Antoine Walker does not want Vin Baker to worry about being accepted back into the Celtics' fold. The cocaptain said the players will welcome back Baker for training camp in the fall. He hopes the fans will do the same and the coaches will put Baker in a position to succeed.

Before Baker was suspended by the team last February, Walker was his strongest supporter. Now, with Baker having completed an alcohol rehabilitation program, Walker remains his strongest supporter on the team.

''I think it's going to be fine for us,'' said Walker. ''I think the biggest thing is the coaches and the organization have got to put him back in the fray.

''When you think about building this team, you don't really hear his name. I think that they've got to understand that they've got to put him back in his place. Obviously, he's got to earn it.

''Hopefully, the fans welcome him back the way he needs to be welcomed back because he can be a big addition to our team. Vinnie can play at a very high level. We can definitely use the big body.''

Walker hopes Baker can earn the minutes that will allow him to make significant contributions. And that may mean lineup changes.