The Deal that Almost Wasn't

August 21, 2005

The biggest deal in NBA history almost wasn't.

Heat Deal Cool with Him

Heat Deal Cool with Him

August 5, 2005

When reached by telephone yesterday after his introductory press conference at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Antoine Walker had Boston on his mind. While Walker may differ with Celtics executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge when it comes to talent evaluation, the versatile power forward with an unapologetic fondness for the perimeter knows how to credit an assist.

Will Walker Walk?

July 31, 2005 Antoine Walker visited Miami last week as the one-month anniversary of his free agency status approached. It hasn't been the hottest of markets for Walker, who has watched guys such as Dan Gadzuric and Samuel Dalembert get deals while he still is on the outside looking in. If anything percolates with Miami, the Heat might be able to start Walker at a deal around the $5.7 million mark by offering Michael Doleac and a trade exception (which can be combined) in a deal to Boston. The Celticsare disinclined to make any sign-and-trade unless it upgrades their team, and it's hard to see how Doleac does that. The Celtics' position on Walker is to let him see what's out there and how cold it is. Then, by Labor Day, if he hasn't gone anywhere, he can come back to Boston at a midlevel exception number (which is about what he's worth in today's open market). Then again, it only takes one team to blow the whole thing wide open. 

   Eyeing up-and-comers

While the Ship is Sinking

I'm sure Senior Wiggle has an out clause in his Puerto Rico contract should an NBA team come calling. I mean, could bringing him in for a workout really make things any worse? He would be perfect for this team. Old, beat up, with no gas left in the tank.

And, best of all, he plays no D and is in love with the three!

Success is a Choice

Most Celtics fans who read this book remember Rick Pitino's account of how he consoled Antoine Walker after Employee #8 played poorly in the national championship game. Kentucky won, Pitino told Walker, and your unselfish play was largely responsible, even if you didn't have one of your better games tonight.

What I remember more vividly , however, is another part of the book where Pitino talked about a young player on his team who had "all the talent in the world," Magic Johnson type skills, if he'd only put some effort into his off-season training regimen, if he'd only chose to elevate his game and become that type of player.

I'm not sure if Antoine Walker had Magic Johnson type skills. But Pitino was right about one thing--Magic's success was largely Magic-driven. Magic had plenty of talent, but without that inner drive motivating him to get better every year, he most definitely would not be remembered the way he is now.

And so as we watch Antoine's career spiral into oblivion, I am reminded of this passage from Pitino's book and saddened by the latest news concerning Señor Wiggle.

Antoine Walker: Benched or Bought Out?

Veteran Antoine Walker was inactive Sunday for the second consecutive game, likely the sign of things to come if he and the team don't reach a contract buyout by March 1, the deadline for a player to clear waivers so he can sign with another team.

--Star Tribune