Cocaptain appreciates reassurance

["Stephen Beauregard" <sb@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Cocaptain appreciates reassurance


By Shira Springer, Globe Staff, 5/15/2003

ntoine Walker planned to play his first round of offseason golf this morning,
joined by the Celtics' travel and equipment manager, John Connor, and ''the
boys.''



The group affectionately referred to as ''the boys'' usually includes a few
members of the Celtics' staff who work at the team's Merrimac Street offices,
showing just how thoroughly invested Walker has become in the organization.
The Celtics' cocaptain has become good friends with guys in sales and
marketing, operations and team services.

So, it was with understandable relief that he learned from new executive
director of basketball operations Danny Ainge that he would not be shopped
around this summer as part of a trade. Ainge gave Walker the news Tuesday
after a team meeting.

''Obviously, I'm excited to hear that, especially from the guy that's taking
over the team,'' said Walker, reached at the Waltham-based venture capital
firm he shares with business partner Eric Williams. ''I'm just happy for the
reassurance. I've spent a lot of years here. The last three years have been
very good for me. I just want it to continue. The way I look at the situation,
I watch basketball and I follow it, and I would like for me and Paul to go
down like Stockton and Malone and finish our careers in one city together.''
Walker knows firsthand what it's like to deal with offseason trade rumors. He
had that under former head coach and president Rick Pitino. But Walker is
looking past this summer -- he has two more years on his contract, but the
Celtics have the option to extend his deal this summer.

Negotiating an extension will be left up to Walker's agent, Mike Higgins, and
Ainge, though Walker said he wants to finish his career with the Celtics.
Walker hopes management will recognize what he brings on and off the court,
from points, rebounds, and assists to leadership. Walker provides a voice
everyone in the locker room listens to, including coach Jim O'Brien.

''At this point in my career, I don't even worry about it,'' said Walker. ''I
understand it's a business and anything can happen. I think I've shown that I
can lead this team in many different ways, on and off the court. I hope that
obviously management would take that under consideration. I've got an
opportunity coming up this summer, in July, to get an extension. My goal is to
be here and finish my career here. Hopefully, that takes place. Obviously,
that remains to be seen. I'll be anxious to see that.

''If it goes the other way, I'll just play basketball. I'm still a Celtic. I
still think we've got an opportunity to get to the Finals the way the Eastern
Conference is. I don't think the Eastern Conference is going to change all
that much besides guys individually getting better. So, we'll be right back in
the same position, hopefully again next year.''

Walker has confidence Ainge can improve the team without a wholesale overhaul.
In addition to hearing positive comments about his new boss from former
Celtics, Walker was encouraged by their first meeting. Walker also looks
forward to playing a more uptempo style next year, knowing it will create more
easy baskets for himself and Paul Pierce. Aside from morning rounds of golf,
Walker plans to dedicate himself to his summer conditioning program.

''I was impressed,'' said Walker. ''We talked a lot about basketball, his
basketball knowledge of the team, about my game. Everything I've heard from
M.L. [Carr] and a lot of people say he's a good guy. I'm looking forward to
the opportunity of him building our team. I don't think it's necessarily me
having a personal, one-on-one relationship with him. I think we have to have a
working relationship and respect each other. Obviously, as we go along, our
relationship can grow.

''I just want him to do what's best for this team and the organization. I
think we've worked very hard to rebuild this team. I think a lot of people
right now are saying we're rebuilding. Well, the rebuilding process is over.
We're in the playoffs now. It's not like we're getting in and losing in the
first round. We're getting in there and advancing. Now, it's time for us to
add pieces to the puzzle, to where we can take it to that next level and
compete for No. 17. We're right at the door.

''All of us, starting with myself and Paul, we have to work out very hard this
summer and get ourselves in great shape so we can come in and give ourselves
the best opportunity to win.''

Thanks,

Steve
sb@maine.rr.com

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