May
16
Gerald Wallace’s 2010-2011 season can be described in one word: change.
Starting as a Charlotte Bobcat and ending as a Portland Trail Blazer. Opposite coasts, opposite conferences.
As the face of the Charlotte franchise, “Mr. Bobcat” didn’t expect to be traded. Eleven minutes before the trade deadline expired his world turned over. He was headed to Portland.
He hopped on a plane in the middle of the night and arrived at PDX the next morning to a warm welcoming committee. He seemed nervous. A feeling I imagine is shared by many players traded during the season.
Being traded to Portland is different. I don’t think it’s possible for anyone to know what to expect from the Trail Blazers fans. Yeah, players hear what it’s like, they get a taste of Rip City when they play in the Rose Garden. But to truly comprehend what it’s like to have 20,000 plus chanting your name... you can’t know until it really happens.
From all of the upheaval and variance in Wallace’s career came his favorite memory of the season, the entire thing.
“This has been a memorable season for me,” Wallace said. “To start where I started, to go through the things that I went through as far as the trade and everything, and then to come here and finish the way I did, I think is all been memorable for me. It’s something that I’ve never been through and it’s an experience that I’ll never forget.”
Trail Blazers faithful know exactly what he means when he says “finish the way I did.”
If you’re not quite sure what he means, or you just want to bask in Gerald Wallace highlight reel glory, you don’t have to look far. Trailblazers.tv is loaded with his acrobatic plays, rim-bending dunks and long range three pointers.
And last but not least, no interview would be complete without a little bit of Patty Mills.
Mills, who lovingly calls Wallace “Wally,” had a different take on Gerald’s favorite moment. “When I gave him a hug,” Patty said.
I guess he was right... “Meeting Patty Mills,” Wallace quickly amended with a laugh. There’s no doubt of the bond between the two.
Even with all the changes, it’s safe to say Wallace has adjusted well.