Gerald Wallace = Less Batum?

[Fez Hammersticks]

With a potential acquisition of Gerald Wallace that means Batum will never see the court with Webster healthy.

Do you make the trade for "Crash" and hurt Batum's development or do you stand pat and look for a PG?

One thing that Gerald brings, like Travis, he can play PF. He started most of last season at the four and put up nearly 20/10. His post defense is very strong despite only being 6'7"-6'8".

Wallace/Webster/Batum - McMillan has his hands full trying to find time for these guys, if it were to happen.

 

[STOMP]

With a potential acquisition of Gerald Wallace that means Batum will never see the court with Webster healthy.

why so quick to write off Nic? Batum is already showing far more defensive ability then Martell ever has and he's shooting a better percentage from 3's then Martell did last year.

I don't see MW as nearly the lock for minutes that many here do. Rating him as a decent player at this point is being generous.

STOMP

 

[Minstrel]

With a potential acquisition of Gerald Wallace that means Batum will never see the court with Webster healthy.

Do you make the trade for "Crash" and hurt Batum's development or do you stand pat and look for a PG?

I make the deal and assume McMillan is smart enough to mix and match a bit. A ton of players on the Blazers can play multiple positions. There's no reason why Batum and Wallace couldn't be on the floor together at times. Or Batum and Webster, or Webster and Wallace.

Wallace as the starter, Webster as the primary reserve and Batum as the developing prospect who gets time mixed and matched with other players would be a perfectly good situation.

Basically, I'd envision the following (I'm assuming the deal would send away LaFrentz, Outlaw and Frye):

Four guard rotation: Roy, Fernandez, Blake, Bayless
Four forward rotation: Aldridge, Wallace, Webster, Batum
Two center rotation: Oden, Przybilla

With Roy's ability to pass and Wallace's and Batum's ability to play spot minutes at the 4, I think you can basically use any combination of guards at a time and any combination of forwards at a time. You don't have to be strictly constrained by type of guard and type of forward. And that sets up a nice, tight ten man rotation.

 

[THE HCP]

You add Wallace to our team, and we are immediately better!

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

why so quick to write off Nic? Batum is already showing far more defensive ability then Martell ever has and he's shooting a better percentage from 3's then Martell did last year.

I don't see MW as nearly the lock for minutes that many here do. Rating him as a decent player at this point is being generous.

STOMP

I totally agree. I would actually like to see Batum as the primary backup. Something, IMO, he is ready for.

Package Webster with LaFrentz (and Sergio?) for an upgrade at the point.

 

[shamelessblazer]

There will be more minutes for Batum IF Wallace and Webster are on the team compared to IF Webster, Outlaw, and Frye are on the team. Wallace can slide up to four too.

If we were to do it (I'd include Blake to add incentive for Charlotte and start Bayless...or Rudy and play Bayless), everyone freaks out about a rookie PG, no one about a rookie SG with a "vet" PG, so play Roy at point with Bayless as our "rookie" SG. Accelerate the change, if we make changes for the future, get everyone used to each other and throw out the band-aids (such as Blake). Sure it may make Nate a little pissed, but it would be better for the team long-term. And LB would love Blake as a PG who will do what he's told (when he gets pissed at Augustin or Felton).

I would actually play Wallace as a 30 mpg reserve personally. I don't see him fitting into a deliberate offense extremely well (like our starters) but he'd be awesome as a defensive energy guy off the bench. I just love the thought of a second unit consisting of Sergio, Rudy, and Wallace (with Batum spot minutes) it'd be so much fun to watch and could play crazy zones.

Blake/Frye/Outlaw (three guys LB would probably like) for Wallace...

Roy/Sergio
Bayless/Rudy (Rudy still gets the bulk)
Webster/Wallace/Batum
Aldridge/Wallace
Oden/Pryzbilla

that's a nasty 9 man rotation with spot minutes for Batum. Fuel the future! If Roy and Rudy play at least 60 mpg combined then we'd only have to rely on Sergio and Bayless for 36 mpg. Would probably be good to have a reserve behind them, though I'd be nervous Nate would use them way too much.

 

[Nate4Prez]

If we were to do it (I'd include Blake to add incentive for Charlotte and start Bayless...or Rudy and play Bayless), everyone freaks out about a rookie PG, no one about a rookie SG with a "vet" PG.:

Funny how we were glad to see Aldridge, Roy, and now Oden, Batum, and Rudy get lots of minutes in their rookie year, but dont want to Bayless to start. Not saying that we dont have better options now.

 

[BengalDuck]

Batum can guard the 2... not sure why you couldn't have a Roy/Batum backcourt at certain times...

 

[Furball]

Well, let's look at this a little bit. One of the worst teams in the league is looking at trading it's best player whom they just signed to a contract. Doesn't that tell you a little bit about Wallace? If he was a good team player, they wouldn't be shopping him. Pass.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Well, let's look at this a little bit. One of the worst teams in the league is looking at trading it's best player whom they just signed to a contract. Doesn't that tell you a little bit about Wallace? If he was a good team player, they wouldn't be shopping him. Pass.

I wouldn't read too much into anything with the Bobbies; The owner is reportedly looking to shop the team, so payroll owed is something of a consideration (especially for a team that has trouble filling its arena) and Larry Brown is notorious for wanting to tinker with his roster when he takes a team over. Who knows, maybe there is an issue with Wallace, but my guess would be that they realize they aren't going anywhere good with the lineup they have and are already committed to pretty weighty contracts for Okafor and Richardson -- Crash at 10 million per year seriously cuts into their ability to fill some of the gaping holes in their roster (primarily picking up a true center or somebody that can play solid power forward while Okafor continues to toil away out of position at the 5).

 

[SheedSoNasty]

Where does this rumor stem from? Is it only Blazersedge or has someone heard any word from somewhere else?

 

[BalancedMan]

For the record, Wallace puts up some of his best numbers when he's on the floor in a small lineup, playing PF alongside Emeka Okafor at center. Depending on the matchup he can play the undersized 4 that is becoming so popular in this league.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Where does this rumor stem from? Is it only Blazersedge or has someone heard any word from somewhere else?

"legit" rumor (whatever that means)
http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/th...llace_is_potentially_perfect_for_golden_state

 

[<-=*PdX*=->]

Stop jumping the gun. We aren't getting Gerald Wallace...

 

[bigbailes]

i want to know why everyone feels the need for two different line-ups. most of the good teams run an eight man rotation with a ninth in special circumstances. so say we sent out Outlaw, Raef, Frye, for Wallace. where does that leave us?

PG- Blake, Sergio, Bayless
SG- Roy, Rudy
SF- Webster, Batum, Wallace
PF- Aldridge, Ike
C- Oden, Prizz

Obiviously Roy, Aldridge, Oden, Prizz, and Rudy would be your main five. Who are the other three? Basically what i'm saying is, we still have the same problem (a good problem) of playing time as i don't think it would be the 3 SF's.

 

[Da_O]

why so quick to write off Nic? Batum is already showing far more defensive ability then Martell ever has and he's shooting a better percentage from 3's then Martell did last year.

I don't see MW as nearly the lock for minutes that many here do. Rating him as a decent player at this point is being generous.

STOMP

In six games.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Get the best players you can and go with it. I mean if we were able to get a player like K*be, that wasn't actually a rapist, and it meant less time for Roy you do it.

 

[STOMP]

In six games.

sure, but since when is having good results something to hold against a guy?

STOMP

 

[BenDavis503x]

Sounds crazy... but I think I would rather play Batum then Wallace. We need to get rid of Blake, Sergio and Outlaw for a good veteran PG.

 

[mook]

I'm with STOMP and Ty. If both Webster and Batum had been drafted this year at their current talent level, there wouldn't even be a debate. Webster is clearly an inferior player.

Sure, Webster has far prettier form to his jumper, but you don't get bonus points for nice form. Batum is taller, longer, a better defender (at 19!), a better rebounder, has more upside, has a better handle and is a more aggressive finisher in the open court. And he doesn't appear to have any of the psychological baggage Webster does.

Webster disappears for long stretches if nobody get him the ball position to take the spotup jumper. Batum doesn't need the ball at all to be valuable.

I've been waiting for years for Outlaw or Webster to become Batum. I always liked Outlaw more than Webster, but that debate doesn't matter anymore. The future is Batum.

Now, how does Nate balance Wallace with Batum/Outlaw/Webster this year? Clearly, Wallace starts. Outlaw will get more minutes at backup PF. And Webster and Batum will have to jostle over the table scraps. This year, my money is on Nate choosing Webster over Batum, just because he usually goes with the veterans when he has a choice.

I have far more faith in KP's ability to recognize talent, though, and I think we'll see some moves later this year and over the summer to move Webster and establish Batum as the clear backup to Wallace.

 

[SpanishFly]

There will be more minutes for Batum IF Wallace and Webster are on the team compared to IF Webster, Outlaw, and Frye are on the team. Wallace can slide up to four too.

If we were to do it (I'd include Blake to add incentive for Charlotte and start Bayless...or Rudy and play Bayless), everyone freaks out about a rookie PG, no one about a rookie SG with a "vet" PG, so play Roy at point with Bayless as our "rookie" SG. Accelerate the change, if we make changes for the future, get everyone used to each other and throw out the band-aids (such as Blake). Sure it may make Nate a little pissed, but it would be better for the team long-term. And LB would love Blake as a PG who will do what he's told (when he gets pissed at Augustin or Felton).

I would actually play Wallace as a 30 mpg reserve personally. I don't see him fitting into a deliberate offense extremely well (like our starters) but he'd be awesome as a defensive energy guy off the bench. I just love the thought of a second unit consisting of Sergio, Rudy, and Wallace (with Batum spot minutes) it'd be so much fun to watch and could play crazy zones.

Blake/Frye/Outlaw (three guys LB would probably like) for Wallace...

Roy/Sergio
Bayless/Rudy (Rudy still gets the bulk)
Webster/Wallace/Batum
Aldridge/Wallace
Oden/Pryzbilla

that's a nasty 9 man rotation with spot minutes for Batum. Fuel the future! If Roy and Rudy play at least 60 mpg combined then we'd only have to rely on Sergio and Bayless for 36 mpg. Would probably be good to have a reserve behind them, though I'd be nervous Nate would use them way too much.

Totally agree on the "more minutes" if we trade Frye and TO, Wallace is effective and has played a good bit of PF as well. We can add another backup PF at the deadline or next summer. I like the Wallace/Webs/Batum combos!

 

[Nikolokolus]

I'm with STOMP and Ty. If both Webster and Batum had been drafted this year at their current talent level, there wouldn't even be a debate. Webster is clearly an inferior player.

Sure, Webster has far prettier form to his jumper, but you don't get bonus points for nice form. Batum is taller, longer, a better defender (at 19!), a better rebounder, has more upside, has a better handle and is a more aggressive finisher in the open court. And he doesn't appear to have any of the psychological baggage Webster does.

Webster disappears for long stretches if nobody get him the ball position to take the spotup jumper. Batum doesn't need the ball at all to be valuable.

I've been waiting for years for Outlaw or Webster to become Batum. I always liked Outlaw more than Webster, but that debate doesn't matter anymore. The future is Batum.

Now, how does Nate balance Wallace with Batum/Outlaw/Webster this year? Clearly, Wallace starts. Outlaw will get more minutes at backup PF. And Webster and Batum will have to jostle over the table scraps. This year, my money is on Nate choosing Webster over Batum, just because he usually goes with the veterans when he has a choice.

I have far more faith in KP's ability to recognize talent, though, and I think we'll see some moves later this year and over the summer to move Webster and establish Batum as the clear backup to Wallace.

If a Wallace trade were somehow to come to pass, there's no way we keep all four, one of those guys (or two?) would be outgoing in the trade. In some way's I think Webster would be the most likely to get traded since Outlaw could be slid over to the backup power forward spot.

With Wallace, I think you'd see an 9 man rotation of (assuming that Webster and Frye get moved):
Blake (for now), Roy, Fernandez, Wallace, Batum, Outlaw, Aldridge, Oden, Przybilla

Here's my version of the Wallace "never gonna happen, but what the hell" trade:
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/featur...54~3025~2795~1026&teams=30~30~30~22&te=&cash=

 

[MARIS61]

I make the deal and assume McMillan is smart enough to mix and match a bit.

A fatal assumption.

 

[SpanishFly]

If a Wallace trade were somehow to come to pass, there's no way we keep all four, one of those guys (or two?) would be outgoing in the trade. In some way's I think Webster would be the most likely to get traded since Outlaw could be slid over to the backup power forward spot.

With Wallace, I think you'd see an 9 man rotation of (assuming that Webster and Frye get moved):
Blake (for now), Roy, Fernandez, Wallace, Batum, Outlaw, Aldridge, Oden, Przybilla

Here's my version of the Wallace "never gonna happen, but what the hell" trade:
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/featur...54~3025~2795~1026&teams=30~30~30~22&te=&cash=

Good to know that Martell's recent contract extension did not mess the trade up, is he BYC this yr?

 

[Nikolokolus]

Good to know that Martell's recent contract extension did not mess the trade up, is he BYC this yr?

Even if he is BYC this year it wouldn't matter, his extension only bumps his pay up by about a million per year, so it would have a minimal impact on his ability to be traded.

 

[andalusian]

Here's my version of the Wallace "never gonna happen, but what the hell" trade:
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/featur...54~3025~2795~1026&teams=30~30~30~22&te=&cash=

This would be a great trade for Portland. Outlaw at the backup PF position, Batum with the fast 2nd unit as SF and we even get 5-10 minutes of Bayless every other game as the backup PG - and we still retain the contract for another trade down the line... love it.

 

[Masbee]

If a Wallace trade were somehow to come to pass, there's no way we keep all four, one of those guys (or two?) would be outgoing in the trade. In some way's I think Webster would be the most likely to get traded since Outlaw could be slid over to the backup power forward spot.

With Wallace, I think you'd see an 9 man rotation of (assuming that Webster and Frye get moved):
Blake (for now), Roy, Fernandez, Wallace, Batum, Outlaw, Aldridge, Oden, Przybilla

Here's my version of the Wallace "never gonna happen, but what the hell" trade:
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/featur...54~3025~2795~1026&teams=30~30~30~22&te=&cash=

I doubt Charlotte does that deal. I bet they really want the salary savings of Raef and probably prefer Outlaw to Webster, but..... if they would do this deal (adding some picks), it would be an excellent move for Portland.

 

[1 Eye Jack]

Sorry I keep going back to last year. When Jones was playing well that's when this team excelled. A vet SF would make a huge difference for this team. Who that Vet is I have no clue. Wallace seems like a nice fit on paper I just honestly have no clue what type of teammate he is. Does he play to win and put his stats aside or is he a CTC (cut the check) player?

Guys who I think fit and could possibly be had

Butler- seems like a great fit can we pry him away from Washington? doubtful but who knows come trade deadline he might be a guy available.

Jamison-great fit here, big contract, older but a team first guy. again may not be available depends on how they are playing at the trade deadline.

Marion - big question mark, personally I think he took a bad rap on wanting out of Phoenix. Great talent fit for us

Dunleavy - big contract but kid can flat our score and has very high BBIQ

Nocioni- I'm not a big fan of him but he plays hard and another smart bb player

Lamar Odom- just fucking with you guys to see if your actually reading what I type talent wise great fit

Wallace- talent wise hell yes but no idea what kind of character this kid has, is he all about winning and can he stay healthy


Childress- might be our best/only option. This kid played great in last years playoffs doing all the little things Atlanta needed.

 

[Foulzilla]

Good to know that Martell's recent contract extension did not mess the trade up, is he BYC this yr?

From what I understand, he is not. Apparently BYC only comes up when the players salary jumps by a certain amount. Martell was a high enough pick, and is getting a low enough extension that it doesn't affect him apparently. I don't have a source for this however, I just remember reading it a when he got his extension.