HH Tournament Round 1: (4) Jo Jo White vs (13) Antoine Walker

The Hardwood Houdini Tournament continues with a four – thirteen match-up

The first second round match-up has been decided. Top-seeded Bill Russell will take on Rajon Rondo after Rondo easily got past Don Nelson as the nine seed. With two blowouts in the first round thus far, this four – thirteen match-up features two of the best scorers in Celtics history and could be a much closer decision.

Don’t forget that this is based solely off their playing careers with the Boston Celtics. Any coaching or front office experience shouldn’t be taken into account, neither should their collegiate careers or any other NBA teams they may have played for.

Jo Jo White – 2015 Hall of Fame Inductee

18.4 PPG, 5.1 APG, 4.3 RPG, 1.3 SPG

10 Seasons with Boston, 2x Champion, 7x All-Star, #10 Retired by Celtics

Jo Jo White was drafted with the ninth pick in 1969 by the Boston Celtics. Red Auerbach was able to shorten his mandatory military commitment, although, his athleticism is best understood when realizing he was also drafted by the Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Reds. His rookie season was the year following Bill Russell‘s retirement, the Celtics first losing season since Auerbach took over as head coach.

Although, he was still named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team and was an integral part to the Celtics quick rebuild. He was labeled as an iron man in the 1970’s as he played in all 82 games five straight seasons, and in at least 75 games seven straight years. His seven All-Star appearances in 10 seasons with the Celtics helped Boston win two championships.

He was a huge part of both titles, although he was named the Finals MVP for the 1975-76 Finals. He averaged an astounding 22.7 points, 5.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game in the playoffs. It was the best playoff run of his career and highlights his all-around game, which included an elite offensive game.

In Celtics history, White currently ranks top-10 in minutes played, assists, points, and would be top-10 in steals if they recorded steals during his first four seasons. Assuming White kept his 1.3 steals per game average during his first four seasons, he would have finished with approximately 945 steals as a Celtic, putting him fourth all-time in Celtics history.

White’s athleticism and scoring is what’s remembered most, but he was also a fierce defender who wasn’t selfish and set up his teammates. Without him, the Celtics rebuild in the 70’s wouldn’t have gone as quick, and those two championships may not have happened without White’s scoring in the postseason – career average of 21.5 points in postseason.

Antoine Walker – 3x All-Star

20.6 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.5 SPG

8 Seasons with Boston, 3x All-Star

Antoine Walker was a stretch-four before it became cool. After being drafted sixth overall in 1996, the Celtics had its worst season in franchise history as Walker led the team in points and rebounds per game while being named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team – 17.5 points and nine rebounds. He was named to his first All-Star team as a second-year player and later became the second part to a dominating one-two punch with Paul Pierce.

During his first stint in Boston, he played in at least 78 games in six of seven seasons. Simply put, Walker was dominating. He never averaged fewer than 17.5 points per game during his first stint with Boston and averaged at least 20 points in his final four seasons with the Celtics. While he only had one season averaging a double-double, Walker’s impact on the board was always felt.

Not to mention that he played the most minutes in the league in 2001-02, something extremely rare from big men. Like previously mentioned, Walker was not afraid to shoot from deep. He led the league in three-point attempts three straight season and connected on a league-high 221 threes in 2000-01, following it up with 222 the next year.

Currently, Walker ranks top-10 in three-point field-goals, total rebounds, total steals and points, rebounds and steals per game in Celtics history. It highlights his all-around play, showing that he impacted the game on both ends.

After being traded from Boston, Walker was traded back to Boston in 2004-05, and he averaged 16.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. He never won a championship with the Celtics, although he did help Boston get back to relevance as he and Pierce became a dominating duo. Walker was a versatile offensive-minded big man who deserved more than three All-Star appearances.

Don’t forget to vote on Twitter @HoudiniCeltics! The poll is up for 20 hours. Comments on here don’t count as votes, only the poll on Twitter will be looked at to determine who goes on to round two.

Next: Hardwood Houdini Roundtable: Building Around the Celtics

Also, look at tomorrow’s match-up to see the results from today’s showdown.