Column as I see 'em

Author: Jeff Paterson

If Antoine Walker walked the 1,818 miles from Boston to Dallas and then moved East to Atlanta before returning home, he certainly would need a rest. However, since he had the luxury of flying and a period of 482 days to make that journey, Antoine was rested and ready to play an average of 40 and a half minutes, in his first two games back for the Beantown basketball team. When the Celtics aquired Walker, they got rid of their 36-year-old Glove that was falling apart, 52.5 percent career free throw shooter Michael Stewart and Tom Gugliotta.

In the last two minutes of regulation, Walker hit two hook shots that forced overtime against the Phoenix Suns. Gary Payton's replacement, rookie Delonte West, hit a huge three-pointer to give the Celtics their first lead in overtime. At one point in the final minute of the game, this point guard out-hustled all five Phoenix defenders to grab a loose ball so he could call time-out. If it weren't for West's contribution, the Cs wouldn't have been able to defeat the West Coast's best team.

In the Keystone state, the 76ers received perennial all-star Chris Webber, Villanova graduate Michael Bradley and Matt Barnes from the Kings for Kenny Thomas, 6'9'' Brian Skinner and 2001-2002 sixth man of the year Corliss Williamson. The Sixers also traded "Big Dog" Glenn Robinson to New Orleans for Jamal Mashburn and Rodney Rodgers. With these trades both Philadelphia and Boston have improved their teams and will battle for the Atlantic Division title.

In a different deal, New Orleans sent Baron Davis to the Warriors for Dale Davis and Speedy Claxton. Keith Van Horn, who has now played for five different teams, moved from Milwaukee to Dallas for Alan Henderson and Calvin Booth. However, more intriguing for Dallas sports fans is the news that QB Drew Bledsoe is going to run the offense for Coach Bill Parcells. The last time the Cowboys had a horse to ride them to the playoffs, John McCardell was getting his feet wet as Middlebury's newest president.

"The Bus" is still running in Pittsburgh even after 12 years in the league. The loss to the Patriots in this year's AFC championship game must have influenced him to come back. The only thing the Pats have lost in 2005 is corner back Ty Law, who was recently let go.

As far as wide recievers go, Muhsin Muhammad's new zip code is the Chicago-based 60605. Bear in mind, even though Muhammad is a quality receiver, he still needs Rex Grossman to step up and throw him the pigskin.

Procrastinating college students sure do the majority of their work around deadlines, but it is obvious that general managers cram even more when their trade deadlines approach.