Ah. My bad, Sly. He does get it, I agree with that. But some of his wording I really didn't like. I understand he wanted to sensationalize things, but, in a weird sort of way, he made Allen seem like he didn't care about some people while caring about Wes. I don't think that's fair. I mean, I know what he was doing by saying it, but it doesn't make it sound any better.
You didn't do anything wrong or bad, lol. Quick posted that article just minutes after the game. I was impressed at how "quick" he got that up. IMO this was an honest take from Quick. He just sat down and let it flow. I don't think he had time or was wanting to sensationalize anything.
Fair enough. That would make sense then. I went to bed right after work (I didn't want to even think about it) so I thought that came up early this morning.
I think Afflalo will be just as good as Matthews, and better in some areas. We just are just basically back to the square we were at before the trade went down. So others have to step up, hopefully Batum. Gee and Wright (at PF) off the bench looked pretty good last night too!
Went to bed after the game last night hoping to not see this, but fuck. We all expected it, just didn't want to think about it during the game. Woke up this morning to my NBA Gametime app notification saying he ruptured his achilles. Absolutely gut wrenching.
This is what I was thinking. It sucks,. I guess we will find out how important Wes was to this team and get a better idea of how much money he really deserves this summer.
My concern is how he comes back from this. Kobe wasn't the same. Brand went from 20/10/2 to 12/7/1. Billups stats post-injury were cut in half. This sucks.
Of all the Blazers on our roster, Wes is the one I have faith of coming back strong. A true warrior that overcomes all obstacles.
Kobe and Billups were ancient when they ruptured their achilles'. Brand played very well after his achilles injury until he dislocated his shoulder 6 weeks into the season. Even then, after both shoulder and achilles surgeries, he was still an 18+ PER player for two more years after that. Wes will have his surgery, come back next year (with Portland), and collect his ring with the rest of the team.
It wasn't a wet spot. He planted, stretched, pushed off, and tore his achilles. It was obvious the moment it happened. Later he more or less affirmed that he's been nursing a sore achilles, but treated it as day-to-day maintenance from the wear and tear of being in the NBA. Which it probably is.
Question... How mobile is someone after the surgery. Is it like in a cast and you must use crutches, or do you have to use a wheelchair? The reason I ask is I feel that Matthewswill want to travel with the team and be in the practice facility. I could see him being another coach out there, helping the other wings with defensive positioning.
I said "HOW' important. Obviously he is important, but when it comes to re-signing him there is still debate in my mind how far the Blazers should go to match a huge contract. Is he worth "max money important"? If the team falls a part he just might be. If the team wins the championship then I would say maybe not. Certainly it will fall somewhere in between. I want him back on this team, but there is a limit, like with most players, that is just too much too pay. I think his importance to this team will be more clearer now that he is out for the stretch run.
