Antoine Walker is working out under the watchful eye of Rick Pitino as he attempts a return to the NBA. Just two disgraced Celtics legends working out together. No big deal. (Green Street)

“He has definitely learned his lesson,“ Chico said. “You can’t trust everyone. Antoine is a guy, he’s always giving, giving, giving. He’s a very free-hearted type of person. But he trusted the wrong people.”

Now as Antoine attempts a comeback in the NBA, he turned to someone he has trusted over the years. Antoine has spent his summer working out at the University of Louisville with Rick Pitino, his coach at the University of Kentucky and on the Celtics, and the Cardinals basketball team.

Chico estimates Antoine has dropped between 18 and 25 pounds as he continues to improve his conditioning under Pitino‘s watch. “Four to six” teams, he said, have already expressed interest in the forward, who is fighting to land an NBA roster spot for the first time since 2008 when he received a buyout from the Grizzlies.

Even though the Celtics have not been among the teams to contact their former All-Star, Antoine Walker still has a special place in his heart for the city of Boston.

Don’t worry, guys. WEEI reports that the Celtics aren’t one of the teams that have contacted him. Phew.

Look, I loved Antoine Walker back in the day. I was able to overcome his Rasheed-like tendencies because he was a likable guy (and mostly because the Walker Wiggle was one of the greatest celebrations of my generation). But any GM who picks up Antoine should immediately be fired, if not given the Old Yeller treatment. Antoine’s time has passed.

P.S. – I wonder what the conversation went like the day after Pitino’s trial:

Antoine: “Coach, I’m done. I can’t work out anymore.”

Pitino: “But Antoine, it’s only been 15 seconds.”

Antoine: “Zing.”