Antoine Feels Blessed (He's no Plaxico....lol)

[PSquared]

NBA Extra: Antoine Walker feels blessed on and off the court

By CHRIS PERKINS

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Saturday, December 20, 2008

LOS ANGELES — Antoine Walker considers himself fortunate today on two fronts: No. 1, he got a contract buyout from Memphis on Thursday; and No. 2, he didn't have a gun handy that summer day in 2007 when he was duct-taped and robbed at his Chicago home.

"I think sometimes not having a gun helps a situation," the 13th-year forward said. "I came out of it and wasn't harmed in any physical way. Everybody is not that lucky." Walker isn't anti-gun. "If you have a permit and have one in your house it's not that bad," he said.
 
But he thinks if he'd have pulled a gun at that particular time on that particular day, "it would have been a bad situation. It turned out being a better situation." Walker, a key contributor on the Heat's 2006 title team, is hoping to find a better situation with a playoff team or title contender. He's basically been wasting time since the October 2007 trade that sent him from the Heat to Minnesota in exchange for center Mark Blount and swingman Ricky Davis. Walker played just 46 games that season as the 'Wolves committed to rebuilding.

In the off-season, Walker and his $9 million salary were traded to Memphis. He never played, and the Grizzlies went to rebuilding.

The two seasons on the bench hurt Walker, but he kept his mouth shut, which keeps his options open.

"I think he's been a real pro about things," Memphis coach Marc Iavaroni said.

That means Walker isn't nearly as toxic as, say, New York guard Stephon Marbury.

Walker, who reportedly received $8.55 million in the Memphis buyout, knew what he was doing.

"I've been fortunate enough to make a lot of money in this league," he said. "But I want to play the game. I still love to play the game. I love the competition."

With career averages of 17.5 points and 7.7 rebounds per game as well as solid ball-handling skills for a 6-foot-9 player, Walker should get some feelers. Yes, Walker is a career .414 shooter who sometimes takes ill-advised shots and dominates the ball. But at a pro-rated share of the veteran's minimum salary of $1.9 million, he could be a bargain for a playoff-caliber team that needs a seventh or eighth man to play, say, 10 or 12 minutes a night.

"I've been trying to stay positive," he said.

For all the bad press Walker receives about his play, he should get some good press for being a fairly sharp guy. He knows the league better than most and the game as well as anybody. And at 33 years old, he seems to have gained some valuable wisdom on and off the court.

So despite doing nothing for two years, Walker hopes brighter days are ahead. If not, he counts his blessings.

"There's a lot of people that would love to be in the NBA right now whether they're playing or not playing," he said. "So I look at it like that."

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/heat/content/sports/epaper/2008/12/20/a9c_nba_extra_1221.html




>>> He might find some takers considering that his role would be that of a bench player *and*, for the first time in a while, he won't cost a team an arm and a leg(financially-speaking).  

[TradeProposalDude]

Wow, that is an extremely rose colored view of Walker's abilities. The last I saw of him, he looked done, while as far out of shape as ever before (and he's habitually out of shape)...

I do think that Walker would be a good 10th man (instead of 6th or 7th) for a mid tier contender if they need versatility and three point shooting. But ideally if you're name is in the "contender" list, Walker shouldn't be playing a role that has any significance. He's too unreliable.

I have a feeling Walker doesn't play a minute of basketball this year. He might get one more gig over the next 2 years, but I doubt it. We may have seen the last of Mighty Toine on the hardwood.

Overall, a good career.

[jdub1660]

I know the majority of the CelticsBlog family still hates the idea of Walker coming back, and it seems his green days are over, but I would welcome him back if there were stipulations...

1. The BIG 3 Unanimous approval
2. Get into shape
3. Focus on Defense
4. Gotta do that shake after EVERY made basket

[moiso]

I can't recall a player who played to his weaknesses and avoided his strengths quite as much as Antoine.

[LB3533]

I can't recall a player who played to his weaknesses and avoided his strengths quite as much as Antoine.

Toine rarely played inside to get to the line. I'd say that is not playing to his weakness because he is worse FT shooter than he is a 3 point shooter.

[housecall]

With the addition of the developmental league it makes spots lesser for players in Toine situation.Teams rather take chances on younger developing players who have longer term potential.

[PSquared]

I have a feeling Walker doesn't play a minute of basketball this year. He might get one more gig over the next 2 years, but I doubt it. We may have seen the last of Mighty Toine on the hardwood.

I doubt your outlook happens.   If Walker is true to his word that he "just wants to play", he'll get his opportunities.  Only question is if his chance to Play is with a Contender or a Pretender....

And what's this about?  ---> "The last I saw of him, he looked done, while as far out of shape as ever before (and he's habitually out of shape)..."


When was this? In 2003?  He was out of shape THEN.   He's in Shape now.   And has been ever since(I don't take too much stock in Riley and his words considering he had FAT-AZZ SHAQ on the bench) and is right now. 

enough.  He's in Shape and the only real question is whether he can find a Playoff-Team to give him a legitimate shot.  That's the situation.