Bobcats' Player Of The Week For November 1st-8th: "Crash" To The Boards

Gerald Wallace could arguably be the best expansion draft pick ever.  The Bobcats are now in their sixth season, and Wallace has been a staple in the starting lineup since the beginning.  His over-the-top style of play and reckless abandon for loose balls has earned him the nickname "Crash" among teammates and fans alike.  What better way than to kick off the 'Player of the Week' column than with a true fan favorite?

Wallace has experienced a bit of a shooting slump to start this season but has made up for that by turning in stellar rebounding numbers.  Crash is currently leading the NBA in rebounds per game at 13.8—almost two full rebounds ahead of the Grizzlies' Marc Gasol. 

During the Bobcats three games last week, Wallace averaged over 15.5 boards per game, including a career-high 20 in a 79-68 win over the Nets on Monday.  He came close to reaching the 20-rebound mark again on Friday night against the Hawks, pulling down 18 in a convincing 20-point thumping of their division rivals. 

Wallace also chipped in over 15.5 points per game last week despite his shooting woes, and shot 80% from the free throw line, knocking down 16 of 20.  His savvy defensive efforts netted him seven steals.

There is no question that the Bobcats need Wallace to find his shot and become a more consistent piece of the offense if the team is going to turn around the ugly offensive numbers they have posted during the first few games of the season.  Wallace is the closest thing to a super star that the Bobcats have, so he will have to shoulder that load in order for the team to remain successful. 

The Bobcats have a tough double-header ahead of them, playing at home against the Magic tonight before flying to Detroit to take on the Pistons tomorrow night.

Gerald Wallace Weekly Totals

Points: 47

Rebounds: 47

Assists:  3

Steals:  7

FG%:  36.6  (15-41)

FT%:  80.0  (16-20)