Antoine Walker Wants To Coach Celtics
BOSTON (CBS) - The NBA hasn't even signed off on the Celtics-Clippers "trade" for head coach Doc Rivers, but names are already being tossed around for who will take over the Boston bench.
And one former Celtic wants to make sure his name is added to the mix, despite having no coaching experience.
"Boston fans its time for me to be the celtics coach !!!!," former Celtic foward Antoine Walker Tweeted out Sunday night, hours after it was reported Boston would receive a 2015 first-round pick from Los Angeles in return for Rivers.
Walker, now 36-years-old, spent seven-plus seasons with the Celtics during his 12-year NBA career. He was drafted by Boston sixth overall in the 1996 draft out of Kentucky, and averaged 20.8 points, 8.7 rebounds while shooting 41.2-percent from the field while wearing green. Walker was never afraid to throw up a shot from anywhere on the floor though, which -- along with his "Walker Wiggle" -- not only fueled his following but also create frustration among fans.
Walker was traded by the Celtics to the Dallas Mavericks prior to the 2003-04 season, but was re-acquired by GM Danny Ainge at the 2005 trade deadline. After a first-round exit, he was sent to the Miami Heat as part of a five-team trade in August of 2005 -- and won his only NBA title the following summer.
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Walker last played in the NBA in 2007-08, seeing action in 46 games for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He averaged 17.5 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.
Walker has no coaching experience, so his hopes of joining the Celtics as their head coach are pretty unrealistic. But coming on as an assistant is something he and the Celtics may be able to wiggle.
