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But, If you Take the Red Pill….
Posted by: Jeff on July 29th, 2010
The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of the Utah Jazz.
There are really three types of realization that come in life:
There is the realization before the fact, like when George Bailey has a glimpse of what life would be like if he’d never existed, and getting to correct his line of choices before making a huge mistake.
There’s the realization well after the fact, one that still provides valuable insight for the future, like Ebenezer Scrooge changing into a good man just at the end of his life to make up for lost time. (My apologies for such festive rhetoric, but your patience is much obliged.)
Finally, there is the other realization, right after the fact; the one that produces nothing much more than a full view of what you could have had. No second opportunity, no do-over, just a view of what was behind the curtain.
The Jazz pulled the curtains open in July, casting above what was once a vacant and gloomy stage to a lively and exciting exposé. Like a master magician, something disappeared and they brought it back into view. It was a great week to be a Jazz fan. So who, in an audience filled with applause and amazement, is the one sitting silently in a state or realization, right after the fact? He’s not anyone you’ll find here.
I can’t help but think that Wesley Matthews is sitting in Portland, wondering what it would have been like to take the ”red pill” and continue down the Jazz rabbit hole. But it’s not because I’m unhappy with the acquisition of Raja Bell or with Jazz’ decision not to match his very heavy contract that this thought came to mind. It came to mind because I’m not so sure that the acquisition of Raja Bell was in direct correlation with Wesley Matthews’ departure.
Raja Bell fulfills a variety of needs: He is a leader. He is a stifling defender. He is fearless. All things that the Jazz needed well before Portland put a front-loaded contract and pen in Matthews’ hands. And so the thought came to me; what if Raja Bell coming back in 2010 was always “according to plan”? Did Wesley Matthews just miss out on an opportunity to be on one of the best Jazz teams (I repeat, one of the best, not the best….yet) to be assembled in franchise history?
Nothing can change what’s transpired thus far in 2010 Jazz Offseason History. I don’t feel like there’s a need to change anything thus far. I would think that most fans are absolutely content with having a roster that includes the likes of Deron Williams, Raja Bell, and Al Jefferson. If Al Jefferson’s vision of this franchise comes to fruition, then we are now at the dawn of the first NBA Championship era ever to spawn in the state of Utah. It’s an exciting thought for any Jazz fan; but it also may be a sad realization for one lowly Trailblazer.
Replies: 6
Views: 255
6 Responses
@Jeff…I like your writing. I have a feeling Matthews may wind up like Shandon Anderson who enjoyed his best years early on and never had it as good as when he played for the Utah Jazz. Of course, no one can blame Matthews for taking that contract because you’re talking about a guy who was a borderline NBA player coming out of college, and suddenly he’s set for life. It’s a nice story for him.
There are many players in that same situation…enjoying their best years with the Jazz and then not playing nearly as well when they leave the Jazz system which made them into better players than they normally would have been. I love Matthews and wish him the best, but sometimes I think that these players really need to take a look at why they made it. It’s not always on their skill sets alone.
@James Seaman…Hey thanks. I really enjoy your stuff, too. It’ll be interesting to see how he fairs in a different system, and it’s really unfortunate that he’s got such a big contract; fans are going to expect a lot out of him in Portland, probably more than what he’s capable of. Overpaid makes you look very expendable. AK is going through something similar; I’m glad he wants to come back for a paycut.
if you go on Porland’s website, there is a media intro for Matthews and to no surprise, the only thing he could say is how awesome it was to play for the Jazz. Also, Portland fans suck, they could care less that Wes is on their team.
I think some players need to look at what team they are on, whos on that team, and what system that team uses. Could Sloan and his system be what makes a lot of lesser players better?
Like Hedo, he flourished for the Magic, failed for the Raptors, we will see how he does with the Suns. Left a good thing for a ton of money and slowly burns out.
If the interest is there. Maybe these guys going undrafted or becoming nothings should consider its the coach, the players around them, and the way they play ball that make them better and the best move for longevity would be to make yourself a home there.
10-12 years with Utah beats 2-3 then moving on with another team for 2-3 and becoming a name nobody really remembers.
I have the same feelings has everyone else. I don’t think Matthews will be the same player in Portland. You can’t blame him for wanting the money and with that kind of money I don’t feel sorry for him.
matthews was perfect for Sloan’s system. he deserved more than he was being paid as a rookie but not 18x more.
its sad in that chat video that they call him Wesley Johnson. He didn’t look as happy as a young player should after getting a big contract.