Former Boston Celtics star Antoine Walker offers an insightful look back at his days in Boston alongside Paul Pierce and provides a critique of Draymond Green‘s game.
The Buzz of Boston: Walker and Pierce’s Legacy
Reflecting on his time with the Celtics, Walker emphasized the special connection he and Paul Pierce had with the franchise and its fans.
“I think obviously the atmosphere in the building,” Walker said of his most enduring memory. He recalled their run to the Eastern Conference Finals, stating, “It brings me back to what you were talking about — playing against New Jersey in the Eastern Conference Finals and we came back.”
Walker sees himself and Pierce as instrumental in rejuvenating the storied franchise after a difficult period. “I was part of the rebuilding the Celtics getting them back to the playoffs and putting the buzz back in town after some tough years… I thought me and Paul did a good job creating a buzz and getting back and I’ve felt that I was always part of this organization; this is my second home.”
On the ultimate honor of a jersey retirement, Walker was candid: “That would be a dream of mine but I also understand that sometimes you might be a part of that pattern… as long as I can be a part of the team and what they got going on here, able to attend games, the people always have open arms like they have done for me that’ll be satisfying enough for me as well.”
Draymond Green in Any Era
When considering if Draymond Green could have played in the NBA during his era, Walker gave an immediate affirmation, but with a crucial caveat about his offensive mindset.
“Oh without question because of his skill set,” Walker noted. “His ability to handle the basketball and make plays he would have definitely been able to play in that era because it wasn’t a lot of guys at his size could do the things that he could do with the ball.”
