WALKER GOING BACK HOME
The Boston Celtics acquired forward Antoine Walker from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for guard Gary Payton, center Michael Stewart and guard Tom Gugliotta.
What does it give the Boston Celtics
The elite forward they need to compete with Philadelphia and Chris
Webber. Walker is well-liked in Boston, and while Celtic star Paul
Pierce didn't want to see Payton go, he shouldn't mind trading in the
aging point guard for his old running mate. On pure reputation Walker
helps the Celtics become a contender; the big question is whether he'll
shoot them out of the playoffs. Walker is renowned for his awful
shooting from the arc and the charity stripe, and if Boston can't rein
that in they're shooting themselves in the foot.
What does it give the Atlanta Hawks
A veteran point guard and two veterans who will rarely play. Payton
should step right in and send Tyronn Lue to the pine, taking over a
team with a lot of young weapons but not much on-court direction. The
deal should also mean more shots from rookies Josh Smith and Josh
Childress and young Al Jefferson. This deal might have been fantastic
for the Hawks if it were made eight years ago, but Payton and especially
Gugliotta have seen better days. Stewart isn't known for much more than
a good rookie campaign in Sacto and the nickname 'Yogi.'
Fantasy impact
