http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basketball/nba/02/06/Wallace.Bobcats.ap/index.html You see a guy take a major injury and all trade talks disappear (as they have appeared to in this instance). But it seems to me this isn't the sort of injury that's likely to have a long-term impact on his career (as a knee, back or ankle might), and it sounds like the recovery is going quickly. Given how badly Portland needs that gritty, energy guy at SF right now, is this a trade possibility again?
Wallace would be that defensive stopper we need. I would love to get Wallace, but what would Charlotte demand in return? Rudy? Bayless? I would be willing to give up Outlaw, Sergio, Frye and Raef.
If Wallace could limit the "football" injuries and expend all of that grit and fire on the defensive end and conserve himself a little bit on the offensive end, he could be a helluva get for any team. I love Crash, but his health does worry me -- I don't think he's all that likely to change the way he plays (for good or bad).
I still very very much want Pritchard to reel in Wallace. Hopefully, Charlotte's asking price would be lower with the injury (which doesn't concern me much...it was sort of the freak variety and doesn't seem likely to have long-term effect). Wallace does have injury problems, but this wasn't a continuation of that IMO...anyone subjected to the same thing would have suffered the injury. His perimeter defense, steady but complementary offense and rebounding would be great.
Mike and Mike have said Charlotte has wanted Webster included in any trade. I also read on ESPN.com that Charlotte wants to get rid of Nazr Mohammad's contract. I think this is a pretty realistic trade, but Portland may need to throw in cash, picks or euros, which would still make it a great trade for Portland. What do you guys think? Portland sends out: RLEC, Webster, Sergio Charlotte sends out: Wallace, Nazr.
Do it yesterday... if something resembling Wallace for RLEC + Webster + Sergio is on the table I can't imagine KP hesitating. I'd imagine that they'd be more interested in Frye and the 2009 #1 then Sergio though as DJ and Felton are enough at the point and they could use a decent high post Big... and I'd readily part with those assets too STOMP
As much as I love Webster and Sergio..... I would greenlight this trade in a second, although I would try to get them to take Frye and Outlaw over Webster.
For whatever reason it seems Charlotte and Larry Brown just don't like Wallace. I don't understand it myself. He's young and has a reasonable contract. He plays great D, gets to the line, and is a great character guy. I just really don't understand why Charlotte wants to get rid of him so bad.
I'm not saying he's not shopping him, but I have noticed that small market Portland also gets included in all sorts of rumors in the national sports press where they are consistently giving away the farm. rumors don't necessarily equate to smoke = fire IMO STOMP
