grover
workout regimen has improved his game the last two
years).  My gut feeling is that it doesn't fit into
your matrix of things that you can use to further you
agenda of anti-Antoine-ness, but then again maybe
you've been busy or tired or more caught up in the
all-too-fun speculation of the draft.  Whatever the
reason, I am interested to know why such a hot news
item has been passed over with indifference.   

Secondly, we have the Way-reported "story" of
Antoine's supposed demand for an extension, as culled
from Bossportsmedia (or something like that--don't
remember exactly).  This, I'm assuming, will garner
tons of attention from all the list, as it gives us
one more reason to hate Toine and demand his trade. 
I, for one, doubt the validity of the story.  It
appeared on radio.  Not to pick on radio, but radio is
crap...they don't have reporters, they get tips, they
don't report news, they report what other reports
(from print or television media) have reported...in
the end, they are parasites in the world of
journalism.  It therefore is a second hand report of
something that was heard (from one guy, mind you,
further weakening its credibility).  Secondly, it has
not been picked up by any reputable print media (the
Globe, Herald, Espn, Sportsline, etc...).  This only
further strenthens the case that it is pure rumor. 
Give me something in the Globe or on ESPNEWS regarding
this supposed ultimatum and then we'll talk...

In the end, what we have, if the Toine article
regarding Vinny is to be believed (and the
bossportsmedia article is to be ignored for its
blantant unreliability--hey, Way of Ray is even a
contributer on that site), is proof that Antoine is
ultimately concerned with the betterment of the team. 
If he needs to move to a three position to get Vin on
the floor, then he will do it.  This is not
concomitant with a selfish player, a player that wants
to "cherrypick" the best parts of small and power
forward.  This is proof of a player who wants to make
his team better and help his teammates get the best
out of their abilities.  This is Antoine Walker.  

Ryan      

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