Antoine Walker benched in Memphis

Once known as a versatile forward who could play multiple positions, nail three-pointers and shimmy around a lot to celebrate a good play, Antoine Walker, now with the Memphis Grizzlies, will sit around on the bench doing a lot of nothing. The Memphis Commercial Appeal (Ronald Tillery) reports:

Walker has been told that he won’t play, a decision designed by circumstance more than anything. The Griz are on a full-blown youth movement and the only position where Walker can still be mildly effective is power forward. However, it’s the same spot on the floor the Griz want to give ample time to Darko Milicic, Hakim Warrick and rookie Darrell Arthur for their development. “He understands,” Griz coach Marc Iavaroni said, revealing that he has communicated with Walker about this issue throughout training camp. Walker, entering his 13th season, still is disappointed. “I would have liked the opportunity to play but I understand the state that they’re in. They want to play the young guys,” Walker said. “I still feel like I’ve got a lot of basketball left in me and I can contribute to a team in the NBA. It’s unfortunate that it’s not working out here. But you have to respect the decision. This team has some good young talent.”

It seems like just yesterday Insidehoops readers were celebrating the famous Antoine Walker shimmy but it’s now a distant memory.