NBA Trade Deadline 2012: Can Blazers Win Without Gerald Wallace?

The Blazers have been one of the biggest disappointments in the league this year. It was essentially obvious that they would make trade deadline moves.

They've done just that by trading Gerald Wallace to the New Jersey Nets for Mehmet Okur, Shawne Williams and a protected first-round pick (only protected through the top three spots).

The motivation for this deal for New Jersey is quite fascinating. After Dwight Howard indicated that he won't exercise his opt-out clause after this season, the Nets realized they better get busy finding other options to convince point guard Deron Williams to stay beyond this year.

Enter Gerald Wallace.

Compared to Dwight Howard, Wallace sounds like Plan G.

While Wallace may not be an All-Star-caliber player, he's still a versatile one. He contributes in a handful of ways—scoring, rebounding, defending and blocking shots.

How will this loss influence the reeling Portland Trail Blazers? Will losing one of their more potent weapons cause them to dip even further into a downward spiral?

Actually, this move strangely won't.

First of all, Wallace never really found his niche in Portland. He performed well last year when he came over from Charlotte, but his production has really dropped off this year.

Plus, his presence is likely inhibiting the development of youngsters Nicolas Batum and Wesley Matthews.

Secondly, he's never really been a player whose shown much drive or fire. Losing a player like him won't drastically hurt.

Thirdly, it's not like they're receiving nothing in return. Okur can bolster Portland's center position and Williams can provide depth on the wing. But the best part of this deal is the draft pick, because while it's protected in the top three, this could still soon be a Top 10 pick.

Lastly, this move could actually enhance Portland's chemistry. This frees up the opportunity for Matthews and Batum to play together more, enabling both of their careers to take off.

It's not like shedding Wallace makes the Blazers a sudden contender out West, but it doesn't hurt their chances of making the playoffs. Frankly, losing Wallace could actually enliven this team and give some of their younger players more confidence.

They can win without Wallace, but the question is if they aren't already a sunken ship. They're staring up at some solid opponents in the Western Conference playoff race.

Can the Blazers embrace this opportunity and spark a playoff berth? This hope lies in the hands of their young players who must step up, and there's reason to think they can still find a way to the postseason in 2012.