Here is the latest segment of rebuilding the Iron Man. It is pretty good (and very long) http://www.oregonlive.com/ironman/index.html#incart_2box Here are a few interesting parts: He's never felt closer to a team than last season's Blazers, and he's never felt more adored or embraced as he's been by Portland fans. But he also feels ready for a larger role, one where he is an option to take a game-winning shot, where he is looked upon to exploit mismatches. "A big part in where I land is me being a more focal point of the offense, a focal point of the team, the organization," Matthews says. "Because I feel like I've earned that. I feel like my body of work speaks for itself." Matthews' wish list boils down to three main factors: Money, winning and an increased offensive role. He is adamant that he wants a multi-year deal — the Blazers can sign him to as many as five years, while other teams can sign him for four — not so much because he wants to cash in and gain security, but more to show teams he believes in himself. "If I wanted to sign a one-year deal right now, I think I would be giving teams the wrong feeling, sending the wrong message," Matthews says. "I want them to know I'm endorsing myself ... that I know I'm fine." He says he doesn't expect to be the centerpiece of a franchise, especially in Portland. But instead of always playing off teammates, he wants an opportunity to create shots for himself and others. "I've played behind an All-Star, I've played with an All-Star. I've played with two All-Stars and another facilitator. I've played with ball dominators," Matthews says. "The only position I haven't been in is, 'OK, Wesley, we want you more involved in our offense; we know you can make a good play for this team.' "We don't know where they stand," Matthews said. "Obviously, we know their prime goal is L.A., which makes sense. But what is their secondary goal if their prime goal doesn't work? And where do I fit into that secondary goal?"
I love Wes, and I want him back. But the one small part of this very long article that I think he is a little off base on is this: "But instead of always playing off teammates, he wants an opportunity to create shots for himself and others." I am not convinced he has the handles to create shots for himself and others. What contending team is going to agree to that role? Portland is by far his best bet.......if he can actually pull it off, because Dame would be one of the few PG's who would gladly let him take over some ball handling duties. If that is important to him, his options are greatly reduced.
Hmm. Any team that is hoping Wes will be dazzling them with his dribble drives to the hoop is going to be a little disappointed. It's funny: everyone gets on Batum for not shooting more. Clearly Wes thinks he could be shooting less and giving WES the ball. I wonder if Wes sees CJ's emergence as a threat. I wonder if he was watching CJ going off in the playoffs and thinking, "why don't I get to do that?"
He was the third option. He's not going to get a bigger role ahead of Lillard or LA. The tone of this article indicates that he's as good as gone IMO.
Here's hoping this is just I don't think it's that serious. I think this is just bravado, mainly. He's probably hearing nothing but "well, you're not going to be as good as you were now" and this is a bit of "Oh yeah? Fuck you, I'm going to be BETTER!"
If CJ's breakout was a sign of things to come, and not a flash in the pan, I can see why Wes may want out and to a different situation.
I didn't get that tone. He is a very goal oriented guy. Which is good. However some goals are just not achievable. But nothing wrong with setting the bar high. If Portland shows love he would gladly come back. IMO it will come down to Paul and Neil. Like most players , Wes just wants to be appreciated. I just don't see any other team offering him more than the Blazers.
The tone of the article indicates to me that Wes is looking for long term contract that will provide financial security, rather than signing a one year contract to prove he will be completely recovered from his injury.
29 year old coming off potentially crippling surgery? I really like the guy, but it's a tough sell to tie up a big chunk of cap space. my $.02
That situation better be a really crappy team if it seriously expects him to take on a massive role, especially coming off ACL surgery.
Which is kind of dumb, really, as the big money will be available NEXT year, when the massive TV deal kicks in and the cap goes way up. But that actually helps us: there's a much smaller range of teams competing with us this year. And most of them will be targeting Middleton or Danny Green over Wes.
First, props to Quick. That was a good read. Second, I love the drive that Wesley has to overcome his injury. Given where he's come from as an undrafted rookie, I wouldn't expect anything else, but he seems to be fierce in the way he's approaching his recovery. Third, I find his thoughts on having a more dominant role with the second unit to be intriguing, and, frankly, hopeful as to his chances of remaining with the Blazers. I don't worry about his handle because I don't think he has to be a guy who breaks his man down off of the dribble. He can post up most 2 guards and bully his way to the rim or use his step-back move to create space for a shot. I could see him working in a backcourt with CJ or maybe in a 3 guard rotation on the second unit. I'd love to see him get the chance to play a more prominent offensive role here in Portland.
I was thinking the same thing. I can see him excelling more on the offensive end if more plays were run for him coming off screens. Creating his own shot?......no But he can shoot, so I can understand his desire to be more involved. That might not be a bad idea for us. Even as a 3rd or 4th option there could still be more balance. We have needed either he or Nic to step up more. And actually it does not have to be more shots, just different types of shots. Not just 3's..... I still think Wes defends bigger players better than he does smaller quicker players and that was before his injury. He would be my starting SG and back up SF. CJ needs a solid 20 -22 minutes off the bench at SG
I know we all know this, but........... "Matthews is merely one part of the puzzle Olshey must solve in piecing together next season's Blazers. Like Matthews, he must weigh what his heart feels and what his head tells him. His heart remembers how well the Blazers were playing before Matthews got hurt. At the time, they had won five in a row and were in contention for the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. Once Matthews went down, the Blazers faded. They went 11-16 and were ousted in the first round of the playoffs against Memphis. What Olshey already knew became magnified for the rest of the nation: Matthews was the pulse of the Blazers. "Wes brings more to the table than 17 points and 39 percent shooting from three,'' Olshey said. "He brings so many intangibles on the court, in the locker room, on the airplane. He is a guy who unites.''
