So what does this do to his contract year? Who will bite big on a guy with a torn Achilles? Do the Blazers re-sign him for less and for fewer years? Bummer for Wes. My favorite Blazer.
Yep When wes did the hyper extended knee a few weeks ago I was devastated. When he came back I really thought he was invincible. Hes going to will this team to a championship whether he can play or not. Thats just what wes does. #win4Wes
Blazers will miss Matthews' 3s, D http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/stor...-matthews-injury-means-portland-trail-blazers So now we have less than a 10% chance at the western conference finals. I might give us a slightly better chance than that. But I think we were about 40% before so this is a huge blow.
First off I love Wes Matthews. He's great on AND off the court. I hope he comes back strong, and if any one can do it - then the Ironman can. It's really deflating to see this happen to a guy who plays with this much passion. Unfortunately, the majority of athletes I've seen suffer this injury are never the same afterwards. With that in mind, as much as we all love Wes the warrior, this type of injury cannot be disregarded due to emotional ties. If this team really believes it is Championship material - then can it really afford to tie-up a largish contract on a guy that will probably come back at 75% physical ability? As to the contract year situation - monetarily wise I have no pity for any NBA player - they make more in a few years than most Joe's make in a lifetime of work. In the end, I just hope Wes is well soon, comes back strong, and if circumstances allow - his return is as a Blazer.
I'll miss his high-flying dunks, but I think he'll be okay as a tough-nosed three-and-D guy who doesn't dunk anymore... ...oh wait.
It's got nothing to do with highlight athletic ability but all to do with lateral speed, agility, explosiveness and leaping - all of which Wes had to use to his full ability to play at the level he did. Now that ability will be diminished. I don't think it's too much of a stretch to imagine decreased athletic ability is going to affect a guy who goes 110% all of the time. My hope is he can utilise his shooting in a Steve Smith kinda way when he returns. Smitty didn't have much mobility, but he was smart and could shoot. I can see Wes adopting a role like that.
There is always the possibility that he turns down a multi year contract (at a modest rate) in lieu of a larger one year deal. If he is confident that he will return at the same level and performs well, he will still be a free agent the following year. A risk free situation for the team, and good for Wes being that next year the cap goes up. Hopefully that team is us.
Good point, amongst many you've made this thread. Hopefully he doesn't 'rush' his return for free agency. Regardless of if he is a Blazer or not, I want to see a fully recovered Wes Matthews return to the court.
+> Naw.. Never. Thats a sacrelige... I am a die hard Ravens fan and purple is My luck color. +> Yeah We as fans and the Team in particular have to expect more. This should be a step up grow a pair time for all of his teammates. His injury should actually be inspiration for his team mates and the fan base. I am a die hard Ravens fan and been a forum member there for a long time. When a player got injured either a section of us got pissed and wanted more out of the team or others wept in a dark corner and put on that morbid crap. For Wes:: I say get up and play for him. In fact we have a serious member who wants to donate knee cartilidge. . Gotta say this forum is superior to others.
This injury is really a kick to the nuts. I loved our "small ball" lineup of Lillard, Wes, Afflalo, Nico and LA; it was freaking fantastic and gave us five offensive weapons and great defense. What will hurt us in the Playoffs is the 48 minutes of abuse Wes and Afflalo could put on a guy like Harden.
