<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">CHICAGO -- Walter McCarty replaced Vin Baker in the Celtics starting lineup at power forward last night. And coach Jim O'Brien made clear it was not a temporary change. In recent games, there has been a decline in Baker's play. At times, he has appeared sluggish and out of synch on both ends of the floor. O'Brien apparently took note. He informed Baker of the change shortly before last night's game against Chicago. When asked why he made the change, O'Brien said, "Mobility. In our defensive scheme, we need mobility. And we're at our best when we're moving offensively. It is not a one-game change. I'm going with mobility. I'm going with guys that can move quickly on offense and defense."</div> Boston Globe
He deserves to be starting now, Vin has gradually worsened as the season went on. Maybe he wasn't in as great shape as he looked.
Vin looked so good at the beginning, I don't know what happened. He just gradually got slower, less sharp, and it was very visible as time passed. I hope he isn't drinking again.
Vin Baker's career is reminiscent of Shawn Kemp's in terms of the sidetracked nature of their game due to weight and other problems. Baker appeared, at the start of the season, to be putting up better numbers. I haven't seen him play yet, so I can't make a clear judgment or second guess O' Brien's decision.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting sartre2025:</div><div class="quote_post">Vin Baker's career is reminiscent of Shawn Kemp's in terms of the sidetracked nature of their game due to weight and other problems.</div> Couldn't agree more. :thumbsup:
If you look at the stats he has progressively gotten worse since December 5th when the Celtics blew the big lead to the Suns. Sinc that game he has not had a 15+ point game and his rebounding has dropped.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting jump:</div><div class="quote_post">Good move by O'Brien. Nice to see a coach open to change. Ps. BC, you can use the avatar.</div> Thanks
Here it is, Baker apparently fell off the wagon: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=celt...ov=st&type=lgns
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1701886 Vin has been suspended for three games, because he has failed to comply with his alcohol abuse treatment
Guess he's not that happy to be back in the East is he, he was suspended last season as well. The Celtics should appoint better GMs. First they traded Kenny Anderson, then Antoine Walker.
I have reason to believe that Vinny might be drinking again...he was great in the beginning of the season..his only sole weakness is alcohol...that would be the only thing that could affect his game...nothing else...he was starting so strong then his intensity dropped...btw im new here wats up all my boston fans..!!
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting franchise3:</div><div class="quote_post">Guess he's not that happy to be back in the East is he, he was suspended last season as well. The Celtics should appoint better GMs. First they traded Kenny Anderson, then Antoine Walker.</div> I couldn't agree more. Ainge lets his emotions control him; he didn't like Walker, so he traded him. He has hurt the team more than he has helped it. I'm not surprised about Vin violating this program, and I've suspected for a while that he was drinking. Poor guy, I really feel for him. Alcoholism is a difficult thing to deal with, and so is the pressure of the NBA. I still hope he'll turn things around..
