Gerald Wallace last night had the highest +/- (+3), which pretty much matched what my eyes saw. Normally I don't put much weight on that number, but when your team was down by 20 at one point and comes back to lose by 7 maybe it's a little more relevant. One thing Wallace brings that I hadn't really expected was the ability to create his own shot. He's actually got an ok handle for a guy who is known for "hustle." He's far from elite, but if I have to have Batum, Matthews or Wallace make a one-on-one move, I'd definitely go with Wallace. In the last 7 games, Batum has gotten into double figures only twice while averaging nearly 40 mpg. It's hard for me to see Gerald Wallace doing that on this team. Add in that Wallace is a far superior rebounder and much more active defender, and I can't really see much argument for letting Batum start again over him.
I have little doubt that Wallace will earn the starting spot over Batum, but I think it might be best to let him learn the offense before making the switch. Another thing, has anybody heard how long they're going to keep this 15 minute limitation on Roy? He's never been a player who gets going quickly. As long as his knees aren't causing problems, it seems like stretching it to 20-25 minutes would be reasonable. He's still the only player on the roster who can consistently break his man down to create his own shot.
Batum has gotten to used to guarding smaller players that have a hard time shooting over him, Make him come in at the backup 4 and guard PF/Centers
Is it really that hard for Wallace to learn how to play the "Batum role"? Hang out around the three point line, pass the ball a lot, score in transition. Actually, rather than Wallace "learning the offense," I'd prefer to see Wallace out there "shaking up the offense." He's mostly going to play on the weak side anyway, taking advantage of holes in the defense created by Aldridge in the post. Get him in there and let him crash around a little, make the offense less predictable. Anyway, it really is just a matter of time until he starts.
Wallace makes things happen. Batum waits for things to happen. Two contrasting styles, and I definitely favor the first.
I welcome Gerald starting, once this team gets some practices in. It's about time Batum has a replacement who can defend just as well. Personally I would like to see them both on the court at the same time. There was a critical stretch at the end of the game last night where Rudy's defense was inadequate and I wish Batum was in instead. While the game was less than spectacular, I'm glad I was there to Welcome Gerald Wallace. Along with everyone else! And my favorite: This was worth the ticket:
I think it's a foregone assumption that Wallace will start at SF once he's up to speed with the 'offense' and the timing with his new teammates. The problem is, Wallace is the one and only closest thing the Blazers have to a backup PF. If he starts at SF, then what?
I was thinking about the idea of starting Wallace at the PF spot and bringing Camby off the bench. Unless Cho adds another big, we're essentially looking at a 3 man rotation of Camby, Wallace, and Aldridge at the 4 and 5 spots anyway. With Camby being limited in the number of minutes he can play right now, I'd rather save more time for him at the end of the game.
Then he moves over and plays the backup 4. Batum - 3 Wallace - 3/4 Aldridge - 4/5 Camby - 5 You can even have a few minutes per game when Matthews or Roy is playing the three or even have Nico play the four.
Fixed your statement. I fully endorse him as a star and demand that he start. Coincidentally, he must be one of my distant relatives as my name is G. Wallace also (not gatorpops as you might think). (He seems a different race though but I guess it could be possible as my father's name was George so....) Lets give Nate more than one game to integrate one new player and one returning from a long injury though. I figure three to five games should do it. As soon as I get a good avatar of Wallace as a Blazer I will begin using it. gatorpops
my god, i hope they start him. i love parts of nic's game but he is so passive unless its a 1on1 D stopper assignment. we got wallace cause he does bang, drives the lane, creates offensive options etc - just let him loose ffs.
I think that the team would be better off bringing him off the bench. #1, it leaves Batum in the starting spot. He has not been happy with/performed well coming off the bench. #2, it gives lots of flexibility with Wallace. He could come in for Batum, Aldridge, or Camby and the team wouldn't miss a beat. It's true you could bring Batum in off the bench and slide people around, but I think bringing in the most flexible player, position-wise, is best. #3, it gives us more energy and offense off of the bench. Rudy is too streaky and Roy is still, to me, unproven in his current state. Gerald Wallace very well might be the second-best player on our team, but I think bringing him off the bench makes the most sense. Ed O.
GW should be starting at the 3. I know we need help at the 4/5, but Wallace is much better at the 3 than he his at the 4. He's a lot more dangerous on the wing with his face to the basket. From there he can pass, shoot, drive the lane, crash the boards, or slash. He's undersized and not much of a factor at the 4. I'd rather have batum play back up 4 and have wallace be the 3 because Wallace is gonna give you more at the 3 than batum and I see them pretty much being just as ineffective at the 4. Either way I really hope we can sign another big man ASAP.
pdxtrailblazers RT @BlazerFreeman: I asked Coach Mac if he planned to start Gerald Wallace against the Rockets and he did not rule it out. 12 minutes ago via TweetDeck
