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quarta-feira, 23 de fevereiro de 2011

Gerald Wallace to Portland Trail Blazers?

Gerald Wallace to Portland Trail Blazers?

I've been nervously awaiting a move by the Portland Trail Blazers, with the NBA's trade deadline looming on Thursday and many reports out of Portland indicating the team is considering major changes.
I've maintained recently that major changes aren't needed for this group, which went into Wednesday night's game against the Los Angeles Lakers on a six-game winning streak.
But the team reportedly made its first move on Wednesday afternoon, acquiring Gerald Wallace(notes) from the Charlotte Bobcats.
Reports vary on what, exactly, the Blazers are giving up for the forward, who is averaging 15.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per game this season. Some reports indicate that point guard Andre Miller(notes) will be leaving town; others say it's backup center Joel Przybilla(notes). Draft picks might be involved, as well.
I'm reserving judgment until I learn what, exactly, Portland is giving up for Wallace, but ultimately, the acquisition of Wallace could be a good one for the team.
I like Wallace's game, even if it's not quite as prolific as it once was. He's a good defender, and the Blazers could certainly use a little more tenacity on that side of the ball.
I'm not completely sure, at this point, where he fits into the lineup. Assuming the Blazers hang onto center Marcus Camby(notes), which I've been hoping they will do, then LaMarcus Aldridge(notes) can slide back over to his more natural position, at power forward. That sends Dante Cunningham(notes) back to the bench, to back-up Aldridge. I can't imagine the Blazers want to continue with Aldridge as their starting center, since he's so much better-suited for the power forward spot. If they do, though, would they be content with Wallace at power forward? He can handle the position, but he's a more natural fit at small forward, and starting at that position would require Nicolas Batum(notes) to take a seat, which is, perhaps, exactly what the Blazers intend.
I'll remain curious to see what the exact deal is for Wallace, but for now I'm optimistic that his addition could be good for Portland. I'd prefer the team hang onto Miller; he's a solid point guard and a "glue" guy for the team. Brandon Roy(notes) is set to return, and if he's healthy and productive, this team could very well be in line for a playoff spot.
Then again, the way they've been playing lately, the Blazers could be postseason-bound even without Roy. Especially if they can add Wallace to the mix without breaking up too many key elements of the lineup.
Sources:
Gerald Wallace traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, Business Insider
Report: Trail Blazers 'pushing' for Bobcats' Gerald Wallace?, The OregonianGerald Wallace Bio, Yahoo! Sports