Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 20, 2008 at 9:38 AM

FYI – The Wizards brought in Sharpe earlier in the process, to me this could mean a couple things

A. They needed an extra body at the forward spot
B. He’s moved up the charts and may be a 2nd rounder (I doubt the Wizards will show their cards that much but you never know)
C. He’s a possibility for the summer league team

If you can think of more possibilities let me know, but those are my thoughts.

Oh and Kudos to Tom for not just nailing Hickson last night but calling Ajinca with his darkhorse. VERY NICE! I didn’t want to give you both names but I wanted to give you one last night .

Comment from Jheiser3
Time June 20, 2008 at 9:57 AM

Burrell is another second round guard prospect that I like, although he’s not projected as being drafted a whole lot. Given that mocks are parasitic by nature that only says so much. He played excellent basketball this season and in the tournament.

Ajinca may not be there at 18 now, how things change. I like his game. Hickson is more of a young bull in the post. He’d provide some post scoring in ways that AJ, Songalia and Blatche don’t.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 20, 2008 at 10:11 AM

agreed jheiser on Hickson, a tough physical 4 that can score with his back to the basket. But still raw (then again all of theguys at 18 will be somewhat raw even Hibbert)

And your right on Ajinca too, the guy has been supposedly tearing up workouts. We’ll see.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 20, 2008 at 10:31 AM

Yes, I look forward to hearing how Ajinca does — he is supposed to be a better version of the raw centers like McGee and Jordan.

If he is not there at 18, jh3, that will likely mean that Speights *is* there. He is still my first choice for combination of numbers in college and upside.

Of course, all these guys are question marks as to their toughness, dedication, work ethic, etc. — that can’t be avoided, and who knows what a 20 year old does once someone has put millions of dollars in his direction.

SportsWiz — I did nail it, didn’t I?

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 20, 2008 at 10:31 AM

Off to play golf — keep the fires burning, guys.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 20, 2008 at 10:37 AM

I gave you your props! I was laughin when you said Ajinca. Good luck on the links hit em long and hit em straight!

Comment from Jheiser3
Time June 20, 2008 at 11:16 AM

Speights has a low post game too, a hook, turnaround J with ‘go to move’ potential. He needs what every kid coming in at that size needs: one or two primary roles when he is on the court. Keep it simple. Marreese, if you want minutes they are there for the taking. In exchange we need boards and defense. The offensive/physical development comes between games and between seasons. Get him out of the mentality that dogged Dominic for half the season, that he needs to score to keep getting minutes.

Somehow Donte Greene is considered a tier above these guys according to Chad Ford. Boggles the mind really.

Comment from Reuben
Time June 20, 2008 at 11:41 AM

Sportswiz are you going to the draft maybe we could meet. Hibbert has not been to a workout yet is there still a chance we will draft him? Would Sharpe be a 1st or 2nd round pick what position does he play?

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 20, 2008 at 11:43 AM

just got back from workouts we got a couple vids. Ask away with questions!

Comment from Jheiser3
Time June 20, 2008 at 11:45 AM

How thin is Ajinca?

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 20, 2008 at 11:51 AM

Ok there’s going to be a little bit of a delay. I apologize but they will be up later this afternoon.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 20, 2008 at 11:56 AM

He’s definitely thin, but his arms never stop they reach from one wall to the next in the gym,

Comment from Jheiser3
Time June 20, 2008 at 12:22 PM

Did you get to see any jump shooting? Burrell?

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 20, 2008 at 12:28 PM

I’m going to have to run out of the office for about an hour when I get back I will answer all questions.

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time June 20, 2008 at 1:56 PM

Tom, SportzWiz — I starting to change my mind. I think Marresse Spieghts is the way to go. He averaged 14.5 pts 8.1 rebs 1.4 blks. Thats pretty good. Then when you look at the amount of minutes he played (24 mpg). Thats awesome. Imagine him playing 33 or 35 a game, maybe, 25 pts 13 rbs 2.5 blks?

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time June 20, 2008 at 2:01 PM

Marresse Spieghts — per-40 min production — 28 points, 15 rebounds, 3 blocks, 68% FG

Comment from Rook
Time June 20, 2008 at 3:10 PM

To properly evaluate stats – especially when trying to compare players – you should use the Per 40 Pace Adjusted numbers… That way, players in a slow down half court system (fewer opportunities, fewer touches) can be fairly compared to players in a run and gun system (more opportunities, more touches).

Speights 23.7 ppg 13.2 rpg 2.2bpg 1.5 apg 2.8 TOs
Hibbert 21.7 ppg 10.3 rpg 3.0 bpg 3.6 apg 2.7 TOs

Speights still has the advantage, especially in rebounding… but his numbers look much less impressive when they’re pace adjusted.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 20, 2008 at 3:18 PM

Hey everyone, just got back in the office. Fire away with questions!!!! As for speights I would say J.J. Hickson as a freshman also put up very good numbers Averaging 20.6 pts and 11.8 rebounds per 40 minutes as a freshman

Comment from neal
Time June 20, 2008 at 3:40 PM

I was just thinking about the pick we got for JCN. It’s top 16 protected in 2009. So we get it if they do better than 16 of the 30 teams. Unlikely. In 2010, 2011 and 2012 it’s top 14 protected. So we get it if they do better than 14 of the 30 teams in ANY of those years. Excellent chance. In 2013 it’s top 12 protected. So we get it if they do better than 12 of the 30 teams. Fair chance. If we haven’t gotten their first round pick by then we will get a second-round pick. This morning’s paper said “and cash considerations”, which I suppose is correct. An earlier article said “or cash considerations”.

Memphis can’t be bad forever. The odds are good they will get to mediocre some time in the next five years. I think there’s an excellent chance we’ll get their first-round pick by 2013. Go Phizzlies!

Comment from rgz
Time June 20, 2008 at 3:48 PM

There’s an interesting Hollinger article, yeah I know hollinger of the numbers that said the Wiz would win 35 or so last year.
It’s titled Which Big Men Will become the Best Pros?
Sorry if this link doesn’t work, you’ll have to look for the article on espn.com/nba

Click here

Comment from wizbulletman0
Time June 20, 2008 at 4:08 PM

hola, new to the board
i have been keeping up with all the pre draft workouts and stuff and sportswiz you do a great job, keep it up. Anyway, i really like Ajinca at 18 if he is there. He was supposed to be a late 1st early 2nd now he is in the teens. How did he look today…

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 20, 2008 at 4:20 PM

wizbulletman great to have you on board!!!!

Ajinca’s arms never end as I think i posted above. I didnt really see much action but for a guy 7’1 with a 7’8 wing span he runs pretty good.

As for the rest of the guys I was really impressed by Sharpe’s athleticism and he hit the game winner in the three on three, (it was him, Hickson and Burrell)

Hickson is a strong powerful guy. He’s got an NBA body and is only a freshman. I mean when he dunks you feel for the rim.

Ajinca doesnt even need to jump to dunk, a couple of the coaches were just laughin during the drills because he does it so easy.

Guards are so tough to judge in this but Burrell really gets up for a little guy and he did a good job taking on the leadership and cheering on the other guys.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 20, 2008 at 4:24 PM

Correction on the teams it was Wallace, Hickson and Sharpe.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 20, 2008 at 4:54 PM

Vids are up, two things id recommend, watch Sharpe’s reverse dunk in video two, and watch the authority with which Hickson dunks in video 1 (I think he goes 5th).

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 20, 2008 at 5:08 PM

Hollinger’s “PER” analysis, while better the NBA’s “efficiency”, is still not as good as the Wages of Wins method, which correlates 95% w/ actual wins. (I.e. add up the “wins produced” — their metric — for all the players on an nba team, and you wind up very close to their wins for the season)

Using Win Score (a layman’s version of Wins Produced, which depends on fancy statistical software and analysis), here is a page comparing guys viewed as potential centers. It’s ordered by Win Score per 40 and includes Speights and Hibbert. You can see the difference (and see how well Love scores too).

Here is a page for Power Forwards, which lets you compare Speights and Hickson. You can see how far above *everybody* Beasley is, btw. Hickson and Darnell Jackson are very similar. Again this is Win Score per 40.

Stats don’t tell you everything, but they tell you a lot. But, you have to analyze them right. Most methods over-rate points scored w/o asking how efficiently were they scored.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 20, 2008 at 5:12 PM

How do you calculate win score?

Points + Rebounds + Steals + ½*Assists + ½*Blocked Shots – Field Goal Attempts – Turnovers – ½*Free Throw Attempts – ½*Personal Fouls

Divide the result by minutes played and multiply the result by 40 to get Win Score per 40 minutes.

When you are comparing guys at the same position, there is no need to do anything further, but what if you want to compare two guys at different positions. There is a Position Adjustment available.

Comment from wizbulletman0
Time June 20, 2008 at 5:19 PM

nice vids, ajinca is REALLY long but skinny, not surprised
Hickson dunks with alot of authority kinda reminds me of maxiell for detroit but taller (wouldnt mind that LOL)
Sharp looks like vince carter out there would mind him in the second.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 20, 2008 at 5:22 PM

Just watched the video — Ajinca is veeerrrry taaalllll. He moves very well, but he is clearly raw — watch how he didn’t really pick up the outlet pass > dunk drill. He is like Tyrus Thomas on stilts!

Hickson looks good; he seemed a bit bushed by the pick up ball and dunk it drill — and that is easy to understand! Still, he might not be in the very best shape. To be honest, he doesn’t look all that different from Darnell Jackson, and he doesn’t look as good (to me) as Richard Hendrix.

Still, what can you tell from a few minutes of video?

I don’t know why Sharpe was in again — he doesn’t project to be drafted, so maybe they are thinking of him as a summer league player?

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 20, 2008 at 5:27 PM

I went back to watch Hendrix again, and the older videos don’t seem to work any more. I like youtube, because *it works.*

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 20, 2008 at 5:54 PM

What did you mean by bushed? Just confused by the term. Personally I think hickson looked very good and in shape. This was his tenth workout in 14 days! As for ajinca the guy is definitely raw but he has a lot of that scary word… Upside.

Comment from neal
Time June 20, 2008 at 7:52 PM

Hi wizbulletman, and welcome. If you can add something to what these guys know about these potential draftees you’re a better man than I, Charlie Brown.

Comment from wizbulletman0
Time June 20, 2008 at 8:24 PM

Thanks neal…well as most of you guys know Diaw and Barbosa are on the market. I wouldnt not mind Barbosa, but dont really want to make a deal happen. Anyway, Espn is reporting that there is a deal in the works that would send Portland’s 13th pick, martell webster and another piece to Phoenix for Barbosa. With that said I decided to get a three team deal with us and them two. Before I give the trade Phoenix has a trade exception with Kurt Thomas and James Jones. So what we trade to phoenix can be absorbed with out them having to trade us any players. So I’m using that in this trade.
Call me crazy later…
We trade:
Songaila
Pecherov(TE)
Stevenson(TE)
Veremeenko(rights)
09 1st

We receive:
15th overall(Phx)
Raja Bell

Portland Trades:
13th pick
Webster
other player

They receive:
Barbosa
Veremeenko

Phoenix Trades:
Barbosa
Bell
15th

They Receive:
Pecherov
Songaila
Stevenson
13th pick
Webster
other player
09 1st

We draft Ajinca at 15 because he might not get past 17 and Batum at 18. At 47 we get Foster from Vanderbilt who can replace Mason

New lineup:
Arenas/Daniels
Bell/Young/Foster(47)
Butler/Dmac/Batum(18)
Jamison/Blatche
Haywood/Etan/Ajinca(15)

OK…so in this deal Portland gets what they want in barbosa and VV.
Phoenix gets 13th pick and a big that can hit the 3 (pecherov)
a spot up 3 point shooter (Dsteve), a player that can excell in the pick and pop (songaila) and a future 1st.
We get a great Defender in Bell and two rookies with ooooo that word, unbelievable *upside* and unlimited *potential*

Hey we probably give up too much but I think it would be worth it. Our bench get very young but very athletic. And we still have that nice mix of vets.
I CANT WAIT UNTIL THE DRAFT LOL

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time June 20, 2008 at 9:02 PM

wizbulletman — It seems like you bring a lot to the table. Hope you wont be one of those guys who stays around fora month or two, then seem to disappear. I wouldnt mind that trade you just mentioned. Although I dont see it happening. I’d rather get Brandon Rush and Roy Hibbert or even Marion Chalmers rather than Batum.

Arenas/Daniels
Bell/Young-Rush Combo
Butler/D-Mac-Rush Combo
Jamison/Blatche
Haywood/Hibbert/Etan

or you can take out Rush and put in Chalmers at the PG. Btw, with the 47th get Kyle Weaver a SG/SF who can take over Rush’s spot on my chart.

But once again the deal isnt likely going to happen. But you never know. Kwame for Gasol happened. It was WAY, WAY, WAY more lopsided than this trade. In fact this trade seems to be pretty equal.

Comment from wizfan and the kid
Time June 20, 2008 at 9:40 PM

So much to read on here…

Only a couple of words: Speights. Hill.

Comment from wizbulletman0
Time June 20, 2008 at 10:08 PM

thanks wiz-skins07, well I like your idea of hibbert, but maybe its just me but Rush just seems like a clone of Jarvis Hayes and I speak for all when I say i dont want that again. He is a very good shooter on the college level and already has knee problems (Hayes’ knees were not that great either) and will his game translate to the pros?? Again thats just me. Kyle Weaver will be gone, I hear he is getting consideration from teams in the 20s along with Jamont Gordan.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 20, 2008 at 10:09 PM

I definitely have my fingers crossed for Speights.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 20, 2008 at 10:16 PM

That’s an ingenious trade idea. I’m a little too tired to work out in my mind if it could be made to happen, but it does seem clever. I think I might draft Speights rather than Ajinca.

One of the potential problems w/ the trade is that we may not feel sure enough about Etan’s return not to shore up the C position w/ someone who can contribute a little more quickly than seems likely from Ajinca.

Comment from wizbulletman0
Time June 20, 2008 at 10:53 PM

Since the draft is a week away I will probably throwing out more trade ideas, because I need something to do…LOL
Here is another one involving the clippers and no it does not involve Elton Brand.

Wizards trade:
Stevenson
Pecherov
18th
memphis pick
VV

Clippers trade:
Tim Thomas
7th overall

THEN
We package our 47th, Songaila and Etan For Antoine Walker and 34th
Do you think the clips and wolves would do that deal??
We would grab Eric Gordan at 7 and at 34 we get a Jason Thompson or Hendrix or Dorsey.
Lineup:
Arenas/Daniels
Young/Gordan(7th)
Butler/Thomas/Dmac
Jamison/Walker/Hendrix(34)
Haywood/Blatche

I think Gordan could be what Ben Gordan was for the bulls his rookie year…a scorer off the bench. They get younger with the trade and still get a decent 1st and a future conditional first, and decent prospect IMO. We get a decent Vet for bench depth. Minnesota gets rid of Walker and already have the 31st pick could shop the 34th with walker.
On the other hand we get rid of Thomas.
Just another trade(s) and might be more not likely to happen then my recent one but hey the draft is approaching and we all get anxious.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time June 21, 2008 at 12:21 AM

Welcome Wizbulletman! Your trade scenarios are very clever and very entertaining. I don’t think Ernie will give up “that much” of the team in a trade, but, it’s great food for thought! Again, Welcome.

Spotzwiz…. bushed = tired / worn out / spent.

Ok Tom… I’m officially impressed! Hickson we knew you nailed…. but Ajinca too? Wow Bud! Ok… cause of Tom… I’m re-evaluating Speights over Hibbert LOL.

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time June 21, 2008 at 7:46 AM

Grif — I already considered that, and im totally on Spieghts boat now.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 21, 2008 at 8:45 AM

If Ajinca rises, then someone falls. I’m starting to think that Speights will be there when we draft.

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 21, 2008 at 4:07 PM

wizbullet: the only problem with that trade is that we would be getting more draft picks, not veteran players……the wizards are already young as it is; if were gonna do a trade were most likely gonna look for a veteran player

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 21, 2008 at 8:33 PM

Grifon thanks for the heads up, never heard that term before. Wizbullet some crazy trade offers!!!

Lots of talk about Speights of late sounds like he is definitely becoming the favorite of the board to go with Hibbert. And Weaver and George Hill seem to be the 2nd round projected picks.

Anyone else have someone on their radar they like?

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 21, 2008 at 9:11 PM

can someone explain to me what “cash considerations” exactly are? does is help a teams salary cap or is it like just money going to that team?

Comment from Bridge
Time June 21, 2008 at 9:47 PM

I wish I could say I have a favorite, but we all just gotta see what happens in: 4 days, 21 hrs, 29 mins, 31 secs

I’ll be at the draft party being held here, which afterwards, I’ll be able to see Gnarls Barkley perform! HELLS YEAH – can’t wait!!

Comment from sultijay
Time June 21, 2008 at 9:48 PM

hey guys am new to this. I would like to say hi to everybody.
About the wizards draft, i know a lot of people would like the wizards to take Hibbert but there are pros and cons to that. The wizards need a power forward we don’t know if jamison is coming back. Hibbert is a very good player but we need somebody who can play with haywood. Hibbert is a center we need somebody who can play the 4 and some 5 when we go small. I love Hibbert if we take him am not going to have any problem with because you know what you’re getting. He is a senior and yet only 11 months older than mayo. I would like us to take Marreese Speights if he is on the board, but i have a feeling the sixers are going to take him.

Comment from neal
Time June 21, 2008 at 10:50 PM

Good question Wizfan4life. I can’t find anything in the collective bargaining agreement that says that an exception can be made to the salary cap in this instance. So I assume it’s just money that goes to the team owners.

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time June 21, 2008 at 10:51 PM

SportzWiz —

Re: Anyone else have someone on their radar they like?

Brandon Rush, is we wanna make a deal with Pheonix to get Barbosa why not just get Rush. He’s a great shooter and defender.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time June 21, 2008 at 11:15 PM

Wizskins I like Speights, but, I’m not sure I’m totally sold on him. It’s hard for me to get past his 6″ 10″ to Hibbert’s 7 2″. Past that Speights appears to be much more atheletic.

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time June 21, 2008 at 11:21 PM

i would like to get a list of players who will be free agents at the start of the season of course we know it wont matter if we trade but it might be nice to deam over a few of them… T-Mac …

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time June 21, 2008 at 11:28 PM

W4L… don’t quote me on this but I think NBA.com has such a list.

Comment from wizbulletman0
Time June 21, 2008 at 11:42 PM

Even with the heart problem thing which IMO wont become a big deal and will all go away after his tests, Batum is my favorite. He can do everything, is thin, but a playmaker. He is said to be a streaky shooter but HOPLA can fix that.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time June 22, 2008 at 1:58 AM

I’m sorry wizbulletman. I just can’t sink my teeth into Batum. I’ve tried but just can’t. I , to tell the truth, (sorry Tom and WizSkins lol), still like Hibbert. You don’t often get this kind of a chance at a legitimate “big man”. He may not turn out to be Shaq….. but then again… He just could. It all depends on how he wants to apply himself in the NBA. He has all the raw materials.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2008 at 6:41 AM

Well, the main “raw material” you like in Hibbert is his height — and there is no denying that. He is likely to have a long NBA career; you can’t go wrong drafting someone like that.

Speights is the same height and weight as Al Horford (who should have been rookie of the year last year — by a huge margin!), succeeded him in the same program, and put up the same kind of numbers if not a little better. That’s a pretty strong recommendation!

Last year at this time, I thought we were well fixed at the 4. But, Andray’s repeated problems getting his head straight, especially combined w/ Songaila’s disappointing performance, leave me thinking we need to groom Antawn’s replacement.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2008 at 6:47 AM

Batum’s borderline stress test would definitely affect my decision whether to draft him. That is, it would be in my consideration — I don’t say that it would automatically strike him from my list.

SportsWiz — I don’t think Hill will be around at 47, alas. Don’t know about Weaver. Shan Foster has some good numbers, but the guy I think has the most upside at 47 is probably JR Giddens.

Could Joey Dorsey drop to us — that would be wonderful. No one is talking about him over the last couple of weeks. Probably means they are really interested!

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2008 at 6:53 AM

The other guy I like a lot in round 2 is Pat Calathes. I think he is a guy who will stick in the league and contribute — that’s not to say that he’ll be a star or even a starter (though that might happen).

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2008 at 7:01 AM

Ok, one more guy — Chris Lofton. This is the kid who was a stud for 3 years, then battled cancer last year and is now recovered. I don’t know whether he’ll even be drafted, but I’d sign him and bring him along from the bench.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2008 at 7:57 AM

Continuing their position-by-position grading of prospects, DraftExpress moves on the Power Forward position.

In the Win Score analysis — scroll down near bottom — Beasley and Love dominate, followed by Hendrix and Dorsey. Darnell Jackson of Kansas worked out for us earlier this month; he looks like excellent value for a guy who will be drafted in Round 2 if at all (can you spell Paul Millsap?).

Darrell Arthur, also of Kansas, grades out poorly. Even if he may be more of a combo forward like Dmac, still McGuire graded out much better than Arthur last year. Arthur looks like a bust to me. Anthony Randolph also looks very inefficient — another one of these ‘jumps out of the gym’ *potential* guys.

Comment from Big Dogg
Time June 22, 2008 at 8:46 AM

Did anyone check out hoopshype.com rumor page this morning? It says that Gil is going nowhere. That he and the wizards have already agreed on a deal. Any truth to this?

Comment from Big Dogg
Time June 22, 2008 at 8:48 AM

If there is any truth to the Gil rumor, does that mean Antawn has agreed to a new contract too or was Gil just blowin smoke when he said that he wouldn’t return unless Antawn came back?

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time June 22, 2008 at 9:09 AM

Guys — Here’s the link

Just Scroll down till you find the story it shouldnt take that long. I dont say much. All it says is that we have secretley agreed on a multi-year contract.

Comment from Reuben
Time June 22, 2008 at 9:15 AM

Big Dogg I hope the Wizards have already agreed on a deal with Gil to keep him. I highly doubt it otherwise news probably would have already spread.

Comment from Reuben
Time June 22, 2008 at 9:16 AM

But it could be true.

Comment from Reuben
Time June 22, 2008 at 9:20 AM

About Speights after watching a few clips of him on YouTube he seems to be quite like Andray and I don’t know how we could get Antawn,Darius,Andray,Dmac,and him Minutes. He seems like a good player but I still think Hibbert is better.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2008 at 11:00 AM

Reuben — Speights is not much like Andray, I don’t think, at least not physically. He is big and strong and smooth. Andray is more of a long, skinny, finesse skills type player.

But, what do you mean by “better” — better overall or a better choice for us??

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 22, 2008 at 1:12 PM

hey Wiz-skins thanks for that link. the site also mentions shawn marion possibly going to the lakers and odom going 2 the heat? anybody heard anything about this? also it mentions if atl doesnt wanna sign josh smith or anybody for that matter for 11+ mil dollars, he might look at phili…….wouldnt philidelphia not have enough to sign him with iguadolas contract? also…….which site would yall rank as having the most accurate/true/up to date rumors on it? i heard espn does but u have 2 subscribe for a monthly fee?

Comment from dopeboyfresh
Time June 22, 2008 at 1:45 PM

if the wizards could pick up Brandon Rush OR Chris Douglas-Roberts AND Josh Duncan… i think that would be a nice addition to the team…………

Comment from wizbulletman0
Time June 22, 2008 at 2:15 PM

Ok assuming AJ and GA resign and mason probably gone, would have 12 man roster. If keep our picks someone is going to inactive list, but who. That is assuming we draft at 18 and an american. We dont really send players to the D league in past years, and if anything pecherov should of went down last. Plus Veremeenko has a good chance of coming over next year.
Look at it this way we are bound to make a trade involving picks and a player or two. I dont think we would draft someone and put them on inactive. I really have a hunch Ernie is gonna try to move either Etan, Songaila or Daniels, maybe to get another (better) vet or move up or down to get a younger PG.

Now some could argue that if we move Daniels for a younger PG coming off the bench, we lose valuable experience. Well I just say look at Bostons PG situation basically the whole year. They had ONE PG and it was Rondo IN HIS SECOND YEAR. Eddie house who is not at PG was backing him up. Even when they got Cassell he did not play that much and was not much of a help. Ohh yea, and they WON THE NBA CHAMPIONSHIP.
Now that is just my opinion…
Oh nice link wiz-skins…lol

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 22, 2008 at 2:39 PM

wiz bullet: the only problem with etan is not many teams are gonna be looking to want him because he missed the entire season, is probably out of shape, and is heavily over-paid…..i dont think Ernie would look to give away daniels for a younger PG either……the 1 position is a tricky position and its tough to know just who is good at a young age, know what i mean? like with rondo; the celtics basically had no choice 2 make him starting pg and luckily for them he did well……oh yeah and u know why the celtics won the championship?? they had garnett, pierce, and ray allan; they played a very young hawks team in the first round; a team that hadnt been 2 the playoffs in years and had many players that had never played a playoff game before (though the hawks were close 2 winning the series); they played the cavs in the 2nd round who were coming off a tough six game series with us, James was not shooting well, their team had just recently traded alot of players and had players who were new 2 the team; they played the pistons in the conference finals, and….i dunno but they beat them, and won against the very young lakers team in the finals………the nba is all about big talk…..from the beginning of the season everyone was saying they were gonna win an nba title this season, they played great basketball, but definately with a chip on their shoulder……and the playoffs its all about placement, experience of team, etc…….i mean we beat the celtics in 3 games during the regular season and the hawks won 3 games against them in the playoffs???? i mean the celtics are great dont get me wrong, but they aint gonna win it all next year

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2008 at 2:42 PM

Well, I don’t agree w/ much of what you say, although sure there is a possibility of a trade. Still, not sure what you mean by “inactive list.” For that matter, there is no chance of Veremeenko playing in the NBA next year.

I don’t think Antonio Daniels, who is one of the best point guards in the league, is going anywhere — or I sure hope not. Trading Etan will also be very difficult, given his contract and his health history. By “very difficult” I mean *impossible.*

Who do you think we can get for Songaila and our first round pick? Who would you like? Someone with more value than Marreese Speights or Roy Hibbert?

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2008 at 2:44 PM

The Celtics are a lot better team than you’re giving them credit for, wizskins. But you are right that the fact of having no real backup for Rondo at the 1 doesn’t mean anything for the Wizards.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2008 at 2:48 PM

If you search “pre-draft workout” on youtube, you can waste most of a day watching *zillions* of videos from around the league — footage of workouts and interviews. I know because I have spent a couple of hours doing it today, and I’m trying to peel myself out of this chair and away from the laptop.

Comment from wizbulletman0
Time June 22, 2008 at 3:04 PM

Maybe some of you guys will like this long scenario:
Portland is shopping its 13th pick for a veteran shooter like mike miller, well stevenson IMO is just as good.

Wiz trade:Daniels, Peherov, Stevenson, 47th pick, memphis pick
Blazers trade: Przybilla, Webster, 13th pick
THEN
Wiz trade:13th pick, Etan, Songaila, Webster
Jazz trade: 23th pick, Kirilenko

So at this point we have the 18th and 23rd picks

Wiz trade: 24th pick, 09 2nd
Wolves trade: 31st and 34th picks

At 18 we get Chalmers
31: Dorsey
34: Walker (if he is there or Lee of WKU)

We move Bulter to the 2 which I am sure he can play.

Arenas/Chalmers(18)
Butler/Young/Walker(34)
Kirilenko/McGuire/Walker(34)
Jamison/Blatche/Dorsey(31)
Haywood/Przybilla

Some of you dont like the idea of getting more picks instead of vets well this trade allows us to get Kirlenko and przybilla two GOOD vets. And the draft picks can be debated.

Just another entertaining trade….draft 4 days away!!!

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2008 at 3:14 PM

Man, you are turbocharged! I am trying to follow the above, but I do like getting Kirilenko przybilla, dorsey, chalmers and Walker.

Only problem is that DS is *not* as valuable as Mike Miller, and no one is going to take Etan’s contract, and I’m not sure Caronimo can play the 2 (his handle may not be good enough), and Utah has no interest in moving Kirilenko, and – above all – Portland already has a young all star at the 2 so DS doesn’t really fit for them.

Also, I think Chalmers may be a reach at 18. Man, I wish the draft would get here!

Comment from Bridge
Time June 22, 2008 at 3:37 PM

They won the championship because, as a result of it being fixed, everyone was able to get what they wanted out of it: Kobe – MVP; washed up players who couldn’t even get their teams to the finals (KG, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen) championships; LBJ beaucoup endorsement deals. Rondo, in my opinion is the player that should be given more credit, but all of that credit is spend on their “big three.” Rondo is a hell of a player…

Then, how could Kobe emphasize something like defense, when that’s not even a skill he’s proficient at? I mean, maybe I’m being biased, but a biased person wouldn’t necessarily say what I’m about to say: he’s a GREAT offensive player, but his defense isn’t so great. He couldn’t even keep up with a player who has been injured like 100 times in his career (Ray Allen); I just don’t understand how he could scorn someone like Odom – Odom (in my opinion) is better than “sloppy-gallopy Gasol.” But hey, they wanna get rid of a good player like Odom, that’s their lost…

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 22, 2008 at 3:38 PM

WOW! So I make one post last night, I come back this afternoon and it’s jumped by 20, im trying to check out what everyone has been saying/asking.

First off the Gil rumor. Im pretty sure its against league policy to do this in fact im 90% sure it is unless they talked about it during the season or while Gil was under contract which could be the case. As I said I would be shocked if Gil doesnt re-sign.

As for 2nd rounders, I also doubt George Hill is availalbe along with Dorsey. I know you are a BIG FAN of Calathes and Giddens.

As for me when it comes to Speights and Hibbert. i know eveyrone likes those two guys. but to me those two are right on par with about 5 other big men that will be drafted in that area. it all comes down to individual opinion, but I think Hickson, Ajinca, Arthur, and McGee are all on the same level with Koufos and R. Lopez probably not available but both right around the same quality. Lots of big men projects availalbe at 18, the question will be what the front office thinks about which project will work out and fits with the Wizards.

As for Rush I’ve said time and again I’m a big fan, I just dont see him being there at 18. I think he could definitely come in and add depth to both wing positions.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2008 at 4:54 PM

Sportswiz: time will tell who is good and who not, and it is *certain* there will be some surprises.

That said, Speights’ numbers *do not* reflect a project, nor to Hickson’s. Arthur has had a fair amount of experience but he just doesn’t grade out as well.

FG% and number of rebounds and propensity to foul, etc.: these things don’t lie.

I’m not sure I’m a big fan of Calathes or Giddens, but in the 2d round everything is about getting a quality asset. I might like Darnell Jackson at 47. He played in a big-time program and produced against high quality opposition.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2008 at 5:00 PM

Let it be noted that Jackson is almost 3 years older than Hickson — so the equivalence of their numbers may not reflect much upside for Darnell Jackson.

Comment from wizbulletman0
Time June 22, 2008 at 5:17 PM

Since it seems Hibbert is going to Sacramento at 12 if he is there we can all scratch him off the list. I’m still sticking to the idea that we will package our 18th a player(s) to either move up down or just get a reliable vet that can help us alot.
But, if we do draft at 18, players that are dropping are jordan (project), mcgee (project), and Donte Green (semi-project).
Would any of you be interested in those guys. Since our roster is set we could draft one of them and hope they pan out in a couple years.

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time June 22, 2008 at 6:12 PM

Tom — Yeah, Mario Chalmers may be a reach at 18, BUT do you even consider it if Marresse Spieghts and Roy Hibbert are off the board. Look at this scenerio, Roy Hibbert and Marresse Spieghts were taken ahead of us but Brandon Rush and Mario Chalmers are still there, who do you chose? You say Chalmers is a reach at 18, but what if the 2 guys we like arent there?

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time June 22, 2008 at 6:15 PM

SportzWiz — What do you do if the scenerio i noted above happens?

P.S. Anyone can give there thoughts on the scenerio, not only Tom, and SportzWiz.

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 22, 2008 at 6:17 PM

Bride: i agree with you in that kobe is more offensive oriented than defensive oriented, but i wouldnt go as far as saying “his defense isnt so great”……i mean the man has been all nba defensive first team SIX times, and second team twice…8 all defensive team selectons out of his 12 year career…..last time i checked, they dont just put someone whose terrible at defense in that category

Comment from neal
Time June 22, 2008 at 6:54 PM

I hope the rumor isn’t correct that Arenas and the Wiz have secretly agreed to a long-term deal. He’s an iffy quantity in the first place, and now that he has to come off his injury ….. I’m OK with a year or two only. I also hope that they don’t sign Jamison for more than two years.

After next year and the following one, the whole current team except Butler, Stevenson, Songaila and Blatche come off the payroll. A lot of things are possible then.

Comment from Bridge
Time June 22, 2008 at 7:15 PM

Wizfan4life –

I thought that you were talkin to me until I saw that you put “bride” instead of Bridge, so I guess that you’re not talking to me. Naw, I’m just kidding (lol), but Bridge had to have made a point if you typo(ed) me as “Bride.”

Titles mean jack-squat to me – I don’t look at those like a lot of people do. I don’t watch for “titles”/”achievements,” I actually look at the players when they play and I happen to think that his defense isn’t so great. A two-year old could read a biography about Kobe and see that he’s won all those achievements and come to the same conclusion that you have – that he’s defensively “sound” I guess; well, you said “they dont just put someone whose terrible at defense in that category” to be exact. But until that two-year old actually study the game of players (like I do), they’ll see that…his defense isn’t so great. I wasn’t put on this earth to: a) conform; b) kiss people’s butt – I’m just not a Kobe worshipper;

All I gotta say is that they gonna keep giving that “baby” everything he wants until he stops crying…

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion though; I respect everyones. But Wizfan4life don’t make me take my ponytail out on you…Don’t make me do it lol. Damn, holding me back from getting my ice-cream man!

Comment from gee wiz
Time June 22, 2008 at 7:31 PM

stevenson is def. not as valuable than mike miller but he can shoot and defend. he is also athletic. the thing about is that some of u wiz fans dont no much about deshawn. deshawn use to jump of the gym. this guy could walk on air. he was simply a dunker. thats all he did was dunk on people. in orlando he was strictly jump shot and defense. and then he got a knee injury and hasnt been the same since. it pisses me off when he goes to the hoop with soft layups. im wondering why he changed his style. he can really dribble to. but who knows what happened. remember this though the guy came straight of high school, he would be a 4 yr vet right now in the nba if he didnt. the man has at least 5 good seasons left. every year he improves on something, sure he is an average 2 but a awesome 6th man.

Comment from gee wiz
Time June 22, 2008 at 7:36 PM

there are 2 things that urks me right now. firstly why does everybody consider larry bird the greatest celtic of all time???? sure he is a great scorer but the greatest celtic of all time is bill russell. the guy won 11 titles in 13 season. a title in college and high school aslo. he was not a scorer he just played his position well. he was a leader. matter of fact he was a coach of the celtics while playing on the same team and they also won the title that year. im not knocking larry at all. excuse me but larry was the greatest white boy to play ball lol. matter of fact larry is cool as hell if u ever meet him. but i think russell should get a lil more props than he does.

Comment from gee wiz
Time June 22, 2008 at 7:48 PM

secondly i dont like it when people call dwight howard, tim duncan, and amare stoudamire centers. they are power fowards playing center people! i just had to vent. i apologize. i think we should be concerned if we want hibbert cause orlando needs a center too or a power foward lol. i like alexis ajinca. i also like speights. deandre jordan is going to be a monster when he develops. but mostly all great teams or champions have good centers, centers and point gaurds are the most important. so get hibbert. and get our point gaurd situation together with gil or without him

Comment from Bridge
Time June 22, 2008 at 7:53 PM

Wow! Someone had to let out a lil steam…LMAO …Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr – don’t wanna mess with the gee-wiz LOL…

Comment from gee wiz
Time June 22, 2008 at 8:07 PM

whatever bridge lol! how are u?

Comment from wizbulletman0
Time June 22, 2008 at 8:51 PM

Guys on that rumor page it said philly was going after Jamison at around 11 mil with an 8% increase every year. Do you think he will even consider philly. I mean they seem like an up and coming team but wont contend any time soon. I think I heard that he would take in the 8 -10 mil range to make room for arenas if need be also.

Comment from Bridge
Time June 22, 2008 at 9:16 PM

Oh, I’m fine…Just chillin. You should be happy, you just came from Disney (right?)…What’s wrong – you didn’t get to take a picture with Mickey cuz that made me kinda upset too coming back home from there last year LMAO . I was like “Damn! He must didn’t get to take that good photo with the Mic-Man!” lol…It’s okay gee…Naw, I’m just kidding…

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2008 at 9:45 PM

wiz-skins — if hibbert and speights are gone, someone else drops. Rush is favored by *a lot* of people. If Ernie thinks he can play, he’d be fine w/ me too.

Comment from gee wiz
Time June 23, 2008 at 1:48 AM

naw im mad my camera got wet so i have no pics. and disney’s food costs too d#$! much. but yea philly has alot of money to spend they can go after ne one in the free agent market. im sure they will land 2 big names. and a draft pick. i think ur wrong on as far as them not contending, they also have a good draft pick coming. they will definitely make the top 5 or 6 in the east. its not going to be a walk in the park ne more. the bobcats will get better, the hawks have not exactly died, and the magic still have superman. oh yea and then there’s mr overrated in cleveland, the chowder champs, and maybe melo’s pistons. miami might rent the love guru and get a magic roster. n the knicks have dantoni so its going to be fun. we cant just sit back this summer like last year….. we have to make some moves or simply spend some money. Hibbert is not that bad of a player, personally i think he is in the top 10 or 15 most valuable in the draft. but teams sometimes go for best available of biggest needs

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 23, 2008 at 5:47 AM

I wont disagree, Bill Russell is the greatest Celtic and maybe winner ever (although that #23 for the Bulls has a pretty good argument).

Wiz-skins If all those guys get taken that means someone will have dropped, someone maybe like Randolph from LSU, who would be great value at 18 (ok I just said great value I now feel like Mel Kiper Jr.)

Neal, the only way they keep Gil is to give him a big contract, otherwise you are kidding yourself on having him return same with Antawn.

Alright guys I will be back later today, I am heading out to Caron’s basketball camp. Have a good day and keep up the talk!!! Draft is only 3 1/2 days away!

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2008 at 6:13 AM

bring back some pix from Caron’s camp.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2008 at 6:47 AM

I agree, the East has to improve over this off-season. In particular, Miami and Chicago (obviously), although things have a way of balancing out. Detroit may get worse (and Melo sure wouldn’t help), and I’m not sure what direction Cleveland is going.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time June 23, 2008 at 8:05 AM

If we resign Gil and Antawn…. and Etan comes back ready to go…. with our 2 draft picks that will give us a 15 man team. Does anyone see any way we can hang onto Roger Mason?

Comment from neal
Time June 23, 2008 at 8:35 AM

Can Philly sign Jamison to $11M w/o doing a sign & trade deal with the Wiz?

You’re likely right about Arenas, SportsWiz, and therefore I would let him go. Hopefully, on a sign and trade deal.

Who are the top PG’s in this draft and who will likely be there at #18? That’s the guy I want.

Comment from dmac
Time June 23, 2008 at 8:49 AM

I believe if Brandon Rush drops to us he will play at sg more than sf because of the minute cb plays. Which means somebody may be trade bait. For one thing Rush and Chalmers are more NBA ready than NY was last year.
Have you guy’s heard the rumors (hopshype) about Miami shoping DWADE to Chicago for their number one pick. This means Miami would draft both Beasely and Rose.
In light of DWADE recent health I am not surprised.

This week I pray are the beginining of greater thinngs to happen for the Wiz. If Boston can turn it around and win it all then with the talent, great draft, wise player moves an some good fortune falling our way then WHY NOT us!

Comment from gee wiz
Time June 23, 2008 at 9:05 AM

oh yea earlier i forgot to mention the raptors, the nets unless they make some good trades the will be the same, the same for the bucks. well i was reading the insider today and just as i said roy hibbert probably will be gone before usm the bobcats at #9 are really considering this guy, and u know they need a center, nazr muhammad is not exactly a keeper

Comment from gee wiz
Time June 23, 2008 at 9:09 AM

that is unless u consider okefor a “power foward” their center. or maybe sean may a “power foward” also playing center. but ah omeka is a free agent right now

Comment from gbkdc
Time June 23, 2008 at 9:15 AM

I heard on the radio that Gilbert has reached a verbal agreement with the Wiz regarding his contract, and that he’s staying! Did anyone hear this?

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2008 at 10:30 AM

Among the guys who may drop to us, the only ones I really don’t want us to take are Anthony Randolph (his numbers tell me he is *years away* from contributing), DeAndre Jordan (ditto), Javale McGee (ditto) and Donte Greene. SportsWiz seems to think Randolph would be great at our spot. I just don’t see it.

Of course, the rumors are flying in a frenzy these last days — I don’t what it is, but this draft seems to be the most interesting to everyone in a long time! Batum may drop to round 2 because of the heart issues. Ajinca is rising up the boards to take Batum’s “French” spot in the lottery.

I’m as subject to frenzy as anyone else — you notice I didn’t put Ajinca on my “do not draft” list above — but what do I know about the guy? Nothing! Yet I find myself thinking “it’d be cool if we take him.”

If Hibbert climbs, someone else drops. The best value pick for us by far — by the numbers — is Speights. He has put up big-time numbers in college, and he is smooth, skilled and extremely athletic. You never know, but he could be a star and he should be a solid starter for his career.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2008 at 10:39 AM

neal — the best point who could be available at 18 is Chalmers, who is really more of a combo guard (although I think he will be good at the point in the league). But, he is a reach at that spot.

I think Gil will be re-signed, and it’s hard to imagine not re-signing Antawn. If those things don’t happen, the team is turned upside down. It’ll be super interesting, of course, but that’s *a lot* of change all at once. We could bring in Shawn Marion and Elton Brand and compete for a championship! But… not going to happen.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2008 at 11:20 AM

Ok, I’m going to jump on the crazy-trade, remake the whole team bandwagon. neal and the rest of you, tell me what you think of this.

We trade Young and #18 to the Grizzlies for Kyle Lowry and #28 (remember, Memphis wants to move up)

We trade #28 and #47 to the Blazers for #33 and #36.

At #33, we take either Hendrix or Dorsey, whichever we prefer or whichever is available.
At #36, we take Kyle Weaver or George Hill, whichever we prefer.
We sign an undrafted wing player – say Malik Hairston (just to plug in a name)

We let Roger walk. We let Gil and Antawn go.

We sign Shawn Marion and Elton Brand.

Here is our squad:

Point: Antonio Daniels / Kyle Lowry / Hill-or-Weaver
SG: Caron Butler / DeShawn Stevenson / Malik Hairston
SF: Shawn Marion / Andray Blatche / Dominic McGuire
PF: Elton Brand / Darius Songaila / Hendrix-or-Dorsey
C: Brendan Haywood / Etan Thomas

We are flirting w/ the luxury tax but maybe stay just under it. If we chose to re-sign Antawn and only get Brand, we definitely stay under it.

What do you think? I think we compete for a championship! (either that or get a really high lottery pick the following year…)

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2008 at 11:26 AM

I forgot Pech — he is in my math but I didn’t list him on the depth chart.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2008 at 11:34 AM

What I like about this scenario is that we have both experience and youth at every position. We’ll rebound well, we’ll block shots, and we should be able to play good defense w/ this personnel.

We will be a little bit different style of team — still up-tempo but a little tougher. Do we have enough scoring compared to last year (i.e. leaving Gil out, which he was)? We’ve taken some scoring away from the bench by getting rid of Young and Mason, but Young wasn’t very efficient as a scorer, and we have some new guards/wings who may be as good as what we’ve given up. We’ve taken Antawn out of the lineup, but between Marion and Brand, we should get some good scoring numbers.

Comment from nickman
Time June 23, 2008 at 11:55 AM

Tom u are a genious, I was trying to come up with a scenario where our roster has Elton Brand because he is solid. I also think that it would be vital for our team to play better “d.” It is also about time that we switched up our roster cuz I don’t think our team healthy can contend for a ring. Not with our defense and a shoot first mantality. We need Elton Brand because he is a force on the boards and he is a 20-10 guy.

Comment from Jheiser3
Time June 23, 2008 at 12:05 PM

Chris Lofton gets extra points because 1, he can shoot the lights out and 2, he went to Ernie’s alma mater Tennessee. Ernie may not get the guard he wants in the second. If he gets to 47 and prefers to grab a euro player to stash then Lofton (if undrafted) could be his guy for the summer league. Lofton reminds me of Jannero Pargo.

Comment from Jheiser3
Time June 23, 2008 at 12:07 PM

Marion and Brand will be free agents next year. Neither will give back 17Mil this year to opt out. We wouldn’t have room to sign even one of them if they did opt out and we renounced the bird rights to Gil and AJ anyway.

Comment from Bridge
Time June 23, 2008 at 12:10 PM

Most of these “crazy trade” requests seem to be based on favoritism. Tom, we all know that you could care less about Nick Young…I’m surprised that AB would still be in a Wiz uniform with your trade lol. I like Shawn Marion too; I love “the matrix” – his defense is GREAT, but I love the team we have too.

Throughout this, I’ve seen a lot of requests to rid D-Song, but in my opinion he’s our most solid defensive player; Mason will rank second, D-Mac third (only third because he’s not seen much on the floor), DS fourth. Young isn’t really a fav player of mine either, but I guess that I wouldn’t be too quick to wanna trade him…If the choice though is between Mason and Young, I’d prefer Mason because he’s more committed to the team…I saw the draft last year, and when NY was picked by the Wiz, he didn’t look too excited. I think that he wanted an LA team or something…

Elton Brand – man, a player (and all the bloggers who want him) has never made me laugh SO hard. Y’all gotta be kidding right? We get him, then we might as well go way over the ltax by also keeping Gil, Tawn, and Caron; Elton Brand just wouldn’t bring it…

“What do you think? I think we compete for a championship!” – - – Tom….Yeah – trying to clutch spot #9 (LOL [E. Brand??]).

I just don’t think that we should get rid of Tawn, Gil and/or Mason; that’ll be bizarre…We got Tawn for all that good 20-10 stuff; and he’s way healthier…

Comment from gee wiz
Time June 23, 2008 at 12:11 PM

i have changed my mind. AGAIN! im ok with speights, deandre jordan, ajinca, or hibbert. i really dont believe gil wants to come back. especially with how tha media made it seem like were ok with out him. so tom going the other way…… i think we will resign jamison and not gil. we may sign both, but i really doubt we will just sign gil. i would like marion that brings hustle and defense. brand will bring instant offense and tough d. baron will bring an automatic problem for other teams. im just excited about the draft. believe me free agency will stretch out tha summer…. we gotta have something to talk about

Comment from gee wiz
Time June 23, 2008 at 12:16 PM

bridge has a point about healthier when it comes to jamison over brand. brand cant seem to stay away from the injury bug. their both 20-10 both brand has better d. as far as defense no way deshawn is fourth behind mason and songaila. etan is #1, deshawn, dominic,caron, brendan. thats my top 5

Comment from Jheiser3
Time June 23, 2008 at 12:41 PM

Songalia is in the top 5 in effort and hustle. Thats the only top 5 he will make though. He isn’t strong enough to hold his position while rebounding which is why you’ll see him get pushed under the back board. He isn’t tall enough to effect the shots of 4′s or 5′s. He isn’t quick enough to stay in front of top of the line players either. He can pass, he can shoot and he can defend second team 4′s on occasion.

Comment from wizbulletman0
Time June 23, 2008 at 1:11 PM

I have to mention a few things:

1. Since we will probably have a full roster, I think we can afford to draft one of those projects (mcgee, green, jordan etc.) because they wont be thrown into the fire as they say.

2. The rumor of the bobcats trying to acquire an extra first, particularly a late teen intrigues me. Someone said the idea of trading our 1st this year for someone elses first next. So I made a bobcat trade.

Wiz trade: 18th and 47th picks
CHA trades: 09 1st and 38th pick

Also players can be involved…
thoughts…

Comment from Bridge
Time June 23, 2008 at 1:21 PM

“i have changed my mind. AGAIN! im ok with speights, deandre jordan, ajinca, or hibbert. i really dont believe gil wants to come back. especially with how tha media made it seem like were ok with out him.” – - – Man gee; you don’t know what you want do you? And how do you know that Gil doesn’t want to come back? Did you hear this come directly from him? Just thought I’d ask…

And YES WAY DS is (in my opinion) fourth behind D-Song and Mason. Here’s my order again in case you forgot: 1) D-Song; 2) Mason; 3) Dom; 4) (yes, you guessed right…) DS! D-Song (and Caron) was the ONLY players who were able to put that good D on LBJ (and I use LBJ because he seems to be the only player that bloggers were/are concerned about “containing”). And I said (and Caron) because Caron just simply scared the crap out of him. Brand may have better D, but how would his defense matter if he’s barely on the floor…Same with Etan. Brenden’s job is to be a C, so brenden is being a good C. Don’t sleep on D-Song; he could be a beast like he was on the Kings. Nothing against DS, I just want to see what he used to bring back in the day – he was a dunker and had his lil dance and everything. Maybe I’m wrong, but I just think that he needs to believe more in himself and get over that fear of getting injured again.

Comment from wizbulletman0
Time June 23, 2008 at 1:41 PM

Sportzwiz- have you got any word on who is working out tomorrow, IF anybody is working out.

Comment from wizbulletman0
Time June 23, 2008 at 1:43 PM

Also wanted to add something about the stevenson thing. Besides the fact that he was a high flyer and dunked on people and won his high school dunk conntes, his was compared to MICHAEL JORDAN on nbadraft.net
check it out…LOL

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 23, 2008 at 1:50 PM

Wow!!! Just got back from camp and lots to talk about.

by now the rumor is GIl has a deal setup with the Wiz. As I said I dont think there is a formal deal but I dont think Gil is going anywhere, as I stated a long time ago.

As for the draft and the possibility of Randolph falling. I dont think he will in fact I still think he goes 8-12 in the draft, but if he does I would guess the Wizards would take him. I just dont think you pass on that talent at 18.

As far as the rest of the prospects, I’m still not nearly as down on Mcgee as others are and not nearly as high on Speights and Hibbert as others are. I bet you could talk to half the Gm’s in the league and they would be about even in how they would rank those three. I would also be shocked to see Jordan fall. And I think Lopez will be gone as well (robin that is).

As I said to me the following six players are all guys that have definate holes in their game and it comes down to who you think fits your system and who has some upside.

I talked to Glenn Consor last week and that’s something that he said as a scout is just so hard to figure. You try to see if a guy can improve and get better and at the same time can they help now. I dont see any of those guys helping the wizards a ton right now so the question could come down to upside. To me any of these players would be fine at 18 if you went with a big man.

McGee
Hibbert
Hickson
Ajinca
Speights
Thompson
Arthur

I also think that Chalmers and Rush would be two guys that could be considered with the pick from the wing positions. But with the draft anything is possible and the 10 guys I just listed could all go to different teams.

Also, I will be posting pictures soon from the camp. Any questions please let me know.

As far as tomorrow is concerned Ernie will talk to the media, but I doubt we get anything very substantial and I also haven’t heard of any workouts taking place tomorrow.

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 23, 2008 at 2:17 PM

did yall see the official USA olympic team roster? antawn and gil made the senior team, but TASHauN PRINCE of all people made the actual olympic team?!!!! are you serious??? i would put antawn on the olympic team over tashaun anyday….i mean tashaun was picked to be on the olympic team over people like elton brand, and stoudemire??? im sorry thats stupid……anyone that thinks tashaun prince is hot potatoes is crazy…….the man hasnt even played in an nba all star game yet, and the nba all star game; last time i watched it, was the game where the best of the best in the nba play against each other

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 23, 2008 at 2:19 PM

Wizfan, they like his defense and ability to shoot from the outside. He struggles against physical players, but in europe not many guys are that physical and he can frustrate them with his length.

Here’s hoping for a Lithuania – USA final (go Darius!)

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 23, 2008 at 2:20 PM

oh yeah anybody like al jefferson from the t-wolves? the man has a way less contract than brand and at his young age is looking 2 be the same as or even better than brand…ideas anybody?

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 23, 2008 at 2:25 PM

i just dont like the idea of having elton brand on the wizards because he missed pretty much the whole season to injury and he is looking like hes wearing down, whereas jefferson is younger, has played in alot of games with alot of minutes, and is great defensively, just dunno how he would match up against nba centers if thats where we put him in the lineup?

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 23, 2008 at 2:27 PM

sports wiz, yeah i can see how they would like that, but i mean if you want the ultimate “dream team” u gotta make the team stacked…..if u want a 3-4 man that can play d and shoot the three, put antawn or shawn marion on the olympic team, they shoot threes way more than prince

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time June 23, 2008 at 2:38 PM

My last attempt to defend Nick Young shall be explained in a motif involving Wiz bloggers.

I believe it was about 2 years ago that the Wizards Blog was born, under the guidance and direction of Eric. Eric no longer works for the Wizards organization; subsequently, SportzWiz took the task over and is currently in charge of it.

At the onset, the original bloggers consisted of Tom, Neal, Wiz4Life, Mehdi, BrickJP, Nancy, me, and a few others. We bickered with each other many times because we were (and are) stubborn with our opinions. We would try to force our viewpoints and thoughts onto other bloggers because we want to “win” the argument. It was very competitive and heated. I don’t think the originators of this blog would care to go out for a drink at the Green Turtle. Just a bit too much arrogance and ego all around. This is Washington D.C., so I know how people, especially sports enthusiasts, act like control freaks. Although opinions varied on topics such as Wizards defense, Jamison, Arenas, Haywood, etc., the bloggers shared them all with good and bad tastes.

As the year went by, this blog grew with other contributors. Just like with a basketball team, some stayed and others left. In addition, new people try to come into the program and let their voices be heard. Everyone that posts here had his/her ups and downs. At the end of the day, I still read what others blogged no matter if I agreed with him/her. I would never tell some blogger – “you stink, leave this blog” (although certain Cleveland fans almost made me feel that way). If a blogger, old or new, contributed, that’s all it matter to me.

If you are a “senior member” of this blog (i.e., one of the originators), do you think it is fair to assess “rookie bloggers” the same way some want to rid Nick Young? In other words, if a rookie blogger had an up and down year similar to Nick Young’s 07-08 season, do you automatically want to dismiss the rookie blogger? To me, that type of behavior exhibits a lack of patience and immaturity. Nick Young only played one year – I say give him a break! Similar to the Blatche experiment, if we all gave up on Blatche after Year 1, we wouldn’t know that he does have raw NBA talent (and a lack of real life maturity).

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 23, 2008 at 2:39 PM

they arent looking for the dream team, they are looking for a team thats going to win the gold medal. Which means they will take players who aren’t as big of stars if it fits their style and role better.

Also as for Jefferson, the Celtics almost didnt get Garnett because they didnt want to give up Jefferson for him, thats how highly he is regarded! It would take A LOT to get him out of minny.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time June 23, 2008 at 2:51 PM

Team USA is too “guard” heavy. It only means 1 thing – run up the score with a high tempo. Everyone from 1-12 are super-athletic, so I’ll be shocked to see Team USA post less than 3 digits every game.

While no one knows whom the Wiz are going to draft Thursday, I suspect the kids are going to be from a major NCAA Div. 1 program or from a foreign country.

The Gil rumor is very fascinating to me. On the one hand, I can see why Gil would do something like that (it’s his style). On the other hand, I really do think he wants to test the market and see what his value is after his knee problems. Whatever the outcome, Gil better buy Antawn a nice leather massage chair since Jamison carried the team on his back last year.

Comment from Bridge
Time June 23, 2008 at 3:05 PM

“I don’t think the originators of this blog would care to go out for a drink at the Green Turtle.” – - – Wizards_fusion….

Ooooh! I wanna go out for a drink at the Green Turtle! Probably what we all need (both blog vets and rooks). LOL…; just kidding – but not about me wanting a drink…

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 23, 2008 at 3:09 PM

wiz_fusion i totally agree, people have their own opinions about player…..they may like one thing about them, and hate another, they may love them for 10 straight games, then not see anything they like about them for the rest of the season. thats jst life….players cant always be liked, even players like shaq, duncan, garnet, etc etc……(and im gonna take back my statement about tashaun being on the olympic team here for a sec because i have change my opinion) something everybody needs to realize: getting all the best players from teams and putting them on one wont necessarily make them good.
I mean, we would like to see marion, al jefferson, elton brand etc in wizards uniform, but we cant be 100% certain that they will help the wiz win the championship….i mean if the cavs could make it to the nba finals in 07 with just lebron james, you dont need 7 all stars on your team to get you there….plus you gotta think about the possibility that a player might not like the type of play the wizards use, they might get injured, etc…..you just gotta think about how to improve your current team.
as of right now, i dont see any “major problems in the

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2008 at 3:10 PM

My proposed trades above were more horsing around than anything serious. I don’t think Elton Brand is going anywhere, and I doubt Shawn Marion is opting out. It was sort of interesting how quickly you could make a big change to the character of our team.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2008 at 3:10 PM

Fusion — the blog has been fun since the beginning, and I would always have loved to go out for a burger and beer w/ my fellow bloggers. Disagreements are what sports fandom is made of!

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 23, 2008 at 3:10 PM

wiz roster…..and by major i mean “man if we dont get this dude outta here were gonna have a losing season and be terrible”. or a problem such as “this guy is never gonna get any better, might as well find someone that will, or “this guy gets injured too much and its costing the teams cap salary by keeping him”

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 23, 2008 at 3:11 PM

sorry about the 2 posts there, accidentally clicked submit before i wanted 2 lol

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 23, 2008 at 3:12 PM

tom- make that a burger and coke for me, im only 16! lol

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2008 at 3:14 PM

SportsWiz — what’s right about your list of “equivalent” big men is that there’s just no way to know in advance who is going to pan out and how it’ll happen. But, numbers do tell a story of how *different* these guys are one from another. And level of achievement in a major college program is still the single best predictor of NBA success.

Anthony Randolph may be a very gifted athlete, but he has done *nothing special* in the game of basketball. Guys with decades of experience may look at him and be reminded of someone special, but so what? Can you spell Stromile Swift?

In that sense, prudence says follow the numbers. Kevin Love has great numbers, so does Beasley – they won’t fall to us. Speights has the next best set of numbers after those two guys. It would be one thing if you could see real flaws looking at tape of the kid, but in fact he looks fluid, athletic and flexible.

Still, he could turn out to be a bust — it takes *lots* more than physical gifts to make it in the league. You have to be smart, disciplined, etc. We all know that. Hibbert has those qualities in spades, which makes him appealing.

After all the back and forth here about big men, we’ll probably pick a wing guy!!

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 23, 2008 at 3:15 PM

oh yeah ive wondered this since i began blogging during the summer of 07, are alot of the “big time bloggers” on here from dc? and by “big time”, i mean blog on here on a consistent basis

Comment from Bridge
Time June 23, 2008 at 3:17 PM

Tom – make that a veggie burger and vodka for me. J/K, I don’t even drink…(that)…LOL

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 23, 2008 at 3:19 PM

oh yeah i just had an idea: well apparently gilbert arenas has a myspace….you know how awesome that would be if like d-mac, blatche, young, or any of the younger guys on the wizards had a myspace or a facebook? do you know how many fans they would have?! we need to get some of them on those 2 launch their “network fame” to gilberts blogging status! lol

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time June 23, 2008 at 3:24 PM

ESPN Mock Draft 6.0 is up — They have all 1st and 2nd Round on it.

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time June 23, 2008 at 3:25 PM

Oh my bad.

Click Here

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time June 23, 2008 at 3:33 PM

ESPN Mock Draft 6.0 — They Have Westbrook moving up to #4 over Bayless, and Chalmers at #12.

Here’s “the skinny” on Chalmers —

The skinny: The Kings might have a tough choice here: Go for an upside pick in Anthony Randolph or fill a need at the point in Chalmers.

Randolph has scared away a lot of teams with his lack of strength and a skill set that looks several years away from being fully NBA-ready.

Chalmers on the other hand, is seen as one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft. He’s an excellent shooter and defender who knows how to get to the basket. His workouts have been so positive that he’s no longer a reach here at No. 12.

Another option for the Kings is Roy Hibbert. Like Chalmers, Hibbert wouldn’t be an upside pick. But he would be able to step in right away and contribute.

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time June 23, 2008 at 3:36 PM

They have us taking Darrell Arthur in the 1st and in the 2nd Walter Sharpe. I hope we can get Chalmers. If he can truely step in and contribute right away that would be a definite plus. Btw — Thats how Tom likes them, he basically has no patience. LOL. Just messin with ya Tom.

Just Read This:

“Chalmers on the other hand, is seen as one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft. He’s an excellent shooter and defender who knows how to get to the basket. His workouts have been so positive that he’s no longer a reach here at No. 12.”

I wonder if this is only his view or do others see him as on of the MOST NBA-Ready players?

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2008 at 3:48 PM

Walter Sharpe played a handful of games and then was declared academically ineligible. Just what we need. People do speak highly of his physical gifts.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2008 at 4:14 PM

Take a look at the DraftExpress evaluation of power forwards — why would you pick Walter Sharpe over, for example, Darnell Jackson?

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 23, 2008 at 4:20 PM

Walter sharpe had some issues in college, but that’s part of it, if a team sees he has gotten past that they might take a chance on him. What was his issue, narcolepsy (sp). Well maybe that’s why he had problems. Also, as draftexpress has stated, how many 2nd rounders make it? So sometimes it’s better to go with the high risk/high reward guy because so many guys in round 2 fizzle out anyway. But who knows who they will take.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2008 at 4:23 PM

The next 4 players Ford projects in round 2, after he has us take Sharpe, are Pat Calathes, Josh Duncan, JR Giddens and Malik Hairston. I would be willing to bet just about anything that at least 3 of those guys have better NBA careers than Walter Sharpe.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2008 at 4:32 PM

Giddens too has some problems in his past, for that matter. I think he would be a first round pick if not for that. Ditto Davon Jefferson.

Comment from wizbulletman0
Time June 23, 2008 at 5:08 PM

I said Josh Duncan is a good 3 point shooter too… I did not know that, he could give us more depth at SF and maybe PF (like we need more at that position). We worked him out right?

Comment from wizbulletman0
Time June 23, 2008 at 5:09 PM

^^ my bad *It said*

Comment from wizbulletman0
Time June 23, 2008 at 5:14 PM

Also…Davon Jefferson, I would take a waiver on him in the second. He is a natural athlete and extremely athletic. He seemed to get out of shape and hurt his stock…*a lot*. But I feel he will straighten out. He could provide depth as well.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2008 at 5:23 PM

If you look at draft history, there are *very few* guys at 47 (or anywhere in the 2d half of round 2) who stick in the league. Probably the single best in recent years is Amir Johnson, whom the Pistons expect to start next year in place of Rasheed. He was taken 7 picks after we grabbed Andray. We also have high hopes for Dominic of course.

“I feel he will straighten out” — ?? There are a lot of “athletes” who aren’t likely to play in the league. Deron Washington would be a relatively local example.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2008 at 5:36 PM

Up near the top in this thread, SportsWiz recommends checking out Sharpe’s reverse dunk in video 2 (he’s #15). I just watched it and, yes, he gets up very high and looks very smooth and athletic for a guy projected to 47.

I assume they do enough interviewing and background checks to know whether a guy w/ his problems has progressed in life to the point where he can handle the NBA. I do worry about adding any playmates for Andray if you know what I mean. And, I really do like Giddens I guess.

Comment from wizbulletman0
Time June 23, 2008 at 6:36 PM

Here is another trade involving the bobcats wanting that extra late-teen pick to get hibbert. Gerald Wallace is getting shopped I hear so…

Wiz trade: VV, Etan, Daniels, Pecherov, 18th, 47th, memphis pick, 09 2nd
Cha trades: Nazr mohammed, Wallace, 38th, 09 1st

38th pick: George Hill PG IUPUI

Arenas/Hill
Butler/Stevenson/Young
Wallace/Dmac
Jamison/Blatche/Songaila
Haywood/Mohammed

THoughts…
I actually dont like this trade because youngs minutes will probably not be alot.

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 23, 2008 at 6:40 PM

wiz bullet man: the only thing i dont like about this trade is that we would get gerald wallace who would force to be started…..he is too injury prone and doesnt have a well developed jump shot…..i also dont think the cats would want etan with his high salary and having just come off having open heart surgery and missing an entire season

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 23, 2008 at 6:42 PM

tom- where did u hear amir johnson is starting over rasheed next year?? is he being traded or something or will sheed be a 6th man? cause i dont think he would like that 2 much

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 23, 2008 at 7:00 PM

ok so according to the wizards home page, the poll that asks what we should do with our 18th pick, so far 41% say take the best available, 34% say take a center, and 17% say trade the pick…but only 52 responded so far and i was one of them lol…..i said trade the pick. ideas?

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time June 23, 2008 at 7:09 PM

ESPN Draft Rater: Which perimeter players will become the best pros? — Very interesting article. They think Mario Chalmers can be as good as Derrick Rose, they also say DJ Augustin will be the best. MUST READ. Especially you Tom.

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time June 23, 2008 at 7:20 PM

My Draft List:

Who I think we should take…..

1.) Roy Hibbert
2.) Mario Chalmers
3.) Marresse Spieghts ( JUST b/c of his lack of hard-work and determination)
4.) Brandon Rush
5.) Chris-Douglas Roberts

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2008 at 7:58 PM

One thing you’ll note if you page down on Hollinger’s analysis is that Nick Young didn’t even rank among his top 15 wing players in ’06.

Among bigs, in the article previous to this one, he ranks Speights and Arthur together just below the top two (Beasley and Love).

The problem w/ this analysis is that it’s based on his PER stat concept. Wins Produced (or Win Score, which can be calculated w/o fancy statistical software and produces almost the same result), the Dave Berri *Wages of Wins* stat concept that I favor, is more accurate. It’s better. It rates Speights high but Arthur a great deal less high.

Here is how Win Score ranks Point Guards. You’ll see that Hill is at the top (but, keep in mind that he didn’t play top competition) w/ Chalmers behind him and Rose in 3d but quite a bit below.

Here’s a Win Score based ranking of ranks Shooting Guards. It’s pretty different from the conventional analysis.

Here’s a Win Score based ranking of ranks Small Forwards. Among other things, you can see how far down the list Brandon Rush rates.

By the way, what’s with the “lack of hard work” in respect of Speights? The guy put up great numbers; what doe that reflect if not work?

I still pick Speights at 18 and Hill or Giddens at 47 if one of them is there.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2008 at 7:59 PM

I put in a comment w/ 3 links, so it’s being held

sportswiz — if you are around, please moderate it and ditch this one.

Comment from neal
Time June 23, 2008 at 8:00 PM

Sure, Tom, I’d take that roster in a NY minute over ours. Tell EG we think he should do it.

I don’t think Etan is our best defender. He’s too often out of position and he fouls too much. Contrary to the above comment, I think Songaila is rarely out of position and is strong enough to keep from being pushed out of position. Unfortunately, he fouls too much and he can’t jump (he’s white). I think DeShawn is our best defender. Haywood is my vote for second. Maybe McGuire for third.

Tom, when you say Chalmers is “a reach at that spot” do you mean he’ll probably be gone by #18 or that he’s a risk at #18?

Wizards_fusion, the difference between you and I is that I was always right.

All I know about the Green Turtle is that it ain’t in Vienna. But I’ll find it if someone sets it up.

I’m not keen in this narcoleptic Sharpe. Pretty embarrassing if coach has to wake him up to send him in.

Draft Chalmers. Somebody tell Grunfeld.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 23, 2008 at 8:18 PM

18′s a little high for chalmers according to most.

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time June 23, 2008 at 8:28 PM

Tom — Even with the Wins Score I’d Take Mario Chalmers with the 18th Pick. Why does he look like in your favored, Wages of Wins. If there’s any link you can give please give me one.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2008 at 8:33 PM

SportsWiz will moderate a comment I put in a while ago — it has a link to a Win Score based look at point guards. Chalmers rates very well.

neal — I suppose I don’t really *know* that Chalmers is a reach, but rather I mean that he might be available w/ a later pick. But, if we picked him because he’s “nba ready,” then we have to ask where his minutes will come from w/ arenas and daniels in front of him. On the other hand, he really is more of a combo guard — he can shoot — so maybe he finds minutes more easily because of that.

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time June 23, 2008 at 9:07 PM

Tom — It’s already up, thats why i said he look really nice. I was just wondering how he lookied in the Wages of Wins.

Comment from Bridge
Time June 23, 2008 at 10:09 PM

Hey guys check this out. Continued beef between Shaq and Kobe:
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/8275940/Shaq-takes-shots-at-Kobe-in-rap

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time June 23, 2008 at 11:11 PM

LOL. Good stuff Neal! Coach has to wake him up to send him in. Wizards Fusion difference was I was always right.

Is there a Green Turtle half way between Dc and Lewes so we can get Tom involved too? I’d love to get together and hash over Wizards stuff while drinking a beer and watching sports on tv (actually that is what I’m hoping heaven is like? lol).

Bridge…. Tom get me a veggie burger and a Vodka… I don’t even drink… “THAT”! Rofl.

What I love about this silly place is all the good people. We are all Wizards fans with a host of opinions. What better place in the world could there be? Great facts, stats, comments, and humor. You simply can’t beat that.

I’m on draft talk moretorium until Thursday evening. At this point I’m in … in Ernie we trust mode.

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 23, 2008 at 11:38 PM

Bridge that had to be the funniest raps i have ever heard! lol and Grifonracing i totally agree with u…..while many of the other nba teams (i dunno if all of them do) have blogs on their website, none of them can compare to the greatness to that of the Washington Wizards blog!!

Comment from wizbulletman0
Time June 24, 2008 at 1:24 AM

Sportzwiz- Do you know who is working out for the wiz on tuesday, IF anybody is working out?

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 24, 2008 at 6:16 AM

wizbulletman, I have heard their may be workouts but im unsure if they are they will be an afternoon session.

Ernie will be meeting with the media at 2 for a pre-draft media session and i believe IF they have workouts it will be after that.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 24, 2008 at 6:21 AM

I think they’ve shut it down at this point.

From a DraftExpress “Word on the Street” article:

“Walter Sharpe may be a surprising name called on draft night, after conducting strong workouts with teams like Cleveland, Denver, New Jersey, Washington and Charlotte…. Some team may …take a chance on Sharpe due to his terrific combination of size, athleticism and skill playing both inside and out. One NBA Assistant General Manager told DraftExpress that he thinks Sharpe is a first round caliber talent who may not get to the middle of the second round due to the increasing buzz around him. He still has workouts to conduct with Utah, Detroit and the LA Lakers. “

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 24, 2008 at 6:52 AM

Do read the article I link to above; even if we don’t bring any more guys in, we’ll have representatives at a number of multi-team workouts in the next day or so.

Comment from neal
Time June 24, 2008 at 7:58 AM

Well, Tom, I think a rookie at any position will have a hard time getting playing minutes. Notice how much time our three rookies got last year. I just think we’re already thinnest at the PG position, and if Arenas goes we’re in crisis mode.

Bridge, think you can hang with the beer-drinking, pigskin eating true sports fans? Got to learn to make rude noises in public too, dear.

Comment from Jheiser3
Time June 24, 2008 at 8:15 AM

Charlotte is not trading Gerald Wallace for our bad contracts.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 24, 2008 at 8:17 AM

Tom, I wouldn’t be so sure about this comment .

“I think they’ve shut it down at this point. “

Comment from popcornkid
Time June 24, 2008 at 8:46 AM

Can we talk USA basketball? I think Caron Butler should be on the team…Just my thoughts…

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 24, 2008 at 9:32 AM

sportswiz — no, I seem to be wrong about that. I think I was expressing my wish that *I* could “shut it down”, i.e. stop obsessing about this draft!!

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 24, 2008 at 9:38 AM

So… where’s the new post about today’s workouts in that case?

As far as Gerald Wallace goes, he’s not someone I want — although of course it’d be great to get rid of bad contracts.

Note that according to the Post, Gil hasn’t talked w/ management for 2 weeks and, no, there is no deal in place.

Comment from Jheiser3
Time June 24, 2008 at 9:55 AM

What about Caron makes him a good fit for Intl ball?

For people questioning Tayshaun, its not a Top 12 players in the NBA team. Its a team built to win games Internationally using international rules. Its imperative to have guys who play superior defense and can play multiple positions.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 24, 2008 at 10:04 AM

Caron’s deep mid range game (a three poiner intl) makes for international ball and his ability to get in passing lanes. However they asked for a three year committmenet and that’s what they’ll get.

Tom….patience .

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 24, 2008 at 10:05 AM

If there are workouts today they will be later not at 11.

Comment from Jheiser3
Time June 24, 2008 at 10:11 AM

With regard to Gil having a deal done already, its not that hard to figure. Do they have every decimal place in ink? No. But the mechanics of these deals are not difficult. An example of that is how Gilbert and other players in similar positions retain lawyers, not agents to handle the fine print only.

They would essentially have to come to agreement on the first year salary. The 10% raises from that number and the total years gives you the total terms of the contract. that is, unless Ernie or Gilbert have other ideas on how they want it structured, front loaded/back loaded… Its entirely conceivable that these numbers have already been tossed around or “winked” at.

1st yr salary – Years – Total Payout
13M – 6 – 99.99M
14M – 6 – 108M
15M – 6 – 115.7M
16M – 6 – 123.4M

Comment from dmac
Time June 24, 2008 at 1:29 PM

On ESPN today Andy Katz- Draft Rumors said the Wizards were trying swing a deal for the Trailblazers 13th pick but the deal fell through. Wonder who EG is looking at?

Katz said the Wizards no.18 is available to be had.

Comment from neal
Time June 24, 2008 at 1:37 PM

Jheiser, the maximum annual raise in contracts is 8%, per the collective bargaining agreement.

I just hope they don’t sign Arenas to a 6 year deal. I think he’s not worth what he’s asking and he hasn’t shown he’s back from his injury.

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