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Gawaen Deangelo Wells' mama loved chocolates -- bon bons
specifically -- leading to the nickname "Bonzi." And the Portland Trail Blazers have found the versatile swingman's assortment of skills much to their liking.
Beginning his third season in Portland, Wells has made a name for himself as
a solid defender against small forwards and a rugged post-up player against
smaller two-guards.
Wells proved he could flourish at both ends of the floor at Ball State, where he
finished as the Mid-American Conference's all-time leader in scoring (2,485
points) and steals (347 -- hešs second all-time in NCAA history).
Wells caught the attention of the Detroit Pistons, who drafted him in the
first round of the 1998 NBA Draft (11th overall). But Bonzi never played a
game in Detroit, being swapped for Portland's 1999 first-round pick.
After playing in only seven games his rookie year, he exploded onto the
scene last season as a valuable reserve, playing in 66 games and averaging
8.8 points in 17.6 minutes on 49.2 percent shooting (37.7 from downtown).
Wells' instant offense became obvious when he hit for
double figures in 25 games, and in the Game Six of the Conference Finals, he
helped the Blazers force a seventh game against the Lakers by scoring 20
points.
His contribution as a swingman could be invaluable to the Blazers this
Season, considering the mileage on 35-year-old Scottie Pippen and the
post-Olympic fatigue that could hinder starting two-guard Steve
Smith.
Experience around the veteran Blazers should lead to improved focus and
mean head coach Mike Dunleavy never has to worry about going to Wells too often.
-- Jon Cooper
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