Rasheed Wallace

[sbjensen]

from the star-telegram:

The ongoing speculation about a trade between Dallas and Portland was put to rest by Donn Nelson: "There has never been an offer, there isn't one and I don't expect their to be one. It's really just a media fabrication more than anything else." Nelson said he met with Portland general manager John Nash before the game to air things out, adding: "We just wanted to make sure there wasn't anything we were missing, and there wasn't, so we just kind of move on our separate ways."

[kg_veteran]

Saw the same quote in the AP game report.

Donn seems pretty definitive in this quote.

No Rasheed to Dallas.

[V]

Oregonian

Nash and Nelson met for about 20 minutes -- until pregame introductions -- before emerging with smiles, both content to move on with their seasons, which are heading in different directions.

"If it could mesh, we would have meshed by now," Nash said of the trade talks. "It seems like we have spent a lot of time talking, and we have been unable to come to a common ground."

Nash hinted that the trade talks were not centered solely on Rasheed Wallace.

"Everybody assumes we were talking about one individual on our roster, when frankly we were talking about a number on both," Nash said.

So a deal with Dallas is dead?

"Dead is a strong word," Nash said. "I think it's safe to say there is nothing imminent."

[V]

Mavericks need Wallace to upgrade their frontcourt


01/18/04


T he Dallas Mavericks limped into town Saturday, a shadow of the team that went to the Western Conference finals last spring.


Gone are Nick Van Exel and the chemistry that made Dallas so exciting to watch. Newly arrived is the confusion that an unresolved pecking order brings to a game where just one basketball is used. Antoine Walker, the talented former Boston Celtics star, is the Mavericks' leader in shot attempts, something that should never happen to any team with Dirk Nowitzki.

The Mavericks sneaked out of town with a 108-104 victory but left behind a bigger prize and a key to reinvigorating their title hopes: Blazers power forward Rasheed Wallace.

Wallace and the Mavericks have been the focus of trade talks off and on for months. The latest two ideas were Wallace for Antawn Jamison, Tony Delk and Eduardo Najera or Wallace for Jamison and Tariq Abdul-Wahad, who anchors the Dallas injured list with a $7 million a year contract.

Blazers general manager John Nash and Mavericks owner Mark Cuban dismissed trade talks Saturday.

"The only thing I can say to you," Cuban said before the game, "is both teams played hard."

Dallas has been slowed by injuries. Point guard Steve Nash missed Saturday's game with a sore hip. Delk was out with an ankle sprain and Najera, the team's lone blue collar post player, continues to miss time with a sore knee.

"We are not playing defense as well this year and the injuries have hurt us," Cuban said.

But Dallas' problems run deeper. When the Mavericks acquired Walker, they added a highly skilled offensive player, but one who needs the ball.

As much as Portland fans might loathe to hear it, you can have too much talent on a team. Championship teams need hard-working role players in addition to stars. Dallas added a poodle when it really needed a bulldog.

The Mavericks hope to uncover that elusive chemistry and begin a drive toward the playoffs; but the run this year will fall far short.

The only defensive pressure Dallas exerts is of the hurry up and score variety. Watching the Mavericks and the Trail Blazers -- two of the NBA's weakest defensive teams -- is like watching 48 minutes of power play hockey.

Wallace has become an emblem for all that ails Portland, but he remains a very good player. Overnight, he would become Dallas' best defender and give coach Don Nelson a forward who could guard stars such as Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett.

Wallace is as versatile as he is volatile. He can play all three frontcourt positions. He has guarded scorers from Vince Carter to Shaquille O'Neal. What other NBA big man can do that? Nelson could use Wallace at center against many teams. A frontline of Wallace, Nowitzki and Walker would create matchup nightmares.

Wallace understands the game and would blend with Dallas' open-court style. He would be more comfortable in a system in which he wasn't the star and his Dean Smith-bred unselfishness would fuel his stay in Texas. His addition would give the Mavericks a chance at competing with the western power teams: Sacramento, San Antonio, Los Angeles and Minnesota.

The Blazers, on the other hand, would learn a lot about their roster in Wallace's absence. He has become the lightning rod for problems, but there is much more that ails this team. Once he is gone, the weaknesses of other players will be seriously revealed.

The Blazers glimpsed that in the past week after Wallace went down with an ankle injury. Zach Randolph's play suffered and the defensive lapses that have plagued this team soared.

Cuban and his Mavericks left town with a W, but the wrong one. If Dallas is to return to the conference finals, Cuban should do what is necessary to woo Wallace from Portland.

Brian Meehan: 503-221-4341; brianmeehan@news.oregonian.com

[Dirkenstien]

I dont believe we need Wallace as much as this article suggest though he would be an improvement to our defensive front line. I wont be upset if we dont make this trade nor will I be exctatic if we do.

Either way we gain or lose something, however I am somewhat contempt with the notion that if we dont make this trade we'll be just fine with the great character and play of Jamison.

[MightyToine]

Dallas added a poodle when it could have used a bulldog

YOU CALL THIS AN OBJECTIVE COLUMN?????? [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-mad.gif[/img]

WHO IS THIS MORON THINK HE'S CALLING A "poodle"?? Walker would knock this idiot for a loop if he ever said that to his face!!!!!!!!

The Mavericks hope to uncover that elusive chemistry and begin a drive toward the playoffs; but the run this year will fall far short.

And funny how this guy all of a sudden can predict the future. I'd like the winning Lottery Numbers, please....

Moron.

[V]

I got several PMs on this topic so I thought I wuld just post my thoughts on the recent Sheed news.... This is how I see things as of today:
---
When you read the Mavs & Blazers have not come to an agreement on a Sheed trade you have to look at what else may be available to Portland if you're going to understand how they're playing the negotiation game... and you have to consider that maintaining Portland's playoff streak means a lot to owner Paul Allen. Most importantly, Portland has a chance to tie the longest streak in NBA history if they can get it done this year. Unfortunately for those of us who would like to see Sheed in a Mavs uniform, keeping Wallace probably gives Portland's their best chance at extending the streak.

Now we understand Patterson's trade or not-to-trade dilemma.

If Portland is serious about the playoffs it doesn't seem there are many options that sound better than Jamison or Walker. Several teams can provide young talent, picks, or cap relief but I don't think that's going to be very appealing to Blazers management. Of course, that stance could change... A poster I know as PHATGUYSRULE atended a "fans meeting" with Patterson & others last week... and when asked how they would feel about a rebuilding effort EVERY fan said they would be willing to lose some games if it meant they would see consistent effort from young & talented players every night!

The Mavs are hoping for a repeat of the chemistry issues that plagued Portland earlier this season. Sheed was on his best behaviour last night (despite getting a Tech) ... but that does not mean a bad loss or two won't cause another implosion.

Here's the irony for Dallas: If Sheed plays in Portland with the heart & fire one would hope to see if he comes to Dallas then I say he stays & the Blazers make a serious playoff push. If he reverts to "bad Sheed," then I think Allen will want a talented vet in return & the Mavs will get Wallace for Jamison or Walker plus junk.