Turn Me Loose! (Crash)

[ABM]

I like it..

http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/i...tml?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Gerald Wallace has earned the nickname "Crash" because of a fearless and relentless playing style that regularly features Wallace sprawled on the court or face-planted in the front row of NBA arenas after he sacrificed his body for a loose ball.

But he just as well could be called "The Predator."

With his flowing locks, chiseled physique and angry demeanor, Wallace resembles a human NBA version of the extra-terrestrial warrior featured in the science fiction movie series. And as the Trail Blazers open the 2011-12 regular season tonight against the Philadelphia 76ers, coach Nate McMillan has decided to take the handcuffs off "The Predator" and let him hunt.

After wading through 29 regular season and playoff games last year, one longer-than-normal offseason and 17 days of training camp, McMillan says he's learned the best way to exploit Wallace's unique blend of toughness and athleticism.

"You just have to let him go, you have to just let him play," McMillan said. "I don't think you put a lot of rules and restrictions on him. He plays fearless basketball ... Sometimes you can over-coach. If he is out there thinking, should I do this or should I do that, you can take away his strength, which is the ability to anticipate and create opportunities. So you just let him go."

This sentiment has been echoed in coaches meetings, in team film sessions and, even, in practices. During a recent workout at the practice facility in Tualatin, McMillan stopped play in the middle of a scrimmage and urged the team to "Just let Gerald play."............

 

[jlprk]

He strangles offensive instincts and should ease up on others, too, individually But in contrast, he needs more structured plays. McMillan is a walking contradiction.

 

[handiman]

McMillan is a quality coach but an extremely slow learner. In-game adjustments? Forget about it, it takes him an entire season to complete an obvious analysis of one player!

 

[Mediocre Man]

McMillan is a quality coach but an extremely slow learner. In-game adjustments? Forget about it, it takes him an entire season to complete an obvious analysis of one player!

So let me get this straight.

1. Nate is a quality coach

2. He is an extremely slow learner

3. He can't make in game adjustments

4. It takes him an entire season to analyze one player

So how exactly is he a quality coach? Actually I answered this myself. Nate is a quality coach, just not a quality head coach. You know the people that have to learn quickly, make in game adjustments, and analyze players on the fly.

 

[ABM]

So how exactly is he a quality coach? Actually I answered this myself. Nate is a quality coach, just not a quality head coach.

Why does McMillan consistently garner COY votes? Oh, yeah, because he's a quality Head Coach.

Merry Christmas

 

[ABM]

4. It takes him an entire season to analyze one player.

Exactly how long has Wallace been with the team? Yep, that's what I thought.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Why does McMillan consistently garner COY votes? Oh, yeah, because he's a quality Head Coach.

Merry Christmas

I guess the same reason Mike Schuler actually won the award? The answer of course id he has a lot of talent on the roster. Hell, Mo Cheeks got COY votes

 

[KingSpeed]

I like this. Go Crash! He's the player that gives me hope we can contend.

 

[ABM]

I guess the same reason Mike Schuler actually won the award? The answer of course id he has a lot of talent on the roster. Hell, Mo Cheeks got COY votes

Not consistently "over the years", though.

Wait. OK, I hear ya, if you're a mediocre man, then McMillan is a medicare coach. Fair enough.

 

[barfo]

Let's just keep in mind that Nate usually does exactly the opposite of whatever he tells the press he's going to do.

What this actually means in Nate-speak is "I'm uncomfortable with the way he plays. I'm going to keep him on a short leash and probably bench him whenever he deviates from the playbook."

barfo

 

[ABM]

Let's just keep in mind that Nate usually does exactly the opposite of whatever he tells the press he's going to do.

What this actually means in Nate-speak is "I'm uncomfortable with the way he plays. I'm going to keep him on a short leash and probably bench him whenever he deviates from the playbook."

barfo

What an astute observation. Yeah, let's keep our eye on that situation.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

I wonder if this team is a good fit for Crash.

 

[MickZagger]

I wonder if this team is a good fit for Crash.

I don't see why not.

 

[magnifier661]

I speak natelish and I believe he will let Wallace play.

 

[BrianFromWA]

Exactly how long has Wallace been with the team? Yep, that's what I thought.

Since February. It's now a week from January. And one would assume that, since Nate's been coaching for about a decade and Crash has been playing for about a decade (and a trade target of Portland since 2008) then he's seen a clip or two about how the guy plays

 

[ABM]

Since February. It's now a week from January. And one would assume that, since Nate's been coaching for about a decade and Crash has been playing for about a decade (and a trade target of Portland since 2008) then he's seen a clip or two about how the guy plays

So, what exactly is the point, here? In practice, Nate simply said "let [him] play". Did he, like, say "don't let him play" last season?

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

I don't see why not.

Wallace seems to play better in a more unstructured offense. Nate tends to run a very disciplined offense.

 

[ABM]

Wallace seems to play better in a more unstructured offense. Nate tends to run a very disciplined offense.

When Brandon was whispering in his ear, sure.

 

[MickZagger]

I thought Wallace played good under McMillan last year with the exception of the beginning of that series against the Mavs.

 

[Further]

I'm real interested in how Nate's coaching changes now that Roy is gone. It seemed to me, and perhaps smartly, that no matter the rest of the personel in the past, Nate made sure that the offense was designed to be optimal for Roy. The pace was for Roy, The iso's for Roy, the structure for Roy. And when you have a superstar like a healthy Roy, that only makes sense, get the most out of the best player, and the team will play well.

Now, with Roy gone, there are much fewer reasons to structure the team and the offense the way it has been the last 4 years. I really am not sure what to expect. Is Nate flexible enough to completely change his style to fit the best players on the team today?

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

I don't entirely agree that he just needs to be turned loose. But i do agree he needs to be used differently. I have said earlier I think he needs to be passed to as he is on the move, maybe as he comes around a pick, heading towards the basket. He is not a great creator or dribbler, but one dribble and slam it!

Dwight jaynes seems to agree: "I suspect this is going to be an issue all season but I think the Blazers are going to need to change their offense for Gerald Wallace. The same stuff that works for Nic Batum won't work for him. He's NOT an outside shooter. He can't get his own shot. He needs back-picks and backdoor cuts to the basket, lobs, etc. He's not good with the ball. He needs to be a finisher at the rim. Unless he's given that opportunity, the Blazers are not going to get the best out of him."

I don't see anything in this article that shows that McMillan understands how to use him best.

 

[ABM]

He looked rather fluid out there, tonight. Good game.

 

[jlprk]

I can't look at the thread title without singing Fabian's hit to myself.

[video=youtube;JPi7NBvM1k4]

 

[ABM]

....and loose he is.

I'd go as far to say that the Blazers would be 0-2 right now without him.

 

[chris_in_pdx]

I coveted Wallace from afar for about 5 years before he became a Blazer, and I knew that he was the kind of player that would endear himself to the fans: hardworking, balls-to-the-walls, fearless, and mean. He didn't really have time to discover his place last year with B-Roy's instability and the limited time with his new teammates. I have a feeling this is going to be a break-out, close-to-All-Star year for Gerald. He's comfortable, firing on all cylinders, and knows his role is energy, hustle, and leadership. LaMarcus may not have to be "the man".

 

[BLAZINGGIANTS]

I coveted Wallace from afar for about 5 years before he became a Blazer, and I knew that he was the kind of player that would endear himself to the fans: hardworking, balls-to-the-walls, fearless, and mean. He didn't really have time to discover his place last year with B-Roy's instability and the limited time with his new teammates. I have a feeling this is going to be a break-out, close-to-All-Star year for Gerald. He's comfortable, firing on all cylinders, and knows his role is energy, hustle, and leadership. LaMarcus may not have to be "the man".

Buck + Kersey = G-Dub???

 

[jlprk]

He didn't really have time to discover his place last year with B-Roy's instability and the limited time with his new teammates. I have a feeling this is going to be a break-out, close-to-All-Star year for Gerald...LaMarcus may not have to be "the man".

Since he's already been an All-Star, getting close to the All-Star game would be a down year for him, not a breakout year. He already broke out.

LaMarcus may not have to be "the man," and involuntarily so, since Wallace appears to be the best player on our team. He was this way last season too, but for some reason everyone assumed it was just temporary and that Batum would be better this season.

 

[HailBlazers]

Best part of the game last night, oh and GER-ALD WALL-ACE!



http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/i...sider_gerald_wallace_meet_section_314_of.html

 

[BBert]

Wallace looks like the only guy out there in NBA shape. Good thing, since he's won two games for us. Nice start.

 

[tlongII]

Wallace looks like the only guy out there in NBA shape. Good thing, since he's won two games for us. Nice start.

Gerald definitely is in better shape than most of his teammates. I think Nic and Camby are in good shape too. Our perimeter players and LA look like they need to do some extra running.