Bonzi Wells to Memphis - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

Jamisonite · 12-03-2003, 05:24 PM

Grizzlies Acquire Bonzi Wells

Wells has averaged 13.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game in his career spanning six seasons.
(Sam Forencich/NBAE/Getty Images)

Memphis, Tennessee, December 3, 2003 — Memphis Grizzlies President of Basketball Operations Jerry West announced the team has acquired guard/forward Bonzi Wells from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for guard Wesley Person, a conditional first round pick in the 2004 NBA Draft and cash considerations. If the Grizzlies’ first round pick in the 2004 Draft is one of the top three picks, the Grizzlies have the option to keep the pick.

“We’re very excited about the opportunity to acquire a player of the caliber of Bonzi Wells. He is a very talented player who is young, and already has quite a bit of experience of being successful in this league,” said West. “We are very hopeful that this opportunity provides a fresh start for Bonzi in Memphis and that he enjoys joining a rising young team in the Grizzlies. We’re very optimistic Bonzi will provide a significant presence in our lineup.”

“Of course, we lost a veteran player in Wesley (Person) who is a true professional and has done a wonderful job for us over the last two seasons,” added West. “We certainly wish the best for Wesley as he continues his successful career in the NBA.”

Wells has averaged 13.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game in his career spanning six seasons. Through 13 games played this season, Wells has averaged 12.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists. He also ranks 17th in the NBA with 1.54 steals per game. He scored a season-high 27 points on Nov. 13 vs. the Sacramento Kings.

Against the Grizzlies on November 5, Wells had 17 points, 3 assists and 2 rebounds. Last season in two games against Memphis, Wells averaged 19.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists. In 14 career games against the Grizzlies prior to this season, he averaged 14.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. Last season, Wells finished second in scoring on the Trail Blazers with 15.2 ppg, and ranked 19th in the NBA in steals per game with 1.64. He scored a career-high 37 points on March 2 against Detroit, and scored 45 points against the Dallas Mavericks in Game 2 of the first round of the Playoffs last season, the most points ever scored by a player in a playoff game in Trail Blazers history. Wells was originally selected 11th overall in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, who traded his draft rights to Portland in exchange for the Trail Blazers’ first round pick in the 1999 Draft.

Person averaged 11.0 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 66 games with the Grizzlies last season, and finished third in the NBA with a three-point field goal percentage of .433. Through 16 games this season, Person has averaged 5.2 ppg, 1.1 rpg and 1.4 apg. For his career, Person has averaged 11.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists. Person was acquired by the Grizzlies on June 26, 2002 in exchange for Nick Anderson and the Draft rights to Matt Barnes.

http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/wells_0311203.html

i cannot believe this. Memphis got him for a Bench player. Memphis is not done dealing. They got too many talented 2s and 3s

FilthyFinMavs · 12-03-2003, 05:28 PM

I questioned some of Jerry's decisions especially the Gooden for Miller deal bu that deal looks to be in their favor now. Great move. They basically get Bonzi Wells for nothing. Blazers traded the wrong guy. They should've dealt Sheed somewhere. I agree with you about the Grizz. They aren't done dealing. I think Battier may be the next to go.

jayC · 12-03-2003, 06:08 PM

Portland just had too many bad eggs in one basket. This is addition by subtraction for Portland. And for memphis they get an explosive 2/3 that can light it up or be no where to be seen.

I like the memphis lineup:
Williams
Wells
Swift
Gasol
Bo Outlaw

LRB · 12-03-2003, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Portland just had too many bad eggs in one basket.

And most of them were rotten.

Jamisonite · 12-03-2003, 06:54 PM

ya...battier or posey

Jamisonite · 12-03-2003, 06:54 PM

they will prob package one of them with swift

madape · 12-03-2003, 09:26 PM

You mean if that pick is #4, it's unprotected? Yikes. The Grizzlies better hope they can keep up their high level of play.

LRB · 12-03-2003, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: madape
You mean if that pick is #4, it's unprotected? Yikes. The Grizzlies better hope they can keep up their high level of play.

Well by acquiring Bonzi I'm sure it won't be hard for them to "keep up their high leve of play" [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

Walkerforthree · 12-03-2003, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: LRB

Quote:

Originally posted by: madape
You mean if that pick is #4, it's unprotected? Yikes. The Grizzlies better hope they can keep up their high level of play.

Well by acquiring Bonzi I'm sure it won't be hard for them to "keep up their high leve of play" [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

zing!

MikeB · 12-04-2003, 02:17 AM

If Battier is on the blocks...what can the Mavs do to get him here?

Stressboy · 12-04-2003, 11:06 AM

Giving up a 1st rounder that is not lottery protected seems a really high price. Even with the bobcats getting into the draft, they will probably have a lottery pick which gives portland a chance at a great pick. I think also, this shows Wests feelings for this upcoming draft. I'm glad we got two of the best bargains around last year.

Stressboy