Ex-Celtic is relishing his workload
MIAMI -- Antoine Walker stood behind his assigned podium yesterday and answered all kinds of questions, just as he has done throughout the NBA Finals. Inevitably, the questions about Dwyane Wade kept coming.
What is it like to play with someone who can score 40-plus points while injured? How much do you appreciate having a teammate who can take over on offense like that? Does Wade just amaze you with his talent? At first, Walker patiently responded to each query. Then, he finally broke and sounded slightly annoyed.
``It's nothing new," said Walker. ``I played with Paul Pierce in Boston."
Walker probably knew how unsatisfactory that answer was. But it served as a reminder of where Walker has been and just how far he has come. The 2006 NBA Finals are nothing like the 2002 Eastern Conference finals between the Celtics and Nets when Walker played beside Pierce. Walker is competing at a whole other level on a team at a higher level.
``In Boston, trying to get [title] No. 17 would have been nice because they hadn't been there in such a long time," said Walker. ``But here, being a part of the first [trip to the Finals for the Heat], it's very special. You feel like you're getting over all these humps. You build your fan base now by playing for a championship."
``[In '02], I thought we had a legitimate chance to get to the Finals," added Walker. ``I thought we were a better team than New Jersey at the time. Since then, I never really thought about getting an NBA title until I came here. Since the day I signed, that's all we've thought about."
The Heat and Mavericks are tied, 2-2, in the series, with Game 5 tonight at AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami.
``You looked at our roster and said we legitimately have a chance to win the title," said Walker. ``That's all you think about all day. To finally be here, you feel like nine months of hard work has paid off. Now, it's a matter of just getting it done. I'm playing with a great group of guys who all bring their own story to this whole thing."
The Walker story started in Boston, moved to Dallas and Atlanta, returned to Boston, then picked up in Miami. Thanks to a sign-and-trade between Boston and Miami last August, Walker is playing for an NBA title in his 10th season.
For most of his career, Walker enjoyed his role as a starter, earning lots of touches -- and lots of criticism for his shot selection. Walker brought his reputation for questionable shot selection to Miami, but he accepted a less clearly defined role on a team stocked with talent. He took care of his body, with weekly team weigh-ins keeping him on track, and waited for opportunities to contribute.
Walker came off the bench in all but 19 of 82 games this season as the Heat worked through a coaching change, injuries, and chemistry issues. He averaged 12.2 points and 5.1 rebounds in 26.8 minutes per game. He has started all 21 of Miami's playoff games, averaging 13.7 points and 5.5 rebounds in 38 minutes.
Only Wade has averaged more minutes (41) and only Shaquille O'Neal (18.9) and Wade (27.4) have averaged more points.
And while Walker sometimes may bristle at being called a supporting player, he is relishing the Finals experience.
``A lot of people think it's been a hard year," said Walker. ``But I never read the papers. I don't get caught up in what's going on, what people say about me. All I worry about is how I can get better and make an impact on the team.
``The biggest adjustment was coming off the bench. That was a huge adjustment for me. Obviously, I knew coming in I wasn't going to get 15-20 shots a night. I came in with the right mind-set, expecting to be a part of the team and do my part. That's all I try to do every night, just do my part.
``This is the opportunity of a lifetime. You never know if you'll get an opportunity like this again, so I'm just trying to make the most of the experience."
