An Alternative Storyline to the Knicks Game

Posted by Brendan Jackson on Feb 25, 2010 63373 commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F2010%2F02%2F25%2Falternative-storyline-to-the-knicks-game%2FAn+Alternative+Storyline+to+the+Knicks+Game2010-02-25+13%3A16%3A57Brendan+Jacksonhttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F%3Fp%3D6337

Due to the fact that I’m a weird guy, and instead of thinking about how Eddie House’s return to Boston would effect the Garden crowd, my mind was on other things when I watched the Knicks game.

Most notably, Bill Walker.  After checking box scores for the first six games of his career in New York, I got used to seeing the customary “DNP” next to his name.  So when the game began, I did what any Celtic fan/ Bill Walker enthusiast would do- sat and sulked about the suppression of a geyser of untapped potential.

To my surprise (and glee) Walker checked into the game at the 3:32 mark in the first quarter.  It may have been due to Walker’s homecoming, and playing in front of a crowd that would surely shower him in adoration, but after not playing for the first six games since the trade I was surprised to see him check in the game so early.

I was even more surprised when I realized that he was sharing the same court with Tracy McGrady- you know, the guy he mixed it up with two years ago in an exhibition game. If you don’t remember…BAM:

I love how local announcers take so many liberties (I know, I know.  Tommy does it too).  But Bill Walker being the most combative Celtic? When the Celtics have Kevin Garnett on the team?

Irresponsible? Maybe a little.  Silly?  Definitely.

From the day he arrived in Boston, Bill Walker had been a model citizen.  He attended numerous charity events, never argued or pouted about playing time or getting sent to the D-League, and was committed to learning and growing defensively (at least according to what he said).

Perhaps a little precocious as a rookie, Walker is just the type of guy that goes hard and plays physical- something not normally associated with his position.

I find it incredibly interesting that the two players who ticked off Tracy McGrady in that game are now on his team.  After contributing a healthy seven points on 3 of 5 shooting, Walker seems to in line to get the run he deserves.  The Knicks could also get a relatively inexpensive look at Bill Walker for the next two seasons (should they pick up his team options).

Regardless, for the rest of this season, Walker and McGrady will have to play nice- at least on the surface.

Interesting Tidbits:

• 2:54 Bill Walker makes dunk (Eddie House assists) is his first offensive contribution to the play-by-play. I would have liked to see that a lot more in Boston.
• Tracy McGrady is the highest paid player on the team at 23 million and Bill Walker is the lowest at 700,000 (that’s after you take out Jonathan Bender’s “just happy to be here” money)
• Walker drastically outplayed McGrady by box score standards, scoring 7 points in 13 minutes as oppose to McGrady’s 6 points in 27 minutes.  Although 8 dimes is nice, McGrady had a terrible game overall.