Sorry, Crash

Last year when the Trail Blazers traded for Gerald Wallace, I was not a happy camper.  The trade sent one of my all-time favorite blazers, Joel Przybilla, away from Rip City and I felt that the Blazers didn’t get nearly enough in return. I remember telling one of my friends that we gave up a solid center and some other pieces for a guy who could back up at three positions but wouldn’t do any of them very well. Boy was I wrong. I don’t know who I thought Gerald Wallace was but I definitely didn’t think he was the player the Blazers ended up getting.

So far this year, the Trail Blazers are undefeated when Gerald Wallace records a field goal. That’s a six and two record people.  The two times he didn’t record a field goal the Blazers lost by five to the Clippers and embarrassed themselves in front of the Phoenix Suns. It’s pretty clear that the Blazers need Gerald Wallace, AKA Crash, to play well if they want to win games. The good news, for the team and its fans, is that he is playing well. Crash is averaging 15 points and more than six rebounds a game. In addition to his numbers, he’s anchoring the Blazers’ defense. When the Lakers came into the Rose Garden, who got the call to guard Kobe? That’s right, Gerald Wallace. Kobe may have gotten his numbers, but he did not look comfortable doing it.

Crash has put up nice numbers, including a 31 point game against the Lakers, and his defense is impressive. But those two things are not the most impressive parts of his game. The most impressive thing I’ve seen from watching Gerald Wallace play is the amount of energy he brings every night.  Wallace brings more energy to the court than almost anyone I’ve ever seen.  He runs around the court all night and never seems to get tired. If the Trail Blazers were a car, Wallace would be the battery and he would always start, even on a cold day.

I have been very impressed with Gerald Wallace ever since he became a Blazer. He is a great addition to the Blazers roster and I hope he’ll be a cornerstone of the team for years to come. If he’s reading this, I only have one thing to say: “Mr. Wallace, I’m sorry I ever doubted you.”