People see what they want to see with players they dislike. One mistake is remembered for years. A player that is well liked? You don't remember the bad, just the 'awesomeness' that they were.
Whipping boys take a long time to break out of their whipping boy status. I think Wideman helps this team way more than he hurts it. He is making smart pinches, is back to being defensively responsible, and is really as steady as they come these days.
Steady may not break him out of his whipping boy status though. He basically has to return to 2 seasons ago where he put up loads of points, or 3 seasons ago where he was playing 27 minutes a game and doing a good job at it.
I am at least happy that he is playing much better and consistently. I do think he will command a nice return at the deadline.
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