Washington Wizards Blog

Comment from BruceO
Time December 9, 2007 at 11:32 AM

I want to talk about Nick Young for a sec. I’m always seesawing between talking about him and Pech’s potential. Alot of people were high on Dmac and I am too but everyone thought Nick youngs gonna be a bust. I just looked at his game and for a long time I said this dude reminds me of Kobe out of all the shooting gaurds. I also said not that he is. He doesnt have Kobes mentality. But he has all the tools and he has a prototype to model after. I read gil’s blog and he’s saying the same thing but he puts it in a clearer
http://my.nba.com/forum.jspa?forumID=400032200

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time December 9, 2007 at 11:42 AM

The loss to the Suns on Friday was unfortunate even though the Wizards played pretty well for the most part; sure they could have done better in some places, but the Suns are always a hard team to beat, even at home. I feel like the game 2night against the Nets is a game for the Wiz to prove themselves….. i mean we lost to them by 2 points at NJ on nov. 8; a game which should have been our first win on the season. We have improved since then and now the game tonight is all about the Wizards getting revenge…..We need to win tonight at the Verizon Center because quite frankly we r better than the Nets right now, and every game counts towards the playoffs……The Wiz should think of it as the Nets are battling for the higher playoff seed then the Wizards (which they are), and this game is their chance at having the higher playoff seed then the Nets…..yeah i know its only December, but every game counts.

Comment from AUNDRA
Time December 9, 2007 at 12:30 PM

Lets use the Phoenix game as a model for this game. They started from the inside with dunks and layups then they tore you apart from the three point line. The assists were extremely high and everyone got there chance to score. Pretty much the only thing that could have stopped them was a rough foul on there MVP guard .This is the style I would like to see tonight and thats one of perpetual motion with everyone in rhythm. The F3 trio almost got there 60 points and 20 rebound and 7 blocks with 10 assists. We have nothing to lose and everthing to gain. Lets get this streak back on the right path!
Lastly I would like to see Stevenson go to the hole for more dunks and layups to off set the scoring!

Comment from kmcquade
Time December 9, 2007 at 2:32 PM

Dave,

How would Eddie evaluate DeShawn’s performance? FG%,3P%, FT%, assists and steals all down. Rebounding, turnovers and blocks have improved. Has Eddie considered starting Nick Young at shooting guard? It seems that Nick’s minutes should go up and DeShawn’s should go down.

Comment from Beeb
Time December 9, 2007 at 3:51 PM

The Wizards cancelled yesterday’s practice. Why………Because they didn’t have enough players to practice because Blatche had been excused. Tell me Glenn,how does this look for a professional franchise. Abe you now must switch from name brand to generic!

Comment from wermol
Time December 9, 2007 at 4:38 PM

SHOULD YOU NEED A REASON/EXCUSE TO CELEBRATE

Caron Butler:

30 points away from 6000 points in career.
49 points away from 3000 points as a Wizard.
54 minutes on the floor away from 6000 Wizard minutes.

Antawn Jamison

5 made free throws away from 750 made free throws as a Wizard.
3 rebounds away from 200 rebounds this season.

Brendan Haywood

1 made 3pt field goal away from his career first.

Nick Young

10 minutes away from completing the first 250 on the floor.
4 made field goals away from first 50 in career.
1 3pt field goal away from first 10.

Andray Blatche

3 defensive rebounds away from career 200 defensive boards.
3 total rebounds away from 100 rebounds for the season, well on course in beating his former record of 191 boards in a season (06-07)

Antonio Daniels

2 offensive rebounds away from reaching 200 total for his career.
2 3pt field goals away from 50 made 3pters as a Wizard.
15 points away from 1500 points as a wizard.

Deshawn Stevenson

7 made field goals away from reaching 400 baskets as a Wizard.
24 points away from career total 4000 points in the NBA

Darius Songaila

5 rebounds away from 200 rebounds as a Wizard.
11 points away from 400 points as a Wizard.

Roger Mason Jr.

1 minute away from having played for the Wizards a total of 700 minutes.
12 points away from 250 points as a Wizard.

Dominic Mcguire

4 points away from his first 10 in the NBA.
2 defensive rebounds and total rebounds away from the first 10.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY

The Wizards are 1 win shy of 10 for the season.

Comment from AUNDRA
Time December 9, 2007 at 4:43 PM

THIS OUR HOUSE AND WE MUST RULE !

IN OUR HOUSE WE FEAR NO ONE!

WE TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS AND TAKE NO PRISONERS!

WE ARE READY TO RULE!!

LETS GO GET SOME!!

Comment from kmcquade
Time December 9, 2007 at 4:58 PM

Wermol,

Most important is winning a championship, not getting to 10 wins. The Spurs don’t worry about stats either.

Comment from neal
Time December 9, 2007 at 5:18 PM

Cancelled practice because there weren’t enough players?

1. There must be more to it than that.
2. If they really can’t have a useful practice with 9 players, Abe should be ashamed.

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time December 9, 2007 at 6:01 PM

Hey Dave guess what?!! today’s my b-day!!! hopefully the wizards will win tonight, thats all i wish for..

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 6:33 PM

first wizfan4 life i hope it is a win for your birthday!!!!

Comment from ChenierFan
Time December 9, 2007 at 6:34 PM

Some random thoughts on the passing basketball scene…

1) Good to hear that Gil’s recovery is ahead of schedule. He must of had a competant surgeon work on his knee this time. The first surgery, as I blogged before, must have been performed by “Dr. Nick” Riveria (of the Simpsons).

2) It looks like Phoenix left their game in DC because they had nothing left against the lowly Timberwolves.

3) Tonight on NBA TV, they will look review the 1975 upset victory of the Golden State Warriors over our beloved Bullets. Now, I am (barely) old enought to remember that series. What I remember and what I hope they mention is that the Bullets, due to a knee injury to a key reserve – Jimmy Johnson, were left with a very thin bench. The Warriors, on the other hand, had better players on the bench then some of their starters. Consequently, the Bullets ran out of gas late in the games. Plus, Riordan couldn’t hit a shot to save his life. Chenier played lights out. Porter got in foul trouble a lot and because of the thin bench, Cheneir had to play the point. Hayes was double teamed all the time and struggled somewhat. Nevertheless, All the games were razor close except for the last one. If the Bullets had Johnson, I beleive it would have been a different story. But give the Warriors credit. They had some great players on that team – Keith Wilkes, Phil Smith, Gus Williams and of course, Rick Barry.

4) Tonight the Wiz need to get a big win against the Nets, who always seem to have their number. They need more production from the “2″ position. If Stephenson is still slumping, then bring in The Rog followed by Nick. Stephenson is really having a tough year. His average is less than 7 pts/game and for a starting 2-guard, that is pretty weak. But, on the other hand, let’s give credit where credit is due – he generally does a good job guarding Vince Carter.

5) The Wiz have to watch out for Nachbar coming off the bench – he always kills us.

6) I can’t wait for Pecherov to get in there. Having him and Blatche on the floor at the same time should be something to see once they get going in the second half of the year.

7) What’s with this that the Wiz had too few players (9) to practice. Is that some sort of player’s union rule? What gives?

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 6:37 PM

now it is NOT CORRECT to say yesterday’s practice was called because of a lack of players…there was still a film session and individual players did shooting drills… for those who don’t know how pro basketball works..the day after a game is typically a light day if there is a practice at all–especially with another game tonight…once the season gets going the only hard and intense practices are when there is time between games..it makes no sense to wear guys out before a game…this is the way it works

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 6:38 PM

give you an example..last wednesday played the Cavliers–and as our season ticket holders witnessed on Thursday it was a practice of under an hour…the week before after playing san antonio…there was a practice scheduled but that was changed to just a short team meeting….

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 6:40 PM

and has been stated over and over again.. at this point there is no point to signing a guy just to have around that forces you over the salary cap..if anyone believes having a D-League/CBA player around just to stand around will make us better you are certainly entitled to your opinion.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 6:43 PM

of more pressing concern ..important to win this one..get back to .500.. just talked to eddie and he is really impressed with how the bench is coming along and he is expecting even more from darius

Comment from Jgarcia104
Time December 9, 2007 at 6:48 PM

Hey guys checking in from the v center in section 200 hope to see a good game tonite and I’m looking forward to caron taking to rj and hope to see gil heckiling rj all night long. I hope nick young gets a couple of fast breaks in the game because I want to see something spectactular

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 6:51 PM

to the question about stevenson….we have talked about on the radio..he does need to be aggressive,…because he has that strength to get to the basket…obvioulsy his offensive number s are not good—but he is capable of chipping in like he did against toronto with 11 pts on 4 of 6 shooting…his role really is defense.. and most nights he has to deal with a top scorer..he really was brought here to be a defnder…i can tell you there has been no consdiertaion lateley to starting nick..it is early in his career.. he provides a valuable spark off the bench.. and is still learning on defense

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 6:51 PM

hey jgarcis welomce i just looked up and gave you a thumbs up in 200…..young is going to be a star

Comment from Jgarcia104
Time December 9, 2007 at 6:54 PM

Lol yea I saw thnxs man I’m actually directly beind u guys wearing a black and pink shirt. Ps anychance jkidd is thinking about boycotting this game too?

Comment from Beeb
Time December 9, 2007 at 6:57 PM

In the Washington Times, in the article about Pech,it says that practice was cancelled because they only had 9 players. So why don’t you tell me how it works. It works by having enough players to scrimmage,which according to the article, we didn’t. It’s a shame we have to wait until after Jan, to add players through the 10 day contracts. With the amount that I pay for season tickets, don’t you think that having enough players is a reasonable request? Eddie and Ernie are baking cakes without a fully equipped kitchen.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:01 PM

as i said beeb you cna have your opinin..all i can do is tell you how it does work..Saturday was not a day for scrimmaging.. and that is typical after a game..and i do mean typical…..yesterday was not totally even cancelled..there was film session…etc.. and this happens all the time… if you were with us on thursday…it was very light practice less than an hour…not even a scrimmage.i am just trying to explain the best i can

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:07 PM

jgarcia104…just don’t throw anything at me..sadly jason kidd is not taking the night off…

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:09 PM

glenn consor checking in..Keys: prevent a Jack in the Box player from exploding, double Richard Jefferson, Kidd always palys well, disrupt his angles

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:15 PM

not to over do what i said aboive about practice…but in between games..the practices are light if they are held at all….and if it was a scrimmage type of partice then blatche would have been there

Comment from ricklevinenyc
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:15 PM

i think butler should start at the 2-guard instead of deshawn (sorry nick young). move jamison down to the three and start blatche at the 4. especially against bigger teams, I think this is our best lineup.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:17 PM

ricklevinenyc…i have heard no talk of changing…but i understand your thinking

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:21 PM

and as i talk about the prctice stuff..please know i am just trying to point out that it happens all the time…the day between games just becomes film or team meeting etc.

Comment from wermol
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:22 PM

oh my…kmcquade

first of all… I’m really sorry for not knowing that there is a championship trophy to be handed out tonight.

If you had paid even some attention you would have noticed that all the odd stats that I brought up are smaller milestones our players have a chance of reaching this game. You know, round numbers and such… 10 is an awfully round number when the amounts are low.

And as for the Spurs and stats. While I am fairly certain that they pay close to no attention to player milestones (At least not until it is a major milestone), you’d be incredibly naive to believe that top teams do not pay attention to stats in general.

It is true that the milestones are of little importance, but I follow them because I can, and I pasted them here because the last time there were posters who enjoyed it, for as long as there are people that like them I’ll continue to do so

Comment from wermol
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:24 PM

Just logging on to the audio stream…did I miss Eddie interview? What did he say?

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:26 PM

eddi talked about how pleased he is wth bench..also imprtant of focus on carter anbd jefferson…

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:28 PM

ciuld see doubl teams on jefferson

Comment from wermol
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:29 PM

thanks for the update on Eddie interview

hoping for a great game…

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:34 PM

no problem…haywood’s hook really was kareem like

Comment from Jgarcia104
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:36 PM

Good start to the gae. Defense is really forcing their hand on nj

Comment from AUNDRA
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:38 PM

QUICK RELEASE RHYTHM JUMP SHOTS AND WE ARE LOOKING GOOD.

LETS GO GET SOME!

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:38 PM

like someone said on the blog..stevenson needs to drive

Comment from wermol
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:38 PM

I think that flexing routine could be his substitute to the can’t feel my face thingy… I recall him saying somewhere that he needs something new :p

Comment from Jason C
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:43 PM

like the initial hustle.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:48 PM

indeed good strong start

Comment from Jason C
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:48 PM

wow that was a lebron esk travel miss there

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:50 PM

yeah nachbar had skates…tough last shot by nachbar…wizards double team jefferson..daniels still got out to nachbar but he made 3

Comment from wermol
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:51 PM

Nachbar torching us…once again

Comment from Jgarcia104
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:51 PM

Good first half. Cb3 needs to mix it up on the last shot things tho. I belive the last 3 or 4 ties he’s trying to put up an arenas like 3. He needs a drive and a step back or a drive and dish just asking for him to mix it up

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:52 PM

mcguire in early as we start the 2nd

Comment from wermol
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:54 PM

argh…that basket could have given dom a huge confidence boost, a shame it didn’t go

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:54 PM

yeah it was good strong low post

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:58 PM

butler and young

Comment from wermol
Time December 9, 2007 at 7:59 PM

uh…not really Nets-like to be ahead this early in the game.

Comment from wermol
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:00 PM

ohhhh…why can’t he just get a dunk…or just a nice move that would pump his confidence…

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:00 PM

slopy and only 3 pts this quarter

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:01 PM

wizards not aggressive on d

Comment from wermol
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:01 PM

we need a time-out…something needs to change offensively

Comment from LilGil
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:04 PM

What’s goin on right now?? We have to change the lineup…..

Comment from Jgarcia104
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:04 PM

They r setting picks left and right on nick young to free up carter and nacbar… Lots of staggered screnes that are not seen unless ur teammates call them out or help out…

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:07 PM

jgarcia104..ytou nailed it from your godd view in section 200..wiz 1 of last 10..nets 10 of last 14….we are sloppy at both ends…and not efficient on offense

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:09 PM

jamison big 3 and a foul.. maybe that the spark

Comment from Beeb
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:09 PM

Watching Carter, you have to wonder why he isn’t one of the elite. It doesn’t look like anyone can stop him when he wants to get his shot off. He must just take some plays off alot. Just saw Jameson drill the 3 and get fouled. There’s a guy who doesn’t have the hops like Carter but sure contributes every night.

Comment from Jason C
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:11 PM

offense looks really stagnant now, ppl just standing around watching

Comment from Jgarcia104
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:12 PM

Yay the burito dash! Lol andre’s a funny dude

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:14 PM

you make some great points beeb…. and we certainly have seen it first hand…..jamison is just a warrior… and again..beeb hope you know i appreciate your passion.. and i was just meant my earlier points as a point of information..i saw the Times.. surprised by the comment becasuer it happens all the time..but i really appreciate your thoughts and involvement

Comment from wermol
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:23 PM

after a nice hustle start to the game a pretty bad second quarter. Hope we can turn things around in the locker room. It is games like the one tonight that make or break our gilbertless team.

Comment from LilGil
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:23 PM

You have to be upset about that second quarter! How can you skip from scoring 27 points in the first quarter and then 13 points in the second!!!! Come one! This was honestly an ugly quarter and I really hope the Wiz come out strongly enough in the second half so that we’ll all laugh thinking about that second quarter at the end of the day….

Comment from Jgarcia104
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:24 PM

The start to the second quarter really hurt us. Not much ball movement and not a lot of talking in defense. Let’s see if we make any adjustments to the way the nets are seeting their pics.. We can’t keep trying to fight thru them we have to switch it up and either switch or forxe them to catch the ball further out so we have time to recover or help

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:27 PM

yeah itjust a bad second quarter….and the thing that hurts….nets had a 14-0 run with kidd out of the game

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:27 PM

kidd already 15 assists

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:33 PM

that is 5 assists

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:34 PM

5 assist but 7 rebounds…so flirting with triple double is what i was tryin g to say

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:34 PM

of concern no fast break points for the wizards

Comment from Jason C
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:37 PM

its still close despite the bad quarter, lets get off to a good 2nd half

Comment from Jason C
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:39 PM

more patience to start, hope it continues

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:41 PM

carter unbelieveable shot 3

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:42 PM

jefferson has done a good job on d on butler who is 4 of 10

Comment from Jason C
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:42 PM

at least we’re not settling for the jump shot

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:44 PM

too mnay quick shots

Comment from Jason C
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:44 PM

yeah i spoke too soon

Comment from Jason C
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:46 PM

yikes a notehr bad call

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:47 PM

wizards offense has been the problem tonight

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:49 PM

glenn and i were just talking..just no rhythym to our offense tonight

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:54 PM

shooting 36 $ wizards still in it though

Comment from Jason C
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:54 PM

nice trapping

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:56 PM

serious slam by stevenson but bad t

Comment from wermol
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:56 PM

nice dunk…but…boy we really don’t need such technicals in a close game.

Comment from LilGil
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:58 PM

Why did he get a tech??

Comment from Jason C
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:58 PM

taunting jefferson

Comment from newposter
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:58 PM

i’m out of the area so no game on tv. the realgm board is killing stevenson, but he’s shooting 50% as of now. has he been really bad early on or missed wide open shots or what’s going on?

Comment from wermol
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:59 PM

did I miss something…wasn’t the game tied when stevenson hit that 3pter…how come they have the lead?

Comment from LilGil
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:59 PM

okay thks

Comment from Jason C
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:59 PM

score was off…that was a 3

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 8:59 PM

i wouldn’t kill stevenson he has missed shots..the technical call was corect..he did taunt…and stevenson has played good d

Comment from newposter
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:00 PM

thanks dj

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:00 PM

free throw shooting has saved us and by the way stevenson has had two nice aggresisve drives to the bakset.. and one that resulte din a 3point play

Comment from LilGil
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:01 PM

newposter- check NBA.com you can watch the game for free over there.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:03 PM

and as always you cna listen online..clcik link at top of page

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:04 PM

carter just picke dup his 4rth

Comment from newposter
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:04 PM

yeah i have a mac…when i use an ibm, i have better access to all that stuff. maybe i need to download some of the players/viewing programs or what have you. thanks!

Comment from Jason C
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:06 PM

time to take advantage, with rj the only real threat out there

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:06 PM

better effort in tramnsition by wiz as well

Comment from LilGil
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:06 PM

ah okay, anyway it’s better to listen to the live broadcast since the game on nba league pass is from the “yes” network….

Comment from Jgarcia104
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:06 PM

Nice trapping zone that we r playing

Comment from LilGil
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:07 PM

good D by the wiz!!

Comment from wermol
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:08 PM

great pressure on their backcourt when kidd went out. They really couldn’t get any actual plays.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:09 PM

36-24 advanatge wiz in 3rd…11-4 to end the quarter…carter and nachbar….each with 4 personal

Comment from wermol
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:14 PM

got to keep on going inside…for a minute or two Nachbar might play a little easier defense so he won’t pick up the 5th…use it to your advantage or maybe even get him the 5th.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:14 PM

good start to the 4rth..and d playing a rolle.. there was even good …when wright hit an outside shot

Comment from caribbeanskillz
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:14 PM

If we keep playing D like this, we can easily win it…

Comment from LilGil
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:14 PM

Well tonight the key thing for the Wiz is definitly the offense, I mean as soon as we’re getting points, thinking a lil more when attacking, we take the lead!

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:15 PM

capitalizing on nets to 22 points on 16 to’s

Comment from Jason C
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:16 PM

mark jackson giving caron the thumbs up for all star status =) , considering he’s in the nets broadcast booth, props.

Comment from Jason C
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:17 PM

nice D forcing the timeout

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:17 PM

amen

Comment from wermol
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:19 PM

Songaila at C worked at the end of 3rd in our offensive stretch…but…we need those rebounds…Haywood had a nice game…need him back I think

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:20 PM

wizards taking advanatge of kidd crashing boards

Comment from Jason C
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:20 PM

nice hustle caron.!

Comment from Jason C
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:22 PM

*2. Their starting to double caron, we should be able to take advantage.

Comment from LilGil
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:22 PM

Y’all wanna laugh?? Well just remember that we gott Caron for Kwame Brown

Comment from wermol
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:23 PM

uh…so it continues to work with Songaila hustling as if his life was on the line… they have Collins back in, might not be a bad idea to get our own bigger body in there…

Comment from Jason C
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:23 PM

replace life with minutes wermol….lol

Comment from wermol
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:23 PM

LilGil…we also had to give up Laron Profit

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:24 PM

12 fats break pts 2nds half

Comment from LilGil
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:25 PM

don’t think about that wermol

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:29 PM

we just have to play smart…wizards game plan has worked..they wnated to focus on jefferson and he only has 9 points

Comment from wermol
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:30 PM

this is the part of the game I am scared of… first of all clutch time is when we miss gilbert the most, but secondly…we are very bad at slowing the game down and letting the clock run out…yes we might waste the whole shotclock, but quite often we really don’t end the possession with a good play.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:31 PM

wizards just handled the full court press perfectly

Comment from Jason C
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:31 PM

nice trap break.

Comment from wermol
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:32 PM

DAGGER

Comment from Jason C
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:33 PM

crap i hope darius is ok

Comment from wermol
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:33 PM

I hope Songaila is ok…definitely his best game of the season so far.

Comment from Jason C
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:33 PM

ahh looks like he turned the ankle

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:34 PM

62-38 2nd half wiz

Comment from LilGil
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:34 PM

I hope his ankle’s okay……

Comment from Jason C
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:36 PM

I hope this is a game tape Eddie can use to prove that defense can help us win games…if anyone still thinks our defense hasn’t improved needs to watch a copy of this game

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:36 PM

amen we are worried it is his knee.. buit we con’t know

Comment from wermol
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:36 PM

let the nets score…over/under is 193.5… I have over

Comment from wermol
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:37 PM

oh well…glad it wasn’t real money…just some game :p

Comment from wermol
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:38 PM

great win…2nd half rally…a win despite poor shooting…a win against a team that we have to win against if we want to be a serious conteder for better seeds without gilbert.

Comment from LilGil
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:40 PM

It’s kind of funny cuz the Wiz went from good to really bad and back to good even with some really good moments you know. As you said it Jason C this shows everyone why playing D is compulsory in this league!! Thank’s for the live broadcast, see ya tuesday everyone.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:41 PM

first win at home over bnets sicne april 2005.. and stops a 6 game losing streak agaist the net…gang thanks for all your imput

dave and glenn

Comment from AUNDRA
Time December 9, 2007 at 9:47 PM

THE LITTLE THINGS MAKE A HUGE IMPRESSION ON ME!

I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT FOR REBOUNDS FOR 5 CHAMPS:BUTLER,JAMISON,BLATCHE,SONGALIA

I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT FOR NO TURNOVERS:JAMISON,HAYWOOD,BLATCHE,SONGALIA

THE FREETHROW SUPREMACY AWARDS GO TO:HAYWOOD GET THE F OUT OF HERE,DANIELS,MASON

FINALLY THE STEALS CHAMPION AWARDS FOR THE GAME GO’S TO:JAMISON,DANIELS,MASON,SONGALIA

OVER EVERYONE GOT INVOLVED THAT WHAT TEAM BASKETBALL ALL ABOUT!
GREAT JOB MEN!

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time December 9, 2007 at 11:02 PM

Wermol keep posting Them! I love those stats of yours.

Great Game. This time we took the 2nd quarter off. Good stategy if you have to take one off (no sarcasm here lol). They had plenty of time to come back stong in the entire second half.

It’s nice to see “everybody” minus one getting going. At least McGuire got some minutes tonight. It will only help us down the road. He needs to get on the same page as everyone else.

Good Game Stevenson. I’ll bet he is going to sleep better tonight after finally finding his game tonight. He and AD sparked the come back in the third period almost by themselves.

First I hope Songaila is ok! Wow , what a game he had tonight! The stats will show most of it, but, what I noticed most was his position on defense. Very few people got to the basket when he was in. He always seemed to be in front of them half way down the key and they had to pass back out. Those kinda things don’t show up in the stats but sure do help you win.

Ernie is a God. We got Caron for Kwame… nuff said.

Comment from millie mill
Time December 10, 2007 at 12:43 AM

I have to say Stevenson had a real nice game tonight. That was a real nice dunk he had over Jefferson.

Comment from AUNDRA
Time December 10, 2007 at 1:23 AM

We Wizards had success in 6 key areas 1. Help defense 2. Rebounding 3. Freethrows
4. Low Turnovers 5. Points in the Painted Areas 6. Assists close to 20 and above.
However we as a team are very inconsistent in the Three-point shooting. I was wondering what plan or exercises can Hopla develop to increase our shooting percentage from the infinite space. If anyone has any suggestion please throw them out.
If we shoot 20 threes a game and only make three then we definitely need to have a major overhaul to help the three-point specialist have a better percantage. I know Agent
Zero was excellent off the screens by Haywood or Jamison when he made his threes in rhythm. Maybe that could be the answer! Lets talk about it1

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time December 10, 2007 at 2:06 AM

YES Millie Mill… and a “very weak” taunting call afterwards!!! Luckily it sparked him rather than took the wind out of his sails.

Aundra… the three pointer, this season, isn’t our strong suit. You hit the nail on the head when you said “assists, close to twenty and above”! The Wizards, this season, aren’t Gil and his band of merry men. When we achieve 20 or more assists in a game …. we win. Ok.. Phoenix had like 120 assists, but, against “normal” teams anyway. It hate to say it, but, with Gil out the other players have had enough court time to show their wares. With Mason emerging as the heir apparent to AD, with Stevenson getting his game back and Young chomping at the bit for him to falter, Butler at the 3 (nuff said), and everybody contributing at the 4 and 5 we aren’t a bad 9 man team. When Pesherov comes back, given he is in fair shape, the coach is going to have options open to few NBA coaches. He will have 2 competent point guards, two competent off guards, Butler (lol), and a rotation at the 3, 4, and 5 coaches only dream about. Three 7 footers all of which can PLAY! We are turning into the team of Now, and , the Future. That said, I hope Orlando goes on a losing streak lol.

Comment from brian
Time December 10, 2007 at 2:26 AM

WOW! dunk of the year! DESHAWN STEVENSON! LOL deshawn has alot to prove once again in his career! he better make the best of it. he has had critics all his career from him being the worst two gaurd in the league, to him not being a shooter! but wherever he goes when his time seem to be running out…… he shows why he should stay!

Comment from brian
Time December 10, 2007 at 2:28 AM

read the scouting reports! deshawn is a slasher! let him play hi game! aggressive on d and aggressive slasher on O! he can hit an open jumper and a 3 or two. but he is a slasher there is know doubt about it. but i must say the refs give him no respect when he drives to the hoop, they do not call fouls often!

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time December 10, 2007 at 2:39 AM

Richard Jefferson Facial!

One more thought, after seeing Jamal Tinsley is involved yet again in a “shooting incident”.

How NICE is it to have our team built by Ernie with men of true character!

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 10, 2007 at 8:23 AM

Nice game, nice win: Roger may yet prove me wrong, and I’d be happy about that! Songaila had a good game too.

In all this was a vets win. The kiddie corps didn’t play very well in this one.

We’re 10-10 — does anyone recall our record after 20 games last year?

Comment from neal
Time December 10, 2007 at 8:49 AM

A really good win. Back to .500. Got to get the T’wolves tomorrow night.

Songaila is just getting his game back. Hope we don’t lose him long.

Someone said we could watch the game over the internet by joining NBA League Pass via NBA.com. I did that but was told it was not offered in our area. Did I do something wrong? I’m in Vienna.

Comment from ChenierFan
Time December 10, 2007 at 11:06 AM

That was a great win for the Wiz- to finally beat the Nets after so many close games.
Does anyone notice how the Nets use these off-the ball moving screens to prevent defensive rotation? I think they are the only team that does that as part of their game plan. Usually, when one player penetrates, another teammate will try to move to a spot to receive a drop-off pass. But in the Nets scheme, instead of moving to a free spot to recieve a pass, the teammate will apply a screen (and I think a moving one) to the help defender. Blatche got caught up in this several times, but Songaila was on to this trick and that’s why the Wiz’s defense was much better in the second half.

That was a big game for Stephenson. What a dunk that was!. It came out of nowhere!Sometimes we forget what a spectacular athlete he is. He is blindingly fast. Didn’t he win the team speed drill last year?

Comment from ricklevinenyc
Time December 10, 2007 at 11:23 AM

DeShawn is a solid 2-guard. But I think most people would agree that his upside is limited. If the Wizards are going to make an honest run at a title they will need players like DeShawn in the rotation, but hopefully providing quality minutes off the bench, not as the starting shooting guard.

DeShawn has been in the league for what, like 8 years? compared to Nick Young’s 2 months. And you’ve already got some folks wanting to see Nick start. For some fans, it’s all about the wins today. But for some of us, we really want to win a title. And let’s face it, the wiz are not a title team this year.

So what can we do to give us the best possible chance to win a title? We need to develop Blatche and Young. We needed to move Haywood and/or Thomas over the summer to get a real center, and I think we still need to do that. Jamison is scoring a lot of points and getting a lot of rebounds (*all-star caliber). The man he guards still gets a lot of open shots. He is in the last year of his contract, and I wonder if her will even be around next year. In the long view, does it benefit the wizards organization to be giving Jamison so many shots and so many minutes?

If Ernie truly is a front-office god, he will find some way to improve our center situation. Some think that Jamison is playing great right now. To me, that means his trade stock will never be higher.

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time December 10, 2007 at 2:21 PM

man i think some one has been smokin something a better center get outa here Haywood is playing better Ball than 80% of the centers in the NBA N1 is a rookie and will get better with time but i would never sit DS over him because of the D and we are 5th in the Eastern Conference with out our star player i dont mean to put what you say down but i dont get were your coming from at all and i am sure alot of people on this blog would have to agree with that!

now as far as the game last night it was looking down for a wile we were geting out played till that 4th Qt when Caron just showed up and took over and DS dunk that was sick i still got to go check NBA.com to make sure that hit the top 10 and i wonder if D.Song is ok? but all in all grate win next 9 games should be wins as far as teams under .500 and close to home with no back to backs

Comment from neal
Time December 10, 2007 at 2:40 PM

Stevenson won the speed drill last year? I would have guessed Donell Taylor. What did it involve, other than sprinting?

Songaila is not graceful, but if everyone hustled as much as he does we’d be a better team.

I also don’t agree with giving Jamison so many minutes. Primarily because I’m afraid he will get tired and/or stale before the end of the season. But your point is also well taken, ricklevinenyc.

Stevenson is shooting 37% this year. His career average is 43% (the same as Arenas). I predict that by the end of the year he’ll be around his average.

I’m relatively sure that if EG gets an attractive offer for Jamison he will take it. But that’s not likely. He would have to take in return approximately $16.8M in contracts, those contracts would be a lot longer running, and wouldn’t include anyone greatly better than who we have, I imagine. We’ll likely let Jamison’s contract run out and either sign him for much less or use the salary cap room to sign someone we really want.

Comment from ricklevinenyc
Time December 10, 2007 at 2:53 PM

Hey Wizards4Life, not that I have anything against smokin something, but that had nothing to do with my previous post. Do you think the Wizards are a title contender this year? You think Haywood is in the top 20% of centers in the league?

Neal, I agree it will be tough to move Jamison and/or Haywood. But maybe let the Lakers have Jamison to help appease Kobe and try to wrangle Andrew Bynum (and some overpaid player they dont want)? It would likely make us a little worse this year. But in the next couple of years I think it might prove out to be a nice decision.

Don’t get me wrong, I love to see the Wizards win games, and hate to see them lose. But given that Gilbert is effectively out for the season (even if he comes back, it is doubtful that he will be 100%), I think it would be prudent to keep a long view. Even with Gilbert, this is not a title team and what will it take to get us there?

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time December 10, 2007 at 3:34 PM

Brendan Haywood
Washington Wizards
Position: C
Height: 7-0 Weight: 263
College: North Carolina
Player file | Team stats

2007-08 Statistics
PPG 10.1
RPG 7.4
APG 0.8
SPG 0.3
BPG 1.9
FG% 0.555
FT% 0.685
3P% 0.000
MPG 26.2

Andrew Bynum
Los Angeles Lakers
Position: C
Height: 7-0 Weight: 285
High School: St. Joseph HS (NJ)
Player file | Team stats

2007-08 Statistics
PPG 10.9
RPG 9.7
APG 1.5
SPG 0.5
BPG 2.0
FG% 0.587
FT% 0.684
3P% 0.000
MPG 26.1
now how is that going to help us there stats are just about the same in every line and you have to give up AJ for that i dont think so

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 10, 2007 at 3:58 PM

Those stats are *not* the same at all! Andrew gets 2.3 more rebounds, .8 more points, .7 more assists, and .2 more steals out of the same minutes. Now, we’re not looking at turnovers or fouls here, so they may favor Brendan. Still, anyone in the league would rather have Andrew Bynum than Brendan Haywood.

But… that doesn’t mean Brendan isn’t valuable. He is definitely an above average center if he continues to play the way he’s been playing.

We’re *not* going to trade Antawn; what’s the point of talking about it? He opens nearly $17m in salary in the off-season. Why would we trade him? And Bynum is not on the block anyway.

Comment from neal
Time December 10, 2007 at 4:13 PM

What will it take to get us there?
1) Gilbert Arenas maturing to be the all-around PG he can be.
2) Getting lucky. Someone like Blatche or some other draftee developing into an all-star to go along with who we have. We need one more as yet unidentified stud guy, I think.

On the other subject we were discussing (Stevenson) -
Here are the current shooting percentages of our starters:
Haywood 56
Butler 52
Daniels 44
Jamison 43
Stevenson 37

Stevenson would score more if he took more shots. But he routinely passes up shots that others would take. I think that’s by design. The Wizards would prefer to get a good shot by one of the guys who has a little better chance of making it. In line with Tom’s theory, I think we only need three top-notch scorers. The other two guys need only be adequate in case we can’t get a good shot for one of the top shooters. Stevenson was a big scorer before he came to the NBA. It’s just that at this level there are even better ones.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 10, 2007 at 4:13 PM

The only trade that would make sense would be one which moved us into title contention this year or next. There are no trades like that available.

When it comes down to it, to contend for a title you must have a dominant big man, which is why the only recent trade which made someone a contender was the Boston trade for Garnett. Yes, I know there are exceptions, but they are *very* few.

We can build from within, and if we get lucky either in the draft or via a free agent we can contend for a title. Right now, we can’t get there via a trade. I’d trade Gilbert plus one for a dominant big man, but there are no such trades to be made.

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time December 10, 2007 at 4:46 PM

yeah i get that there not right on but Bynum is not playing with 20 an 10 AJ or 25 an 8 CB3 that takes away a few rebounds and you almost have to give it to him on the points because he plays with Kobe we know he is not geting a pass

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 10, 2007 at 5:28 PM

He’s playing with kobe; he doesn’t get a lot of touches offensively but makes the most of them — wch could be said of Brendan as well.

But, he is lots younger. Brendan is in his 8th year in the league I believe.

Comment from Wiz034
Time December 10, 2007 at 5:59 PM

We go through every year. There’s always someone on the boards bashing Jamison. The Wiz are playing great, inspiring basketball without their star player.. the team is at .500, Jamison is a big part of that, and people are still griping. I don’t get it. I understand the fans who are quick to throw Jamison under the bus. He brings it and leaves it on the court every night and still he gets no respect from some Wizards’ fan.

I’m just glad that there are some true fans, Gil, and the rest of the Wizards organization who realize how much AJ means to this team. Gil has already spoke publicly about Jamison and his intention for remaining in Washington.

If you read the paragraph following Gil’s statement, you would have read what EG said in response to Gil. “The Wiz organization have every intention of keeping Jamison in Washington once his contract expires.” And I don’t have a problem with that.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 10, 2007 at 6:18 PM

Me neither — I absolutely love his game, and even more his presence as a person. I would like to see him finish his career in DC. I’m glad you wrote this!

Comment from Brickjp
Time December 10, 2007 at 6:57 PM

^ I don’t see how anyone can hate on Jamison. I agree with Tom and Wiz034. I hope he retires a Wizard. He’s such a joy to watch.

Comment from neal
Time December 10, 2007 at 8:59 PM

Well, I also love watching his offense. And he’s a stand-up presence on the team. It’s no accident he’s a captain. But I think he often loses enthusiasm for defense. And I think he’s going to be over the hill if not retired when the team peaks.

Since EG said the above (I hadn’t heard that), I think we should take him at his word. I really hope Jamison doesn’t ask for too much.

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time December 11, 2007 at 12:10 AM

if i know anything about this game i know after you get 17m a year and you know that the team is in a hard spot and being the guy that he is that he will take less money to play for our team in fact i Bet my car he is a wizard next year he knows who loves him and the respect that Gil and the other guys on the team have for him.

Comment from Wiz034
Time December 11, 2007 at 12:23 PM

Neal,

If you go back and read Gil’s blog he addressed all of the rumors about him not resigning with Washington. Gil stated that he wouldn’t mind retiring in Washington, and a lot will depend on the direction the team decides to go, for example, he doesn’t want to remain with a team that will go through rebuilding(mainly letting go of Jamison and Butler)

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time December 11, 2007 at 1:06 PM

yeah Neal said the same thing about 10 post up but you got read back he also said if we lose AJ an did not replace him with some one the same caliber and that would be hard to do

Comment from Wiz034
Time December 11, 2007 at 1:39 PM

Wizards4Life,

Neal wasn’t the one I was addressing the message too. If you read some of the earlier posts, you will see whom I was addressing.

“For balling in the phone booth dial area code (034), Arenas, Butler & Jamison)

Though Gil is out it still applies *LOL*