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Antoine Walker is back in green after returning to the Boston Celtics on the trading deadline of February 24. Since that day, the Celtics have compiled a record of 11-1 and have pushed open their lead in the Atlantic Division to 5 ½ games.
Walker initially played with No. 88 when he returned to the Celtics from Atlanta, but later switched to No. 8. That was the last time the Celtics' lost a game. They are currently riding a seven game win streak.
Walker knew he was going to need to adjust quickly to his new teammates and vice versa. The players and coaches knew only 27 games remained in the regular season. Everyone had to adapt quickly if they wanted to be considered a legitimate playoff team. However, no one ever thought it possible that the new look Celtics would find success so quickly.
Walker has made a huge impact and one can see it by looking at the Celtics record since acquiring Walker and how they have gained a tremendous advantage over Atlantic Division rival Philadelphia 76ers. They were 27-28 before obtaining Walker and are 38-39 now.
Since taking over as the Boston Celtics executive director of basketball operations, Danny Ainge has made many significant moves. None of them have been as significant as bringing Antoine Walker back to Beantown.
In May 2003, Ainge shuffled out Walker before the season began. With Walker, he dealt Tony Delk in return for Dallas Mavericks Raef LaFrentz, Jiri Welsch and Chris Mihm. Ainge constantly bashed Walker for his trigger happy shooting basketball style.
“It was never personal,” Ainge said. “I just felt Antoine wasn’t going to change to some extent. I thought it would be difficult for him to change under that staff- and that’s no knock on Jim O’Brien. I don’t have any regrets trading Antoine, but at the same time I’m grateful to get him back.”
The way Walker left Boston it almost seemed as though they thought he would be coming back at some point. Walker bought a full page advertisement in the Sunday Boston Globe thanking his fans for the good years in Boston and he left in a classy way that might have foreshadowed his return.
Walker’s return to the Celtics has brought an increase in rebounds, averaging 43.5 rebounds with Walker and 40.5 without. Also, the Celtics' have increased their scoring average seven points from 100.5 points before Walker to 107.8 with him. The team chemistry appears to have come together and helped increase all players’ abilities.
Walker can not be given all the credit for the recent success. Coach Doc Rivers changed the team style of play and has worked with Walker to make the right blend of talent and team. Previously, Walker wanted to be the leader of the team who was allowed to do whatever he wanted on the court. Rivers asked Walker to be the low-post presence Boston needed and he has filled that role perfectly. Walker was willing to come into a different system and he has been able to play within that system.
According to Boston Globe, Walker said, “He felt pressure to do it all with the Hawks. With the Celtics, he looks to fit in among a talented group, supplying what is needed on any given night. Rivers sees Walker as a scoring option, though the coach constantly needs to remind players to look for him inside.”
This time around, Walker has taken a more complementary role in Boston. It has allowed him to become a different type of player. Walker raised his field goal percentage from 42 percent with the Hawks to 48.5 percent with Boston. Walkers overall statistics may drop a little now that he is playing on the Celtics, but he will be happy with that as long as the team keeps winning.
"I'm just trying to play basketball to the best of my ability on this team, whether it's being inside or outside," said Walker. "I don't have any set agendas. I just go out and try to give 110 percent effort every night. I know my emphasis is needed inside, because we have a lot of guys that's on the perimeter. Me and Gary Payton try to do a lot of the posting up to create double teams. Also, I try to be a presence on the block.”
Walker was the vocal leader in Boston before he left and now with his return he is able to help the other players out by taking that position back. Walker offers criticism both positive and negative, but usually constructive. This along with his playing ability has allowed him to help the younger players on the team.
Detriot’s Tayshaun Price said of Walker, “He makes the Celtics better because you have to guard everyone one-on-one. They will be a team to reckon with in the playoffs.”
The addition of Walker has made the team more athletic and fast. This team runs more, and has a lot of players who can shoot around the perimeter. With Walker’s versatility, the Celtics are able to have an inside presence if needed as well as a perimeter presence. Before Walker re-teamed with Pierce, he felt it necessary to do everything. Now that he is back with Pierce and the Celtics, he can become a more consistent performer and work with Pierce to create a winning strategy.
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