39. GERALD WALLACE F, Portland Trail Blazers Age: 29 2010-11 Stats: 15.7 PPG, 45.4 FG%, 33.3 3PT%, 8.0 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.5 STL Crash’s numbers declined across the board last season. Now that he’s 29, with a history of diving around the court and continually flashing his athleticism, it’s fair to wonder if that slippage is the first small step in a larger drop-off. Let’s hope not, because Wallace is the kind “B+” player on both ends — and “A” to “A-” on defense when at his best — who can really help a team. The Blazers and Bobcats were better on both sides when Wallace was on the court, and his ability to swing between both forward positions is helpful for lineup building. He remained a very good defensive rebounder last season, and his transition game gave a much-needed jolt to a Portland team that can benefit from a little more variety in its scoring attack. Wallace and point guard Raymond Felton could provide the Blazers a bit of spice next season. Wallace settles for jumpers too often, but he can make them when he has enough space, and he’s an asset otherwise. He can score in isolation, draw fouls, toss a couple of assists and work off the ball. His shooting percentage last season went up from 43 percent in Charlotte to nearly 50 percent in Portland, which is either a sample-size fluke or an indication that he might thrive amid better talent. Either way, he simply makes a team better. http://nba-point-forward.si.com/2011/08/09/top-100-nba-players-nos-31-40/#more-10783
I think coming to a team that has other quality players will extend his career. He will still play ball out, but he doesn't have to be THE MAN on both ends. I do believe though that his game will miss not having Dre around.
He played with Felton during his time in Charlotte except for his first year (2004-2005) and half of 2010-2011. He had his best statistical seasons (PERs of 21.3, 19.8, 17.5, 18.6, 18.3) with Felton (could be somewhat of a coincidence as those were also his young prime years and he was the man).
The writer is unfamiliar with what happens to every player in their first year with Nate McMillan. It's the same every time.
Everyone on the team is going to miss Dre. Even BRoy. Our dumbass front office obviously thinks otherwise.
Consequences of throwing away a perfectly good GM Either Crash works on his shot this summer or Nate finally chooses to loosen the reigns and let em run. Hopefully both!
