Gerald Wallace: Not a difference-maker

The verdict is in, it seems to me. Gerald Wallace has a nice game, but he's not a difference-maker. Despite his nickname of "Crash," he's not quite as fierce, not quite as athletic, and not quite as dominant as I thought he would be. I was really hoping he would help push us over the top in the playoffs, but it's just not happening.

I hope he proves me wrong and has a monster game on Thursday. God knows we need it.

 

Wallace has been a real disappointment in the playoffs. When he missed that easy lay-up in the 1st quarter on Monday, it just seemed like he was tight to me. Also, when he had that breakaway steal, he nearly kicked the ball, and then barely elevated at all on his lay-up. A thunderous dunk would have been appropriate on that play, but it seemed as if he was fighting his nerves.

 

he's always nervous in new situations it seems. disappointing. thought he would be a warrior.

 

Yep, he seems tentative and unsure of himself a lot of the time. At Charlotte, he was the king of the mountain, but here he seems like just another player. I'm even wondering if he's on the downside of his career.

 

I agree with El Presidente; I think he does best in situations where he is comfortable. Although he appears to be a good decision-maker. especially with the ball in his hands; I just have the feeling that he needs more guidance from the coaches and more set plays. Not sure what is happening on defense; Blazers may be changing up more than he is capable of absorbing quickly. I hope by next year he can do a lot better, or by some miracle start tomorrow.

 

no. i don't think so. I think this is just him adjusting to the playoffs. He probably is freezing up.

 

I think it has a lot to do with our incredibly slow and predictable offense where there are no plays run for him except the occasional isolation. We also can't fast break for shit. And him having to guard centers on defense probably doesn't help..

 

A lot of it has to do with our offense, as one poster has already noted.

Think about what he does well: cut to the hoop, play around the rim, defend, bring energy, get boards. All or most of those things revolve around playing in the painted area (hubie brown voice).

Well, it's hard to play in the paint when we have no outside shooters and the mavs can just pack it in. not to mention in nate's offense, the 3 position is merely a stand-in-the-corner, catch-and-shoot type of role. Occasionally we've seen GW get a post up or an isolation play run for him, but again, that's not his game.

A Sloan-style motion offense would do wonders for this team. I can't even think about how good we could be if we had the crisp cutting, fake screens, and constant motion that a Sloan offense requires.

Sigh.

 

Dang it! I was waiting for everyone to pile on before I posted, and here you go and say just what I was going to say!

The guy is used to being a slasher, creating the offense. Not being played properly what so ever. This is just like when we got Miller, Nate try-ed to stuff a round peg in a square hole.

Also does not help that every time he makes a move the refs blow a friggen whistle.

 

Wallace has had plenty of time to make a difference, and he just hasn't done it. He's had some nice games, but he doesn't make a big shot when you need it, or carry you in the fourth quarter, or impose his will on a game.

This is the joy of debating with you, Ed. You know very well what "difference-maker" means, but you choose to apply a very literal meaning to it just to make your point.

Huh? Who cares what it cost us to get him?? You're talking like a businessman rather than a fan. Wallace has a reputation as a high-flying, athletic guy who can really make a big impact on a game, but he's rarely done that since coming to Portland. You know it, I know it, and everybody on this board knows it.

 

No doubt he hasnt been great so far in the playoffs. But there is no doubt he can and WILL step up HUGE in Game 6 & 7! He is a difference maker, just hasnt been so far.

 

Gerald Wallace does all the little things, steals,blocks,taking charges and defense, great on the fast break or slashing, average shooter. He has had his moments, hes just looked a little unsure of his role, i think its more that hes been playing out of position (power forward) half his minutes and has struggled against marion at times.. Every dog has his day, Gerald is a proven difference maker.

 

That's what the Lakers said in their deal to get Gasol. Just because we acquired him for cheap, doesn't mean his value is worth the players we traded him for. New York got a hell of a deal for Zach. There have been countless "lop-sided" deals that teams take advantage of, knowing other teams are either trying to cut payroll or get rid of a problem.

 

Agree with those who say Gerald's offensive game is more suited to running in the open court and slashing to the basket, rather than posting up or standing and watching. We need another rebounding big man, and a good fast younger point guard, to help get the team out on the break more. Even though our offense is probably not the best for him, we are a much better team with Gerald than without him, I don't see how that is questionable. The one frustration I have with Gerald is that he misses a lot of layups.

 

Bahhhh I dont even want to think of how many shots we have missed at the rim as a team.

Collectively, this team plays best when they play faster. By bringing Roy back, and I hat to say it but even Camby, that has slowed the game down. The Mavs D has also done a great job of slowing down our guards, and we have not adjusted to that. We need to be pushing the ball up the floor, forget having Miller/Roy handle it all the way up, and get into our offense before they get their D set.

 

The bigger problem is that we are built to be a post up and three point shooting team but no one on our team is that good at threes. We have missed so many wide open threes it's ridiculous. Gerald doesn't fit in an offense like that, it's not entirely his fault.