Eggers: Blazers F Gerald Wallace Discusses Injured Finger

Kerry Eggers of the Portland Tribune has a piece on the inconsistency and home/road splits of Portland Trail Blazers forward Gerald Wallace, which includes some detailed quotes about the status of the strained ligaments in his injured right middle finger.
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"I’m afraid of hitting it on the rim," Wallace says. "The most tender part is on the inside. I have to mentally prepare myself to receive the ball. Anything that’s going to hurt it, I try not to do it."

Doctors have told him the only way to fully heal the finger is to be idle for several weeks.

"I have to play," he says, "but it’s going to continue to get banged. When I’m off the court, I wear a hard cast on it to keep it straight so the ligaments can heal without bending. It’s feeling better. As long as the swelling is going down and the pain can become more bearable, it’ll be all right. But it’ll still be sore until the summer."
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-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter

4 months ago Ben Golliver 54 comments 0 recs |

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Comments

dang

sounds like even catching the ball is painful for Wallace, much less dunking or banging on the ball to knock it loose from other players. I hope this heals soon, because the team really needs Wallace to be aggressive on the ball to do well.

by Saba on Feb 10, 2012 11:01 AM PST reply actions

A friend of mine who used to play basketball said that it will not heal unless he is not

using the ligament for several weeks…
So it’s good he can use a hard cast when not playing basketball but it seems like the healing time just goes back to the beginning each time he plays.

He also said it REALLY HURTS.
So Wallace’s play, I am sure has been affected by this.

by Natsthecat on Feb 10, 2012 12:57 PM PST up reply actions

Yeah I hate to say it, but I think that's right

I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Mark Twain

Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain_4.html#ixzz1IE4sPu16

by Tyler Durrden on Feb 10, 2012 12:58 PM PST up reply actions

my favorite part about this article is the part about Gerald Wallace's finger.

A displaced Sonics fan that has somehow emerged as a Blazers fan (and loves it).

by anitachampionship on Feb 10, 2012 11:02 AM PST reply actions 3 recs

Maybe that's why he's been taking it so weakly to the hoop.

"Brandon Roy has done this before."

by sabonis11 on Feb 10, 2012 11:03 AM PST reply actions

Almost certainly

"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave

by DC Blazer on Feb 10, 2012 12:10 PM PST up reply actions

Sometimes I just wonder -

might it be better to stop playing and heal so it does not be come a career-long recurring injury?

by blazeking on Feb 10, 2012 11:06 AM PST reply actions

So it doesn't effect his shooting.

He’s not very good at that already but I imagine he’ll be okay aslong as he maintains his athleticism.

Being a Blazer fan is not exactly healthy.

by dpnim on Feb 10, 2012 11:29 AM PST up reply actions

What about his driving to the bucket?

"Luke is our go-to Chalupa man," Matthews said. "Designated."

by Vorlauf on Feb 10, 2012 11:46 AM PST up reply actions

I know just how he feels, I partially tore a ligament on the outside of my thumb just before new years

five and a half weeks later I’m still on light duty at work and it still hurts on a daily basis. Sometimes it’ll feel better than others and I get a little confident doing something that’s normal, and bang it bends too far or tweaks a little and it’s like hot needles. It’s amazing how big of an impact it’s had on my daily life, and beyond the strength that I’ve lost in my hand the dexterity totally has to be relearned. I couldn’t imagine trying to shoot a basketball with a torn ligament, or trying to dunk the ball. If I brush the outside of my thumb against something, even softly it can be very painful.

Poor guy, I’m pretty sure he’s going to hurt all season.

I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Mark Twain

Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain_4.html#ixzz1IE4sPu16

by Tyler Durrden on Feb 10, 2012 11:06 AM PST reply actions

Get back to work you lazy SOB

signed, Your Boss

"What began as a credible protest against bank bailouts, crony capitalism and the like has, in large measure, been hijacked by crazies and criminals,"

by 92wastheyear on Feb 10, 2012 11:58 AM PST up reply actions

I'm sure that's how they feel

as soon as I can button my pants without it hurting I’ll get back to carrying 90 lb sheets of melamine to the table saw : P

I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Mark Twain

Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain_4.html#ixzz1IE4sPu16

by Tyler Durrden on Feb 10, 2012 12:00 PM PST up reply actions

Maybe you should try a less stressful career

like food service

"What began as a credible protest against bank bailouts, crony capitalism and the like has, in large measure, been hijacked by crazies and criminals,"

by 92wastheyear on Feb 10, 2012 12:20 PM PST up reply actions

I'm looking to get out of cabinets, no joy for me anymore and it's taken it's toll on my body

for me making food for people is actually less stressful. Making a ten dollar plate of food is a whole lot easier than a $100,000 remodel.

I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Mark Twain

Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain_4.html#ixzz1IE4sPu16

by Tyler Durrden on Feb 10, 2012 12:22 PM PST up reply actions

In China,

Carrying around 90lb sheets of melamine IS a food service job.

(rim shot)

In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice they're not.

by conspirator5 on Feb 10, 2012 1:51 PM PST up reply actions 3 recs

rec!

I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Mark Twain

Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain_4.html#ixzz1IE4sPu16

by Tyler Durrden on Feb 10, 2012 1:57 PM PST up reply actions

That sucks

You’re a real hands-on guy, right? Making stuff all of the time? I once had a hand injury that limited what I could do for about three months and it really got into my head.

by Corvid on Feb 10, 2012 12:10 PM PST up reply actions

Yeah it's been pretty tough. Plus it took about 3 1/2 weeks to finally get an MRI. Once they did they realized it was worse than a sprain.

They had me in physical therapy until then which was very painful. In the third week I finally said, I don’t think this is getting any better, can we take another look? That’s when they found out it was partially torn with a bone fragment near the tear. I had seen three physicians and two PT’s before that and none of them had talked to each other even though they worked in the same clinic, and most were happy enough just to read my chart and diagnose rather than actually talking to me. I basically had wildly different opinions about how much activity I should be doing from no usage to doing strength and flexibility exercises, and therefore had no baseline understanding of how my hand should feel. I’m actually six weeks removed from the accident and am just now able to turn doorknobs, carry a plate with that hand and tie my shoes.

So woodworking is on hold for awhile yet.

I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Mark Twain

Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain_4.html#ixzz1IE4sPu16

by Tyler Durrden on Feb 10, 2012 12:17 PM PST up reply actions

and it really sucks because I am almost done with this, my latest endeavour

http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac226/specialguydurr/afd06aa9.jpg

I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Mark Twain

Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain_4.html#ixzz1IE4sPu16

by Tyler Durrden on Feb 10, 2012 12:20 PM PST up reply actions

Nice!!

by Corvid on Feb 10, 2012 12:22 PM PST up reply actions

thanks!!

I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Mark Twain

Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain_4.html#ixzz1IE4sPu16

by Tyler Durrden on Feb 10, 2012 12:24 PM PST up reply actions

Nice, I know a guy in Montana that does similar work

by XBlazerfan on Feb 10, 2012 12:25 PM PST up reply actions

Craaaaaaaaaap. I forgot about this.

It explains a lot of his weaker performances lately :-/ kinda wish he’d take some time off to heal up.

Considering purchasing a ticket on the Rebuild Now bandwagon.

by austinpwnz on Feb 10, 2012 11:13 AM PST reply actions

it would probably take months..

by Natsthecat on Feb 10, 2012 12:59 PM PST up reply actions

We should be thankful

I mean, you knew something would happen the minute he put on the red and black. At least it’s not a knee, ankle back, shoulder or concussion.

by superfly05 on Feb 10, 2012 11:28 AM PST reply actions

Wow, all this time I thought it was just a jammed finger-which hurts but heals quickly

Torn ligaments though?—thats rough. Very painful. Having a basketball thrown into it, passing, shooting, having it hit by another player—all of those motions will aggravate a painful injury like that. No wonder hes been up and down. Every move he makes he has to worry about hurting his finger. Mentally, that will get in a guys head after awhile.

Get well soon GW.

by cavejunctionblazer on Feb 10, 2012 11:31 AM PST reply actions

Trade him now!

So what I’m hearing is that he’s not going to be a full strength for the rest of the year? Trade him
He’s going to Opt out and the end of the year and want more$; Trade him
Start Batum and play Wallace off the bench if he can’t go 100% and keep developing Batum;

Blazers NBA champs 2010-2011! Oden, please stay healthy......

by The Earl of Dunk on Feb 10, 2012 11:31 AM PST reply actions

Not that I'm opposed to trading him, but other teams aren't exactly going offer the same value for damaged goods

So what I’m hearing is that he’s not going to be a full strength for the rest of the year? Trade him

"If I had a dime for every basket I made today, you'd still suck!" - from the book 'John Dies @ the End'

by sammymohawk on Feb 10, 2012 11:36 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs

Crap. Oh well. This explains a lot and my insane love for Gerald can continue unabated.

#52--------I believe in Greg Oden

by annthefan on Feb 10, 2012 11:32 AM PST reply actions

he should just rest it then.

I’d really like to see him full strength in the playoffs.

by howlingfantods on Feb 10, 2012 11:36 AM PST reply actions

I tend to agree

it makes no sense for him to play with limited production. Take a month off now that includes the Allstar week.

by XBlazerfan on Feb 10, 2012 11:40 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs

GW's last game:

20/9/5, on 8/11 shooting.
He’s been up and down, but I would not write off him or his production just yet.

by Saba on Feb 10, 2012 11:46 AM PST up reply actions

@ home

by XBlazerfan on Feb 10, 2012 11:47 AM PST up reply actions

He did seem like the only one up for that game though.

by XBlazerfan on Feb 10, 2012 12:02 PM PST up reply actions

Camby and LMA were sick...so there is that. And Batum got 2 touches in the first

half. Total of 25 mins playing time….
Am guessing most of the team probably felt like they weren’t going to win if the 2 big guys were sick anyways….
Not the right way to think but…in the compressed season I really think players are going to take games off.
They should be freaking ROAD games though.

by Natsthecat on Feb 10, 2012 1:02 PM PST up reply actions

I have this hang nail right on my pointer finger that makes it hurt when I type

so I know EXACTLY how he feels.
I’m even thinking of taking a few hours off of computing

by blazerblaze on Feb 10, 2012 11:40 AM PST reply actions 1 recs

yeah, a hangnail and a torn ligament are pretty much exactly the same

funny

I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Mark Twain

Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain_4.html#ixzz1IE4sPu16

by Tyler Durrden on Feb 10, 2012 11:42 AM PST up reply actions

I know this is off subject

but did Oden get his second surgery or is he scheduled for it?

by XBlazerfan on Feb 10, 2012 11:54 AM PST reply actions

I believe it's scheduled for Monday

I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Mark Twain

Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain_4.html#ixzz1IE4sPu16

by Tyler Durrden on Feb 10, 2012 12:01 PM PST up reply actions

This might hurt his trade potential at the break

and I was kinda hoping the Blazers would deal him. Not because I want to see him go, but because as a team that is just over 500, we might as well part with him now (since it seems inevitable) and try to get a much needed big. Also, dealing Wallace at the break lets other teams know that Portland is serious about keeping Nic which would deter them from making large offers for him in the summer. Portland could end up signing him for less if they deal Wallace now.

by Slinger81 on Feb 10, 2012 11:58 AM PST reply actions

I wish they would sit him fora couple weaks, or take him out against scrub teams. He should not be playing

if he’s going to be missing lay ups. I’m not blaming him either, I just think that thing needs time to heal if he’s going to give his all.

by BRoyInThe4th on Feb 10, 2012 12:00 PM PST reply actions

All in my screen name!

I love the guy but he should definatley take tonights game off!

by DonttrashCrash on Feb 10, 2012 12:13 PM PST reply actions

He should just man up

If the finger is bothering him, just get it cut off.

by Corvid on Feb 10, 2012 12:13 PM PST reply actions

Put it in cold storage

and reattach it next summer.

by XBlazerfan on Feb 10, 2012 12:16 PM PST up reply actions

Yup.

Nestled between the bags of frozen peas.

by Corvid on Feb 10, 2012 12:17 PM PST up reply actions

Ronnie Lott agrees

"What began as a credible protest against bank bailouts, crony capitalism and the like has, in large measure, been hijacked by crazies and criminals,"

by 92wastheyear on Feb 10, 2012 12:24 PM PST up reply actions

that would make him a real.baller

by jksnake99 on Feb 10, 2012 12:41 PM PST up reply actions

Beat me to it

A football players already done it, in the middle of a game no less. Selfish.

by Batumshakalaka on Feb 10, 2012 1:06 PM PST up reply actions

I dont want to hear about his finger. If he wouldve sat out hes be back right now and the finger would be better

It sounds like a whole bunch of excuse making to me .

He shouldve sat down allowed Babbit and Batum to get more minutes and came back strong ready to go instead hes hurt more than helped the past few weeks and now because everyone has taken note of just how bad hes played at times oh its the finger !!!

by Willie Beamon on Feb 10, 2012 1:37 PM PST reply actions