I don't entirely agree that he just needs to be turned loose. But i do agree he needs to be used differently. I have said earlier I think he needs to be passed to as he is on the move, maybe as he comes around a pick, heading towards the basket. He is not a great creator or dribbler, but one dribble and slam it! Dwight jaynes seems to agree: "I suspect this is going to be an issue all season but I think the Blazers are going to need to change their offense for Gerald Wallace. The same stuff that works for Nic Batum won't work for him. He's NOT an outside shooter. He can't get his own shot. He needs back-picks and backdoor cuts to the basket, lobs, etc. He's not good with the ball. He needs to be a finisher at the rim. Unless he's given that opportunity, the Blazers are not going to get the best out of him." I don't see anything in this article that shows that McMillan understands how to use him best.
I can't look at the thread title without singing Fabian's hit to myself. [video=youtube;JPi7NBvM1k4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=JPi7NBvM1k4[/video]
I coveted Wallace from afar for about 5 years before he became a Blazer, and I knew that he was the kind of player that would endear himself to the fans: hardworking, balls-to-the-walls, fearless, and mean. He didn't really have time to discover his place last year with B-Roy's instability and the limited time with his new teammates. I have a feeling this is going to be a break-out, close-to-All-Star year for Gerald. He's comfortable, firing on all cylinders, and knows his role is energy, hustle, and leadership. LaMarcus may not have to be "the man".
Since he's already been an All-Star, getting close to the All-Star game would be a down year for him, not a breakout year. He already broke out. LaMarcus may not have to be "the man," and involuntarily so, since Wallace appears to be the best player on our team. He was this way last season too, but for some reason everyone assumed it was just temporary and that Batum would be better this season.
Best part of the game last night, oh and GER-ALD WALL-ACE! http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/i...sider_gerald_wallace_meet_section_314_of.html
Wallace looks like the only guy out there in NBA shape. Good thing, since he's won two games for us. Nice start.
Gerald definitely is in better shape than most of his teammates. I think Nic and Camby are in good shape too. Our perimeter players and LA look like they need to do some extra running.
You think that if, say, Wallace turned an ankle on the first play of the game we wouldn't have beaten SAC at home? We did win by 22, right?
Gerald Wallace has a 30 PER and a .388 WinShares rate. He is a fucking SUPERSTAR!!!! (for 2 games) http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/POR/2012.html
Has Wallace really been "turned loose" anymore than last year is our or style of play more suitable to his style and therefor he shines more this year? Either way its plain to see that he is very effective this year.
It's great to see that our second superstar (Craig Smith) also has an over 30 PER! With our 3rd best player (Aldridge) at 25+ - we are a lock for a trophy!
On a serious note, I don't care if it's stat-padding or not, but I love the fact that Crash has leaked out for (by my unscientific count) 5 fast-break (cherry-picking? ) buckets that Felton's found him on. Whether it's Crash, Nic, LMA, or anyone else, those easy points are going to pay big dividends.
I think, imo, that management probably told McMillian that there needs to be some huge changes in the way the Blazers play basketball because of the whole Oden/Roy debacle..... I mean, if they played the same basketball as last year, this team would be boring as shit to watch, and we'd probably lose because just don't have that star player anymore. I mean LMA is good, but not "old-Roy" good.... Hence the pace improvement and Wallace given loose reigns.
And new pace Wallace "loose" and Aldridge "inside/out" better than Roy ISO? I am a big fan of Roy, but I think this is better, IMO.
Need to see how this works against elite teams before we are ready to call this change an upgrade. It looks good, so far, however.
