Remember how good Gerald Wallace was in Charlotte?
Gerald Wallace is still in the NBA. It's true. He's getting paid eight figures by the Philadelphia 76ers.
But remember when he was really great? Like, "one of the best two-way wings in basketball" influential? The 2009-10 season was Wallace's masterpiece, an All-Star campaign (his only one) packed with tireless floor burns, skinned knees and unparalleled energy.
In taking a look back, SB Nation's At the Hive remembers all the glory that was that single season, back when Charlotte's basketball team was forgetfully called the Bobcats. Here's a trip down memory lane:
"The season really took off when the Bobcats traded defensive specialist and stretch four, Raja Bell, for Stephen Jackson and Acie Law from the Golden State Warriors. The trade for Jackson took part of the burden off of Gerald Wallace and allowed him to focus more on defense. As a result, he anchored the Bobcat's to a number one defense that season, and was ranked third in defensive rating behind Andrew Bogut and Dwight Howard. According to defensive win shares, Gerald Wallace was the best defensive player in the league outside of the previously mentioned Howard. He was arguably the best rebounding wing player at an absurd 10 rebounds per game, and even rebounded better than Tyson Chandler."
This is the type of stuff that really shouldn't get lost in history. Wallace was so good on both ends, and one of the most consistent bundles of fury in the league. His nickname, "Crash", was more appropriate than anyone else's.
Long live, Wallace. Remember him not as the guy who sat on Boston's bench these last few years and turned the ball over every time he touched it. Instead, hark back to those moments when you wondered why he couldn't win the dunk contest every year.
Wallace was special. He should be remembered that way.
(h/t: At the Hive)
