School still isn't out on the Walker trade but after four consecutive wins it is time to fess up to the fact that Danny Ainge has made a very strong move and strengthened the club for what may be a very interesting 23 game end of season run and a lot of fun in the playoffs. The reaction of the fans to Walker's introduction prior to the Laker's game is a good indication that the fan base is on board with Danny's work.
The chief criticism of the deal was the loss of Gary Payton who was the only point guard the Celtics had with a great deal of experience. That of course has not been made a moot point since Altanta released him after the trade and he re-signed with the Celtics and showed up in uniform for last night's nights game.
The short hiatus allowed both Marcus Banks and Delonte West to show off their skills at the point and quite frankly they acquitted themselves quite nicely. We have seen flashes of brilliance last year from Banks with his tremendous speed and penetrating skills and this year he has added pressure defense to his tool box.
Delonte West has showed well on occasion but was slowed to only 16 games by injury early in the season. That is all behind him now as with each game he shows veteran poise and rookie enthusiasm. He has a complete game from the point position which includes an uncanny rebounding ability to go with his mature ball handling and defensive skills. Additionally he cannot be left open on the perimeter because he will consistently stick the open jumper. With Payton back and playing lesser minutes but mentoring the young guards, Coach Rivers has a bounty of options.
The addition of Walker has dramatically shored up the rebounding game as he is a force both on the defensive and offensive glass. By inserting him into the starting lineup it has moved Mark Blount to the bench and he has been very effective and seems rejuventated by this change. Walker is not a shrinking violet and will get into Blount's face if his effort is sub par. With Al Jefferson coming off the bench to sub in the front court with Blount the Celtics are now very big on the second team.
It may take the full 23 games or more for this team to fully mesh but one thing is for certain each night is the athleticism and energy the club brings to the court. Besides the young legs of West, Jefferson and Banks is added the all world leaping ability of Tony Allen and Ricky Davis. Ricky and Paul Pierce seem to be the two main beneficiaries of the addition of Walker has both of them have been streaking all over the court. In one game last week they both submitted 29 point efforts. The hall mark of the entire club has been its unselfishness. Very rarely have we seen the one side clearout while a player backs down his defender in a boring bouncing the ball one on one isolation play.
Ainge's contribution has been to completely make over the talent on the team and the faithful like what they see. The contribution of Coach Rivers should not be overlooked. He has been a positive force in encouraging the younger players in spreading out playing time and he has been relentlessly demanding and optimistic about the team changing its style to a traditional Celtic ball club.
Again, it is very early to predict anything more than an improving environment for basketball in the region but perhaps the re-naming of the arena to the "Garden" may be an omen of greater things to come. This club is a mixture of youth, talent and experience. At the moment one can only guess at what fanciful things the future might bring.
