Aug. 10 – On the court, Antoine Walker is one of the most multifaceted players in the NBA. Off the court, the Hawks forward is just as versatile, spreading his time between The Support Group, the 8 Foundation and numerous other charities.

Walker talked to NBA.com about his involvement with the different organizations and his recent trade from the Mavericks to the Hawks.

This is some week for you. You met the Atlanta media on Tuesday, your birthday is Thursday and you are hosting the Chicagoland All-Star Game at the United Center on Sunday. Are you busy enough?

Antoine Walker: “This week is going to be a lot of fun and I’m looking forward to it.”

You are co-hosting the game with Tim Hardaway. How many years have you been involved with this game and what kind of turnout are you expecting?

Walker: “This is our third year in a row doing this. Last year we had over 16,000 people attend and this year we’re expecting it to be even bigger. This is for the kids and also for the city of Chicago.”

The game benefits The Support Group and your charity, the 8 Foundation. Talk a little bit about those two organizations.

Walker: “The Support Group has various programs with the housing authority in Chicago. This is my third year with the Support Group and it helps to keep kids off the street. My organization is the 8 Foundation and it is for single parents. This is our seventh year. We try to help single parents provide a healthy home environment and we donate money for educational programs.”

How important is it for you to give back to the community and youth organizations in Chicago?

Walker: “This is everything for me. My mom raised six of us by herself and I realize how difficult that can be. I always vowed to give back and help out whenever I can. It’s my job as a professional athlete to help out as much as possible.”

Who is scheduled to play in the game?

Walker was shipped from Dallas to Atlanta on Aug. 4. Scott Cunningham NBAE/Getty Images

Walker: “The concept is to have the NBA players from the Chicago area play against the other players from around the league. There are supposed to be like 20-25 players in the game. Paul Pierce, Michael Finley, Quentin Richardson, Corey Maggette, James Posey, Steve Francis and Bob Simmons are some of the guys scheduled to play.” (Mario and Grammy award-winning singer Brandy are singing at halftime.)

What other community-related events do you participate in?

Walker: “I try to bring kids to the games. I also do various things such as basketball camps and help out with AAU basketball teams.”

What are your thoughts on your one season in Dallas?

Walker: “I’m happy with it. It was a great experience. I got the opportunity to play with some great guys. I had to go because we had too many players that play the same position. We felt like we had enough talent to reach the West finals. Obviously losing in the first round wasn’t one of our goals.”

How did you feel when you first got word of your trade to the Hawks?

Walker: “Excited. I’m looking forward to being a part of the rebounding process. If we can add another piece or two, I think we can be competitive and make it to the playoffs.”

What do you think about some of the Hawks’ other offseason moves?

Walker: “I’m looking forward to playing with Al Harrington. I think we can team up and really make a difference.”

Do you feel like you have something to prove this season?

Walker: “No. After eight years, I’ve already proven what I can do. I want to show people that I can still play at an All-Star caliber level and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

What’s the biggest difference playing in the West compared to the East?

Walker: “Size and the style of play in the West are different. In the East, teams are a lot more defensive minded.”

Do you think the U.S. Olympic team will win the gold medal?

Walker: “Yes. It’s going to be a little more competitive and a little tougher than most people thought, but they are going to pull through.”