Rashard Lewis Helps His Off-Season Cause

Interesting article in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer on Rashard Lewis. It basically tells us, in the most positive way possible, that with Ray Allen out Lewis has decided to show just how deadly he can be. This couldn't come at a better time, since the forward is set to opt out of his contract this summer.

Here's a snapshot of Lewis's recent play against the Timberwolves:

[Kevin] Garnett couldn't check him. So the Timberwolves went with Ricky Davis, and Lewis responded by taking the guard inside and shooting over him. In that game, Lewis exposed the type of mismatch that coach Bob Hill has desired for nearly two years. The fact Lewis can now take players off the dribble gives him another offensive element and increases his marketability.

The Post-Intelligencer seems to think that Lewis will get "a maximum-type" deal, if not from Seattle then from somewhere else. But with some big names out there this summer (Billups, Carter, Bibby), and plenty of invaluable role players available, it'll be interesting to see what Lewis can command. He's not enough of a star to automatically command All-Star money, but he's too good, and too versatile, to not come at a premium.

Chances are, some team will fall in love with Lewis and decide to break the bank on him. The same thing will probably happen with Gerald Wallace, though hopefully these franchises will understand exactly what they're getting.