Walker is Playing with Fire

Who would have thunk it? Antoine Walker is now playing his best basketball all season, and all it took was a deactivation from Pat Riley, due to fitness qualifications, to get his attention.

Three games back, each time dropping 13 points while coming off the bench, and each time out he has hit three 3pointers. He is shooting 52% from the field since his return, 53% from downtown.

Some cite the return of the old leather ball as helping Walker out, and he has echoed this sentiment. Whether or not it is true, it is certain that Numero Ocho is playing with more confidence now than he was at any point in this season and part of that could be due to the return of the old ball, something he is more familiar with. A perfect snapshot was during the Lakers game, which the Heat lost but showed their offense is ready to match up with anyone, Walker passed up a three point shot and took the ball into the painted area to set up a teammate. This demonstrates that Walker is growing his game and understands that he doesn't need to shoot three pointers to be an effective scorer or teammate, but to use that as a weapon to create plays.

Walker got his body fat percentage down to the 10% mandate Riley demanded of him. Folks, I ain't gonna lie - that isn't easy to do. For anyone. Heck, mine I just found out is, let's say over 20%. (I won't reveal how high as, well, I have to spare SOME dignity! Besides, I joined a gym! Riley hasn't deactivated me just yet from this blog...but if he reads this, he just might...) To get it down to 10% is quite a physical achievement - so let's not question Walker's commitment to the team any longer. It is easy to do from the sidelines, where we sit in our ivory towers judging players without knowing their situations, all too easy, but Walker is a competitor and wants to win and contribute to this team's success.




And now he has that opportunity and is making the most of it. Walker has been a very polarizing figure among us Heat fans; some claim he is a bum only concerned with his own numbers, others see him as a very competitive guy who is trying his best to adjust to his new role.

I think it is time we start fresh with Walker. Toine' is showing signs of growth and maturity. He is adjusting to his role and may continue to come off the bench for the remainder of the season - as Jason Kapono looks to keep his hot shooting hand in the starting spot.

The Walker Wiggle is back. Sure, he was the guy when asked why he shoots so many threes he replied,"because there are no fours" but that is what we have to love about the guy. He will do whatever it takes to win and to get his team over the top.

And since his return, he has been playing pretty good basketball. Let's hope it continues.