WizBlog RSS FeedPre-Draft Orlando Camp Lists
Hello everyone, the Pre-Draft Camp lists just were announced with a list of the participants and the players just receiving physicals. Click here for the list.
Last season the Wizards were impressed by an athletic small forward from Fresno State at this very camp and ended up selecting Dominic McGuire in the 2nd round. Usually this camp is a chance for players who probably won’t be taken in round 1 to shine. Anyway, if there is a player you find intriguing or would like the Wizards to take in round 2 please post away, and of course if you would like to continue debating the Wizards first round selection you are also more than welcome to do that.
May 27th, 2008 at 1:43 PM
Well, 2d round we’ll obviously pick the best player on the board in our opinion. You can’t look for a particular position.
If you just go by the numbers, using Win Score (my favorite analytic metric), the best guys - among those who could conceivably fall to our pick at 47 - are, in order of productivity:
Richard Hendrix - Alabama power forward
Joey Dorsey - Memphis power forward
Maarty Leunen - Orgeon power forward (but I think he is more likely suited to Europe)
Lester Hudson - Tennessee Martin combo guard. By the numbers, he is tied w/ JR Giddens as the most productive guard in college.
JR Giddens - New Mexico SG. Take a look at this kid’s highlight reel on youtube. It’s mind-blowing.
Pat Calathes - St. Josephs small forward — ex point guard who grew to 6′10″. Unusual skills at his size.
Shan Foster - Vanderbilt SG — I’ve heard comparisons of this kid to Michael Redd.
(Note that 4s and 5s almost always grade better on productivity numbers (they rebound more and shoot a higher %), but obviously you need people at all 5 positions.)
2d round is a crapshoot of course — and that’s what makes it fun!
May 27th, 2008 at 1:59 PM
I can’t see Chalmers falling to us at 47, but I imagine we’d think hard about taking him if he did.
One of the guys projected to us in round 2 is Jamont Gordon; he has a world of ability and athleticism; I don’t know if he has the discipline to make it in the NBA. Apparently, he has pulled out of Orlando. That may mean that he has had a guarantee from someone, or else it means he has a swelled head (more likely). If you want to see one of the great assists ever, check him out on youtube.
May 27th, 2008 at 2:22 PM
Tom, Just thought you’d find this interesting, because we’d been talking about stuckey and Nick. I just found out they went up against each other in college during Nick’s soph. year. Here is the link to the Box score.
May 27th, 2008 at 2:49 PM
May 27th, 2008 at 3:05 PM
Haha, I just thought it was interesting. If you look at nick’s soph. year numbers he really got after it on the glass. averaged 6.6 boards per game. Here is his game log for his soph season.
May 27th, 2008 at 4:09 PM
Check This Out:
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2008/05/caron_butlers_movie_debut.html
Caron “Tough Juice” Butler is gonna make his Hollywood debut soon…
May 27th, 2008 at 4:11 PM
It also said…Caron recently bought a Bentley…can you say “BALLIN”…
May 27th, 2008 at 4:25 PM
Okay guys check this out…Here’s The ESPN Insider Mock Draft 2.0
May 27th, 2008 at 4:26 PM
A blog about Caron and Mason, requested by Caron, lifted me from my boredom…Gosh!…Man, I was so happy to see a Wiz post in there from Dan S. (”the BlogDog”); I’m dying with baseball and these two series going on (because we ALL know what Stern is praying for [Lakers/Celts perhaps]; no I won’t even say praying for - - expects). The only (last) interesting news that I read was about Noah getting arrested, but that’s still my homie though - hell, I’d probably be getting arrested too if my management was that childish; poor players don’t even know when another coach is expected; (Eric Snow as a candidate??). Still love my Bulls though…
I love my Wiz too; the Wiz have to be like one of the most charismatic teams. Caron and Roger proves it (BRING ROGER BACK!!) : click here
May 27th, 2008 at 4:27 PM
Sorry SportzWiz, I might have messed up the blog because the link I posted is too long…
May 27th, 2008 at 4:29 PM
What do you guys think of it..they have Hibbert still available to us..but we pass on him..and pick up..JaVale McGee..who is this guy..draftexpress has him going 20th..
May 27th, 2008 at 4:30 PM
Bridge NOW we are really about to TRADE up to the BULLS boring blog…lol..
May 27th, 2008 at 4:35 PM
Oh, Wiz-skins beat me to it
. There’s two now, which is even better than one!
Hey GR - I like that nickname “lilb” (that was pertaining to me right?) Just as long as it isn’t referencing something else…such as uhh…lilb(word) LOL!…I must admit that I get that word a lot for some strrraaange reason - I mean, I almost have to check my birth cert. to make sure that that isn’t my name lol.
May 27th, 2008 at 4:37 PM
Hey, that’s not a fair hit at the Bulls…lol
May 27th, 2008 at 4:55 PM
On JaVale McGee:
Strengths:
• Incredible physical specimen
• Great size
• Outstanding wingspan
• Huge hands
• Terrific athlete
• Solid frame
• Extremely fluid
• Ability to run the floor
• Intriguing skill-level
• Ability to face the basket
• Range out to 3-point line
• Ability to put ball on the floor
• Shot-blocking potential
• Late-bloomer
• Unlimited upside
but if you look past that…
Weaknesses:
• Extremely weak physically
• Struggles holding spot on the block
• Ability to finish through contact
• Poor fundamentals
• Footwork/Post-moves
• Left hand
• Shot-selection
• Free throw shooting
• Decision making
• Low Basketball IQ
• Lacks experience
• Atrocious defender
• Poor activity level/Doesn’t hustle
• Mental/Physical toughness?
• Soft?
• Long ways away from contributing
• High bust potential
The man has every weakness that we are trying to avoid…
May 27th, 2008 at 4:58 PM
ESPN also has Kevin Love available at 14…if that happens I would really consider moving up to get him..maybe giving the team our Pick and something else to spice it up..Kevin Love has great basketball IQ..can score..Defend..i really see him as this years Al Horford..i personally think he is the most NBA ready player..
May 27th, 2008 at 5:08 PM
ESPN also has Nicolus Batum going 25th..i gaurantee that if he gets down to us..he will not pass us…
I think we may end up pickig Roy Hibbert..as much as the man works he may try to get his speed and conditioning up..b/c if we still have Gilbert at the beginning of the season we will push it..not run that Princton Offense that Eddie likes and Roy excells in…i think we take a PG if DJ Augustin, or Russel Westbrook are available..if not then we take the best player avaiable or we package the pick..
May 27th, 2008 at 5:12 PM
How Does This Sound………
Wizards Trade:
1. Gilbert Arenas
2. 18th Pick
3. Something else…maybe Blatche…
To Clippers for:
1.) Elton Brand
2.) Clippers 1st Rounder…7th Overall…
Then we hope Jarryd Bayless falls to us…if he doesnt DJ Augustin would be there for the taking as will Russel Westbrook…
08-09 Staring Line-Up:
PG - The PG we take with the 7th Pick
SG - DeShawn Stevenson/Caron Butler
SF - Caron Butler/Antawn Jamison
PF - Elton Brand
C- Brendan Haywood
Caron can start at the SG if they decide to have Jamison start at SF…
What do you think?…
May 27th, 2008 at 5:24 PM
Gilbert and Andray for Elton Brand works….the picks shouldnt be a problem…
May 27th, 2008 at 5:50 PM
Great video of Joe Alexander and Marreese Speights. Alexander’s athleticism is off the charts.
May 27th, 2008 at 5:50 PM
Excellent video interview w/ footage - O.J. Mayo working out for the draft. I think he is going to be a *big star* — he is a guy I would do anything to move up and get.
May 27th, 2008 at 7:09 PM
You know what Wiz-skins - like a month ago I would’ve gotten mad about what you said above, but this time I’m actually cool with it. This is the NBA and changes happen; one thing that I’m certain of though is that whatever happens, I can see myself being a Wiz fan no matter what. All I can do is hope that everyone stays, but whatever happens, I’ll be satisfied with Caronimo staying; Twan and Gil have a choice therefore I’m trying to not care what they choose to do…
Wiz for life baby!!
May 27th, 2008 at 7:24 PM
*No way* that Kevin Love is falling to us, and no way that we have anything to offer in a move-up trade that would work. Some rumors have Love going 3d to Minnesota, btw.
That ESPN mock draft is ridiculous. If he thinks we’d take Javale McGee, given our roster, then how wrong is he likely to be about other teams.
But… if people move up, then obviously other people have to move down.
May 27th, 2008 at 7:55 PM
Check out the Nicolas Batum highlight reel at the bottom of this page. He looks a lot like… Kevin Durant!!
May 27th, 2008 at 9:30 PM
Yes Bridge.. lilB = “lil B(ridge)”. The “other” B you can’t prove by me LOL.
Isn’t McGee supposed to be a project?
May 27th, 2008 at 10:27 PM
My question is do we really need another SF..playing after Caorn and D-Mac..one thing that is a plus is that he is only 19 years old..
May 27th, 2008 at 10:34 PM
im back…. honestly tom, i have to disagree i do believe there is a chance kevin can fall to us in tha draft. i mean he is an okay player, he has no star power or special skill, he is just solid and consistent. plus with his attitude of late saying he will not play for orlando might just drop him down in character. but there are at least 9 other players more talented than he is and u can throw in some international players to.
May 27th, 2008 at 10:37 PM
honestly i rather have hibbert or augustine. i also like the center at texas atchley.
May 27th, 2008 at 11:10 PM
Hey gee wiz -
I’m glad you back cuz I got a question for you (that’s not really basketball related). How was UCF because I was thinking about going there for grad school. Did you like it?? If (you feel) it’ll be too long a response I’ll give you my email address or something…
May 28th, 2008 at 8:17 AM
I noticed there’s a player on the list named “Joe Crawford”. Any relation to that wonderful, non-cheating, never made-a-bad call ref named Joey Crawford? If the Wiz picked him up at 18 maybe we may just get a few calls that go our way especially in games where “Joey” would call the game.
BTW, horrible no-call last night against Barry!
In all seriousness, I vote for Hibbert at 18 if he’s still available. Think about it, if Brendan comes to play like he did this year and we can use Hibbert off the bench who already runs the modified Princeton, and the rest of the team is healthy, look out Eastern Conference! Plus he’d be a great local draw, not that we need it but it would be nice to root for a local college product, like when we had Juan and Steve on the team.
May 28th, 2008 at 8:31 AM
Kevin Love will be picked in the lottery; believe me, I *wish* he would fall to us!
May 28th, 2008 at 8:34 AM
wizskins — i wasn’t suggesting we draft Batum. But, he has been projected to us in more than one mock draft, not that that means anything. Still, I thought I’d point at his highlight reel.
Rook, if you are still around, do you think we might too much of an up and down team for Hibbert to fit in?
May 28th, 2008 at 8:49 AM
Tom, any way to find out our total fast break points scored this season, I bet you we arent that high on the food chain. Now a lot of that has to do with Gilbert, but this team wasn’t a running team at all this year. Hibbert would fit in well with that half court style.
May 28th, 2008 at 8:53 AM
Joe Crawford is NOT related to Joey Crawford :). Joe Crawford is a nice little player but I wouldnt expect him to get drafted at all.
As for the call, I hate bailing out a player in the final seconds with a call. that series has been very physical. I dont mind the no call.
May 28th, 2008 at 9:59 AM
Agreed on the no-call.
There is an ex-nba player among the officials — Leon Wood — and I think he may have been drafted by the Bullets (i.e. ex-Wizards), no?
May 28th, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Hey -
Do you guys remember - what seemed to be way back when - when we were discussing shirts that we should wear against the Cavs and all these great ideas that came up…well, I remember my idea of a shirt with the middle finger and Wiz ring. Then LilGil came back and talked about how we’re a classy organization (which can be agreed with)…Well, I was driving and this kid in a car seat (had to be about 2-3 years old) first smiled, then gave me the finger! What was that kid’s parents’ teaching her (LMAO)! Afterwards I was so shocked that I just gave the kid a growling gesture; I know, how immature was that, but it was completely justified!
May 28th, 2008 at 11:41 AM
bridge…. ucf, i think will be perfect for u, florida is definitely a different type of atmosphere…… but then again u can get side tracked…. its alot of partying going down round here, it is a wild campus. but if u could keep focused u will be ok. but all in all i think it would be great for u.
May 28th, 2008 at 11:58 AM
“What do you guys think of it..they have Hibbert still available to us..but we pass on him..and pick up..JaVale McGee..who is this guy..draftexpress has him going 20th..”
Just what the Wizards need…. Another 7-Foot guy that can’t play defense…. (Not only can’t play, but DraftExpress says he’s an “Atrocious defender” AND “might be the worst man to man defender we’ve ever evaluated in the post” ). Can’t hit free throws. Physically weak. Lacks mental and physical toughness. Poor fundamentals. Poor decision making. Poor Basketball IQ.
So why is he projected in the 1st round, you say? Because of his incredible “potential”. He’s a freak athlete, with great size. Run like a deer and jumps out of the gym. GM’s love those kind of guys…. Coaches hate them.
Unfortunately, guys like that are more likely to be a bust. With hard work, McGee could be a GREAT player - - - - (wait for it….) - - - in 4 or 5 years.
He’s the exact type of prospect that SHOULD stay in College for 3 or 4 years - but won’t, because of bad advice. He won’t get a lot better sitting on an NBA bench for 3 years; so whoever drafts him better hope he’s a hard worker in the off-season.
May 28th, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Rook, I think ive stated 3 or 4 times. I would be surprised to see the Wizards take a project type big man. But they always could see something that we don’t see in a practice or individual workout. That’s just my guess.
May 28th, 2008 at 12:17 PM
“Rook, if you are still around, do you think we might too much of an up and down team for Hibbert to fit in?”
Not sure how to respond to that question, since it seems to me to be self evident. But I’ll try.
Are the Wizards too much of an up and down team for Haywood? or Songaila? or Etan Thomas? or …….. Did Phoenix stop running the Fast Break when they got Shaq? Does Ilgauskas keep West, James and Pavlovic from getting out for easy buckets?
Not EVERY player on the team has to be involved on the Fast Break! As a matter of fact, the perfect fast break involves 3 teammates, and one trailer. At some point, if the break is not there, a team has to settle back into a Half Court set…
Name me ONE team in the NBA that starts 5 freakishly fast, vertically astounding athletes… Philly, maybe? One of the West Coast teams?
Now, name me some teams with a 7-ft back-to-the-basket big man with offensive skills and the ability to pass. Some teams that come to my mind are: Lakers (Gasol); Spurs (Duncan); Cavaliers (Ilgauskas) ; Phoenix (Shaq, Stoudemire)
Now - it would be foolish to compare Hibbert with Gasol, Duncan, Garnet, etc… But the point I’m trying to make is that those teams have Tall, “lumbering” big men - and they don’t seem to have any trouble getting out on the break…
May 28th, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Tom Mandel - Hey Tom, I re-read my post…. I didn’t mean it to sound so ascerbic.
I appreciated the opportunity to offer my opinion.
May 28th, 2008 at 12:32 PM
The man has spoken…(^[referring to Rook])
Thanks gee wiz -
. I’ll keep you posted…
That’s one thing you’re right about - it being perfect for me. My college was kinda small so we never really had much going on. But I’m not worried about the partying because I’ll be able to balance the “geek” me and the “party” me - that’s done daily. I think I really might be down there though so Orlando betta watch out for me
Thank again homes
May 28th, 2008 at 12:53 PM
we need a big man, when haywood goes out the shot blocking and dominance disappears. hibbert can fill that void. we need a young point, if not this season next season, we need a shooter in case mason leaves, im not sold on young, between him in deshawn despite my favortism…. im still going to have to go with deshawn. dominic im actually ok with him at the 3, it all depends on the moves we make. but i am not sold on the big 3. if we keep the big 3 we must get hibbert. and a 3. we need someone to be a force at the 3 besides caron. dominic is a project he will get there be not yet. but were talking lebron, pierce, wallace, deng, melo, odom, rashard lewis, turkogulo, stojavich, prince, what im getting at is there are alot of wing men these days ballin…. when caron gets in foul trouble or gets injured we have no help…. hell we got deshawn gaurding lebron….. we talkin 6′5 deshawn and 6′9 lebron. a gaurd defending a foward. blatche is still a project he is getting better but he is not to much ahead of young, dominic or pech. speaking of which that is too many young guys who are prospects, we only need one or two some we have some depth issues, secondly the road woes are too common this season, we need some gritty players
May 28th, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Since I hate it when others simply post contrary opinions, but never offer an opinion of their own…. to give others the opportunity to rebut and point out flaws…..
Contrary to many, I don’t think they should trade their 1st round pick; or package it with players to get a veteran.
ANY player you take at #18 will have flaws; and they may not fit perfectly with your style of play - but the Wizards need to continue to grow more physical, and get tougher. They have plenty of skilled, athletic young players… but most are considered “soft”.
Here’s my opinion on what the Wizards should do with the 18th pick:
If a top-10 player slips to #18, they should snap them up…
Some guys I’d LOVE to see in a Wizards uniform are:
Joe Alexander (talk about athletic - this guy can head butt the rim - NO KIDDING! Look it up on Youtube - very good jump shot. Blocks a ton of shots. Improving defender.)..
Kevin Love (Big, strong defensive rebounding Power Forward - would be a perfect fit)
Danilo Gallinari (think Hedo Turkoglu in a Wiz uniform)
Russell Westbrook (Very good defensive PG…. good size at 6′3″. Explosive leaper.)
All those guys have been projected to fall somewhere between 8 - 15 in the First round - so the chances of them falling to the Wizards are slim….
So who do the Wizards actually have a shot at that I’d like to see them draft?
Robin Lopez ( 7′0″ 255 PF/Center) - Physical. Tough. Good defender. Good shot blocker. Hard worker. High intensity. Focused. Not much of an Offensive game (on this team, who cares?). Could become like Pau Gasol, if he works hard on his offensive game. I would be OK with it if the Wizards chose him.
Roy Hibbert (7′2″ 272 Center) - what you see is what you’ll get. Will never be an all-star, but should last in the league for many years. I see him as a back-up Center his first few years, perhaps as a starter later. Played in the Princeton Offense. Great passer. Highly efficient on Offense. Does not make stupid turn overs. He will NOT be a bust.
D.J. White (6′9″ 230 PF) - Physical. Tough. Extremely strong. Good Rebounder. Very Good one-on-one defender.
As you can see, I think the Wizards should pick a big man…. Someone that is either a Very Good defender, or at least not at a disadvantage. If there were any Point Guards available at #18 that I thought could help (especially defensively), I’d say take them, but the only PG that may be available is Ty Lawson - and I think he’d be a defensive liability.
May 28th, 2008 at 1:20 PM
Hey, thanks SportzWiz - you made me a “click here” for my link…I just noticed that (I feel all cool now).
I know that I’m completely not contributing to all the draft talk (draft time is a weakness of mine), but I’m surely reading, learning and enjoying…
GO WIZ(BLOGGERS)!!
May 28th, 2008 at 1:26 PM
As someone that went to IU I have seen A LOT of DJ White. The guy has a very good turnaround jumper and midrange j. before a couple of injuries he was a lot more athletic and blocked more shots.
That scares me in that he is only 22 and lost some athletic ability. He also struggles offensively against big athletic defenders. However, I’m a big fan of Dj’s just not in round 1. I think he’ll make someone very happy in round 2.
A quick comment on Robin Lopez, Chad Ford in his draft comments yesterday said watch for his value to skyrocket after individual workouts. Not many athletic legit 7 footers out there.
May 28th, 2008 at 1:31 PM
No problem bridge.
May 28th, 2008 at 1:36 PM
Bridge if you want to learn how to do that click here for step–by-step instructions.
May 28th, 2008 at 1:36 PM
Rook — no offense taken at all; a very good analysis. I’m starting to hope *a lot* that we get Hibbert.
May 28th, 2008 at 1:42 PM
The word is that Detroit has promised DJ White at #29. You could argue that if that is true, we should grab him — Joe Dumars has shown himself to be a shrewd drafter!
Rook — if you were picking and it was between Robin Lopez and Roy Hibbert… which one would you pick?
(btw, I’ve read people comparing Robin Lopez to Varejao and Hibbert to Ilgauskas, kind of funny, eh?)
May 28th, 2008 at 1:48 PM
Like Darko Milicic? haha
May 28th, 2008 at 1:55 PM
Ok - now how about the 2nd Round? Since I think the Wizards should take a big man with the 1st round pick (considering that there are a few good bigs available at #18, and no PG’s available)…. I think they should pick a PG in the 2nd round..
Here’s my wish list:
Kyle Weaver (6′5″ 201 PG/SG) - SIZE & DEFENSE. Tough. Hard worker. Combo guard, but I see him as a big PG in the NBA. Long arms. One of the best defenders in college basketball (he helped shut down OJ Mayo, and Jerryd Bayless - lottery picks - and highly regarded freshman James Hardin earlier this year). Very good assist to turn over ratio. Very good handle. Good FT shooter. Weaknesses: Mid range Shooting (Dave Hoopla, anyone?), skinny. A lot of mock drafts were projecting him higher in the 2nd round, but he foolishly declined an invitation to the NBA Pre-Draft Camp. THAT will hurt his rankings, and will almost certainly cause him to fall into the lower half of the 2nd round. It also got me thinking about his intelligence…. but even with that mistake, he’s my first choice for the Wizards pick at # 47 in the Second round.
Goran Dragic (6′4″ 180 PG) - SIZE. Hard worker. Competitive. Tough. Penetrating pass first Point Guard, with a very good first step. Not especially quick, or fast, but gets the job done. Good mid-range jumper. Weakness: Not a particularly good 3-point shooter. May have trouble with really quick PG’s.
Anton Ponkrashov (6′7″ 200 PG) - Draft & Stash. SIZE SIZE SIZE. Left handed. Strong. Legit pass-first Point Guard, even at 6′7″. Good handle. High energy. Weakness: Shooting. Not very athletic. If Luxury tax is a concern, draft this guy and stash him overseas (Like they did with Veremeenko)
Comments?
May 28th, 2008 at 2:02 PM
“Rook — if you were picking and it was between Robin Lopez and Roy Hibbert… which one would you pick?”
Being a conservative kind of guy - I’d probably take Hibbert…. I know what I’ll get with him. AND he will not be a bust. He already knows the Princeton Offense (or at least a variation of it)… He would fit well with the Wizards system. He’s a hard working kid and very “coachable”, with very little goofiness about him… so Eddie Jordan would love the kid (he likes players that take the games, practices, shoot arounds, meetings, off season and everything else seriously).
But Ernie is NOT a conservative kind of guy… so I suspect, given a choice between Hibbert or Lopez, he’d take Lopez…
After all, he doesn’t have to coach em… he just has to sign em.
May 28th, 2008 at 2:10 PM
I like weaver, I like the big combo guard aspect I just wonder about his overall handles, can it translate to playin the point in the NBA if needed.
I really have nothing to say about Dragic and Ponkrashov. Having never seen them its hard to take anything away from a paragraph on NBadraft.net.
I think we as fans are always interested in players abroad, just because of the unknown aspect of them. It’s why im interested to see Jason Thompson.
May 28th, 2008 at 3:03 PM
the ? is can Hibbert and Haywood play the game with out causing a U turn in Haywood’s game because i don’t want to have another year of the soft Haywood anymore the guy was consistent as any besides AJ he was the most consistent player we had… i like Hibbert but i hope Haywood will too.. i know we cant live off what Haywood wants but you got to take Min from some were
May 28th, 2008 at 3:09 PM
Hibbert and Haywood are very close off the court. Haywood is kinda like a mentor to Hibbert.
May 28th, 2008 at 3:36 PM
Now *that’s* what I like — inside knowledge!! Go SportsWiz!
Now… what are Ernie and his staff thinking? Do they *know* that RH and BH are friends off court?
May 28th, 2008 at 3:46 PM
I cant tell you what the front offices knows and doesnt know but my guess is they know this.
May 28th, 2008 at 4:15 PM
I haven’t seen Weaver play, but his FG and 3pt % are pretty low (although draftexpress points out that they are significantly up from last year). If he projects as a defensive specialist, his size is terrific.
As to choosing a European (well, foreign) player in round 2, the problem w/ that is ever signing them to an NBA contract. They get much better money in Europe, and it’s got some guarantees.
The Round 2 point guards I like — but… I don’t know if they’ll fall to 47 — are Lester Hudson and Mario Chalmers. The longshot might be Jamont Gordon, but like Weaver he pulled out of Orlando. I doubt he had a guarantee; he may just be all-world dumb. He might wind up a summer league signee for some team.
Gordon’s all left hand, but he can be spectacular.
May 28th, 2008 at 4:28 PM
I agree on Hudson and Chalmers, I like both of those guys from what I’ve seen.
May 28th, 2008 at 5:00 PM
Win Score/40minutes stats on point guards here. Lester Hudson is on top — because he shoots a good percentage, gets *lots* of steals, and rebounds like crazy for a guard.
But… I don’t think he’ll be dropping to 47.
May 28th, 2008 at 5:23 PM
thats the best news i have heard in a wile i hope he is around at 18 i cant see us passing that guy up in the first round..
this second round pick is always a good player thats hungry i dont think i could pick one guy and say thats the best choice because you could get a guy that is better than most first round picks if you know what your doing
May 28th, 2008 at 5:40 PM
Well..Robin Lopez is now looking really nice to me…just what we need..a athletic, defnesive, shot bloking, rebound getting big man…did i mention he is 7′ ft…i think he is the choice if Hibebrt isnth ther for us
May 28th, 2008 at 5:41 PM
but someone whos supposed to be Top 10 or lottery always falls and we maybe looking to get the best player at 18…
May 28th, 2008 at 6:10 PM
The players I had on my “wish list” for both the 1st ad 2nd round picks were all selected because they can play defense.
I disagree with a lot of people that think they should blow up the team. It’s my opinion that the Wizards can get to the next level (second round, Conference Championship round, etc…) by playing better defense - but they need a defensive stopper. On the Wizards, they don’t have to be a huge offensive presence. More like a Shane Battier, Tayshaun Prince or Bruce Bowen type player.
Weaver, teamed in the back court with Stevenson would pretty much contain any other team’s guard combo… Weaver teamed with Arenas would allow Gilbert to concentrate on offense, but still have someone on the floor to contain the other team’s PG.
He’s big enough to guard the bigger PG’s (Billups, Devin Harris, Jason Kidd) - and still quick enough to keep in front of the smaller guys. He’s got freakishly long arms which will help in bothering 3-point shooters. The most important thing is that he takes pride in his defense.. Most guys out of College, even if they have the tools to be a good defensive player, only know how to score. (see Nick Young)…
He’s been called the best defensive guard in College…
May 28th, 2008 at 6:15 PM
Well…just to let you guys know…
ESPN U is airing the Pre-Draft Camp live right now..they are scrimmaging..the game that is going on right now includes…Ty Lawson…J Giddens…and Lester Hudson
the previous game was pretty good..James Gist caught my eye as did..this guy with the last name Forbes..(cant remember his first name..)
May 28th, 2008 at 7:27 PM
How do I get espn U??????
Gary Forbes, btw.
May 28th, 2008 at 7:31 PM
aaarrrgh; comcast doesn’t offer espnu out here in slower lower delaware
May 28th, 2008 at 7:32 PM
SportsWiz — can you tell us more about the games you saw? JR Giddens could be a real steal for someone.
May 28th, 2008 at 7:47 PM
I think James Gist might be a good pick he has got good size and talent and i have his autograph(I saw him at a wiz game)
May 29th, 2008 at 1:00 AM
Tom.. get directv.
Hibbert is our pick “now”. Lord only knows what those crazy GM’s have in store for us?
May 29th, 2008 at 1:04 AM
Gist is a good player, but, I wouldn’t want him taking any of Songaila’s minutes
May 29th, 2008 at 1:17 AM
OK… here we Go.
Tom… I’m betting you 10 pieces of un-popped popcorn.. that “our” Nicky really Shines next year!
May 29th, 2008 at 6:53 AM
Hope so — he’ll need *a lot* of work and coaching over the summer.
May 29th, 2008 at 8:01 AM
-Nick can get to the next level IF he wants to…he just needs o study the Princton Offense that we run…hopefully he can get 10 or 20 pounds of muscle on his body…and hopefully he can reduce the turnovers…i personally believe he needs to study Dwayne Wades game…we all know that Nick can shoot the ball…if he can get as strong and built as Dwayne and start driving the ball more often..he has tremendous athletisism and can probably make all of those dunks Dwane can make and some of those acrobaic lay-ups D-Wade makes…..he also needs to work exsensively on his defense..
-I feel the same way about Blatche..although for him i would recommend Dwight Howard or Amre Stoudemire..first thing he needs to do is get strong maybe as cut as Howard (that man is the heaviest person on his team..but he has the lowest body fat percentage than anyone on his team..only 4% of his body is fat…he is cut)…after that..it all comes together when people see a much bigger stronger guy in the middle the get discouraged easier..he would bang with all the bigs…after that its all about defense..he can run the fastbreak..he is fast..he can shoot…
—These two guys could become great players..all it takes is a little dedication..altough with all the goofiness these two guys have i sometimes wonder if they will ever work hard to get to that next level…but remmber what Nick and Dominic said o they’re last Vlog..”We ARE NOT ridding the pine next year…”…hopefully they will keep true to thier word like a man should do…
GO WIZARDS..
Nick — Study D-Wades game…look at his tape…look at the little things he does…
Dre’ — Study Howards/Stoudamire’s game…also look at his tape…
May 29th, 2008 at 8:12 AM
Coverage of the first day of games in Orlando by DraftExpress and NbaDraft.
Ty Lawson is looking like the best player in camp. Both sites praise Richard Hendrix, James Gist and Gary Forbes. Lester Hudson struggled against Lawson. Joey Dorsey looked very good to both sites’ analysts, as did Joe Crawford. I’m concentrating, obviously, on guys who could be there at our pick 47 in Rd. 2.
DraftExpress especially praised Pat Calathes - they’ve been high on him since Portsmouth. If you look at NCAA stats, he stands out there too, w/ numbers that are very similar to Joe Alexander. DraftExpress says Calathes “really made the most of his 15 minutes on the floor, scoring 10 points and dishing off 5 assists (compared to just one turnover), many of the spectacular variety. His ball-handling skills, vision and all-around creativity were on full display throughout, looking aggressive and intelligent while not forcing the issue in the least bit. He would have had even more assists playing with some more skilled big man. He seems like a lock to get drafted at this point, and may be able to work himself considerably up the board if he continues to play like this in the next two days.”
Two undersized guards, Mike Taylor and George Hill, came in for some praise too.
May 29th, 2008 at 8:21 AM
I don’t see any relationship between Nick and Wade or between Andray and Howard. Those are totally different kinds of bodies.
Andray has every skill you could want in a player; his problems are conditioning and staying focused in the moment (so that he doesn’t make stupid fouls).
Nick has shown *no* basketball IQ at all so far. It’s not just a matter of learning the Princeton offense. The whole game is one-on-one to him. That’s why he doesn’t rebound, has so few assists, reaches in to foul, and puts himself in a position to turn the ball over so often. If basketball was 5 one-on-one games, he’d already be a terrific player.
May 29th, 2008 at 8:57 AM
Excellent draft analysis by Erich Doerr, sitting in on Dave Berri’s wages of wins blog.
Take a look at his table of prospects. He is “optimistic” or the opposite based on how the player’s WS numbers compare to where he is projected in the draft. I.e. “optimistic” translates into “a good investment at this spot in the draft.” He’s high on Hibbert at 23, and I assume it wouldn’t be all that different picking him at 18.
May 29th, 2008 at 9:18 AM
Tom…that is what i am saying..they dont have to have the same body..but they should atleast study they’re game..and is Andray wants too..he can get as cut as Howard..but its all about being a hard-worker which he seemingly doesnt have…same with Nick..they dont have and relationship..but he should study his game..
May 29th, 2008 at 10:01 AM
I agree about hard work — I’m happy that Dray wants to go to summer league again; that’s a good sign.
May 29th, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Yea…that is a really good sign…hopefully he and Nick can beef up some
May 29th, 2008 at 10:12 AM
The guys that Erich Doerr’s analysis points up as potentially good choices at 18 are: Douglas-Roberts, Speights, Hibbert and Jason Thompson.
At 47: Joey Dorsey (”highly optimistic”) and Pat Calathes.
I’d give our 47 and our Memphis rights to get somewhere close to the top of Round 2 (Minnesota and Portland might well be interested in that deal).
May 29th, 2008 at 10:38 AM
yea..
If we can get Hibbert with the 18..then if we get in the high 2nd round..then hopefully Ty Lawson
May 29th, 2008 at 3:18 PM
What do you guys think about this:
IF the bulls take Rose at #1, and Miami is left with no choice but to draft Beasley at #2 they will probably need to make some room for him. They already have Udonis Haslem at the four spot. Do you think trading our 18 pick to the Heat for Haslem would be a good move? He is a proven power forward who plays tough and likes to bang down low. He would be a VERY solid player to come off the bench for Jamison. You could even throw him in at center for a little time every now and then if you wanted to go small. Any thoughts?
June 2nd, 2008 at 6:17 PM
i would defininitely take robin lopez over hibbert. we dont need a soft rebounder, we need somebody who will crash the boards and strong defender i.e lopez. also, lopez has much more upside so he can become a better offensive threat. if the team resigns everyone, we dont need as much o from the 5 and just a good rebounder and defender. Also, i dont think that haywood will work well with anyone even hibbert. he is very selfish and looks to pad his stats at the end of games so he wouldnt want to mentor anyone that might take playing time away from him.