I know a lot of Bobcat fans are very upset about Gerald Wallace aka “Crash” being traded. That is totally understandable. He has been with us from the start and has been our best player hands down! There is no question, Crash will be missed. I just want to make sure before fans start burning their MJ Jerseys, they understand some of the possible reasons this trade might have been a necessary move.
- 2 Starting Small Forwards Yes, Stephen Jackson is playing the 2 guard but he’s naturally a small forward. Now we can argue all day on which one should have been traded, but I personally would have kept Jackson as well. Mainly because we are still one of the lowest scoring teams in the NBA. Jackson is a better offensive player than Gerald Wallace is, so I feel he suits us better.
- Let the kids play We all know we are only young once. We have some young talent that really has potential.They will never reach their peak sitting on the pine. Gerald Henderson/Tyrus Thomas both are very good defensive/athletic players just like crash is. (Am I saying they are better? No). I am saying that collectively they can fill that void that everyone feels will be missed with Gerald gone. Remember, the earlier you read to your baby, the earlier they will learn how to talk. (At least thats what I always heard). It was either get rid of the older veteran player, or get rid of your future. What would you have done?
- Wins don’t lie Its very easy to do, but you can’t ignore the fact that when Gerald was injured this season, we still won games! On the road, and at home. If he was such a valuable piece to us still, we would have looked like the Cavs while he was out and we all know, that is not the case. You can’t mix business and friendship in the NBA. MJ was just joking and playing with Gerald during practice a day ago. Now he’s a Portland Trailblazer. Dirty? Not at all… Business? You better believe it!
- Go for the GUSTO! Though Crash is a very talented player, he is not a “Go to guy”. (If you disagree, tell me 1 game where we handed Gerald the ball with the clock running down and he hit a buzzer beater to win the game. Even DJ, Felton, and Jackson has done it at least once). A “Go to guy” is what we are missing. That’s what we need. That’s what we shall receive! Now that is… We couldn’t have went after anyone this off season if we held on to all of these expensive contracts. MJ will go after a offensive “star” this off season. He even admitted it in his letter he sent out. I have a few names in mind, but for now, I’ll keep them to myself.
So I’ll end by saying just like everyone else, I appreciate all the effort Crash put fourth for our team and our city. I wish him much success in Portland. I really think he can help them get to another round with just his energy and hustle alone! So on that note, Congrats to him and the Portland Trailblazers!
Most people forget about #3. While Crash was down with an injury others stepped up and performed well. Wallace is a player that everyone loves, but this season he hasn’t been a player that has made a huge difference in the win-loss column.
I agree 100%. Idk what it was but after the All Star game he never played the same. Even Sir Charles called him out and told him he had to “pick it up”.
Excellent article TBro. I would have felt better if I knew we were getting at least one lottery pick or Batum or some other young talent in return but I see the direction MJ is going and I am one to believe that drafting many times can pay off. Hopefully for us it goes well. In truth the real money scouts and GM’s find jewels outside the lottery or late in the first or early second rounds. How many bust do you find in the lottery? I am guessing a lot more than people think.
When picking in the late first to early second rounds the expectations are lower and one can’t really say they got a bust. It may take a few years to see the maturation of a draft pick in those spots but they could be pretty good. If MJ can pick up a star in free agency it will all work out.
First off thanks for the comment! (That means a lot to a little rookie who has no idea what the heck he’s doing? Lol)! Idk if you didn’t hear but along with the players we picked up from Portland and OKC we also received 2 1st round draft picks! I hope that cheers your weekend up a little…. lol.
Wins Don’t Lie: I remember when Crash was injured, missing him the whole time! What I remember even better is the Celtics game where Jack was ejected early, which turned out to be the best Bobcats game I’ve ever seen! That was the best team unit I’ve seen ever in Charlotte sports. I trust MJ, just not convinced GW move was the best one to make.
You make a very good point. Maybe I’m wrong and someone else should have been traded instead. Who knows? Time surely will tell though. It never lies either! Lol.
I also am glad you are capable of seeing the beauty in a good TEAM. Some teams win because of 1/2 great players on the roster ala MJ and Pip. Others win because they have VERY good players, a very good coach, and have the best chemistry that season ala Coach Browns Detroit Pistons!
I don’t care which one we turn out to be as long as we are 1 of the above…
It will only wind up being a good deal if the bobcats get quality players with those 2 extra draft picks.
Excellent point!
Doesn’t every organization need a Face and a leader ? We have none now
Yes that’s how it usually goes. As far as a leader we have a point guard and a NBA champion/co captain (Stephen Jackson) that just might can take on that responsibility.
As far as a face, not always the case. Sometimes teams have a huge face and lose as much as teams without one. Ask D. Wade and Kevin Garnet. I bet they’ll agree for sure! Lol.