The Rockets want Antoine Walker WHY?????

[1StUnA]

This would be a huge mistake rather see them get Swift or better yet Evans. Walker is just too dumb. He takes bad shots and wouldnt be able to guard the big dogs out west. DONT DO IT HOUSTON

[23]

Re: The Rockets want Antoine Walker WHY?????

Comparing Antoine Walker and Stromile Swift, it would seem that SS would have the clear advantage. I don't necessarily think that is true. I think that SS is a better fit as a starter, while AW is a better fit as a 6th man. Which begs the question, is SS good enough to play starter minutes?

Age: AW is older at 28 (29 in Aug.), but Stromile is 25 (26 in Nov). 4 years is huge in NBA terms. However, don't forget that AW was putting up allstar numbers in his first 5 years, while SS has barely put up 6th man numbers.

Durability: Looking at the numbers, AW is durable. He has played >80 games in 6 of 8 non strike shortened seasons and >75 games in 8 of 8. SS has played >80 in 1 of 5, >75 in 2 of 5 averaging ~70 games per season.

Offense: AW is a flat out scorer with 3pt range, SS is an avg. scorer. AW has shooting % of .422 and .323 while SS is at .449. I agree that AW shoots too many 3's, but keep in mind this is the same 3p% as Tmac. I also find it interesting that if you subtract AW's strict 2p% .454, about the same as SS. I think AW as a 3rd option or 1st option off the bench would be fantastic. As a 6th man, AW would really stabilize our 2nd team, while SS would probably not have a large impact.

TO's, AST's and O-rebounding: AW has way too many TO's for a Pf. However, per 48 min. AW has 4.1 while SS has 3.4! Take into account that AW handles the ball alot more and this really shows that SS is just as clumsy with the ball as AW. O-rebounding has been lacking on this team and SS is a better O-rebounder than AW at 3.5 to 3.0, respectively. This probably is due to AW being at the three point line during offensive sets. AW is clearly the superior passer b/c of his ball handling skills (4.3 to 1.6 per 48).

Defense: Both of these guys are bad defenders. AW is too small and doesn't exert himself enough. SS is slow laterally and can't guard quicker players 1 on 1. SS is a much superior blocker (3.5 to .9) and about the same stealer (1.54 to 1.45). SS would provide that defensive presence, if he were to start. If he is a 2nd teamer, than its likely his talents would be wasted b/c Deke is such a good straight up blocker. IMO, both these guys lack the type of defensive skills that we really want (see Tyson Chandler). It is worrisome that SS avg. 6.8 fouls per 48 (AW 3.5). On the 2nd team, I think AW is sufficient defensivley, while SS is more suited to start with his defensive skill set.

Defensive rebounding: Controlling the boards is key to winning as JVG has frequently said. Believe it or not, AW is a more adept defensive rebounder than the more athletic and tall SS. (Once again Barkley proved its not about athletic prowess, but more about fundamental boxing out and positioning) AW avgs 8.3 to SS's 6.8. Lots of arguments can be made about this (i.e. so and so played with a better rebounding big man), but I have always been suprised by how good a rebounder the undersized AW is.

Conclusion: I think SS maybe a little overrated due to his athletic appeal and age. I don't think he is starter material, and I bet he would get beat out by Juwan Howard, thus losing his appeal (i.e. defensive help and weakside blocking). I think AW would also come off the bench, which would maximize his best qualities (i.e. scoring when T-mac or Yao is on the bench).
Both of these guys would be absolute fantastic pick ups this offseason. Both would add depth to a depthless position on this team.

[3rdAnswer]

Re: The Rockets want Antoine Walker WHY?????

KDRE nice breakdown of each player. I agree that AW should only be brought in under the circumstances that he would be a 6th man type player like he was for Dallas.

[Vince]

Re: The Rockets want Antoine Walker WHY?????

If you're a running team, you want Stro. Toine has too many skills on him, and he better fits a controled, slowed down system.

[IlliniM1ke]

Re: The Rockets want Antoine Walker WHY?????

I think Walker would be a pretty good fit in Houston, he chucks too many 3's but when hes on hes on, and his shooting will pull defenders out opening more up for Yao down low. Walker would give Houston a good 3rd scoring option and he rebounds pretty good.

[BTB]

Re: The Rockets want Antoine Walker WHY?????

Personally, I think it would be a perfect fit for him. I'd like to see him succeed and I think its a good spot for someone with his skills.

[Flyboy]

Re: The Rockets want Antoine Walker WHY?????

Ehhhh... I'm just not too hot on this one at all. It makes me weary.

[Court_vision]

Re: The Rockets want Antoine Walker WHY?????

Personally, I think it would be a perfect fit for him. I'd like to see him succeed and I think its a good spot for someone with his skills.

I agree BTB. He's be a perfect fit in Houston.

He'd give them another ball handler, which they need.

He'd give them rebounding, which they need.

He also would be able to play away from the post...which he prefers...

Yao getting doubled would free Toine up / leave him open. That's something he's never really had.

Him and Mac on the floor together would also allow them to go without a PG for long periods...something they'll need to do, as they have no real starting calibre PG.

Two ball handlers thus allows them to play the spot up shooters more...something they like to do with Mac and Yao getting doubled.

[3rdAnswer]

Re: The Rockets want Antoine Walker WHY?????

It'd be ok if he chilled out with taking those three pointers. He's like PDiddy, cause when he sees a three he wants to JACK IT BABY!!!

[dieselboy]

Re: The Rockets want Antoine Walker WHY?????

I think AW gets a bad rap.

He would be AMAZING as a third option.

[Flyboy]

Re: The Rockets want Antoine Walker WHY?????

I think AW gets a bad rap.

He would be AMAZING as a third option.

If he fixed his shot selection, I'd agree.

[bamalam]

Re: The Rockets want Antoine Walker WHY?????

what is walker gonna get $ wise? depends on how much they have to pay. reasonable contract -then ok , but if big $ then no

[BTB]

Re: The Rockets want Antoine Walker WHY?????

You're looking at the mle ~6 million a year

[Flyboy]

Re: The Rockets want Antoine Walker WHY?????

I honestly want Simmons moreso than Walker, but no way will Simmons just accept the MLE.

[PdiddyPop]

Re: The Rockets want Antoine Walker WHY?????

It'd be ok if he chilled out with taking those three pointers. He's like PDiddy, cause when he sees a three he wants to JACK IT BABY!!!

OHHHH YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!