Walker Fits The Bill

I really wanted to take a crack at one of those bad pun headlines that the Globe likes to use. 

Gotta say… I feel like I need a shower.

I don't want to build expectations up beyond Bill Walker's ability to fulfill them… but he's going to be the best player the Celtics ever had. 

Or, at least, he's doing well enough where people continue to make a point to say good things about his progress.  This comes from a separate piece on Ray Allen from today's Herald. 

While the young guys continue to have issues, Bill Walker is emerging from that pack.

“They’re all behind, but they should be,” Rivers said. “Billy’s better because he’s used to playing the 3. He attacks the basket. He’ll live on the foul line. We’ve got to work on his handle a little bit, but if he can catch off the cuts, he’s going to live on the foul line.”

As for his outside shot, the coach said, “It’s better than I thought it was, but he has to improve it.

“I tell you, he’s good. Billy listens so well. You tell him something, he tries to do it. He’ll come ask you. He’s been great. He’s not your typical rookie that thinks he’s got it figured out already. He’s been a pleasant surprise.

“He would have gone early if he was healthy. I think he would have been mid-first (round) to definitely low first. But everyone was scared of his knee, and we were clearly in a position to take the chance.”

Mark Spears has a piece on our other Allen… how he's glad to be back… and how he almost played for the Thunder.

Allen received interest from several teams, most notably the Oklahoma City Thunder (formerly the Seattle SuperSonics). Allen visited Thunder officials in Seattle and Oklahoma City. The Thunder, however, opted to sign Jazz restricted free agent guard C.J. Miles to a four-year, $25 million offer sheet. Miles averaged 5 points per game last season while Allen averaged 6.6.

"I was ready [to sign]. I guess everything happens for a reason. But right now, I'm not thinking about none of that. It's a new year. I'm looking forward to being a piece to this puzzle."

Just something to keep in mind as we watch Tony Allen this year.  Watch CJ Miles… and then later we'll see who got the better of the deal.

Jess Camerato, now at WEEI, talked to Glen Davis and Leon Powe.  Hoopsworld's Travis Keith asks if Boston can repeat.  And Steve Nash ain't going anywhere soon.