---

Fan editorial by James Pettitt

For me it is no great surprise that Antoine Walker is no longer a Boston Celtic. The love-hate affair that has existed between Walker and the Celts fans has finally ended, with Antoine moving into the wild west, with the opportunity to play for a NBA championship. As a Celtics fan, it is with a touch of sadness that I watch Antoine go, but after last years poor showing in the playoffs, followed by a request for a hefty extension of his contract, I am not surprised that a move has been made.

Antoine Walker’s years with the Celtics have been eventful to say the least. A promising rookie season was backed up with a superb second season, including an all-star appearance and seemingly a place among the elite beckoning. Unfortunately though, the greatness that seemed possible for Antoine never came to fruition. Over the next few years many problems emerged as the Celts struggled under ‘Success is a Choice’ Pitino, and Antoine steadily got a little larger around the stomach area and continually began settling for three point shots, rather than using his quickness and creativity around the basket. While it is true that he did play in the last two all-star games, the 2002 and 2003 version of Antoine Walker never really met expectations.

In return, the Celtics have picked up Raef LaFrentz and two bench players (while giving up one of their own bench players, Tony Delk). The addition of Raef gives the Celtics a legitimate big man, able to take some pressure of Tony Battie’s aching knees. In addition, LaFrentz gives Jim O’Brien what he really loves, a centre that can shoot the three and thus disrupt the oppositions defence. Don’t forget how big a weapon Rodney Rogers was for the Celtics two years ago by standing on the 3 point line. It should also not be overlooked that Raef enjoyed great success playing with Paul Pierce at Kansas, and the move brings together a one-time dynamic duo. In addition, the trade will also give the seemingly rejuvenated Vin Baker an opportunity to be the key low post player in the offence.

Just whether the Celtics are better off after this move will be determined in time. The one area that this move has left the team vulnerable is in the leadership department. Antoine Walker was a strong leader who stuck up for his team and many players including Paul Pierce stood a little taller around him. Don’t forget, when the Celtics pulled off the greatest fourth quarter comeback in NBA history (two years ago in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Nets), it was Antoine who pulled the team into shape. Boston will be an interesting team to keep a track of in the early part of the season.