The Baller’s Blueprint: Be Your Team’s X-Factor
In every issue of Dime, we run a feature called “The Baller’s Blueprint,” where we get up with different NBA players and have them break down their signature moves and skills. Last week, we hit you with David Lee’s breakdown of how to be a rebounding machine.
Next up is Gerald Wallace with tips on how to become your team’s X-Factor.
GERALD WALLACE
6-7, 220 lbs., Forward
Charlotte Bobcats
I’m real active and aware. You always gotta know what’s goin’ on around you – that’s the biggest part of being the X-Factor. With a young team like us, we’re trying to get up and down the court. That means that I gotta see the ball and react to where I can make a difference be it on the glass or on the fast break.
I’m using all my senses. We don’t run every play for me, but I still gotta be in on those plays. When Ray [Felton] gets J [Jason Richardson] the ball on the break, I’m spaced so J can pass to me or I can get the board. It’s all about how bad you want to impact the game. I’m looking to make a bucket, get a rebound and make a pass all the time.
Every night you play a different team and their two and three are usually the best players on their teams. You don’t have to study film to know how to stop them. Whatever they want, you gotta want them not to get it just as bad. They wanna get the ball off a screen, I fight through and deny the ball. They wanna drive right, I force left. They wanna bang down low, I keep them out the paint.
What makes me good off the ball is that I anticipate the play and where my man is gonna be. Some people just see where the ball is gonna bounce off the rim. I’m judging that and watching you at the same time.
December 19th, 2008 at 10:20 am
Richard Wellner says:
Richard Wellner rules.
I have Wallace on my fantasy team, which sucks, because he’s not putting up close to 20 ppg this year. Hopefully he returns with his mind right and gives me a few good games. Damn. Did I tell you how I got Chris Andersen after I dropped Tyrus Thomas?? I lose 2 ppg but get a block and 10%-points in FG%. What (do) you think?
Also, I was lucky to take Beasley off waivers! You believe that??
December 19th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Richard Wellner says:
Knock Knock.
Who’s there?
Dime mag
Dime mag who??
Open up its dimemag with a dime bag!
December 19th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Jerk-Face says:
Yo yo wzgood???? yo gWallace is strait $$$$, homeyyyyzz. words words. yo yo.
December 19th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Three Stacks says:
^^^^
CORNY
December 19th, 2008 at 10:32 am
izzy says:
Good insight… although it just comes across as blowing hot air and self importance when ur team is sucking balls and can’t win.
December 19th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Richard Wellner says:
But what do you think of my fantasy moves?
December 19th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Three Stacks says:
If you need Chris Andersen on your team, you’re probably not gonna win your league. He’ll kill you in H2H, he’s a bit better in roto, but he’s still Chris Andersen.
December 19th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Three Stacks says:
How many teams are in your league? If it’s less than 14, there’s probably a better C available.
December 19th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Richard Wellner says:
Thanks for responding, I was having a bad day man. Sorry to repost on the Brandon Roy thread.
There are 12 teams. And I am in 4th place. There really isn’t anyone available. I will keep looking. I just proposed a trade for D. Harris; I offered J. Nelson. We’ll see.
But it was a great stroke of luck to pick up M. Beasely.
How is your team, Three Stacks?
December 19th, 2008 at 10:43 am
Three Stacks says:
Beasley is a decent pickup off waivers. No way anyone gives up Harris for Nelson.
My team is alright. Most of my sleepers hit, so I’m in good shape as long as they stay healthy. Boozer is killing me, though.
G – Calderon, Ginobili, Harris
F – Iguodala, Nowitzki, Diaw
C – Murphy, Boozer, D. Lee.
Bench – Nate Robinson, Rudy F., Marquis Daniels
December 19th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Richard Wellner says:
I have Manu too; what a nice little kick in the junk to the rest of the league. Diaw could be great later in the season if he comes to the Knicks (fingers crossed).
How do you feel about Monta Ellis?? He is still a free agent in my league, but I don’t know who to drop for him or if he will come close to last year’s production when he comes back. I think the time to snap him up is coming soon and it could be a big reward for a big risk.
December 19th, 2008 at 11:39 am
JCARR says:
leagues best X-Factor? i would think so.
December 19th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
qUeSt?? says:
Imma show you how to be an x factor. Be super inconsistent all season long and then occasionally have a 20 point game.