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Will Wesley Make The Rookie/Sophomore Game?
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  1. DHawes22
    DHawes22
    Posts: 6475

    Posted 01/14/2011 1:29 PM

    Will Wesley Make The Rookie/Sophomore Game?
    Yes-He's a huge reason why the Blazers are still in the playoff race (63)
     94%
    No-The Sophomores are just too deep (4)
     6%



    Wesley Matthews has been one of the biggest surprises this season in the NBA. While many members of the media criticized and mocked the signing of Matthews for the amount of money he was inked for, Wesley was in the gym, ready to prove all of the doubters wrong. And just as he did in his rookie year in Utah, when his name was called upon, he didn't disappoint. In 25 starters, Matthews is averaging 18.9 points per game, only second on the team to LaMarcus Aldridge. Portland knew about his defensive prowess, but putting up nearly 20 points in a starting role? I'm not so sure any of us saw that coming.

    it's crazy to think of Wesley as a Sophomore. He was a 4 year player at Marquette, went undrafted in 2009, so it's easy to overlook at how young he is in terms of NBA experience. The Rookie/Sophomore game is a little different than the All-Star game in the sense, you must be the best of the best. No conference dividers to separate one player from another. Meaning, he'll have to be one of the 9 best Sophomores in the NBA to get in, instead of one of the best in the Western Conference.

    Last year's Rookie Team, aka this year's Sophomores, was comprised of, Omri Casspi, Brandon Jennings, Steph Curry, Tyreke Evans, Jonas Jerekbo, DeJaun Blair, Taj Gibson, Johnny Flynn, & James Harden. By no means do the players who played in last year's game have preferential treatment over who gets in this time around, but as if to use them as a standard, let's break down who definitely will be in or out from this crop of players.

    OUT-
    Jonas Jerekbo-Out for the Season
    Jonny Flynn- Only played in 15 games and producing below-average numbers of 4.5 points & 2.5 assists
    Brandon Jennings- Only played in 25 games  and is currently still injured with no foreseeable return date announced

    IN-
    Steph Curry- One of the best young guards in the league who has only seen his numbers go up in his Soph year. 18 points, 6 assists, & 41% from 3? LOCK
    DeJaun Blair- He's started all 39 games for the team with the best record in the NBA. Nuff said!

    In my opinion, that leaves 7 spots open for Tyreke Evans, Taj Gibson, James Harden, Omri Casspi, and other fellow Sophomores who have taken their game to the next level such as Wesley. Let's take a look at those:

    OTHER-
    DeMar DeRozan- Starting in Toronto and putting up 14.6 points in 32.9 minutes.
    Jrue Holiday - Another slept on player who is quietly putting up big stats in Philly: 14.8 points, 6.7 assists, 3.8 rebounds
    Ty Lawson - Another good point guard from the class of 2009, putting up 11 points and 4 assists in only 24 minutes a night on a playoff team
    Darren Collison - Started every game for the playoff Pacers. Although his #'s aren't as impressive as his rookie year, 13.6 points and 4.5 assists is nothing to deny


    Looking at that list, I wish Wesley were a big man, because the bigs are slim pickings for the Sophs, but as long as he's not a point guard, I really like his chances. He's started 26 games for a playoff bound team, and winning has to account for something when it comes to these type of teams. Not only does he score, but defense is another attribute that gets overlooked as well. When Portland found out Roy would be out indefinitely in December, Wesley stepped his game up the most, posting average of 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. The only thing standing in his way? I fear many coaches will forget that he's a Sophomore. Which is why I hope this video helps them recognize otherwise:

    Wesley For Rookie/Sophomore Game



    I am a fan of
  1. Herr
    Herr
    Posts: 643

    Posted 01/14/2011 1:49 PM

    I said no, but not for the reason provided.  The thing about Wesley is he is TOO streaky.  36 against Minnesota, and then was basically absent against the Knicks.  I donno how much he scored against the Heat but I know he had a huge 3 pointer.

    I'd like to see consistency from Wesley before I try to compare him to other players.  It's hard to compare streaky players.
    I am a fan of
  1. Kim~
    Kim~
    Posts: 1137

    Posted 01/14/2011 2:04 PM

    I just hope he doesnt get hurt.
    I am a fan of scrapping !
  1. Tobyus Sanchezo
    Tobyus Sanchezo
    Posts: 1599

    Posted 01/14/2011 11:01 PM

    No way, look, he's got a beard!
    I am a fan of playoffs in two zero one three
  1. blazersforlife234
    blazersforlife234
    Posts: 347

    Posted 01/14/2011 11:11 PM

    I've been sayin this for about a month now... yes he should. He's playing better than any sophmore guard in the west right now.
    I am a fan of winning.
  1. blazerdarren77
    blazerdarren77
    Posts: 215

    Posted 01/14/2011 11:18 PM

    i say yes because he is averaging almost 16 points a game; that usually translates into an invite to such an event.
    I am a fan of
  1. BDawg
    BDawg
    Posts: 1455

    Posted 01/15/2011 3:49 PM

    @Herr...aren't many, if not all of the other sophs just as "streaky" or inconsistent.  Of the players listed, none are playing a bigger role for their respective teams as is Matthews for the Blazers. 

    Yes, our starting 2 and the leading candidate for Most Improved WILL make it.  My hope is that he will have company on that trip :)
    I am a fan of players that play with PASSION and PRIDE
  1. blazerfanatic7
    blazerfanatic7
    Posts: 28

    Posted 01/15/2011 10:13 PM

    It would be a travesty is Wesley Matthews doesn't make the Rookie/Sophomore game or if Aldridge doesn't make the All-Star game.
    I am a fan of LaMarcus Aldridge the All-Star!
  1. RedRudy5
    RedRudy5
    Posts: 135

    Posted 01/15/2011 11:06 PM

    He definitely should!!
    I am a fan of Turning this season around! Time to show some pride!!
  1. Justin.Molter
    Justin.Molter
    Posts: 53

    Posted 01/17/2011 10:58 AM

    This video should help you make up your mind

    Wesley to Rook/Soph Game

    ^ Pretty cool video, some interesting stats
    I am a fan of
  1. mariuszkoludek
    mariuszkoludek
    Posts: 192

    Posted 01/17/2011 12:51 PM

    Yes, Yes, Yes !!! He is doing great job this season - he deserve for this !!!

    Go Blazers !!!
    I am a fan of Portland Trail Blazers, RIP CITY !!!
  1. TayC
    TayC
    Posts: 1804

    Posted 01/17/2011 5:19 PM

    yeah but with this teams luck and outstanding health resume, do you even want him to play?
    WE finally kinda straightened our record out, cooking with gas now, should you really risk that for his own personal benefit over the teams?
    I am a fan of The Blazers ♂, the £-Train, and of course, The ¤ King. ™
  1. Tobyus Sanchezo
    Tobyus Sanchezo
    Posts: 1599

    Posted 01/18/2011 4:27 PM

    Wesley needs a break, he's been workin' hard. Brandon and Lamarcus went to the All-Youngin's game and the NBA made 'em play 40 minutes apiece. Send Babbit or Armon, they would love the floor time. 
    I am a fan of playoffs in two zero one three
  1. TayC
    TayC
    Posts: 1804

    Posted 01/18/2011 5:34 PM

    i can so agree with that ^
    I am a fan of The Blazers ♂, the £-Train, and of course, The ¤ King. ™
  1. boomboom1522
    boomboom1522
    Posts: 9

    Posted 01/20/2011 5:48 PM

    I would like to see him out there as a sophomore, but I don't think it will happen.  I feel like he flys under the radar a lot.
    I am a fan of PROVING CRITICS WRONG
  1. DHawes22
    DHawes22
    Posts: 6475

    Posted 01/26/2011 9:37 PM

    A poster on another board I read said that Brian Wheeler stated at the season ticket holder party tonight that Wesley will play in the Rook/Soph game. I was there but didn't catch this, but I do value Wheels' info. If true, great job Wesley!
    I am a fan of
  1. krizzikinz
    krizzikinz
    Posts: 20

    Posted 01/27/2011 10:26 AM

    I heard what Wheels said, he brought it up after they were talking about LaMarcus and his potential to be an All Star this year. They brought it up like "another guy who might make an appearance would be Wesley in the Rook/Soph game". I don't think they've announced who will be in it yet, have they?
    I am a fan of being back in the Rose Garden.
  1. DHawes22
    DHawes22
    Posts: 6475

    Posted 01/27/2011 11:26 AM

    Yea, I asked Casey and he said he doesn't even think the coaches have even had a chance to vote on the player selections yet. Oh Wheels....
    I am a fan of
  1. Napoleon7
    Napoleon7
    Posts: 118

    Posted 01/27/2011 5:47 PM

    Yes he will make it.
    MIP candidate also!
    I am a fan of
  1. BlAzErS_FaN_FoR_LiFe712
    BlAzErS_FaN_FoR_LiFe712
    Posts: 170

    Posted 01/28/2011 6:40 PM

    I think he will. i don't see why he wouldn't. only a few players from that draft are having a better season this year, and most of the ones who are aren't on winning teams so i say YES!
    I am a fan of the Portland Trailblazers
  1. DHawes22
    DHawes22
    Posts: 6475

    Posted 02/01/2011 1:27 PM

    Looks like we will find out today around 3pm!
    I am a fan of
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