Losing Wes sucks, but I don't think Olshey could have done a better job preparing for this injury even if he had known it was coming. Afflalo brings most of Wes' skillset; Gee can replace Wes' energy and defense. We have the pieces to sustain this loss and not suffer much for it. Olshey turned three end-of-bench guys into a pair of players who very well may allow our beloved team to continue on its current trajectory, despite losing it's "heart and soul". That is unbelievably amazing. Even with a heart-wrenching loss like this, we have reason to be optimistic. Take heart Blazer fans. Afflalo's words are no less true--it's still championship time.
Yep, now every player can feed off Wesley's energy as he continues to call people out and inspire from the bench. He is still the heart and soul, its just someone else is putting the ball through the hoop. The best way to honor wes and what hes done for this team is to play hard like he does and never give up. Its ring time mother fuckers, I almost feel bad for our opponents
You're* And no, it isn't. But simple common logic fails you, so there's that. Learn the difference between your and you're, then post.
Not so much. Just saying that we were as prepared as conceivably possible for this injury, and we have the resources to soldier on. Damn straight. Debbie downers need not apply, so GTFO with all your "I'm much more realistic than the rest of you" BS.
Just for posterity sake, I'll make sure this stays with the personal insult. Second, neither of your points make sense. But, that's status quo with you.
It is not all that surprising that BGD lashed out finally with all the crap we give him around here. I give him props for holding it in this long.
This thread has not been edited. Fair Warning, I'm depressed and grumpy about Wes being injured, please don't insult people. I would love to ban someone today.
And that, Dog, is why I'm here. I'm bringing the sunshine! Afflalo and Gee are going to capably replace Wes, and the rest of the team is going to rally in his absence. 22 games to go, and we have the fourth-best record in the league, only 2 back of the 2 seed in the west. We. Got. This.
Wes' absence will be felt emotionally moreso than directly on the floor. Wes adds a lot to our team, but Afflalo's skills mimic Wes' almost exactly. But when the team is in a funk in the first half, and needs a kick in the pants, who is gonna provide that? Sure Wes can still yell in the locker room, but one of his best qualities is his accountability. He calls guys out, and then goes harder to prove it. It won't be the same without him. CJ/Crabbe/Gee/Arron have to all step up.
I'm as optimistic as the next guy about Afflalo and Gee picking up the void left by Wes' absence. And I'm thankful we made that trade, which will lessen the blow of losing Wes. However, I don't think AA is 'exactly' Wes by any stretch. Wes is the one player on the team who can catch and fire or stepback and fire with lightning quickness -- and make the tough three -- with a defender draped all over him. Second best in the league at it is Steph Curry (/Kingspeed). I have yet to see that from Afflalo, who seems to take much more of a JR Rider mid-range game approach. Wes will be missed, but not as much as if we hadn't made the trade. Luckily there is still time to pick up another backup, but too late to get someone anyone wants.
I'm afraid you're right. This just isn't the same team without Matthews. Hopefully he remains around the team just for his leadership, etc., but as for the the teams chances going forward... I'm not that optimistic. And I certainly don't think it's "championship time". I know it's still a good team but we're not getting through the Western conference this year without a guy like Matthews.
