What is Bill Walker's potential!

[Atzar]

We will have to wait until training camp to see a glimpse of the real Bill Walker. If I am right, we will see an extremely hard working, yet raw young talent that is loaded with P.

Bill Walker IMO has all the tools to become a poor man's Paul Pierce. He is very similar to several other power three's in the league. Gerald Wallace, Josh Howard and Matt Harpring all come to mind. Similar builds and skill sets, very strong, tough rebounder, good defender and decent but not spectacular shooter from mid range.

The two issues that are negative and reallys stand out for me are:

1-young and raw without the experience or development of the 3 mentioned, let alone Pierce. He needs to put in some serious time and work to reach the status of the three. Another healthy year at school againts top level competition would have done wonders for Walker, but thats not how the NBA business works anymore.

2-injuries and multiple surgeries are never a good sign and may severly limit his progress.

I will say that regardless of the physical outcome, Bill Walker was well worth the money spent in acquiring him. He will likely end up being another 'so called' steal in the second round for the Boston Celtics. I call this one a no brainer.

Red would have done it in a heart beat.

He is indeed loaded with P.  So much so, in fact, that he had to unload some of  his P into a towel during a game once.  Search Youtube, I'm sure you can find it.

Anyhow... You mentioned that he will need to put some serious time and work in to reach the status of the 3.  I think that's a huge reach, and is somewhat unfair to him.  Ray, KG and Pierce were all superstars at one time or another.  Even if Walker is absolutely the best he could be, I don't think he will be on that level. 

From everything I've seen, there are certain things that Pierce has that sets him apart.  He can score from anywhere, he's shown that he can play D as well as nearly any SF in the league, and he has a knack for knocking down absurd how-did-that-go-in shots after the whistle.  In all of these respects, I don't think Walker could ever match Paul Pierce.

Walker's strength is a wildcard in this.  He could very well end up being an SF version of Leon Powe, in a sense - somebody who bulls to the basket and absorbs fouls like a sponge to water.  Add the fact that he already has a decent midrange/outside game, and that could make for a very problematic weapon against many teams (the Lakers, for example).

[crownsy]

From everything I've seen, there are certain things that Pierce has that sets him apart.  He can score from anywhere, he's shown that he can play D as well as nearly any SF in the league, and he has a knack for knocking down absurd how-did-that-go-in shots after the whistle.  In all of these respects, I don't think Walker could ever match Paul Pierce.

Those things, outside of his propensity to use his strength to finsh after fouls, are things paul lacked poklish in coming into the league.

He was a medicore defender, was an ok shooter at best from outside, and not great from mid range.

When paul came into the league, he was a dynomite slasher who could sometimes hit a three. now he's eveolved his game into a complete player.

I also don't think walker will end up a superstar, but none of the things you listed here are things paul was a savant at. He worked hsi tail off until he mastered them, no reason, in theory, that walker couldn't do the same.

[Atzar]

From everything I've seen, there are certain things that Pierce has that sets him apart.  He can score from anywhere, he's shown that he can play D as well as nearly any SF in the league, and he has a knack for knocking down absurd how-did-that-go-in shots after the whistle.  In all of these respects, I don't think Walker could ever match Paul Pierce.

Those things, outside of his propensity to use his strength to finsh after fouls, are things paul lacked poklish in coming into the league.

He was a medicore defender, was an ok shooter at best from outside, and not great from mid range.

When paul came into the league, he was a dynomite slasher who could sometimes hit a three. now he's eveolved his game into a complete player.

I also don't think walker will end up a superstar, but none of the things you listed here are things paul was a savant at. He worked hsi tail off until he mastered them, no reason, in theory, that walker couldn't do the same.

I'm going to argue the defense point, then, using reasoning that he gave himself:  he was so busy being the team's sole facilitator on offense that he had to rest on defense.  It's not so much that he wasn't good at it; that just wasn't his role (especially on various Celtics teams of the past decade that cared nothing for defense).

As for the shooting touch, I hope you're right.  He's similar to Paul Pierce in that his shooting mechanics aren't necessarily great.  Paul makes it work, so maybe Billy can too.  He certainly has the right people around him to learn, assuming that he signs - Paul Pierce is arguably the best template for his game in the NBA, Ray Allen is a terrific shooter, and I'd love to see KG teach him how to channel his temper into something constructive.  I've heard that Walker is a quick study and that he works hard.  If that's true, then it should be a pleasure to watch him grow and mature over the next few years.  Hopefully he stays healthy.

[crownsy]

From everything I've seen, there are certain things that Pierce has that sets him apart.  He can score from anywhere, he's shown that he can play D as well as nearly any SF in the league, and he has a knack for knocking down absurd how-did-that-go-in shots after the whistle.  In all of these respects, I don't think Walker could ever match Paul Pierce.

Those things, outside of his propensity to use his strength to finsh after fouls, are things paul lacked poklish in coming into the league.

He was a medicore defender, was an ok shooter at best from outside, and not great from mid range.

When paul came into the league, he was a dynomite slasher who could sometimes hit a three. now he's eveolved his game into a complete player.

I also don't think walker will end up a superstar, but none of the things you listed here are things paul was a savant at. He worked hsi tail off until he mastered them, no reason, in theory, that walker couldn't do the same.

I'm going to argue the defense point, then, using reasoning that he gave himself:  he was so busy being the team's sole facilitator on offense that he had to rest on defense.  It's not so much that he wasn't good at it; that just wasn't his role (especially on various Celtics teams of the past decade that cared nothing for defense).

Thats revisionist history by paul. He wasen't a good defender in collage, did kansas have no interst in him defending too?

he was a average defender at best when he started, and worked on it. He may have been "Savign himself for offense" the last few years, but before that he was just not commited to defense.

[Emperor Young]

My expectation might be a little high, but i think he will be atleast as good as Ryan Gomes. He is Josh Howard at his best.

[TripleOT]

If I have to peruse another "How good will Walker (or Giddens) be" thread, my head's gonna explode. Training camp can't start soon enough for me.

One thing I do know is that a talented young player will have an easier time sticking in the NBA when he starts his career as a rookie on an 11th man on a talent laden championship team rather than on a young,floundering one.

Both rooks are athletic freaks with the proper size strength, and skills to be NBA players.  Because of their athleticism, they both have huge upsides.    They will both be exposed to two all star swingmen on a daily basis in practice.  They will also experience the most intense and focused NBA player, in KG.  Both guys will have every opportunity and advantage here to succeed, including the chance to actually get some playing time on a championship team, if up to it.     

[zerophase]

Potentialwise, he could be an All-star.  I think there is something to the comparisons to Paul Pierce and Vince Carter. 

With that said, Gerald Green had the "potential" to be the next Tracy McGrady.

Gerald Green also didn't start playing until high school. Walker's been playing his entire life.

there ought to be a new rule at celticsblog, that like religion and politics, you cannot sneak any gerald green posts into a thread defending his failed basketball career. 

well green doesn't have the title of failed just yet... he's just a failure right now. wait till he's like 27, then like mr. dan dick, we can deem him as failed.

[zerophase]

If I have to peruse another "How good will Walker (or Giddens) be" thread, my head's gonna explode. Training camp can't start soon enough for me.

One thing I do know is that a talented young player will have an easier time sticking in the NBA when he starts his career as a rookie on an 11th man on a talent laden championship team rather than on a young,floundering one.

Both rooks are athletic freaks with the proper size strength, and skills to be NBA players.  Because of their athleticism, they both have huge upsides.    They will both be exposed to two all star swingmen on a daily basis in practice.  They will also experience the most intense and focused NBA player, in KG.  Both guys will have every opportunity and advantage here to succeed, including the chance to actually get some playing time on a championship team, if up to it.    

training camp cannot start sooner? this is no were near as bad as it was last summer when we got the 2 allstars...

[nickagneta]

I watched a couple of K-State games this year and I have to say I came away very impressed with Bill Walker, even if he was playing out of position. In both games he outscored and generally outplayed Beasley. I'm not saying that that means he will be a better player in the NBA than Beasley, just that for those few games I did catch, he was the better player that night.

If I wasn't told that he was playing at 265 this season, I wouldn't have believed it based on what I saw. His motion and speed were still incredible. If indeed it is true he was playing that heavy and can get down to the weight he should probably have the potential to be whatever he wants to be. He has all the tools to be a Paul Pierce type player.

We can only hope that Danny hit big here and that the knee problems, which might have been exascerbated by too much weight, will disappear with better training and conditioning. He has loads of potential. Let's just hope he realizes his full potential while wearing Celtic Green.

[Chris]

If I have to peruse another "How good will Walker (or Giddens) be" thread, my head's gonna explode. Training camp can't start soon enough for me.

One thing I do know is that a talented young player will have an easier time sticking in the NBA when he starts his career as a rookie on an 11th man on a talent laden championship team rather than on a young,floundering one.

Both rooks are athletic freaks with the proper size strength, and skills to be NBA players.  Because of their athleticism, they both have huge upsides.    They will both be exposed to two all star swingmen on a daily basis in practice.  They will also experience the most intense and focused NBA player, in KG.  Both guys will have every opportunity and advantage here to succeed, including the chance to actually get some playing time on a championship team, if up to it.     

Couldn't agree more on everything you said here.  I just love the environment that these kids will be coming into.  It is about as ideal as can be.  They have some of the best role models NBA players can have in Paul, Ray, and KG, they are surrounded by other young guys who work their butts off, like Perk and Powe.  Most importantly though, there is no real pressure for them to play right away, yet they are not blocked if they do surprise people and show up ready to play quicker than expected.

Oh yeah, and they have a coach who has shown the ability to get the most out of young players, and put them in positions where they will be able to succeed.

[billysan]

We will have to wait until training camp to see a glimpse of the real Bill Walker. If I am right, we will see an extremely hard working, yet raw young talent that is loaded with P.

Bill Walker IMO has all the tools to become a poor man's Paul Pierce. He is very similar to several other power three's in the league. Gerald Wallace, Josh Howard and Matt Harpring all come to mind. Similar builds and skill sets, very strong, tough rebounder, good defender and decent but not spectacular shooter from mid range.

The two issues that are negative and reallys stand out for me are:

1-young and raw without the experience or development of the 3 mentioned, let alone Pierce. He needs to put in some serious time and work to reach the status of the three. Another healthy year at school againts top level competition would have done wonders for Walker, but thats not how the NBA business works anymore.

2-injuries and multiple surgeries are never a good sign and may severly limit his progress.

I will say that regardless of the physical outcome, Bill Walker was well worth the money spent in acquiring him. He will likely end up being another 'so called' steal in the second round for the Boston Celtics. I call this one a no brainer.

Red would have done it in a heart beat.

He is indeed loaded with P.  So much so, in fact, that he had to unload some of  his P into a towel during a game once.  Search Youtube, I'm sure you can find it.

Anyhow... You mentioned that he will need to put some serious time and work in to reach the status of the 3.  I think that's a huge reach, and is somewhat unfair to him.  Ray, KG and Pierce were all superstars at one time or another.  Even if Walker is absolutely the best he could be, I don't think he will be on that level. 

From everything I've seen, there are certain things that Pierce has that sets him apart.  He can score from anywhere, he's shown that he can play D as well as nearly any SF in the league, and he has a knack for knocking down absurd how-did-that-go-in shots after the whistle.  In all of these respects, I don't think Walker could ever match Paul Pierce.

Walker's strength is a wildcard in this.  He could very well end up being an SF version of Leon Powe, in a sense - somebody who bulls to the basket and absorbs fouls like a sponge to water.  Add the fact that he already has a decent midrange/outside game, and that could make for a very problematic weapon against many teams (the Lakers, for example).

The 'three' I was alluding to were:

Josh Howard
Gerald Wallace
Matt Harpring

The reason I listed those three is that they are not superstars IMO but are valuable role players as starters or bench guys. None of them is a 'mostly offense' oriented guy like Maggette either, yet they are well rounded and physical players IMO.

I can see where you may have thought Pierce, Ray and KG. I dont see his ceiling that high.

[Edgar]

Potentialwise, he could be an All-star.  I think there is something to the comparisons to Paul Pierce and Vince Carter. 

With that said, Gerald Green had the "potential" to be the next Tracy McGrady.

Gerald Green also didn't start playing until high school. Walker's been playing his entire life.

there ought to be a new rule at celticsblog, that like religion and politics, you cannot sneak any gerald green posts into a thread defending his failed basketball career. 

well green doesn't have the title of failed just yet... he's just a failure right now. wait till he's like 27, then like mr. dan dick, we can deem him as failed.

Mmm nah
He failed.
hes not tath young anymore and after losing against dwight howard hes not that likable anymore.


How did I miss the GG bashing....i reallly been busy with my kid this days
I am losing my touch.

And how did this thread ends as a GG bashing one. lol...only on CB

[BillfromBoston]

If I have to peruse another "How good will Walker (or Giddens) be" thread, my head's gonna explode. Training camp can't start soon enough for me.

One thing I do know is that a talented young player will have an easier time sticking in the NBA when he starts his career as a rookie on an 11th man on a talent laden championship team rather than on a young,floundering one.

Both rooks are athletic freaks with the proper size strength, and skills to be NBA players.  Because of their athleticism, they both have huge upsides.    They will both be exposed to two all star swingmen on a daily basis in practice.  They will also experience the most intense and focused NBA player, in KG.  Both guys will have every opportunity and advantage here to succeed, including the chance to actually get some playing time on a championship team, if up to it.     

Couldn't agree more on everything you said here.  I just love the environment that these kids will be coming into.  It is about as ideal as can be.  They have some of the best role models NBA players can have in Paul, Ray, and KG, they are surrounded by other young guys who work their butts off, like Perk and Powe.  Most importantly though, there is no real pressure for them to play right away, yet they are not blocked if they do surprise people and show up ready to play quicker than expected.

Oh yeah, and they have a coach who has shown the ability to get the most out of young players, and put them in positions where they will be able to succeed.

I agree with all of this, Walker has a long way to go, but great role models to learn from...

However, from a talent standpoint, I think Walker's ceiling is Carmelo Anthony-mediocre shooter/power 3 with explosive inside ability...low side, he's a starter/rotation guy like Bonzi Wells at his current level...this is all health permitting of course...

I do think he'll reach his potential if healthy though...he's smart, hard-working, and extremely physically gifted...couple that to his learning environment and I love his chances..