VIDEO: Andray Blatche Interview
Wizards radio play-by-play announcer Dave Johnson got together with 2nd year forward Andray Blatche at Verizon Center.

REPORT: Pecherov Likely to Play in Europe

The Washington Post has reported that while the Wizards “have yet to make an official decision regarding first-round pick Oleksiy Pecherov , it is becoming more likely that the 7-footer will remain overseas for the upcoming season.”

“Wizards President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld said yesterday that the team is “debating the best thing to do” in regards to Pecherov, who averaged 12.6 points and 7.6 rebounds while shooting 46.2 percent in five games with the Wizards’ summer league team in Las Vegas in July.”

“We’re still talking to his representatives,” Grunfeld said of Pecherov. “We feel it’s important for him to be in a position where he can play. All young players need to play, and we do have a lot of players at his position.”

What are your thoughts? Do you think Pecherov is better off spending next season in Europe or would he benefit more coming to the NBA, regardless of how much playing time he may or may not get?

ESPN.COM: Stein Ranks Wizards 9th in Offseason Moves

From ESPN.com’s Marc Stein…
“On the surface, it looks as though the Wiz absorbed a significant free-agent defection for the second successive offseason.”

“On this scorecard, they’ve responded to Jared Jeffries’ exit smartly, reminiscent of their counter to Hughes’ big-money move to Cleveland. The Wiz decided they were better off replacing Hughes with two more affordable players (Caron Butler and Antonio Daniels) and have swung a similar two-for-one by using some of the money earmarked for Jeffries to bring in forward Darius Songaila (a good fit for Eddie Jordan’s offense) and swingman DeShawn Stevenson.” - Click for Full Story….

For the record, Stein notes early in his column that these rankings are NOT indicative of where he thinks these teams are ranked overall. That said, do you think the eight other teams mentioned ahead of the Wizards all had better offseasons?

Wizards Sign Four to Training Camp Roster

Washington Wizards President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld announced today that the team has signed Mike Hall, James Lang, Roger Mason Jr. and Kevinn Pinkney. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“These are versatile and hard-working players who will help make our training camp very competitive,” said Grunfeld.

Link to story

Wizards Name Bill Berry Assistant Coach

Washington Wizards President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld announced today that the team has named Bill Berry assistant coach. Berry joins Mike O’Koren, Phil Hubbard, Tom Young and Wes Unseld Jr. on Eddie Jordan’s staff. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.