Gerald Wallace has yet to find his place in Boston. The Celtics forward joined the team as part of the blockbuster offseason trade that sent Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Jason Terry to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Wallace and a few others. Since arriving in Bean Town, the forward has called out his "selfish" teammates and injured his knee. Not surprisingly, the Celtics are considering a trade.
Currently in his 13th season in the league, Wallace admits it has been tough adjusting to the new team while not knowing where he stands with the front office.
"It's hard," Wallace said, via the Boston Herald. "It's like starting from scratch zero with this team and trying to figure out what direction they're headed in and what pieces they're going to put together. For me, I've already been through that situation. I was on an expansion team in Charlotte. I've established myself. To have to start all over on a team that's starting from scratch is very difficult."
Now, a trade is being heavily discussed within the Celtics front office. Wallace is due $10.1 million making things very tough on the trade front. But the money paired with a lack of production has Boston searching for options. The veteran is currently averaging just 5.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game during a team-high 35 minutes. Head coach Brad Stevens started Wallace at small forward, but things are not working out.
The veteran has been very outspoken over the Celtics start to the season. He has accused the roster of being "selfish" and "padding their stats" while not playing with enough effort to get a win. Wallace stresses that he is not looking for an out in Boston so if trade talks are occurring it is not because he is requesting one.
"My thing about that is I don't ask for trades," Wallace said. "I don't like to be traded. You know, once I get a place where I'm comfortable, I just want to know what's expected of me and what my role is. For a guy that goes out and puts 110 percent of himself into it, you're giving your all and you just want to know that. This is nothing against coach Brad (Stevens). Everyone has to figure out how we need to play with each other and how we can play together defensively and offensively to get the best out of each other."
Wallace will likely remain with Boston for what could be the remainder of the season. His contract and age make him very difficult. Not to mention, Wallace left Monday night's game early with what is being reported as a bruised knee. The veteran better find his place quickly before he is once again sent packing.
