Jonah BallowWolves Editor/Writer
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An overwhelming group of fans on the Wolves Twitter and Facebook accounts hoped to find out if the team’s newest acquisition is willing to play the shooting guard position this upcoming season. The loyal group of supporters knows exactly what Minnesota needs in its arsenal to drastically improve in 2010-11 and a knockdown perimeter sniper tops the wish list.
On Monday afternoon, the former No. 6 overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft held his new Wolves uniform directly in front of his chest with a beaming smile. Minnesota snagged Martell Webster from the Portland Trail Blazers on draft night by shipping forward Ryan Gomes and the rights to draft pick Luke Babbitt to the Northwest.
Webster clearly understands the lack of shooting from the Wolves last year after the team only connected on 34.1 percent behind the arc. He expects to offer options for head coach Kurt Rambis, “I was kind of like a swing, you know a small forward and a shooting guard with Portland, and that's just right in my alley, and I'm definitely excited about that. So I can play either position, it's fine. I've been doing it in this league and I'm definitely looking forward to you know using all the skills in my repertoire, so it's going to be pretty fun.”
The Blazers felt Webster was a special type of talent fresh out of high school when the team used its first round selection to bolster a rebuilding roster. He floated between positions while taking a backseat to budding superstar Brandon Roy during Portland’s return to playoff prominence. In the 2008 season, Webster only suited up for one game before suffering a left foot injury that left him sidelined and frustrated during a crucial point in his career.
“I was eager to get back out there and play,” Webster explained. “As people know me, I'm a gym rat, so I'm always looking for the nearest hoop, the nearest workout facility so I can prevent that from ever happening again and I think I’m in good hands here so I met with some of the doctors.’
Last season, Webster found a comfortable spot back into the Blazers rotation, starting 49 out of the 82 games and hitting 37 percent of his 3-point attempts. The return to the floor provided a new perspective for Webster while igniting motivation to become a true impact player in the NBA.
“And I was like wow, it happened that quick,” Webster said.
The 6-7 swingman now has a sparkling opportunity to shine, “And now just to know, it's time to wipe the slate clean, kind of start over here in Minnesota. I'm definitely excited about that.”
There are numerous reasons to back this trade with all of the skills Webster can deliver on a nightly basis. He owns a terrific spot-up jumper from deep range, spectacular athleticism in the open floor, and a desire to defend some of the best players in the league. Portland mainly relied on a half-court offense with a variety of screen-and-rolls but the Wolves are prepared to run, which is a perfect fit for Webster.
“Oh yeah, definitely. I'm an up-and-down guy. I also like to play defense. But I like to run and this team is young so we definitely have the legs for that and that's what's going to be exciting about this team,” Webster confidently stated.
This summer is a series of new beginnings for Webster with a new team, city, and an upcoming wedding, “My fiancé is even more excited than I am. It's kind of crazy she can't wait to get out here so I'm definitely looking forward to it.”
As the new-look roster begins to take shape, Webster finds a home in Minneapolis with a chance to jumpstart his 5-year career. The Portland chapter has now closed and the page turns to a bright young future for the 23-year old NBA veteran. And, to answer all the Wolves social media buzz, Webster is ready to make an impact at both the shooting guard and small forward positions.
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