Gerald Wallace accepts his fate, seems content not playing

Gerald Wallace has been a step slow the last couple of years simply due to age and probably wear and tear due to the all-out way he played the game throughout his career.  Now he's a step or two slower coming off of injuries to his ankle and knee.

The rotation is becoming set and the way things are shaking out right now leaves Gerald Wallace on the outside looking in.  Jeff Green is the starter at small forward and (especially when Rondo returns) Evan Turner is going to spend a lot of time there too.  The Celtics may use a number of smaller lineups that feature a lot of guards and Green playing some power forward.  Somewhere along the line the team is going to want to give James Young some minutes at the 3 as well.  None of those plans feature a lot of Crash.

Based on his grumblings last year you might expect to hear him complain about such a reduced role.  Not so, so far.  He's playing the role of good solider and seems content to ride the pine and heal up.

On the mend, Gerald Wallace stays flexible - Boston Celtics Blog - ESPN Boston

"Whatever the coach needs me to do, we’ve already talked about it," Wallace said. "I’m in a position where I’m comfortable with it. Whatever the team needs me to do, I’m willing to do it. "If they need me, they need me. If they don’t, then they don’t. But I’m here, I’m always prepared and I’m ready to go whenever he calls my name."

Brad Stevens obviously appreciates his attitude sine it makes his life that much easier.

Gerald Wallace content despite knee pain, possibility of limited role with Boston Celtics | masslive.com

"He shared the same sentiments with me that he’s shared to all of you: he’s willing to do whatever to help this team," Stevens said. "And that’s a great thing. He’s been a great veteran and that’s a real positive because nothing’s guaranteed from a standpoint. But we have a ton of depth one through three." Wallace explained: "I’m here for supportive veteran leadership. Whatever the coach needs me to do. We’ve already talked about it. I’m in a position where I’m comfortable with it."

Because of his contract, I'd expect Wallace to be around at least till next summer.  As a competitor, I'm sure he'd like to play some this year.  He's probably going to get a chance too, because injuries come up and any number of trades could shift things around in the rotation.  But as of right now I wouldn't expect to see Crash diving for a lot of loose balls during the games.  Which is fine by me and apparently fine by him.