Locke Dating Game: Gerald Wallace

Who: Gerald Wallace
Why is he available: contract runs through 2012 averaging 9 million a year
What would it take: this will not be easy to pry away - Wallace has talent and is not expensive but the Bobcats have major money issues and other players tied up
Why would they do it: money wise the Jazz could offer expiring contracts of Hapring and Korver (if he does not opt out)  My guess is the Knicks draft pick would likely have to be a part of the package.  Another possiblity would be moving AK who only has two years left for both Wallace and Diaw or Diop but this would mean the Jazz have 19 million a year of contract (Wallace + Diaw) or 15 million (Wallace + Diop).  The latter is probably the most likely scenario.

Why is this a good move: Wallace adds athleticism.  He is statistically a good defender averaging about two steals and a block a game.  At 6'7" he can play the two or the three.  He is a scorer averaging 17 a game over the past three years.  Is mis-cast as a primary scorer and would be better with other primary players.  A very, very good and active rebounder at 7 boards a game.  Ranks as a 20 in the Locke offensive rankings which is a league starter.  He goes to the free throw line 17% of the possessions he uses which is very high.  He is capable of creating his own shot.  Is a .350 player on the LHM batting average which is very good.  The Bobcats were a much better team with him on the floor in 08-09.  The defense was 6 pts per 100 possessions better when he was on the floor.  This is one of the best in ratings in the NBA.  Both of these trends have been true for the past two years.

Why is this a bad move: He is a poor shooter at the 2 or the 3.  He has put up numbers only on bad teams.  He in injury prone never having played more that 71 games since going to Charlotte.

Overall: If the Jazz believe that Wallace is a good third piece to the puzzle then this is a great move.  He is not over paid, he is a good defensive player, he can create his own shot and he adds to the athleticism.  The risk is you would likely have to take back a bad contract with Wallace and that would the issue for the Jazz to decide.  I think if they are willing to take a bad deal they could possibly get a deal done.  This is the type of player who becomes available in a bad economy.

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