I only got tickets to four games this year, and the Hawks' game I got mostly because I like watching Joe Johnson, and Atlanta-Portland have had some really close games in recent years. But to be in the Rose Garden for Game One of the Gerald Wallace Era? Awesome! Word seems to be that he won't start, so it'll be fun to be part of the fan reaction when he comes in for... Batum? Aldridge? Blazers by 10!
camby will be back. i would start wallace. hes sooooooo much better then batum. also this could be another OT
Agreed, he's better than Batum, but what I've heard on local talk radio is that McMillan wants to bring Wallace off the bench, and that he may split his time between the two forward spots - or even play most of his time at PF. I don't know that it's the best use of him, but considering how thin the Blazers are upfront, it's probably a good idea. If Camby's back, all the better! It'll be the first chance to see the full complement (minus GO, of course).
we are the only team who trades for a top 5 SF and brings him off the bench behind a SF who barely cracks top 25.
Atlanta has struggled some recently. 7-8 since middle of January. Some bad losses in there too. 100-59 to NO? at home? Lakers just throttled them last week - led by 30 in the 3rd quarter. The last 4 years the Hawks have kind of been the Western Conf. version of the Blazers (w/o all the injuries). They looked like an up-and-coming team, and since have sort of settled into a better-than-average, but non-contending also ran. Should be a fun match-up. One thing the Hawks don't lack is athleticism.
Maybe for the first game (or even just the first half of the first game depending on how it goes) it would be OK to have Gerry come off the bench, but only so that he can get a grasp of how Nate runs things or whatever. Long term that would be pretty stupid. I would assume he starts anyway tomorrow, otherwise he would be fully justified in making an A.I. speech.
Well we are favored by 4.5 Amazingly with less guys we were favored by 7 vs denver who isa much better offensive team then hawks.
I see in the paper that the projected starting lineup puts Wallace as the starting PF. LaMarcus "don't call me a center" Aldridge is listed at center. And Miller/Matthews/Batum in the backcourt. Makes sense, and makes me wonder if Wallace will keep his starter's spot. Should make starting lineup introductions worth attending! (Note to self: don't be late.)
If Wallace comes off the bench I don't think it'll be for very long unlike it was with Miller. In this case it'll just be a short period for him to get use to the team. We've been playing well so it make sense, but if Camby isn't starting I'm sure Wallace will start at the PF spot.
How 'bout this lineup for some LOCK DOWN DEFENSE......... Camby, LA, Wallace, Nic and Wes! Full court trap with those guys!
