Premier

Simple question. I noticed that some posters who had Antoine resigned in their version of the Celtics' offseason, had Antoine on the bench behind Al Jefferson. Can someone care to explain why it would be beneficial for this to happen (assuming Antoine is resigned and Pierce is not traded)?

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Delontes Herpes

Hell No

Premier

Personally, I don't see what's so special about Jeffersons' expected play. Sure, we all know that he will become a star in the league (even a 20/10 guy, perhaps), but do you honestly expect him to produce more than Antoine in the starting lineup? One good thing about Antoine is that he works well when he is double-teamed (which is why he goes so well together with Pierce) allowing his teammates to be open. Jefferson, from what we've seen of him, is terrible when he is thrown a double-team and often throws the ball away from the post (as his passing skills are way below average; something he needs to improve). Right now, Antoine is a better rebounder and shooter. Jefferson is slightly better in the post and Antoine edges out Jefferson on defense.

Why would Jefferson start over Walker?

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Delontes Herpes

From what I saw from Doc last year, I would be very surprised if Al did start over 'Toine without playing great and truly earning it. And I would be surprised if Al does play great as soon as next year.

One thing I love about Doc is his allocation of playing time. I think he was great with it last year.

Delontes Herpes

because walker is a cancer and everything he does hurts us, but al jefferson is going to be amare stoudemire as soon as he gets 30-35 minutes a night, as well as a model citizen.

Premier

I would have to disagree. There were times when Perkins needed to be put in the game instead of Blount. You also know my stance on Marcus Banks, but that's another argument...

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#1AntoineWalkerFan

Hellllllllllllllll Edit no...listen...as good as Als post game is he is still a defensive liability...the only thing he really does right is weakside blocks...but he cant defend one on one...he cant pass...he cant read the floor...

Walker is a proven player in this league...a 3-time all star...avg 20-9-4 for his ENTIRE career...i am a big al fan but realistically, he hasnt proven anything to me yet...hes proven he deserves 20 min off the bench...thats it...im all for experimenting with him starting at center but thats just if we can get a diesel run game down...other than that he needs to stay on the bench...hes 20 he has plenty of time to learn

also i believe when walker came back and wanted his number back al said he didnt want any gift from toine, Al just wanted toine to teach him everything he knows about the game...for toine to take al under his wing...al wont be ready to surpass walker for at least 2 or 3 years (unless he turns out to be a freak of nature like amare but i HIGHLY doubt it)

No masked cusing, please. Thank you.

- Premier


sorry

LX

We all now how I feel .

If he learned everything that Walker knew he'd be ready to play in 2 months.

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P-Dub34

I don't understand the cynicism (sp?) from you, Delonte's Herpes just because some guys on this board disagree with your assessment of Walker. I don't know if that was a shot at me but all my arguments about 'Toine have been reasonable and well backed up.

If we re-sign Antoine Walker, that will mean that DA thinks he can play in Doc Rivers' system, and if Ainge thinks that's what's best for the Boston Celtics that's good enough for me. If he can do that, no way we start Jefferson. Absolutely no way. We start Al and he's constantly in foul trouble. He's just too raw. That being said, if Walker doesn't re-sign, we don't have much choice, and we'll have to let Al go through his growing pains and such. But better to get them over with.

Causeway

Not sure we need yet another Antoine Walker thread - even as it relates to AJ. However I'll assume people know how I feel about Walker and more importantly Ainge and Doc. P-Dub34 said it perfectly above. Not everyone in here feels the same about Walker. But isn't that the point of discussion boards? In Ainge I Trust.

Delontes Herpes

AJ may be ready to start next year but I would like to see him come off the bench for one more year.

Al Jefferson

Well I think my username can answer this question.
I would love to see Al Jefferson on the floor all 48 minutes =) ..
But I don't think it's gonna happen or think is SHOULD happen until the middle of next season or the beginning of the 2007 season.
Al knows he needs to work on some things and i'm sure he's doing just that.
He has a very good work ethic.
The kid raised alot of eyebrow's this year.
Just wait til next year

AJ

agoo101284

You never know what could happen with him between his season and next, but, barring some amazing development, Antoine should start if he returns. Jefferson still has too many issues to start. He can't pass, he's poor defensively, he has trouble getting into the game, and he fouls waaaaaaaaaaaaay too much. I think he needs 15-20 mpg to start the season and that could grow to 25 mpg by the end of year.

However, if Jefferson can improve in all of those categories, which is possible, then he should be a starter. However, I don't see that happening from the start of the season. Best case scenario, he starts midseason. Realistically, he gets 25 mpg toward the end of this season and starts next season.

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