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Antoine Walker is in a battle with time.
Time has stripped him of what made him part of an NBA championship team, a three-time All-Star and a prolific scorer. His 3-point shooting has gone flat, his legs have turned from springs to anchors and financial trouble has plagued him like a pesky defender. It’s overshadowed his NBA career — a 17.5 points per game average and 10th all-time ranking for 3-point field goals (1,386).
But Walker, 35, has found a way to fight back. He now plays for the NBA D-League’s Idaho Stampede, which is playing in the D-League Showcase this week at the Reno Events Center. Surrounded by youth and energy, the Stampede’s elder statesman has found a way to slow the final seconds ticking off his career and find hope for one more return. He wants to end his career on his own terms.
“I didn’t get to leave on my own merit,” Walker, known for his “Walker Wiggle” celebrations, said. “I still love the game, I still want to play. I believe that if I’m in the proper shape I could play another year or two and help some teams out.”
— Reported by Brian Nordli of RGJ.com
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