Antoine Walker will have to lead the Celtics once again.

WHY STOP NOW?
Forty-nine wins. First conference finals since 1988. You'd assume the Celtics would spend the off-season building on that foundation. But they dealt Kenny Anderson and dumped Rodney Rogers, and they took way too big a gamble on Vin Baker, who hasn't played up to his talent since 1998. Antoine Walker (more mature) and Paul Pierce (more star power) shoulder the load. It's a nice base, but the Celts took a pass on taking the next step.

STARTING FIVE
Lack of proven PG forces Walker to initiate offense. Off-season conditioning has Eric stronger. Delk, solid off the bench, now must prove himself as a starter.

Atlantic Division

1. Nets

2. Magic

3. Celtics

4. Wizards

5. Sixers

6. Heat

7. Knicks

Scouting Report Index

Antoine Walker, PF: Deferring to Pierce showed significant growth
Eric Williams, SF: 6.4 ppg: fourth straight season in decline
Tony Battie, C: Career-best 73 starts yielded career-high 54% FG, 6.5 rpg
Paul Pierce, SG: Career-high 26.1 points, 6.9 boards, 3.2 assists per game
Tony Delk, PG: It's his job only until Shammond Williams is ready

BENCH
Shammond Williams, in his contract year, looks to shine. Hard to believe Vin Baker's a four-time All-Star. Williams, J.R. Bremer round out PG by committee.

GLOBAL VIEW
Bruno Sundov (Croatia): 7'2",
but only 9 blocks in 4 years.

FREEWHEELIN' WITH WALTON
Forget the PG debate -- Pierce and Walker are the playmakers here.

This article will appear in the November 11 issue of ESPN The Magazine.