http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/i...ld_wallace_for_signs_of_how_the_trail_bl.html OK, first principle of problem solving is having an open mind; not assuming you already know the answer. McMillan seems to be making two assumptions: one that Wallace is sometimes already exhausted as the game starts, due to his energetic style of play; two that McMillan can recognize this condition just by looking at Wallace. It doesn't make sense to me that Wallace would be exhausted at the beginning of a game just because he played hard for 40 minutes the night before. The Blazers have been at home with "maintenance days"; a guy who is only 29 and in good health should not be having this problem. (I was considered a high energy soccer player and often played 80 minutes twice a day in my 40's.) And that McMillan could recognize this condition just by looking at Wallace is highly dubious; especially since it seems Wallace can be inspired by the crowd even when he has that "look". If they approach this problem with an open mind; they might have more success. I would want to look at least at blood sugar and life style, including nutrition and possible alcohol use (he did state he preferred dive bars to dance bars, was it just a joke?), just for starters. Especially this season it seems the team should have more emphasis on what is behind lack of energy and what to do about it.
Better to make the assumption at the beginning of the game instead of 60 seconds into the game, after he blows four rotations for four straight layups by the opponent. (no, he wasn't alone; LA blew the same four rotations... but he also was gassed before the game even started)
I guess what I am saying is that the approach to the problem seems rather haphazard and "seat-of-the pants".
I personally think this speaks more about you than about Nate. Perhaps the man who sees his players every day, in person, in practice, in shootaround, after they get off the plane, before they brush their teeth or whatever... perhaps this guy who has also experienced hard, fast NBA play and getting older would know, have a "gut feel" for what another guy in a similar position is feeling. And maybe that is a gut feeling but it up-levels a shit-ton of small symptoms and observations that only an expert close to the subject every day would see. In short, dude's pretty much qualified to make a gut call. Plus, it's his call to make. If he fucks up, he'll get told both by his boss and the opponent in the box scores.
I guess I'm doing a poor job of communicating. I can also see that Wallace has a tired look in his eyes sometimes. The bigger question is "why?. And I'm not saying Nate is doing something wrong; it seems there should be somebody in the organization (usually a GM) who can take a look at a bigger question; why are Wallace and Felton and maybe others already exhausted?
Wallace maybe tired but I've seen something that's a little concerning to me. Wallace has that reckless style. And our last loss showed me something. When Wallace is given a gameplan; it seems he second guesses plays. I think he was aware of Nate wanting our team to concentrate on Howard, and take "good shots" on the offensive end. I saw about 5-6 times when Wallace was wide open or had a lane; but paused before he made a move or took the shot. Then there was a time late in the 3rd when Wallace had beast mode on. He wasn't concerned about the failed game plan and got or helped get a few steals, awesome rebounds and scored without hesitation. I think this is one of the biggest problems with Wallace. The more structure or "rules" Wallace has, the more he second guesses himself on the court.
I don't think it's any great mystery. Wallace has been a super high energy player his whole career and his body has taken quite a pounding. Add in the fact that he's almost 30 and is playing his 11th or 12th season and I would expect his struggles on back-to-backs to get worse as time goes on not better. As for Felton, I think he's still out of shape and it probably won't resolve itself until maybe another 2 to 4 weeks from now.
You playing 80 minutes twice a day in your mid 40's at "high energy" does not compare to the rigors of an NBA game. While I agree with your premise in the thread, that was a poor, poor example.
I disagree, and since you never saw me play, how would you know? Why would you feel it necessary to call it a "poor, poor" example?
You have just concisely explained why shooters lose their touch under McMillan. (Nothing to do with Wallace. I just like your wording.)
