The Official: Antoine Walker SUCKS thread

[MavsFanFinley]

OP knows how much I'm hurting about losing Welsch, but I didn't know we'd be paying this dearly. I have to admit I tried to like the Walker trade and did in the beginning, but how long have we been complaining about him?

And not did we lose Welsch, didn't we give up a first round pick?

[OutletPass]

Boy...how long has the game been over now?

The radio guys have just now STOPPED talking about his pathetic interview in the last few minutes...I'm sure it will be the most talked about subject tomorrow...As Mary said...it's just disgusting.

KG, you're so right with your PM, that was a totally classless move on his part. i'm trying to remember if a Mav has ever done that in the last 10 years or so...

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but, on the radio, it sounded like Walker called the press over to give the interview...it seems awfully odd to me that they'd want to interview him after the night that he had.

No "star of the game" there.

...and yes, MFF, they did give up a #1 to make this happen.

[OutletPass]

Radio guys are now taking calls...and it's all the callers are wanting to talk about...

Absolutely nothing on the game itself...Whoo Boy !!

[mavsfanforever]

On the positive note, as KG has mentioned,

Walker's contract will be very attractive to teams that are willing to get a salary cap relief after next season. I am sure we even end up with someone like ZO.

[mary]

Well, if there was any doubt before, I guess the "team chemistry" issue has pretty much been exposed tonight.

Its funny because right before the second half started, I noticed Walker was over near the bench while the rest of the team was still doing their 5 minute shoot around. Its not the first time I've been at a game and noticed him sitting on the bench while the rest of the guys are warming up.


He just doesn't fit - he doesn't fit on the court - and I don't think he's fitting in the locker room either.

And I'm really sick of his pouting .......and I can't believe I'm this pissed off after a win [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-mad.gif[/img]

[XERXES]

Originally posted by: mavsfanforever
On the positive note, as KG has mentioned,

Walker's contract will be very attractive to teams that are willing to get a salary cap relief after next season. I am sure we even end up with someone like ZO.

I said this another thread...but I believe Walker will be the hottest trade commodity in the league at next year's trade deadline - teams will line up to absorb his 15 million dollar (expiring) contract...I wouldn't move him this summer - I think you can get more at the deadline next year...

[Bayliss]

I said this another thread...but I believe Walker will be the hottest trade commodity in the league at next year's trade deadline - teams will line up to absorb his 15 million dollar (expiring) contract...I wouldn't move him this summer - I think you can get more at the deadline next year...

You don't want him to last another 4 months and stunt Dirk's growth as well as the Mavs growth. Tose two things are more important than Walker's "tradeability."

[mary]

Originally posted by: MavsFanFinley
OP knows how much I'm hurting about losing Welsch, but I didn't know we'd be paying this dearly. I have to admit I tried to like the Walker trade and did in the beginning, but how long have we been complaining about him?

And not did we lose Welsch, didn't we give up a first round pick?

Yep, our draft pick went to Boston - what a waste.

[XERXES]

Originally posted by: Bayliss

You don't want him to last another 4 months and stunt Dirk's growth as well as the Mavs growth. Tose two things are more important than Walker's "tradeability."

What if you can get a lot more bang for your buck 4 months later? I hold my cards and let people line up to deal...and they will...

[Bayliss]

What if you can get a lot more bang for your buck 4 months later? I hold my cards and let people line up to deal...and they will...

And what if Dirk comes back to training camp thinking he isn't "the man" like he was 2 years ago before Walker? And if he starts off really slow again next year with Walker still here? And he regresses to the point he becomes Rasheed type player?

Walker gone in the summertime will free up that dillemma.

[OutletPass]

X- my concern is this and I've just expressed it to KG in a PM...about 3 minutes ago...

When are we going to find that there are very few teams willing to "blow themselves up" for cap space...after all...the Denvers, Utahs, Atlantas, and Phoenixs of the world aren't going to do it ewvery two years. I'm just afraid that themarket for these big expiring contracts maay dry up in the next year or two, so I'm not that willing to pass up a good deal and hold a "problem" on the team up to the trade deadline...and you also run into the "jelling" factor again. Do we want to bring in one or two new big time players at the deadline...or play with them all year ?

[ddh33]

I'm terrified that, in addition to sucking, Walker is going to also kill any trade value he might have after screwing up what once made this team great.

[MavsFanFinley]

Mavs step up in 103-90 win; Walker speaks up afterward

By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News

Things are so bad for the Mavericks that they came home from a disgraceful 0-3 road trip and their situation got even worse -- if not with their record, then certainly in the locker room.

Antoine Walker questioned his role on the team after playing just 18 minutes in a 103-90 thumping of the Phoenix Suns Monday night. The victory became hollow as much for the post-game scene as the fact that the Suns are the worst team in the Western Conference.

“It’s tough to do anything in 18 minutes,’’ Walker said. “This is the first time I’ve dealt with this in my eight-year career. I can’t give you what you want in 18 minutes. It’s not going to happen. It’s not in my makeup.

“I have to be able to play.’’

Walker has seen his playing time dwindle in March. He averaged only 24.7 minutes on the three-game road trip and Monday’s game, in which he had eight rebounds and six points but made just 2 of 9 shots, pushed him over the edge.

“To be honest, it’s been a tough year since I got traded,’’ Walker said. “I’m happy we stopped the bleeding and I’m happy the team is 16 or 18 games over .500. But we’re a deep team and I know some guys are going to suffer.’’

Walker refused to say he’s in a slump, even though he’s shooting 27 percent in five games in March. Asked if he could pull his game together in the rest of the regular season, Walker said: “I couldn’t give you a straight answer. I just want to get through these 19 games and then the playoffs start. I refuse to have controversy around me.’’

It may be too late for that. On Monday, Eduardo Najera had his best game of the season with eight points and nine rebounds. Antawn Jamison was strong off the bench and Josh Howard was active. Those three players received the bulk of the playing time outside of the core players.

Don Nelson said he would not respond to Walker’s outburst. However, before Walker’s comments, the coach said the 6-9 forward has left him no choice but to look to other players.

“He’s not playing well and we can’t fool around with only 20 games left,’’ Nelson said. “It’s the same with anybody. He just happens to be the guy not playing well right now.

“He’ll play his way out of it, no question. He’s en a slump right now and when you’re in a slump, you just use hard work to get out of it. We’ll figure it out together.’’

Walker, who has averaged 7.8 points in the last five games, was averaging 18.2 points on Dec. 15. After Monday’s game, he’d seen his scoring drop to a season-low 14.8 points.

While teammates could sympathize with Walker’s struggles, they also were quick to point out that, after snapping a three-game losing streak and with eight of the next 10 games on the road, the timing of this distraction is not good.

“We’re a deep team and we’re in a situation now where we can’t afford to drop games,’’ said Steve Nash, himself limited to 25 minutes Monday. “All you can do is play as hard as you can when you’re in the game and be happy with the contributions you can make in the end.’’

Dirk Nowitzki, who led the way with 26 points, said: “This is the wrong time to be putting your head down.’’

[Mandyahl]

well, from that it sounds like dirk and steve are pissed at antoine, and with good reason at this point. everyone should be pissed at toine. i can only hope that nellie can somehow massage his ego enough and that fin can pull the chicago connection to convice walker to stfu and try to produce in the minutes he gets. i used to love how great the chemistry of the mavs was, and if walker is going to f that up...well f him!

[dirno2000]

Originally posted by: OutletPass
X- my concern is this and I've just expressed it to KG in a PM...about 3 minutes ago...

When are we going to find that there are very few teams willing to "blow themselves up" for cap space...after all...the Denvers, Utahs, Atlantas, and Phoenixs of the world aren't going to do it ewvery two years. I'm just afraid that themarket for these big expiring contracts maay dry up in the next year or two, so I'm not that willing to pass up a good deal and hold a "problem" on the team up to the trade deadline...and you also run into the "jelling" factor again. Do we want to bring in one or two new big time players at the deadline...or play with them all year ?

I'm also of the opinion that trading Walker may not be as easy as we think. 1)If he flames out here, his reputation will be at an all time low, 2)What OP said 3)If Stienbrenner(sp) has a breaking point then I know Cuban does. Big George will do anything to improve the Yankee's, but would he have pulled the trigger on the A-Rod deal if the Rangers didn't pick up a huge chunk of his salary? My answer to that is no. At this point Cuban knows that he has to bring back Nash at or near the max. That will give us an unprecedented five players making the max. It’ll be next to impossible to find a player that makes about what Toine makes with one year remaining on his deal. In other words to get rid of Toine Cuban would probably have to take on more long-term money. We've already spent about 6 million of his dollars on Ostertag. Throw in the new Nash deal and Cuban may be at his breaking point, content to just let Toine fester for another season and take the cap relief when he his deal expires. Probably depends on how much of an ass Toine makes of himself from now until the end of the season.

On another note, this seems be a 1st for the current incarnation of the Mavs. They’ve never had to deal with dissension in the room from a major player. Nellie has been in this situation before, but I'm interested in seeing how the team handles it. Fin may be the most important guy in the room now. On one side he has Dirk and Nash, the duo that helped him lift the Mavs from obscurity. On the other side he has Toine, his boy from Chicago who he spoke highly of before the Mavs brought him in. Lets see how good of a politician you are Mike.

[grndmstr_c]

I liked how Nellie handled it. He does some wierd things coaching, but I trust him as much as I trust anyone dealing with a situation like this.

[MavsFanFinley]

I'd like to think Dirk isn't pissed from that quote. I read it like...''it's not time to hang it up yet with so much work left to do...'' If he is pissed, that's twice in one week he didn't stick up for a teammate.

Nash talking. Taken from the official site post-game quotes.

On any frustration from Antoine Walker right now:

I suppose, it's always difficult when things aren't going your way and you can't really find your rhythm or your confidence. We just have to support him and hopefully he'll continue to battle and it will come around for him.

[grndmstr_c]

I don't know that Dirk sounds pissed, but he does sound like he's not going to support any pouting, and that's just fine with me.

[twelli]

Jamison has been a starter all his career and didn't complain being the 6th man. He didn't whine about his minutes and just focused on getting better. If Jamison starts in place of Walker that would be fine with me. I am sure Jamison would reward Nellie with big play after big play. "I can't deliver in 18 minutes. I don't have that mindset." What a whole lot of crap!

[PubaNWO]

Originally posted by: Bayliss
I was wrong earlier, and for that I apologize. I have no faith in him whatsoever. I have no empathy for him at all. I have more empathy for Paul Pierce and Boston fans. Now I know why Pierce has declined in the last 3 years. Let Walker stick here for 2 more years and Dirk will regress the same. And I know why he was traded for dog shit in LaFrentz and a glimmer of hope in Welsch.

And god I wish the Mavs had Welsch back. It wasn't worth trading away Welsch for Walker. We got screwed on that trade. (Especially considering Welsch tore up Minny last night in Minny.)

Ummmm Paul Pierce's numbers have only declined this year....after Walker was traded.....

Nice try though....

And for all of you to make this thread up is classless.....

so the guy isn't playing well......that's not good for the team and the coach plays him less which is understandable...but if he really is the reason the team isn't playing well it's going to say a lot about Nash, Dirk, and Finley.....

these guys are suppose to be better players....they're suppose to make Walker a better player....not the other way around....

the only reason the Mavs won tonight was because the other players who played in Walker's minutes PLAYED well and that's not a norm.....adding to the fact Dirk couldn't miss.....which hasn't been the case in most games this year....

the only reason this team has been losing is because the Big 3 haven't played well like they have last year.....and if they can't play well with maybe 3-5 shots less per game compared to last year how can you all think Walker can play even remotely well at 20 minutes a game??

You guys sound more and more like Boston fans....when he plays well he's good but you still want him to take less shots and have YOUR favorite players play more and take more shots.....when he plays "bad" he just "sucks" and this "team chemistry" comes up.....well if the Big 3 were playing at a high level and the team was winning then Walker wouldn't be "whining"

and if you guys think that the other role players like Jamison can keep their play up then you're going to be disappointed....they're not as good as you think because you're feelings are all biased when comparing them to Walker....

in the end he's on your team and if you guys don't support him that's classless.....everyone knows that Walker isn't the best shooter on the team and he's taken less and less shots.....he's tried to fit in but when he makes the slightest mistake he's getting yanked and that is only going to make him lose more confidence and him to not produce in other areas.....

....he's not playing well at all and he hasn't played all that well since last year......if he keeps playing this bad I don't argue the fact he should play less but I will still continue to call you fans classless if you keeping acting like arrogant wannabes......the fact he's getting paid millions of dollars doesn't mean he loses the right to be human and have emotions...it's not easy getting traded.....and especially when you didn't want to get traded in the first place....

when the Mavs win the title this year.....this whole thing will be a distant humorous memory....

[grndmstr_c]

Puba, I love your closing optimism, and I really hope Walker comes around, but his play, along with Nellie's insistance on playing him a lot for most of the season, has been the single biggest problem with the Mavs this year. Even when he was doing well by the standard statistical measures earlier in the year the team simply didn't do as well when he was on the floor. As a new addition to a WCF finalist with three all-stars, that's his responsibility. Lately, with the colossal tank job he's been pulling, Nellie's hand has been forced. I've posted some +/- stats for him over the last four games in this thread and one other and they're just out of control bad. If this team wants to win games at all he needs to sit until he figures it out. There have been plenty of posters who have hated on Toine since the beginning, and while I don't think that's entirely fair, the way he's conducted himself on and off the court recently have really made the pessimists seem like the smart ones. It doesn't matter if AJ and Eddie don't always play like tonight. They've got a long way to fall before they'll make Antoine, the way he's playing, look like a viable option.

[PubaNWO]

I havne't heard his "bitching" on the radio but from what I've read in the papers and post game comments it's not a bid deal.....and Walker is always going to have a bad +/- stat because he'll be playing a lot minutes when the Mavs 2 best players aren't on the floor (dirk and Nash) so duh the other team will make their runs then....sure he contributes to it when he turns the ball over but when he misses shots the team more than half the time still comes away with points or a foul....

Walker will redeem himself but he's going to need more than 18 minutes....he's not a great player so he's not going to make great plays in such a small alotted time.....

[Evilmav2]

Ranks #19 in the NBA in Defensive Rebounds
Ranks #19 in the NBA in Defensive Rebounds Per Game
Ranks #18 in the NBA in Double-doubles
Ranks #2 in the NBA in Triple-doubles
Efficiency Ranking: + 17.60
Season Averages of 15.0 ppg, 8.6 rpg, and 4.9 apg

That was a damned fine post, PubaNWO. I also think it is high time folks should cut Walker a little slack.

The Employee has long been accustomed to being the primary or secondary scoring option in Boston, and I find it highly commendable that he has done his best to try to remold and rein in his game to fit in with our Mavs. Because of that, it really angers me that since his aquisition he has gotten little or no support or respect from the fans in the stands or from the jabbering mouths of the Dallas media. I have a strong hunch that all of the stupid mid-season trade rumors, as well as all of the derision and groaning that inevitably emanates from our American Arena crowd following any missed Walker three pointer or turnover have a lot to do with this current slump, and it angers me to no end that the man has received such little respect here.

Earlier this season when Dirk was slumping and injured, Walker did one heck of a good job in helping to keep this Mavs boat afloat. He filled up the stat sheets with rebounds, scoring, and his often beautiful assists, and he did so when we desperately needed that kind of production on our gelling and often hapless team (Throughout much of October and November Dirk wasn't Dirk, Najera played like a limping dog turd, and Finley was in his usual early season slump). Now that Dirk is back, Finley is playing at a supremely high level, and Jamison, Najera, and our reigning SEC and ACC Players of the Year, Daniels and Howard (not to mention fellow object of fan-hatred Fortson) all need PT, Toine is having a hard time finding his role and he gets absolutely no support or respect from the fans as he is trying his darndest to do it.

He is frustrated and I strongly believe that he deserves a little bit of leeway and support as he does his best to help our team succeed.

He is not responsible for the last three losses, he has done his best to fit in with this team and do whatever Don and the coaching staff have asked him to do, and I continue to believe that his contributions are going to be necessarily critical to our hopes for playoff success this year.

Antoine Walker, the Dallas Mavericks' leading rebounder, has brought us a very efficient 15.0 ppg, 8.6 rpg, and 4.9 apg to replace Raef's disapointing 02-03 averages of 9.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg, and 0.8 apg, while helping to transform the Mavs into one of the best rebounding teams in the NBA. And that is why I say that any fan who asserts that he would rather have a crippled, bone-on-bone kneed Raef, and a soft shooter who wouldn't get off the bench in Jiri is a purblind fool.

The trade that subtracted Nick's fire and Avery Johnson's leadership in exchange for the younger abilities of Jamison is the trade that gutted the heart of last year's overachieving and wonderful Mavs team, not the Boston trade. It frustrates me to see these Mavs not show the heart and will to win of last year's team, but it is wholly unfair to blame that loss on the presence or aquisition of Antoine. The trade that netted us Walker (and if worst comes to worst, his valuable expiring contract), was pure gravy. We exchanged a broken disapointment and a decent but one-dimensional combo guard prospect for a relatively young, and very talented all-star. This was a trade of bad for good; Injury, underachievement, and "soft" play given up for rebounding, inspired passing, and playoff experience.

Sure Walker has recently had a few bad games as he has tried to find his role in the endlessly shifting and confusing rotations that have marked this year's Mavs team, but I think his earlier strong play and proven willingness to fit in on this team mandates that he should deserve a bit more respect and consideration than many feckless internet and game-attending Mavs fans seem to be giving him lately. I for one find this Walker-scapegoating, bandwagoning, tar-and-feather parade to be absolutely shameful.

[doggnutz]

Originally posted by: twelli
Jamison has been a starter all his career and didn't complain being the 6th man. He didn't whine about his minutes and just focused on getting better. If Jamison starts in place of Walker that would be fine with me. I am sure Jamison would reward Nellie with big play after big play. "I can't deliver in 18 minutes. I don't have that mindset." What a whole lot of crap!

That's what I was thinking. Jamison has it worse than Walker, and never said a word. Even if Dallas gets to the finals and lose, I still want Walker and somebody gone to get Martin & Curry in here with Dirk as the focal point of this team. Send Walker back to the east. kg_veteran he is so gone next year, I wonder what was on the table for him before the trade deadline.

[Dooby]

Originally posted by: OutletPass
X- my concern is this and I've just expressed it to KG in a PM...about 3 minutes ago...

When are we going to find that there are very few teams willing to "blow themselves up" for cap space...after all...the Denvers, Utahs, Atlantas, and Phoenixs of the world aren't going to do it ewvery two years. I'm just afraid that themarket for these big expiring contracts maay dry up in the next year or two, so I'm not that willing to pass up a good deal and hold a "problem" on the team up to the trade deadline...and you also run into the "jelling" factor again. Do we want to bring in one or two new big time players at the deadline...or play with them all year ?

OP, there are several opinions on that.

There will always be "A Team" as long as there is "A Player" worth getting under the cap for. This year, that player is Kobe. I really don't know who that player is next year, but there is always somebody.

Second, there will always be teams that are rebuilding and know they are going to be bad and would rather have the options. The benefit of Walker is that he is a former allstar and still can put up good numbers. Any team that takes him can argue that they want to resign him and the problem in Dallas was minutes and the problem in Boston was Ainge. You put Walker on Atlanta and he scores 25 points a night and is an allstar.

The market for big expiring contracts won't dry up because there aren't as many big expiring contracts as there used to be.

[MightyToine]

I......don't....give....a....damn...about......thi s.....guy.....anymore. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-frown.gif[/img]


Puba, I understand your optimistic view and, like you, PRAY that Walker's game approaches the '02 Playoff-level instead of what we're seeing now. That said, Walker is a LEASTERN-CONFERENCE Player in my eyes, and unless he is traded to the Rockets, is not suited for the Western Conference. Just my opinion, though....

I am sick and tired of defending him, puba. I'm tired.... I just want to root for someone who not only has talent but has the mental capacity to USE IT! Walker does NOT use those talents wisely and his whining about PT especially after a victory is RIDICULOUS.

Walker must be traded, puba. If not for the Team's own good, then for HIS Own Good. He needs to be on a team that gives him 30-35 minutes(or more) a night on a CONSISTENT BASIS *and* Let's him take as many shot attempts as he likes(good or bad).


We could trade him to ATLANTA if that's the case for Ratliff..... There he can shoot to his heart's content and NO ONE WILL CARE.



Or we could trade him to Cleveland for Big Z so that he would play alongside his friend LeBron and form a rivalry between the Celtics and the Cavs....



Lots to think about....

[FilthyFinMavs]

Regardless of what you think Antoine is one of the rare guys who can guard a 4 and rebound consistently for us. No one does it better than him on this team. No one can drive to the hole from the wing like Walker can on this team. He just isn't finishing at the hoop. Antoine does not suck. I find it wierd that he is even missing his layups inside. It's more of a mental thing rather then be physical. All you can do is be patient. I remember this same ignorance when NVE was here. There is always that one guy fans beat up on when they take alot of shots and last year it was Fin and Nick.

[Richard]

I was all ready to launch an "off with his head" tirade, until I read all the quotes in both area papers.

Yeah, he should have just continued to keep his mouth shut. BUT, he didn't really come out and make a bunch of me first demands. Mostly he sounded frustrated. Its kind of like the 2d QB in a QB controversy. You do want the guy to be unhappy if he isn't starting don't you? A starter who isn't competitive enough to be unhappy with reduced minutes isn't worth much.

So, while I'm still kind of waiting to make a call on Walker, and letting his emotions get the best of him and giving real answers to the press (now there is a novel idea) was a mistake under the cicumstances, I would say we should give him some more rope... at least before we stretch it around his neck as was my initial reaction.

When not in a slump, he can help this team, especially rebounding and dishing. He just needs to shut up and produce. It'll be better for him and the team long term. It probably doesn't hurt at all that he is learning on this team he has to help the team, not just his stats, to get minutes.

[FilthyFinMavs]

Walker just said what was on his mind due to frustration. He has been holding back this whole season he has been here and he is just coming out saying it right now. This isn't Antawn Jamison we have here. A whole different personality here. Jamison got a taste of what is going on with the Mavs now at North Carolina. This is Walker's first time not being the big show. I'm all for Nellie benching the guy when he is playing bad. He has benched Dirk, Finley, and Nash for playing bad this season. Walker is no exception. I see were he is coming from however. He feels that he should be able to work out of his slump as others were given the chance. Keep at the boards and stay in the post Walker. You had 8 boards in 18 minutes last night. When your shot isn't falling find other ways to contribute.

[MavsFanFinley]

Walker vents after Mavs handle Suns

By Art Garcia
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

DALLAS - Antoine Walker tried to remain positive after the Mavericks snapped a three-game losing streak with Monday night's 103-90 victory against Phoenix at American Airlines Center, but the frustration began to seep out nonetheless. Then the dam broke.

Walker, on the bench for 30 of 48 minutes against the Suns, aired out his disappointment in a suddenly reduced role and a lack of communication with the coaching staff. Walker has not played more than 27 minutes in the past four games and with a six-point scoring effort against Phoenix, he has failed to reach double figures in four of the past five games.

Asked if he's working his way through a slump, Walker let the frustration flow.

"I can't work my way through nothing, man," he said. "I'm trying to play every day. It's too late for that. I'm just out here playing. It's tough to do anything in 18 minutes, so whatever the situation is, hopefully it works out the best for this team.

"It's the first time I've dealt with this in my career. I've never played 18 minutes in my life. It's hard for me to adjust to it. It's kind of late in the season, so I'm just going to have to deal with it. My goal has to be to try to keep focused and help this team win. It's tough, man. I'm trying to grind through it."

Mavs coach Don Nelson said after the game that Walker has played his way into a reduced role. The starting small forward has made just 13 of 48 shots (27 percent) in the past five games. He's averaging 7.8 points and 5.6 rebounds, considerably down from his season averages, during that stretch.

"He'll play his way out of this," Nelson said. "He gives me no choice. I have to do something for his good, for my good, for the team's good. He's in a slump right now and when a guy is in a slump, you try to encourage him to come out of it, and you don't play him as much until he works his way out of it. Hard work will get him out of it."

Nelson, who declined to comment after Walker voiced his concerns, has made it known that his players have to earn their minutes as the season winds down to the postseason.

"We can't fool around with 20 games left," Nelson said. "We're jockeying for position here. It's really the same with anybody, he just happens to be the guy that hasn't been playing the last few games, so I don't want to blow a game because of it. Other guys are playing very well."

Walker said he would welcome a chance to discuss his decreased role with Nelson, but that has yet to happen. Walker, traded from Boston a week before the start of the season, had problems at times with the Celtics' coaching staff.

"I love the game of basketball," Walker said. "I work hard at it, but going back and forth with the coaches, I'm way beyond that in my career, so I'm not going to even ask. Hopefully one day he'll pull me to the side to tell me. Maybe he's trying to see what he's got in other players. I don't know."

Nelson had counted on Walker to be a secondary playmaker behind Steve Nash. Walker checked out with 5:48 left in the first quarter and didn't return for the remainder of the half. For the rest of the game his time was divided among Antawn Jamison, Eduardo Najera and Josh Howard, who combined to play 95 minutes off the bench.

"I'm trying my best. I'm not perfect," Walker said. "I've got to be able to play through mistakes just like anybody else in the league, in the NBA. Right now it's unfortunate. It's a frustrating situation for myself. I've never been in it, so it's something I have to deal with. It's hard for me to play mistake-free basketball. It's hard for me to shoot the basketball and then have to worry about if I turn the ball over ... if I'm coming in and out of the game. It's hard for me to do that."

Mavs tri-captain Michael Finley is Walker's closest friend on the team and is ready to lend his fellow Chicago native a helping hand or an ear.

"It's not about being captain or a teammate," Finley said. "It's about being a friend. I'll call him, if not tonight, first thing tomorrow. He may need somebody within the organization just to bounce off his concerns. I'll be there for him."

Steve Nash, another captain, said he's there to support Walker, but added, "We can't have negativity in here right now."

The Mavs (40-23) did avoid their second four-game losing streak of the season before heading out on the road for another three-game road trip starting Thursday at Sacramento. Though the sting of the just-completed 0-3 trek has yet to fade, the Mavs needed some home cooking. No team in the NBA has a better record in its building this season than the Mavs' 29-4, and the victory over the Suns was the ninth straight at AAC.

[FilthyFinMavs]

Mavs tri-captain Michael Finley is Walker's closest friend on the team and is ready to lend his fellow Chicago native a helping hand or an ear.

I like this part but I wish it would've came alot earlier when he was shooting bricks.

[Evilmav2]

Keep at the boards and stay in the post Walker. You had 8 boards in 18 minutes last night. When your shot isn't falling find other ways to contribute.

You are absolutely right FFM. I have a sense that Walker just needs to get back to what he does fundamentally well and the rest of his game will end up coming back around. Rebounding and busting folks with his back to the basket can right his listing ship, and that would be a critically good thing, because I am really worried about the playoff prospects of a Mavs team that isn't benefiting from the contributions of a confident and productive Antoine...

Feckless fans cutting out their Antoine-directed murmers, groans, and occasional boos in the AA center wouldn't hurt things either.

[kg_veteran]

I'll admit this about Walker. I've gone back and forth on him. I don't like the way his game looks, but I have (at times) really liked his contributions to the team. Still, he's not the type of player that we should be looking to help out of a slump. He's got to do it on his own. And when I say get out of a slump, I'm not talking about shooting the ball better. He'll never be able to shoot the ball well. Anybody who says otherwise is a wishful dreamer. For Walker to contribute to this team and be a valuable part of a playoff run, he needs to PASS the ball, take care of the ball, and rebound. Any defense or scoring he can contribute is secondary and a complete bonus, IMO.

In other words, if Walker could give us 9-10 rebounds per game and 5 assists per game, it'd be just fine with me if he didn't even average 10 ppg.

[FilthyFinMavs]

Originally posted by: Evilmav2

You are absolutely right FFM. I have a sense that Walker just needs to get back to what he does fundamentally well and the rest of his game will end up coming back around. Rebounding and busting folks with his back to the basket can right his listing ship, and that would be a critically good thing, because I am really worried about the playoff prospects of a Mavs team that isn't benefiting from the contributions of a confident and productive Antoine...

Feckless fans cutting out their Antoine-directed murmers, groans, and occasional boos in the AA center wouldn't hurt things either.

Agreed. This guy had a back to back triple double. I don't remember how many points he had but it was somewherein the 11-14 range. He doesn't need to shoot for us. I don't know why he is missing his layups but if he would make them he would be averaging 20 a game and that is assuming he would be hitting his free throws. I have seen this guy beat guards off the dribble. If he can beat a guard off the dribble he surely can beat off Jake Voskul. I want the Antoine who looks to pass first. Shoot when open which he has been doing but I prefer his points come from the paint. There is a reason why he is open behind the 3.

[FilthyFinMavs]

Originally posted by: kg_veteran
I'll admit this about Walker. I've gone back and forth on him. I don't like the way his game looks, but I have (at times) really liked his contributions to the team. Still, he's not the type of player that we should be looking to help out of a slump. He's got to do it on his own. And when I say get out of a slump, I'm not talking about shooting the ball better. He'll never be able to shoot the ball well. Anybody who says otherwise is a wishful dreamer. For Walker to contribute to this team and be a valuable part of a playoff run, he needs to PASS the ball, take care of the ball, and rebound. Any defense or scoring he can contribute is secondary and a complete bonus, IMO.

In other words, if Walker could give us 9-10 rebounds per game and 5 assists per game, it'd be just fine with me if he didn't even average 10 ppg.

I don't know about shooting the ball better but I think his shooting percentage should be well over 42% from the field. He has been in the paint but he isn't hitting layups. It's not just him but he has been in this funk for awhile not hitting his baskets inside the paint. I think it has alot to do with him not wanting contact because he knows he is a bad free throw shooter. If i'm him I just say what the hell. I miss the free throws thats fine but atleast I'm attacking the basket.

[PubaNWO]

Jamison does not have it harder than Walker.....Jamison is just glad to SEE the playoffs. Walker used to be one of the main guys and now he's just a role player.....a token starter.....if it wasn't for his point-foward philosophy of Nelson than Walker wouldn't even be on the team......much less start.

I still have confidence in this former all-star to bounce back. He's hitting his free throws more now and his 3's.....he still takes too many weird shots though.....and his layups will eventually fall.....

I'm just more concerned with his frustration after he misses easy shots....he gets too emotional and in a negative way......stop it!

[Flip3]

This is a message to all of the give the man a chance crowd.
1. He can not shoot.
2. He can pass, BUT he commits more turnovers than assists,
3. He shows zero enthusiasm when the mavs make a big shot or play.(No team Support unless he is currently in the game)
4. He bitches after a win,
5. Jamison has been a starter all of his life, so there should be no talk of who has it worse.
6. Jamison has not played in the playoffs, BUT he has been in the NCAA tournament which has it's own pressures.
7. Jamison was the #1 man on his past team, and Walker was the #2.
8. Jamison doesn't bitch about minutes.
9. Fortson doesn't bitch about minutes.
10. Do I need to list the roster?
11. What we have here is a player that thinks of himself first and not his team.
12. His feelings do not need to impede the progress of this team. He is a man, not a child.
13. If he can't get it done in 18 min., Lord help him because I do not see him getting much more playing and acting like a jackass.
14. I do not know who would want this guy this summer, except Isaah who seems to collect bad players like T.Thomas.
15. I do not think that he will hurt Dirk's growth, because Nash will always give him the ball, assuming that he will be here.

[mavsman55]

Originally posted by: Flip3
This is a message to all of the give the man a chance crowd.
1. He can not shoot.
2. He can pass, BUT he commits more turnovers than assists,
3. He shows zero enthusiasm when the mavs make a big shot or play.(No team Support unless he is currently in the game)
4. He bitches after a win,
5. Jamison has been a starter all of his life, so there should be no talk of who has it worse.
6. Jamison has not played in the playoffs, BUT he has been in the NCAA tournament which has it's own pressures.
7. Jamison was the #1 man on his past team, and Walker was the #2.
8. Jamison doesn't bitch about minutes.
9. Fortson doesn't bitch about minutes.
10. Do I need to list the roster?
11. What we have here is a player that thinks of himself first and not his team.
12. His feelings do not need to impede the progress of this team. He is a man, not a child.
13. If he can't get it done in 18 min., Lord help him because I do not see him getting much more playing and acting like a jackass.
14. I do not know who would want this guy this summer, except Isaah who seems to collect bad players like T.Thomas.
15. I do not think that he will hurt Dirk's growth, because Nash will always give him the ball, assuming that he will be here.

You make it sound like he's such an untalented player. Like i said before, he has a lot of talent and just happens to be on a very cold streak right now. And for some reason, he blames it on his minutes (doesn't make any sense). But he's a very good player. Not a born shooter, but passes and rebounds as good as most of the other players on this team. The only reason he should be gotten rid of is because his playing style doesn't click with the rest of the players. His +/- rating is pathetic as grndmstr_c pointed out before. Even though he is skilled, he is a detriment to this team and should be gotten rid of. He'd make a much better fit on a team like Atlanta where he could be the star. It's just not working for him here, though.

[u2sarajevo]

I like the Walker that played in LA in December.....

He doesn't "suck", he just isn't as good as advertised. Not for any long stretches anyways.

Irregardless, we are "stuck" with him so bitching about it ain't gonna change it. The team has got to find a way to win with him. If that is by keeping him on the bench then so be it. I'm a Mavericks fan first, I could care less about what he thinks about his playing time.

[Dooby]

Bob and Dan played the whole post-game interview with Walker on their show. Unedited. All 2+ minutes worth. Guys, the guy is sorry. Parts of it at the beginning made me think he was taken out of context, but then he just keeps going and going for two minutes -digging a hole for himself.

"Have the coaches talked to you?" "No. Hopefully someday they will." "Have you tried to talk to the coaches?" "No. Don't plan to."

This guy does not want to be here.