Gerald Wallace expects to return soon after All-Star week

[mook]

Yet Wallace is determined to be playing again in less than two weeks -- and holds no hard feelings toward Lakers center Andrew Bynum, whose flagrant foul caused Wallace's frightening injury.
....
Wallace said there's "no doubt" he'll be ready after the Bobcats return from the Feb. 13-15 All-Star break, and Charlotte needs his 16.4 points a game and his energy to make a playoff push.
....
"The main thing (the doctor) told me was because I was so young and such an athlete that the rib actually fractured and punctured my lung and then came back into place," Wallace said. "So that was the reason why it healed quickly. He pulled (the X-ray) up two days later and you couldn't even tell where the fracture had happened."
....
Wallace said doctors have told him his lung is back at full capacity. He's been cleared to do some running and light shooting, but can't have any contact.
"The pain is still there," Wallace said. "I can feel it every time I take a breath."

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basketball/nba/02/06/Wallace.Bobcats.ap/index.html

You see a guy take a major injury and all trade talks disappear (as they have appeared to in this instance). But it seems to me this isn't the sort of injury that's likely to have a long-term impact on his career (as a knee, back or ankle might), and it sounds like the recovery is going quickly.

Given how badly Portland needs that gritty, energy guy at SF right now, is this a trade possibility again?

 

[Darkwebs]

Wallace would be that defensive stopper we need. I would love to get Wallace, but what would Charlotte demand in return? Rudy? Bayless?
I would be willing to give up Outlaw, Sergio, Frye and Raef.

 

[Nikolokolus]

If Wallace could limit the "football" injuries and expend all of that grit and fire on the defensive end and conserve himself a little bit on the offensive end, he could be a helluva get for any team.

I love Crash, but his health does worry me -- I don't think he's all that likely to change the way he plays (for good or bad).

 

[Minstrel]

I still very very much want Pritchard to reel in Wallace. Hopefully, Charlotte's asking price would be lower with the injury (which doesn't concern me much...it was sort of the freak variety and doesn't seem likely to have long-term effect). Wallace does have injury problems, but this wasn't a continuation of that IMO...anyone subjected to the same thing would have suffered the injury.

His perimeter defense, steady but complementary offense and rebounding would be great.

 

[Karl Malone's Elbows]

I would love to get Wallace, but what would Charlotte demand in return?

Mike and Mike have said Charlotte has wanted Webster included in any trade. I also read on ESPN.com that Charlotte wants to get rid of Nazr Mohammad's contract. I think this is a pretty realistic trade, but Portland may need to throw in cash, picks or euros, which would still make it a great trade for Portland. What do you guys think?

Portland sends out: RLEC, Webster, Sergio
Charlotte sends out: Wallace, Nazr.

 

[Miksaid]

Do it.

 

[STOMP]

Do it yesterday... if something resembling Wallace for RLEC + Webster + Sergio is on the table I can't imagine KP hesitating. I'd imagine that they'd be more interested in Frye and the 2009 #1 then Sergio though as DJ and Felton are enough at the point and they could use a decent high post Big... and I'd readily part with those assets too

STOMP

 

[chris_in_pdx]

As much as I love Webster and Sergio..... I would greenlight this trade in a second, although I would try to get them to take Frye and Outlaw over Webster.

 

[illmatic99]

I wonder to what extent Wallace's comments were agent-prompted.

 

[barfo]

I wonder to what extent Wallace's comments were agent-prompted.

You mean you think he wants to be traded?

barfo

 

[illmatic99]

You mean you think he wants to be traded?

barfo

Kinda. I don't see much of a future for Wallace in Charlotte.

 

[barfo]

Kinda. I don't see much of a future for Wallace in Charlotte.

Well, things are looking up there. They got rid of Morrison.

barfo

 

[Karl Malone's Elbows]

For whatever reason it seems Charlotte and Larry Brown just don't like Wallace. I don't understand it myself. He's young and has a reasonable contract. He plays great D, gets to the line, and is a great character guy. I just really don't understand why Charlotte wants to get rid of him so bad.

 

[STOMP]

Well, things are looking up there. They got rid of Morrison.

who was a SF with an expiring contract... SF Radman has 2 years after this

STOMP

 

[STOMP]

For whatever reason it seems Charlotte and Larry Brown just don't like Wallace. I don't understand it myself. He's young and has a reasonable contract. He plays great D, gets to the line, and is a great character guy. I just really don't understand why Charlotte wants to get rid of him so bad.

what makes you think LB wants to "get rid of him"?

STOMP

 

[Karl Malone's Elbows]

what makes you think LB wants to "get rid of him"?

STOMP

Consistent reports of such from multiple media sources.

 

[STOMP]

Consistent reports of such from multiple media sources.

I'm not saying he's not shopping him, but I have noticed that small market Portland also gets included in all sorts of rumors in the national sports press where they are consistently giving away the farm.

rumors don't necessarily equate to smoke = fire IMO

STOMP