I admit I haven't seen the guy play that much prior to coming to Portland, but I'm rather unimpressed with him so far. I don't see what all the hullabaloo is about. He takes ill-advised bank shots from 20 feet . . . He drives to the hoop with reckless abandon and rarely finishes. He seems out of control most of the time. Is it just a matter of him getting used to the Blazers, or is this the way he plays all the time?
He's always active, a great defender, great rebounder, great in the open court and slashing to the hoop, willing to take a charge. All-Star and All-Defensive team last year. Trying to fit in with a new team and new concepts is always tough. A solid, solid player trying to understand how to fit in with his new team.
He is fairly reckless by nature, but he just needs to get used to our offense. He does seem lost at times, so when he gets that ball he takes it to the basket. I also think he isn't used to not being the go to guy. He has always been the man on offense in Charlotte (aside from Stephen Jackson). He will get used to being the second or even third scorer and get used to our offense. He is a talented, athletic player. He will show you soon enough I think.
He's gone from being "the guy" to being Cunningham on steroids. Not really being used the same. I'd really love to see him play some 3 and be a wing player. This whole hybrid 4 crap is pissing me off. It's a waste.
I love his attitiude. He is the type of player "every team needs". But I always felt that his big numbers on a shitty team were being over estimated (as usual) from some of our posters. Again I love the way he plays and I am glad we got him. But he has deficiencies in his game. And I hope he and our fans realize he is not a great offense player. His numbers will go down and it will not be Nate's fault. He has teammates that are just as good if not better at shooting the ball. He needs to adjust his game just like Nate needs to adjust for him. But I really think he will help this team once he finds his niche. Attacking the basket is needed. But going 1 on 3 is not. He will figure it out.
Going to take time for him to do really well with Portland, but I like him getting 10 rebounds tonite. What happen to Rudy? Only 16 mins? Numbers crunch or is he still sick?
I am hoping it is because they expect him to play big minutes tomorrow night. And not because he got hurt flying into the stands. I did like the ending line-up of LMA. Wallace, BRoy, Wes, and Andre. Not because they played particularly well together tonight, but because i think they eventually will.
I disagree that Wallace was ever the man on offense in Charlotte, not even close. He will fit in fine even being a third option. His teammates need to get the ball to him more when he is in position to go to the basket. He can also do more to get himself into that position; it seemed like he was standing out on top many times when Aldridge was doubleteamed, i would have liked to see him going to the basket just as soon as the double teamer headed towards Aldridge. I do agree he doesn't seem to be as athletic as i thought he was. Another thing to consider is that he is often being played as a 4 which is not his preferred position and apparently not one he is as comfortable in. Hopefully these issues will be worked out; i expect him to be a big contributor to the team, i never expected him to be dominating in any way.
He seems to have very good quickness. I'd like to see Nate place him into more defensive situations to use it.
Yeah I don't know why Rudy was out of sync or had less minutes. Wallace tended to stand around a lot instead of moving, unless he was close to the paint and then he took it. I think Nate is still trying to find out Wallace's best role at some positions. Wallace did get 10 boards which is a good thing.
Rudy ran into a woman in the stands and took a long time to get up. He was hurting but not injured. She was laughing her head off with all her women friends for several long minutes. The South is still in the 60s and women there act like silly geese.
He's not as athletic as you thought he was? Did you see the ally-oop from Matthews against the Kings? You realize he was in the dunk contest last year? I know jumping isn't the only sign of athleticism, but I don't see how you can say he's not athletic.
I just can't believe how impatient some people are. The guy was in Charlotte for six and a half seasons and now he's suddenly traded to a new team, new system, new conference. Things are different here and it's going to take some time to adjust. It's been five games for pete's sake. He's used to starting and he isn't starting. He's used to being a focus of the offense and he's not the focus of the offense. Give the guy a break. He needs to learn the system and his teammates and they need to learn him.
BTW, he made some excellent reads and cut to the hoop well last night and his teammates found him. It's gonna be an interesting transition for him, but he can handle it. Also, his first step is incredibly quick. He's easily our best slasher. I didn't expect that.
Our guys have no idea how to play to his strengths yet. There were several times in last night's game that he was open rolling to the hoop, but our guards flat-out didn't see him. Right now, he's just playing on effort and hoping good things happen. When he gets comfortable in the system, he's going to be devastating for us.
I love him. He always seems to be playing with a higher level of energy and intensity than anyone else on the floor. Matthews used to be that guy but now Wallace has eclipsed him. He was big for us against Orlando. He's only going to get better as he gets used to his teammates. Camby's numbers were down when he first joined us. So were Matthews'. We are a better team with Wallace. I'm very excited about of our chances of winning in the playoffs if we stay healthy.
