HUMBLED BY D-LEAGUE EXPERIENCE

(NBA D-League Photo)

Aside from trekking the path for a possible return to the majors, veteran forward Antoine Walker’s NBA D-League experience proves more than just a comeback trail. There is something in it, which he will forever treasure in his storied basketball career. Walker , 34, was the 6th pick over-all of the Boston Celtics in the 1996 draft out of the University of Kentucky. He went on to play 12 seasons in the NBA while suiting up for the Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 6-9 Chicago native has career averages of 17.5 ppg, 7.7 rpg and 3.5 apg in 893 total games. Walker was a three-time all-star and won a championship with the Heat during the 2005-06 campaign. He joined the Idaho Stampede last December after a 3-year absence in the hoops scene and is currently submitting norms of 15.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg and 3.5 apg in 37 outings so far in the minors. Walker says it is a great experience to have the opportunity to play in the D-League and at the same time, he felt humbled by seeing first hand the players who are trying to get into the NBA via the minor circuit, according to the Idaho Statesman.

“This is the best thing that I could have ever done. To just give myself the opportunity to come back and play, I feel so happy with myself for giving myself another shot. But also, the whole experience has been great. I have a greater appreciation for guys who are trying to get to the (NBA) this way. I’ve gotten in better shape, but I have to continue to get in better shape. As you get older, you have to get lighter.”