More Video From Yesterday’s Press Conference
Well fans after a crazy last week it looks like we will have a few quieter days. Obviously though a great couple of days for the Wizards, as I’m sure you know if you have read the blogs and comments I think JaVale McGee could do a lot for this franchise going forward. Even more so though is getting the captain back, it was great to see the team go out and grab him before anyone else had a shot at him. Here’s more video of yesterday’s press conference.
Posted: July 2nd, 2008 under Wizards.
Comments
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time July 2, 2008 at 12:11 PM
i love this guy i never in my life seen a guy this humble and appreciative he works 2x as hard as the young guys and leads the team i doubt we win 20 games with out him.. to be real about you cant put a price on things he dose for this team every time he steps on the floor
50 mil over 4 years this guy is a gift that just keeps on giving
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 2, 2008 at 12:53 PM
W4L — I’m with you, and you put it really well. Antawn is a gentleman, a leader, and a great player.
Comment from SportzWiz
Time July 2, 2008 at 1:10 PM
As someone that is in the locker room before and after every game, at practice on a daily basis, everything that Mr. Pollin and Ernie say about thsi guy is the truth.
A quick story from All-Star.
As you know I was lucky enough to go cover the All-Star game this year and follow around Caron and Antawn (who are equally great guys). Anyway I ran into a former co-worker from my previous job who now works for another team that also had multiple all-stars.
We instantly started talking about the coverage we were getting and he said how difficult it was for him to get any access as the players wouldnt say anything to him or allow them to get anything the public couldnt see, then he asked me. And I said you wont believe how good these guys are. Every time I turnaround they are willing to give me a quote a story or even let me into the behind-the-scenes access of their weekend. I mean Caron even made sure we got VIP access at the EA Sports Video game party. Really, I can’t say enough about those two guys as people. And as fans you should know you aren’t just cheering on great players, but great people as well.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 2, 2008 at 4:29 PM
They are great guys, indeed — and, just to give credit to those who deserve it, so are you, SportsWiz. You make this blog a lot of fun.
Now… get yourself one of these, so we can have some unofficial video!
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 2, 2008 at 4:47 PM
The Celtics offered Cory Magette a MLE contract. He is a pretty good player and would help them. If he accepts, you have to doubt they’ll have $$ for Posey.
Comment from wizbulletman0
Time July 2, 2008 at 9:29 PM
OK HERE IS A TRADE (and it works!!!)
Wiz trade: songaila, thomas, memphis pick, 09 2nd
Phx trades: diaw
Songaila would excell with nash in the pick and pop and kinda is the same player as diaw and they get center depth with thomas.
Haywood/McGee
Jamison/Blatche/Pecherov
Butler/Diaw/McGuire
Stevenson/Young
Arenas/Daniels
Our 2nd unit would be AWSOME!!!
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 2, 2008 at 10:29 PM
Another one of your great trades (for us). Somehow I don’t think Phoenix would go for it. But, hey… give them a call in the morning! 
Comment from neal
Time July 2, 2008 at 11:50 PM
Wow! They offered Gilbert “I get buckets, that’s what I do” Arenas $124M. I don’t have time now to figure it out, but I think if he takes it, that would put us in an impossible situation and both Arenas and Grunfeld must know it.
But maybe not all is as it seems. By giving Gil the offer, he gets lots of ego points around the league. Then if he gives back a big chunk, he makes a lot of points with the fans and his teammates. Is there collusion between Gil and Ernie?
Obviously, there will be no white knight coming in to save us. The Wiz are planning on competing for the championship with the present personnel. I think the only way that happens is:
1. Arenas will have to become a team player on both ends of the court. LOTS more energy on D, in particular.
2. We know about what to expect from Songaila, Thomas, Mason, Daniels and Stevenson. At least a couple of the young guys (Blatche, Young, Pecherov, McGuire, McGee) have to really blossum in the next couple of years to complement the Big 3.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 3, 2008 at 12:30 AM
Neal…. sit down first. I heard it on WTOP that they offered him 6yrs at 127 mil.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 3, 2008 at 12:37 AM
I just hope Tom is right! I hope this 124 / 127 whatever bs is just posturing so nobody else bids on him. Then he signs for much less so we can … ok….. if you numbers guys say it works then ok…. I wouldn’t mind having Posey either lol. Or Aaron miles, Chris Lofton, or any other pg that fills a cheap back up spot with loads of upside.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 3, 2008 at 12:40 AM
If Gil and Ernie crunch the numbers right… we may just field a 15 man roster?
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 3, 2008 at 12:47 AM
I have the same concerns you do though. If we win the Eastern Conferance… ok. Or even win it all… Great. But if we don’t make noise in the next 2 to 3 years the back end of the contracts are gonna bite us in the butt.
Comment from wizbulletman0
Time July 3, 2008 at 12:49 AM
I WANT JAMES POSEY…and gil
but gil has to sign for a little less so we can give posey the MLE
or the phx trade lol
Arenas/Daniels
Stevenson/Young
Butler/Posey/McGuire
Jamison/Blatche/Songaila/pecherov
Haywood/Etan/McGee
pecherov could be inactive along with mcgee
or we could trade songaila to phx using my trade exception tactic and get a 2nd rounder in return. so only pecherov would be inactive and we could send him to the d league
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 3, 2008 at 1:06 AM
Wizbulletman I don’t really care much for the phx trade. We lose too much size inside.
You guys are writing Pesh off way too quickly. Mark my words. If he is healthy you will see a whole differant Pesh. Did you guys see him last year in summer league? He was pretty ok.
You are writing Songaila off too quickly too. That guy can flat out play. If he is allowed to play in the Olympics for the Lith guys… somebody in Wizards management should be publicly flogged. Every time he plays in a big time tournament he comes back to us Bushed (SportzWiz …. referance above lol).
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 3, 2008 at 1:16 AM
If Gil cares about the team…. we may be able to get Posey “without” trading away so much size? 2 weeks huh? Ok it’s like just before the draft. What’s gonna happen? lol
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 3, 2008 at 1:23 AM
I just hope the Gil “thing” goes better than than the .. Speights #16 ….. and….. Hibbert #17 thing did
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 3, 2008 at 7:03 AM
This year everyone wants Posey; I remind you that last year I was calling for him, and no one else was enthusiastic about the idea.
Posey is *not* leaving the Celtics, guys — or if he does, it’ll be for the Lakers and nowhere else. But, I don’t think that’ll happen either. Of course if it were to happen, and then the Lakers were to win the championship (and esp. if by beating the Celtics), that is *a lifetime of bragging rights* right there!
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 3, 2008 at 7:10 AM
Pech — I hope for the best, but the fact that he played well in Summer League doesn’t tell us much. Dom was a terror in the Summer League and in a world of trouble when the season began. Still… I hope for the best from Oleksiy.
15-man roster — right now, we gotta worry whether we have $$ to sign a 14th man. Depending on Gil’s deal, the question is will #14 be
a) Roger,
b) a better, up-to-mid-level exception veteran, or
c) an undrafted rookie (if the last, why didn’t we keep our 47th pick?).
Gil being away is definitely a problem, because we probably won’t get the deal done in time to be competitive for free agents of the “b” type. Houston is fooling around with Carl Landry, and he is a guy who’d look good in a Wizards uniform.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 3, 2008 at 7:58 AM
I don’t mean Pesh played well in Summer league. I meant he “moved” well. Something he didn’t do for the balance of the season.
From what I’ve read, Ernie has told Roger the Wizards will resign him after they resign Gilbert.
Gilbert being gone for two weeks right now stinks. I guess you have to keep those “shoe” people happy?
Comment from SportzWiz
Time July 3, 2008 at 9:14 AM
looks like Jonathan Wallace and Will Thomas will be receiving an invite for summer league mini-camp and to see if they will make the team.
Comment from wizards_fusion
Time July 3, 2008 at 9:42 AM
So, where the heck did the Wiz get “all that money” to retain Jamison, offer Gil the “maximum max”, and be in the running for Mason?
2 guys (in a couple of years) that will most likely get screwed by all this upfront spending are Haywood, Butler, and Young.
It’s great that we all think of the present, but as mentioned in an older posting, one thing that Grunfeld is good at doing is to foresee the future and anticipate for those events. It’s rather comical that I kept saying Yes@Gil, Yes@Tawn, and NO@Roger with how the money is played out, but Ernie may have figured out Yes@Everyone scenario without going over the cap.
The precedent has been restated by the owner – it’s time to get the Larry O’Brien trophy before all become too old to enjoy it.
Comment from wizards_fusion
Time July 3, 2008 at 9:43 AM
my bad – couldn’t count — 3* guys
Comment from SportzWiz
Time July 3, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Per Mike Jones of the Washington Times – The rest of the list for now is: Georgetown’s Jonathan Wallace, George Mason’s Will Thomas, College of Charleston point guard Dontaye Draper, former Indiana standout A.J. Guyton, former UMass and UVa swingman Gary Forbes, Fairleigh Dickenson forward Mike Peeples, former Wake Forest forward Vytas Danelius from Lithuania, Winthrop forward Taj McCullough and Drexler center Frank Elegar.
An additional name or two could also be added to the list, which is expected to be finalized on Monday.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 3, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Jonathon Wallace? Will Thomas?
Depending on Gil’s deal, we may need a guy out of the Summer League. I suppose we will have scouts watching all the games.
I know it’s my hobby horse, but I *hate* wasting 2d round picks! Here’s why: you have to have some very cheap players on the roster to make room for the top-paid players. Take a look at Boston’s roster: in ‘07-8, three guys got about 75% of the $$.
Comment from Rook
Time July 3, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Tom – or you do it like Detroit has done it… A roster filled with mid-level salaries…
Comment from gbkdc
Time July 3, 2008 at 1:12 PM
I REALLY HOPE WE GET POSEY! But if not, we need SOMEONE on this team who defends well. My Lord, we need someone! Lord!!!
Comment from jmpalomo
Time July 3, 2008 at 3:51 PM
Gilbert Arenas is not signing for less than the Maximum.
It is a status thing.
Gilbert Arenas=MAX Contract
He worked his tail off to get to this position and he is not going to take anything less than the maximum.
It’s nice to dream of him doing something for the team like taking less money. I call it Disneyland dreaming.
You can take that to the bank along with Gilberts $120,000,000+ contract.
Comment from jmpalomo
Time July 3, 2008 at 3:54 PM
Gilbert Arenas is going to make $57,534.25 every day of the year for the next 6 years whether it is basketball season or not.
NOW THATS ALOT OF CABBAGE.
Comment from neal
Time July 3, 2008 at 5:56 PM
Even if Arenas takes $100M instead of $127M there isn’t enough left for a mid-level exception. If he takes anything close to $127M we can forget Mason or someone like him – we’re playing with a 13 man roster again.
Does anyone have any information on the amount of the McGuire contract. The Post said only Arenas and Mason are left as FA’s, so the early info that McGuire signed for 3 years must be correct. But for how much?
Comment from Wizfan4life
Time July 3, 2008 at 6:02 PM
i think we need 2 find a way to have a 15 man roster…….with injuries being our thing it just gives us alot of room to adjust the roster when needed
Comment from wizskinz00
Time July 3, 2008 at 6:25 PM
if I were Gilbert Arenas, i will sign 6 years with 90M, so wizrads have more money to get big Free Agent, like Josh Smith. wizards will be top 3 teams in NBA. I believe Arenas has already known he worth $127 for 6 years, but he also knewn we can’t go to next level with the people we have.
If I were Wizards owner, I won’t sign Arenas over $100M. that is too much money. if he gets hurt again, it will really hurt the team. we won’t have money for big free Agent in next few years, also we were pretty good without Arenas last season.
Comment from Rook
Time July 3, 2008 at 8:10 PM
Gil has agreed to take less…. $111 Million
That SHOULD leave some money to use at least some of the MLE for a FA this year -
OR – and this is the most likely scenario, they’ll save that and have more for next year’s FA class (which will have a much better class of players)
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 3, 2008 at 9:54 PM
I would imagine that the figure was calculated to be enough at least to sign Roger — maybe a different player.
Things are moving fast.
Comment from neal
Time July 3, 2008 at 10:19 PM
Where did you hear that Rook?
Comment from Point Guard
Time July 3, 2008 at 10:29 PM
I just saw on ESPN, they’re reporting Gil will re-sign for 6 years 111 million. This is good news. Now that we have Tawn, and Gil’s contracts done, we can turn our attention, to possibly adding a free agent, or re- signing Roger Mason.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 3, 2008 at 10:43 PM
I read it off the AP press. He supposedly told the Post and Times this afternoon.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 3, 2008 at 10:45 PM
The article I read said they were looking to resign Roger
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 3, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Well guys, we should have at least 14 players this season. I’m surprised he took less but I’m really glad he proved me wrong.
Comment from wiz123
Time July 3, 2008 at 11:01 PM
anyone thinks we should give a try to shaun livingston? a 6-7 point guard with the ability to guard opposing shooting guard is the perfect compliment to arenas(now that we know he’ll be back).
Comment from wizards_fusion
Time July 4, 2008 at 12:30 AM
Woot – Agent Zero is signed. Sorry Golden State, you guys ain’t getting Arenas back. I was worried about giving away my Arenas jerseys to Goodwill.
James Posey is out of the question for the Wizards. If the Wiz want another “defensive” type player for cheap – why not look at Quinton Ross? He’s unrestricted.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 4, 2008 at 1:03 AM
Guys. After we sign Roger there won’t be any room left in the Inn. Maybe for an undrafted guy LIKE Forbes?????
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 4, 2008 at 1:06 AM
If Forbes looks good to us…. and Chris Lofton looks good to us…. they may be affordable. Depending on what Roger signs for.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 4, 2008 at 1:06 AM
One or the other… I didn’t mean both
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 4, 2008 at 1:10 AM
Wiz…. anyone that has been in the league over one year we won’t be able to afford. An undrafted guy is our only hope of having a 15 man team this year.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 4, 2008 at 1:16 AM
Forbes or Lofton at the league minimum? I’m up for that! lol
Comment from dmac
Time July 4, 2008 at 7:17 AM
With Gil agreeing to $111 mil. Is it automatic that we resign Roger or should we look at the BPA for the MLE possibly. Is Roger worth a MLE? I read that Roger wants a bigger role with the team minutes wise. Any predictions anyone?
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 4, 2008 at 7:39 AM
Ivan *speculated* that Roger would want a bigger role; that’s all it is. In fact, if Gil stays healthy, he’ll have a *smaller* role.
I doubt there’ll be room for a 15th guy, or any interest in having one. Ernie will figure that in an emergency he can get a 10 day guy and that outside of an emergency there’s no need for the last player.
Of course, if Forbes or Lofton or someone *tears up* Summer League and isn’t picked up by another team, then there’s some chance.
Keep in mind, btw, that we have no hold over Forbes, or any undrafted, unsigned guy who plays on our Summer League team. He can sign w/ any team that wants him. Conversely, we can sign anyone who played on any other franchise’s SL team.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 4, 2008 at 7:58 AM
I’m looking forward to Summer League. I remember in the ’80s I used to go to various fieldhouses and gyms around the SF Bay Area, where young pros and graduating college kids played in summer leagues that were a great deal less organized than what we have now.
I was a Warriors fan at the time, and Timmy Hardaway regularly tore up *anyone* who tried to cover him; I remember Terrell Brandon *bowing* to Timmy and saying, in effect, “no mas.”
Gary Payton played in these leagues as a college kid; I remember him completely *dominating* Brian Shaw, then an NBA veteran and not a bad player at that level.
Those gyms held 300-500 spectators and games were rarely full. It was pretty amazing to be so close to that good a game. I stood next to Hardaway one day; his thighs were the size of tree trunks! He was enormous — yet he was a short guard. Payton, on the other hand, looked like he would fit through a keyhole, like you could get a 2 foot piece of string around his waist twice!
Long time ago…
Comment from wizskinz00
Time July 4, 2008 at 8:40 AM
why don’t we re-sign Michael Ruffin? I am sure we can sign him very cheap, he is good at defense, and he wants to be here too. so we can 15 rosters.
how about Juan Dixon? he is free agent. Juan, Home sweet home, sign with Wizards
Comment from wizards_fusion
Time July 4, 2008 at 8:49 AM
I doubt Mason is getting more money than Stevenson when his role is to be a 3pt specialist coming off the bench. About 3 million per year, I assume.
Tom mentioned this many times already – Mason only got heavy minutes off the bench last year because of injuries to Arenas and Daniels. Assuming that guys are going to be healthy, Arenas is going to get upwards of 35-40 minutes per night with AD getting no more than 20 minutes. Factoring Stevenson’s 26 mpg and you have to juggle minutes between Mason and Young at the guard position.
If Mason isn’t coming back (for any reason), I’m jumping on the Quinton Ross wagon. I think his defense is pretty good and his services won’t be expensive to the Wiz.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 4, 2008 at 9:06 AM
Young will likely get some minutes backing up Caron as well. He’ll have to prove something in the first 20 games, otherwise watch his minutes fade.
Comment from Reuben
Time July 4, 2008 at 9:12 AM
GILBERT RESIGNED I AM THE HAPPIEST PERSON IN THE WORLD
Comment from Reuben
Time July 4, 2008 at 9:12 AM
111 mil over 6 years
Comment from jhough813
Time July 4, 2008 at 10:21 AM
GOD BLESS AMERICA AND GILBERT! WOO WOO!
Comment from gbkdc
Time July 4, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Can’t believe there isn’t a new topic about this! YAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYY GILBERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment from dmac
Time July 4, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Yeah the Summer league. Bring it on. I remember those years in SL down at Dunbar High School when Ralph Sampson, Moses Malone, John Turner and Gus Williams would stop by to play. Then we had the local guys like John Duren from G-Town who lit it up one night for 73 points. Adrian Branch from DeMatha and Maryland U. had 68 one Saturday night. For a few years it was the Baltimore crew coming in and winning the summer league championship. They had Muggsy Bogues, Reggie Williams, Reggie Lewis, Sam Cassell. Skip Wise, David Wingate and Earnest (Magic) Graham. One year they bought this high school kid who won the MVP. Kid’s name was Keith Booth from Maryland
Then the games moved up to McDonough Gym in Georgetown. We use to get see John
Thompson Sr. and his boy’s Patrick, Alonzo, Dikembe, Sleepy Floyd, John Duren, Craig (Big Sky) Shelton and the G-town alumni would have finished working out and showered up standing on the side of the court. I remember the second SL game Allen Iverson played in he had like 44. This was just the beginning of the career of a phenomenal b-ball player. McDonough was where I saw Steve Francis for the first time. Everybody was like who is this guy. Then of ocurse one D.C.’s all time summer league player was a kid name Curt Smith who dominated the league for a number of years.
The Bullets gave him a try out but he was one of the first combo guards I ever saw. Curt came in at about 5 ft. 8 inches. and use to pack dunks in like spud webb and nate robinson
Comment from Point Guard
Time July 4, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Tom it’s nice how you mentioned how Tim Hardaway used to tear it up in summer league. Because boy did he ever translate that to the real NBA games. Outside of Michael Jordan, he is my all time favorite player to watch. The guy could lose any defender with his crossover dribble, before hitting a jumper right in their face. He had the ability to get his 3 pointer off at any time. I’m convinced if it were not for Michael Jordan’s Bulls in the late 90’s, he would have won like 2 or 3 championship rings with Miami. I think he’s one of the most underrated players of all time.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 4, 2008 at 1:09 PM
I suppose if Ernie had wanted Forbes or Lofton he would have picked one of them in the second round. We could have had the “rights” to one of them. Oh well. I’m allowed to dream too
If nothing else a 14 man roster still sounds a lot better than a 13 man roster.
Summer league is the first time a lot of us are going to have the opportunity to see McGee play in a game situation. Forbes will be there. I want to see how Pesh is moving this year. Is Andray going to show us anything extra? Has McGuire been working on his mid range shot? I’m really looking forward to summer league. It should be a lot of fun. (the basketball “withdrawl” we will all experience after it’s over is the worst part of summer league lol)
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 4, 2008 at 1:17 PM
SportzWiz has us spoiled Gbkdc lol. It’s a holiday and he is probably cleaning the grill or something. There will no doubt be a thread about the Arenas signing after all the hot dogs and burgers have been consumed and the final fireworks display has boomed it’s last.
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY EVERYONE
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 4, 2008 at 1:51 PM
Another way to look at Forbes, Lofton et. al. — Ernie may have thought the draft was deep enough in the 2d half of round 2 that he didn’t have to make a pick. He can just look around the summer leagues and see who he thinks is worth bringing to camp, if anyone.
Do I get this? No. Looks to me like the Celtics are serious about Walker: “Scouts say his body is NBA-ready . . . K-State coach Frank Martin called him one of the smartest players he’s ever coached.” The Celtics won the championship, and they need another player to develop, but, we needed the “cash considerations” more than a player who could have been developed? What if Gil had taken an offer from somewhere else?
Whatever — obviously Ernie knows what he is doing. Keep an eye on how Walker and Richard Hendrix develop in the league, and that’s how we’ll know if we did the right thing.
Comment from jmpalomo
Time July 4, 2008 at 4:03 PM
After the Wizards sign Roger Mason or another shooter, any other player who makes the roster will have to work hard twirling a white towel to cheer his teammates on because he ain’t going to get any playing time.
There will be 5 guards, 5 forward and 3 centers ahead of him in the pecking order.
He should eat alot of pizza and donuts so that he can get a big rear end to warm up the chairs for timeouts when the regular players are in a timeout.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 4, 2008 at 4:56 PM
You don’t get a 15th player so you can give him minutes. You get him so you can develop him as an asset to use later — either to play or to trade.
Comment from wizskinz00
Time July 4, 2008 at 10:44 PM
I saw some pictures of Gilbert Arenas in China from Chinese web sites, how can I post here?
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 4, 2008 at 11:08 PM
Just copy in the URLs — you can’t actually post the pictures.
Comment from neal
Time July 4, 2008 at 11:31 PM
I don’t have time or interest now to figure it out but I don’t think we can afford Mason with Arenas making $14.5M. And Ruffin has too many years in the league – he’s not cheap at all, and he’s too limited. We have Songaila for the same “muscle” defensive role and Songaila can shoot.
Once we have the luxury tax amount we can figure things out.
I still would love to know what McGuire will make, SPORTSWIZ.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 5, 2008 at 2:54 AM
Neal, I’m no numbers guy, but I think Ernie and Gil discussed things and decided on a number that would give us the opportunity to bring Roger back. I may be wrong “numbers wise”, but, Ernie commited to Roger early on in the process.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 5, 2008 at 2:59 AM
Songaila wins the Ruffin vs Songaila match up Hands Down!
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 5, 2008 at 3:00 AM
Forbes for a cheap 15th?
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 5, 2008 at 3:06 AM
Or like Tom said… whoever impresses for a cheap 15th?
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 5, 2008 at 7:07 AM
I’m sure that Gil’s deal is structured to leave room for Roger. I imagine that was the reason for backing off of max. The details won’t be known until the league issues luxury tax numbers I suppose.
In truth, although I wish he’d do it, I doubt Ernie will sign a 15th player.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 5, 2008 at 8:01 AM
Michael Beasley on the Miami Heat Summer League team: “Pat Calathes …can flat out shoot, Josh Duncan …does all the little things, Marco Killingsworth …is a beast inside.”
Wait until he plays w/ some NBA players!!
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 5, 2008 at 8:01 AM
Calathes is the guy I’d like to be our 15th man; he will have a long career in the league, I’m pretty sure. Value.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 5, 2008 at 8:13 AM
Actually, leaving aside the question of a 15th, the one important issue about Gil’s contract is whether it leaves room *only* for someone like Mason, or it would allow us to make a run at, e.g., Josh Childress.
Given that there is no way for us to acquire a premier big man this off-season, he is the biggest upgrade out there. I’m pretty sure that w/ Childress on board, we make a run at winning the East.
Comment from wizfan and the kid
Time July 5, 2008 at 9:43 AM
All-
Aiming at Josh Childress would be fantastic, and I am agreeing with Tom here, adding Childress would really bring us into contention for the East. The only factor we have going for us is EG, as he seems to be totally on top of what he wants.
All that said, I know we are always looking for an upgrade over last year and we already have that in place: Gilbert and Etan.
Now, this is what I think we need to do: stop moaning about how to make a trade and encourage the coaches. Frankly, I think that if our defense improves even 10% over last year, we are much better. A second year under the magic of Coach Ayers will be better than 10%, I am banking. Just imagine if our defense improved as much this next year as it did last year. We had these players learning to defend well and shutting down some serious teams. It’s fun to ponder all these trades, but we need to continue to do the shout-out for defense. Oh, and let’s not forget how much our free-throw shooting improved and helped us in many games. That should continue as well! I imagine Coach Hopla is going to work on mid-range stuff, too. Higher shooting percentage and better defense… doesn’t take a team of all-stars to win like that!
Now, here is my story, cause I did not know there were so many Bay-area fans here:
Used to be a serious Warriors fan when they had Richmond-Mullins-Hardaway. Knew a few folks at the Arena and got to see practice and shoot around just a few times. You know who could stop Timmy’s killer-crossover? Mullins… seen him do it like 3-4 times. He’d let Timmy blow by and then stuff him with that crazy block by swiping from behind thing. I remember watch Mitch Richmond laugh like crazy at that. That was a fun team to watch!
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 5, 2008 at 1:05 PM
I know I’m going to get blow-back for saying it, but I really wonder how much of a push in wins we will get from Gilbert’s return. AD stepped in last year, and his efficiency was fantastic and had a direct effect on our wins, which went *up* I will remind you. With Gilbert out.
If Etan returns at his previous level, on the other hand, that really does help. There’s very little difference between his level of effectiveness and Brendan’s — Etan blocks more but he also fouls more. If anything, ET is the slightest bit more effective on the floor overall (but Brendan has to start all the same). We had a *big* drop-off at the 5 last year whenever BH went out, and he is really best w/ about 30 minutes a game.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 5, 2008 at 2:20 PM
Nick plays the position where we need the biggest step up. He has the size and offensive potential to back up both the 2 and the 3.
Childress could be thought of as a somewhat bigger, stronger version of Nick w/ a much higher basketball IQ. Indeed, he *should* be better than Nick — he was picked 6th in the 2004 draft. He is only 2 years older than Nick.
We had the 5th pick that year, and it is certain that Ernie was tempted to take Childress. Instead, he traded the pick (along w/ Stackhouse, etc.) for Antawn. That turned out well, but I am sure Josh Childress is on Ernie’s list as a player he’d like to have.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 5, 2008 at 3:01 PM
Everybody has fantasy trades going, so here is mine:
Thomas, Songaila, Blatche to the Lakers for Lamar Odom.
I don’t know who backs up the 5 for us, or if we could do it under the luxtax (given that we’d have to sign Roger and at least one more player somehow), but it would be a terrific deal for us and not horrible for LA either.
Comment from neal
Time July 5, 2008 at 3:55 PM
We may get more of a boost than some of us think from Arenas coming back. We won almost as many games w/o him, but that was probably due to the impact of Ayers and Hopla. I just hope Arenas still has his explosive first step. The icing on the cake would be if he is more team (and D) oriented. But that would be a very difficult change for him. It’s very hard for a leopard to change his spots, or for Gilbert to stop being Gilbert.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 5, 2008 at 5:10 PM
neal — “almost as many games w/o him?” We won more, I believe. When did Gilbert go down? And, when did he come back?
Comment from neal
Time July 5, 2008 at 5:38 PM
I was considering the whole year, as opposed to 2006/2007. I don’t know when he went down. About 15 days into the season?
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 5, 2008 at 6:31 PM
He played 8 games at the start of the season before he went down
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 5, 2008 at 6:33 PM
Did you guys year Michaea Beasley cracked his sternum? He may not be playing in Summer League.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 5, 2008 at 6:34 PM
MichaeL
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 5, 2008 at 6:38 PM
I heard Beasley had a very slight fracture and would be out 3-5 days, then play SL w/ a protective wrap.
neal — we won *more* games overall in ‘07-8 than in ‘06-7. We were 40-31 after he went down. I believe he came back for a few games at season’s end as well — wasn’t he in the Milwaukee game and didn’t Sessions hit his buzzer-beater while Gil leaned the other way?
Comment from Point Guard
Time July 5, 2008 at 6:48 PM
Although AD stepped in, and played well in Gil’s Absence, I think Gil’s return gives us the best chance for more wins. Before Gil’s injury this team was really hitting its stride. We were at the top of the eastern conference playoff race, and headed for 50 plus wins, then suddenly Gil injures his knee, then like a week or so later Caron breaks his hand, and we finish out the season as a 7th seed. I think we need atleast two of the big 3 healthy at all times to win consistently. When Caron, and Gil both got injured, we struggled to close out that season, and got swept out of the palyoffs. But when only Gil was injured last season, we were able to play good basketbell, because there was two star players there to carry the load. We just need the big 3 healthy all season, and I believe we will see 50 plus wins this season.
Comment from Point Guard
Time July 5, 2008 at 7:03 PM
Now that we have resigned Gil and Tawn, a free agent signing would be nice, but I dont think it’s neccessary for us to win more games. I think if we just bring back the same roster and stay healthy for the majority of the season, this team could win the east. It just seemed like last year it was one injury after another. Gil was out most of the season, Caron missed a significant amont of games, and AD missed some games with his wrist injury. This season remaining healthy is the key.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 5, 2008 at 7:23 PM
I totally agree with you Point Guard. The last 2 seasons running we have lost Gil, Caron, and 2 seasons ago Antawn for a significant number of games. Had Boston suffered the same fate and lost Pierce, Garnett, and Allen for a significant number of games I doubt the outcome this year would be the same.
It is unlikely we will go through any season without any injuries, but, if we can keep our core players for the most part healthy I see no reason for us not to return to the top of the east like we were before the all star break 2 seasons ago.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 5, 2008 at 7:32 PM
Actually, we are a much better/deeper team than we were 2 seasons ago.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 5, 2008 at 7:45 PM
Gilbert came back with about a week and a half left to go in the season. (remember all the scuttlebutt about him coming into the game without Eddie’s knowledge?). He benched himself when he realized he was hurting the team.
Comment from Bridge
Time July 5, 2008 at 8:40 PM
Gilbert’s injury – April 4, 2007; Gilbert’s return – April 2, 2008 (weird because both were on Wednesdays)
Caronimo’s injury – April 1, 2007 (against the Bucks because I was there, but I didn’t even know until I noticed his long absence from the floor – I thought that he was just resting on the bench); hip injury – I don’t know because it was such a surprise considering that he had been playing before that without even looking/acting injured. His return though was on March 13, 2008.
What the hell is up with Roger? Glad that Twan and Gil are returning, but I wanna know about Mason. Yay, wooo freakin’ whooo that Gil is signing for less than the max, but wow – somebody like him should be the LAST person to talk about BG and Deng for not accepting a certain contract amount because he knows that if he was offered what they were offered, that he probably wouldn’t be tryin to hear that either. What a contradictor? I’m a huge Gil fan and all, but ok; take the $111 million and shove it somewhere…
Comment from doclinkin
Time July 5, 2008 at 11:42 PM
>>>>If Etan returns at his previous level, on the other hand, that really does help. There’s very little difference between his level of effectiveness and Brendan’s — Etan blocks more but he also fouls more. If anything, ET is the slightest bit more effective on the floor overall (but Brendan has to start all the same). We had a *big* drop-off at the 5 last year whenever BH went out, and he is really best w/ about 30 minutes a game.>>>>
No, there’s actually a pretty significant difference between Etan’s effectiveness and Brendan’s. The distinction doesn’t show up in raw boxscore numbers, but when you track the play by play stats and opponent FG% (and eFG%) Brendan Haywood is near tops in the league at forcing misses. Thing is he’s so long-armed and strong (longest reach of any active play in the association. Or at least in the DX database. I expect Yao Ming and Marcus Camby are up there) he intimidates players and changes shots without needing to block them. SI ran an article and graphic a couple years back suggesting that Haywood’s presence forced more players to shoot from outside than any player other than Dikembe.
I like Etan, great guy, great example for yougn intelligent brothers, committed community activist, etc. But from the cold eye of a scouting perspective there’s like a 5 and a half point difference between when he’s on court and Brendan is on court. Granted there are a few nights a year he makes a big difference– he doesn’t get bullied by Dwight Howard’s youth and muscle for instance– but the Wiz tend to be better served by playing Haywood longer minutes. Especially now that he can hit a free throw. (And even more so if Etan is still posting FT %’s in the mid-low 50’s). And Etan tends to threaten those minutes, in the past.
Not crying for Big ‘Wood, I expect he keeps his starting job no matter what this year. The man has worked hard produced and performed well with no complaints, good attitude, and leadership shown to the young puppies. I’m just saying from a dollar-efficiency perspective ultimately the team may likely consider Etan a trade this year to a team hurting for an active big. Though his trade kicker makes it a large chunk to swallow. Still, his soon-to-expire contract will look pretty good to teams at the trade deadline.
—
Bridge: The hell? Doesn’t sound like no ‘huge Gil fan’ to me. Sounds like a hater. Can’t kill Gil for the fact that Golden State offered him a max contract and the Wiz had to beat it. If Baron didn’t opt out Gil would probably commanded a smaller deal and would have happily taken that instead. But you know this is the kid who would be playing for free at Barry Farms (or in Cali more likely) if the NBA didn’t exist. Sure if he had taken a $90 million dollar deal it would still have been more than you’ll see in a lifetime, but realistically would you leave 36 million dollars on the table? Really? 16 million less is a ton of money even if it doesn’t make a huge dent in the cap. If it was 16 million out of your own pocket, I fully expect you’d feel the loss, or appreciate it’s uh lack of loss. Whichever.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 5, 2008 at 11:54 PM
Bridgy I have to admit I thought you would be lead trumpet player on Gil’s bandwagon after he took less than max for the sake of the team. I really didn’t expect him to do that. They have probably offered Roger a contract, but, can’t do anything officially until after Gil signs on the 9th (I think). Or whenever he gets back from China.
Comment from Bridge
Time July 6, 2008 at 12:07 AM
Doclinkin – BITE ME (if this wasn’t the site it was then I would’ve said something else to you).
Well GR, I’m not I guess…
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 6, 2008 at 12:08 AM
Etan is a great guy and a wonderful role model to us all, but, tends to lack in a lot of fundamental basketball skills. He makes up for it in bulk, determination, and a sheer fire for the game. I wish he could play a little more 4 so he could fit in a little bit better with our current bigs. Maybe in his “off-time” he and Coach Hopla have become very familiar with one another?
Doc if we were able to trade him to anyone they would have to absorb his trade kicker and he is still under contract through the 09-10 season. Still…. Maybe?
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 6, 2008 at 12:25 AM
I just hope WizFan and the Kid’s ….. kid gets her autograph
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 6, 2008 at 12:30 AM
It’s ok LilB (ridgy). You are still the “Best”.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 6, 2008 at 12:34 AM
Beasley returned to contact drills today. Listed as day to day for Summer League
Comment from Wizfan4life
Time July 6, 2008 at 12:50 AM
i am happy arenas didnt sign for the max contract he wanted, but like many people here have said, don’t you think $111 mil is still a little too much? i mean does he not realize that next year will arguably be one of the busiest/in depth free agency markets in the past decade? i mean if he would just be willing to sign for like 102-106 mil, think of what that 5-9 mil could get us next year huh?
Comment from John50
Time July 6, 2008 at 12:59 AM
Just reading thru and saw this:::
Doc-”Sure if he had taken a $90 million dollar deal it would still have been more than you’ll see in a lifetime, but realistically would you leave 36 million dollars on the table? Really?”
Doc-”Hater”???
-Isnt likely. Its all in opinion.Right, this is a BLOG about a team that everyone here cares about!!!!
WOW.-Thats pretty harsh-I hope its coming from your mouth as if you make that much, because if youre not then…Well you are in the same boat as well buddy.-You wont see it either then… Pretty harsh right?
Well as far as my POV I think I would have taken a lower amount if I was committed to making a Championship Caliber Team It wouldnt depend upon other teams offering the max if you really cared for that team and organization and the love of basketball. Example: in the position/career you are working in would you take a higher paying job just because its more money and it doesnt satisfy your passion etc?
So to answer the question, YES I would have taken a lower contract. Forget a couple of mil when I worked as a team to meet a common goal (Even thought the question wasnt directed toward me but I had the same feelings about Gil getting that much)
You know everyone is entitled to their own opinions and its absolutely alright to even be upset at your favorite player sometimes; Gil is one of my favorite. Thats what being a fan is about.
NO ONE COULD SAY HOW MUCH A PERSON IS A FAN OR NOT OR ON THEIR “Bandwagon”-Thats up to that person to decide.
Gil is a great player and theres no doubt to the B.Farms events etc…I was there-I know this.
But really I am happy Gil back but hey I thought he could have taken less too.
ITS IN OPINION PEOPLE
So with all that being said b/c I dont usually post alot…
GO WIZ AND I KNOW THINGS WILL BE COOL THIS UP AND COMING SEASON.
Also to BRIDGE:
With what I have been reading I know you will see that much OK. Keep following your path. Dont let those same Haters that called you one disrupt it. They will see OK:)
IM DONE-PEACE
J50
Comment from Bridge
Time July 6, 2008 at 2:08 AM
This is what I MEANT to say, but couldn’t because, to tell the truth, I was pretty offended by that crazy comment posted by doclinkin. To “better†express how I feel, maybe I should just throw you out some metaphors, analogies, and/or symbolism to prove how much this sport (and team) mean to me. Unlike yourself, I’m not trying to get myself a blog or I’m not about to (on the realgm site) be over-dramatic about how crappy the trade went, but then on sites like this one and Dan’s, break out in story book form about how great Mcgee is…There’s no two faces about me, so GR, I was just being sarcastic mixed with hurt when I wrote that maybe I’m not really a fan of his. Like John50 stated, sometimes you do get mad at your favorite player, but I’m not that (by “that†I’m meaning the real definition of) “mad,†I’m a different mad – definitely not “hater†mad though. Down here on earth, there are some people who just don’t care about $ like that, and I happen to be one of those people. I understand and appreciate the fact that he’s worked hard to get where he’s at, but his $; no one’s $, don’t make me see their potential; in other words, he may feel as if being a max player gives him more worth (which, in this business, it does I guess), but people like me – his real fans – don’t see him as a “max†player, but as a “great†player. A player could make all the $ in the world, but still feel like a mediocre player; I’m saying that, whether a max player or not, he’s still my favorite player because he’s a great player. What made me a little upset though is the fact that he’s said some things, but have contradicted himself. Who don’t contradict themselves though; I’m sure that I have before, and as stated above, doclinkin, you have too.
Since too, you wanted to involve financials, if I were at a certain “status†I guess, then I’d be at EVERY SINGLE GAME. I can’t though, so I just do what I can to support MY TEAM the best that I can; that’s what league pass is for – for fans that can rarely make it to games. I’m a hell of a citizen though because I do pay my bills on time. So doclinkin, don’t you ever accuse me of being “all of the above†of what you stated. Doing that is like the response and consequence that people got as a result of calling “Hanc0ck†(yes the superhero) an a-hole. I know that this is an opinion-based blog, but don’t do that. I’m not even gonna lie, for the first time, reading something from the blog (your comment) caused my eyes to get blood-shot red and I couldn’t even respond as quickly as I wanted to. I’m sure that feeling superior and/or wise for a minute felt better than getting off, but to accuse me of not being a fan pisses me off. Maybe you just needed to feel validated for a second…maybe me writing you another message continues such feelings of validation, so, for that reason, I won’t allow myself to go on because I refuse to grant you some more seconds of “fame.â€
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 6, 2008 at 3:13 AM
It was probably my fault for not knowing what you meant by the BG and Deng thing. For that and everything after I apologize.
I just want you to be happy our team is back “together” almost lol.
If everyone stays “healthy”….. ??????
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 6, 2008 at 7:45 AM
This is a great group of people on this blog; I’m proud to hang out with you!!
Bridge — you are too much; we all love you. Are you in college? Get yourself a degree and go work for the Wiz!! Remember to study math and statistics!
Doc — your analysis of Haywood vs. Thomas is right on. I oversimplified in what I was writing. All I really wanted to say was that Etan is a strong backup compared to what we’ve had. Brendan is in every sense the better starter.
As to Gil’s contract, I don’t think that — as Doc puts it — “from the cold eye of a scouting perspective ” Gil is really a max player. He is too quirky and individualistic. But, as I’ve said before, NBA ball is only partly competition to win; the other part is entertainment, and Gil is unbelievably entertaining on and off the court. From a $$ perspective, that means he puts butts in the seats and ups the ad cut from TV, etc. In that sense, he earns back however too much he is paid.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 6, 2008 at 8:01 AM
Just noting that the Knicks signed Duhon for the full mid level exception, which is way too much in my opinion for a guy who has never started nor proved he can do it. Is Isaiah still there?
Comment from wizfan and the kid
Time July 6, 2008 at 9:59 AM
GR… the kid did get her autograph and a photo with Etan at the BBQ Battle. Etan was totally generous to her, signing two of her Wiz hats. She was pretty pleased afterward. When she first got there, he was standing there and she was very shy. I don’t think she thought he was so tall! He was great and welcoming, though. A class act.
Doc… totally agree that Brendan should be our starting center. He totally earned it. I just think that Etan will help us when Brendan has to sit. I also think that our improved defense will create a lot of blocks for Etan, as he is a solid shot blocker. As Tom says, it is a big upgrade in the 5 spot.
Let’s keep it positive!
Comment from tyrone20000
Time July 6, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Duhon is a winner. He knows the game and when given time has ran the point well. I actually thought Chicago took a step backwards and that Duhon is a good fit with the Knicks but would have been better with Orlando…
Comment from Point Guard
Time July 6, 2008 at 10:19 AM
John50 is right. “NO ONE COULD SAY HOW MUCH A PERSON IS A FAN OR NOT”. The fact of the matter is, all of us are Wizards fans, and it dosen’t make us “haters”, just because we may disagree with what our favorite players may say, or do. We all state our opinions, but at the end of the day we are all still fans, and will be rooting hard for our players when the season starts.
Comment from Point Guard
Time July 6, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Duhon is a good player. I was kind of hoping we could sign him. But anyways I think the knicks may have gotten themselves the steal of the entire free agency. I’m just not sure if he was worth the full mid level exception.
Comment from Reuben
Time July 6, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Do we know what our summer league roster is yet if not when will we find out. I knew that one of Chicago’s guards would have to go after they drafted Rose.
Comment from jhough813
Time July 6, 2008 at 11:39 AM
I was actually at that Bobcats game that Gil first got hurt in. I remember he didn’t start because he showed up late or something and then he came in for a couple of minutes before he banged knees with Gerald Wallace. At the time it looked like something that would just sting for awhile. If Eddie only knew then what he knows now he should have benched Gil for the whole game. That’s life.
Comment from doclinkin
Time July 6, 2008 at 11:43 AM
???
Look, don’t get mad at me if you claim to be a player’s ‘biggest fan’ then in the same line tell him to ’shove it somewhere’. If I’m Gil reading that and I just left $16 mils on the table, I’d prob’ly be a bit uh, peeved.
Like ‘with friends like these…’
As for references to money and dollar figures, change all the ‘you’ (second person references) to ‘I’ and it’s still the same argument. I’m never gonna make 90 million or 36 million, or likely 16 million. That’s not the point, I’m not sticking out you and your finances, I’m saying there’s no way any reasonable person could walk away from 36 million dollars
(36 million being the probable difference between any contract Gil could have gotten on the market if BDiddy didn’t opt out, vs the contract he was offered by the Wiz to retain him).
I’m pretty sure Gil would have signed for 95-100 million before the market broke wide open. He’s been pretty realistic in his assessment of his own skill level relative to the rest of the league. Thing to remember about his contradictory statements about his contract: the guy was negotiating for himself. If he said Deng and BGordan should have taken the lower pay, then management is gonna think ‘Okay, Gil might take less money to sign’ — so as an opening bargaining position he’s got to comes back with the concept that ‘Well I wasn’t talking aboput me, if I don’t get MAX then I might bolt for a championship contender’.
Difference is he doesn’t have an agent to make unreasonable demands behind closed doors. And because he seems impulsive management has to take his statements at face value. The team had a little more leverage before Baron opted out is all. Afterwards, they had no choice since they couldn’t look like Golden State loved him more than we did.
Can’t deny that Gil played a pretty savvy negotiating game. Ernie sorta made it clear he would much rather negotiate with an agent than risk hurting the feelings of Agent Zero himself. But I’m not gonna kill Gil just cause he proved to be a pretty sharp dealer on his own behalf.
On the rest of it, relax fella. Just saying, if you tell a guy to stick it and claim he’s a ‘mediocre’ player– well nah, that’s probably not ‘biggest fan’ status. No big deal. Just saying that’s a more stark contradiction than whatever Gil said. At least he’s backing his words with a 16 million dollar discount.
Comment from doclinkin
Time July 6, 2008 at 12:32 PM
I guess I think about it this way. If taking cash money for our second round pick and if Gil taking 16 million less allows Ernie to take a babystep over the luxury tax in an emergency, I suppose that’s better than where we were stuck this year. It’s less flexibility than I anticipated, but it’s not my money, tough for me to kill Gil about it.
Team-wise we’re still relying on our young players to get better for the team to improve. But there’s talent there, I fully expect them to keep pace and develop. As they grow more skilled, they become better assets in trade– as well as helping the team in performance.
(Hopefully they’re reliable enough as a mob that we can afford to play our starters less than 40 minutes a game. Thogu I think re-signing the assistant coaches actually makes the differnce there. I get the feeling Eddie was coaching to win at all costs because his asst coaches’ jobs were under threat. It’s a loyalty thing. Seems like a lot of that going around).
As the bench develops, flexibility comes more from the players under contract than free agents and cash in hand. But if we catch another rash of ugly injuries Ernie has another option. No more practices with assistant coaches playing the scout team. The lower signing cost give s the team a ‘break glass in case of emergency’ option.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 6, 2008 at 1:15 PM
The 2d round pick — very unlikely it would have impacted lux tax; you could argue that Ernie couldn’t have known that, but I’d argue in the other direction — if Gil had maxed out, then we couldn’t have signed Roger. Now I might *need* that round 2 guy! Or at least I can afford him to develop.
Kind of unimportant. It might be that Ernie doesn’t place a huge value on the draft, which after all is a hit-or-miss affair unless you are at the very top (and even then… ). Or, let me put it another way. As a fan, the *unknown* is really interesting to me; it’s exciting, potential, something different. As a GM, Ernie is trying to build something that is *known* and predictable. I.e. to me, this is fun; to him, it’s a profession!
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 6, 2008 at 1:20 PM
Hey, it has been a *long weekend* w/ no new Wizards items from SportsWiz or the team.
I bet tomorrow we’ll get a roster for the Summer League team.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 6, 2008 at 1:32 PM
Rueben.. scroll up to SportzWiz’s post at 10:33am in this thread. That’s the only list of our summer league team I’ve seen so far.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 6, 2008 at 1:35 PM
SportzWiz is probably chomping at the bit after his long weekend lol.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 6, 2008 at 1:43 PM
That’s GREAT WizFan and the Kid!! She must have been on cloud 9
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 6, 2008 at 1:43 PM
…my man is *planning his wedding*, grifr — looking at tuxedos, trying to decide what kind of bouquet his bride is going to get, searching the web for pre-nuptual agreements (just joking on that last one!)
Comment from wizbulletman0
Time July 6, 2008 at 1:47 PM
someone on ivan’s blog said it was rumored that RMJ was “put on the backburner” by ernie and ernie has something “cooking” with minnesota.
I propose this trade:
wiz trade: THomas, Stevenson, 09 1st, memphis pick
wolves trade: Mike Miller
Haywood/Blatche/McGee
Jamison/Songaila/Pecherov
Butler/McGuire
Miller/Young
Arenas/Daniels
Comment from jmpalomo
Time July 6, 2008 at 1:55 PM
I would not say that Ernie does not place value in the draft.
If he had a pick that could make the Wizards a better team then he would have kept the 2nd round pick.
Boston offered cash for a player. Cash was more important than the 14th or 15th player on the bench.
Ernie kept the 1st rouind pick, which he has always done.
The 2nd round most of the time does not mean a can of beans.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 6, 2008 at 1:57 PM
LOL Tom. Maybe we should all pool our resources and get them a Spalding Never Flat set for our wedding present to them? I don’t know? That may be a little too personal
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 6, 2008 at 1:58 PM
Bridgy could kick in a little more after all the Caromino “dollars” I’ve given her.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 6, 2008 at 3:01 PM
Oh boy, trade w/ Minnesota — fun! They did a great job on draft day and will be very happy w/ Kevin Love, not to mention that they got rid of a lot of awful contracts. They did, however, take on Brian Cardinal’s awful contract.
wbm0’s proposed trade would be too good to be true, however (even if it’s someone else and not DS who goes), as McHale must be trying to *dump* bad contracts, not take on another one (Thomas).
It’s hard to imagine letting DS go *and* not re-signing Roger. If it’s true that Ernie put Roger on hold, either he is looking for a different 2 (does Miller even play the 2?) — maybe Rashad McCants, whose game I don’t know at all — or he is willing to take on Jason Collins’s contract for Thomas’s (a better player but a worse contract).
Comment from wizbulletman0
Time July 6, 2008 at 3:17 PM
Tom- miller is a SG if im not mistaken.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 6, 2008 at 3:24 PM
I think Miller is a 3 — but he handles well and can no doubt play the 2 on offense. He’d be a great acquisition, almost as good as getting Childress. Hard to imagine Minnesota getting rid of him. If so, *surely* it would have to be for young talent — maybe w/ nick in the deal?
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 6, 2008 at 3:37 PM
Remember guys…. Ivan didn’t say it.. someone on his blog did. Grain of salt time. Interesting though.
Comment from wizskinz00
Time July 6, 2008 at 5:14 PM
who knows where Gilbert Arenas is? hahhah
I know where Gilbert Arenas is, he is Philppines. he just left from China, he is still in his Adidas tours, here is the link (sorry, the web site is in Chinese)
1. fans welcome Gilbert Arenas
http://news.sina.com/401-000-105-106/2008-07-06/0309867815.html
2. Gilbert Arenas say “Hi” to a kid
http://news.sina.com/401-000-105-106/2008-07-06/0309867814.html
Comment from Reuben
Time July 6, 2008 at 6:22 PM
Some free agents that I might like to see in a Wizards uniform next season (some of them might be hard to give them enough money)
Josh Childress, Josh Smith, James Posey, Leon Powe (LSP), Emeka Okafor, Earl Boykins, Luol Deng?, Monta Ellis (He is looking for BIG money), Andre Igoudala, Mike Finley, and most of all KWAME BROWN
just kidding bout kwame
Comment from Reuben
Time July 6, 2008 at 6:23 PM
I didn’t put ELton Brand because I know he is almost impossible to get
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 6, 2008 at 7:10 PM
Leon Powe’s not a FA. Unfortunately, Posey is going to be a Celtic next year I’m sure — or maybe a Laker. Earl Boykins?
I love Childress, that’s for sure.
Comment from Rook
Time July 6, 2008 at 7:21 PM
Back in May – I posted on Ivan’s blog about next year’s draft:
“On the previous post, we were talking about potential trades with Seattle….
Another possibility, since Seattle has 6 picks in the next 3 years – would be to try to package a deal that somehow gets their 1st round pick next year.
Or somehow get next year’s 1st round pick from either Memphis or Minnesota (package of players and picks, etc…)
Use that pick next year to select Ricky Rubio.
http://www.nbadraft.net/admincp/profiles/rickyrubio.html
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Ricky-Rubio-1155/
He’s a 6′4″ PG currently playing in Spain.
As I was reading the reviews on this kid (he’s only 17), I was thinking he sounds like the next Steve Nash. They say some incredibly positive things about him… and very few (if any) negatives.
Then I watched the video!!!! OMG. I thought I was looking at Pete Maravich passing the ball ! THIS KID IS GOING TO BE A STAR
Posted by: Rook | May 13, 2008 3:26 PM ”
By the way – I just got my JULY ESPN Magazine… and one of the articles is about Ricky Rubio entitled…………………….. wait for it………………….. “The next Pistol Pete?”…
Anyways, now we’re hearing rumors that Ernie is talking to Minnesota….. Sure love to find out he’s trying to wrangle their first round pick next year….
Comment from Point Guard
Time July 6, 2008 at 7:26 PM
Reuben, Im glad to see you were just kidding about bringing back Kwame. For a moment I thought you were serious. Getting Caron, for Kwame has to be one of the greatest trades in franchise history. We got great value for a player we no longer wanted. Now thats what trading is all about. But 4 former wizards I wouldn’t mind seeing return are Juan Dixon, Steve Blake, Larry Hughes, and Jared Jeffries.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 6, 2008 at 7:27 PM
Sounds like he is going to be special! But… I can’t see how we’d get McHale’s pick, and anyway don’t people think he might go first next year?
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 6, 2008 at 7:30 PM
Point Guard — what appeals about these 4 guys? I’d only want Blake.
Juan is a great guy but marginal as an nba player because of his size and inability to play the point. Hughes is on the down side for sure, and Jeffries never developed to speak of.
Comment from Point Guard
Time July 6, 2008 at 8:04 PM
Their defense is their most appealing attributes. Especially Jared, and Larry. You could just isolate those two on the other teams best player, and they would consistently do a good job overall. If Jared could have brought more scoring to go along with his great defense, he would have been a complete player. Larry consistently was at the top of the league in steals, which lead to easy points. Juan, and Steve played solid D as well, and also were perimeter scoring threats. I still dont understand why Larry didn’t re-sign. Him and Gil played well together. The same offseason that he left, we got Caron Butler. If he had stayed, imagine that lineup with Gil, Larry, Caron, and Tawn. I’m not sure too many teams would have been looking forward to playing us.
Comment from wizbulletman0
Time July 6, 2008 at 8:09 PM
did anyone else hear about Dee Brown (former illinois player) joining the wizards summer league team and invited to training camp??? saw it on real gm
Comment from neal
Time July 6, 2008 at 11:05 PM
Hughes would have to have a contract taking into account that he’s injury prone.
What’s up with Blake in the last year or so? I thought he was developing nicely when we let him go and the next year after that.
Jeffries is too one dimensional. Just give up too much, much as I like good defenders.
Point Guard, you didn’t mention Rick Hamilton. Surely you forgot.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 6, 2008 at 11:43 PM
Point Guard … love ya man, but, Hughes is hurt too much of the season and his defense when playing at 80% (which seems to be his norm these years) doesn’t hold a candle to Deshawn’s defense. Remember Deshawn played most of the year with a knee the size of a grapefruit.
Juan Dixon is a local favorite, but, Roger vs Juan is a Roger win.
Jeffries was a great “let go” by Ernie. The guy could defend, but, couldn’t make a lay up to save his soul.
Steve Blake…. I agree with you on that one whole heartedly. You don’t find many true point guards in the NBA and the ones you do find you KEEP. We didn’t and that was probably a mistake. Water under the bridge now though. We have a pretty “fair” team now without those guys
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 6, 2008 at 11:52 PM
Neal lol you are bringing back those Ben Wallace for Ike Austin memories again. Or should I say Nightmares?
Comment from Point Guard
Time July 7, 2008 at 12:52 AM
GR, if we were to bring any of those four players back, I definitely wouldn’t want them starting. So Deshawns starting job would be perfectly safe. In no way am I saying bring back any of those guys this season, or even next year. I was just overall stating some of my favorite former wizards, that I wouldn’t mind seeing play for the wizards again. I agree with you. I think our current roster is great. Theres not many players on this roster that I would trade for any 1 of those players. But if we ever had some room at the bottom of our roster, and one of those players were available at a fair salary, I say why not bring one back. If I had one choice it would be Hughes. (If he’d except less playing time)
Comment from Point Guard
Time July 7, 2008 at 1:08 AM
Neal I agree, Jeffries is a bit of a stretch. I just like the defensive presence that he brings, that our current roster seems to lack at times. But he certainly dosen’t bring enough to the table to where bringing him back makes sense.
I didn’t forget about Hamilton, I just no theres no way we are possibly getting him back. I still cant believe we traded him in the first place. Detroit just knew they were getting the better of that trade.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 7, 2008 at 1:09 AM
Got Ya Bud.
I wouldn’t mind Steve Blake back for a “steal”.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 7, 2008 at 1:11 AM
Detroit is simply the Wizards of the central North LOL.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 7, 2008 at 1:19 AM
Just think… hindsight. I know Wes days and that would never happen….. BUT…. lets just go into peter pan land and think.. We have Rip, Rasheed, and Big Ben. We wait and THEN sign arenas and Jamison. How good do we look NOW? Fun to think .. “what if” lol.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 7, 2008 at 1:27 AM
The Caron for Kwame deal would have made us perenniel winners. alas LOL
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 7, 2008 at 1:31 AM
Arenas, Rip, Caron, Jamison/Rasheed, Ben/Haywood.
Comment from Point Guard
Time July 7, 2008 at 1:37 AM
That’s a nice starting 5, but I’m not sure we could afford all those players. Those guys would have to take serious pay cuts to keep that lineup intact.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 7, 2008 at 1:38 AM
Come to think of it… we still have 4 of those 7? Hmmmm
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 7, 2008 at 1:44 AM
Can Andray or Pesh amount to a Rasheed? Can McGee measure up to a Big Ben?
Ok I’m getting excited. will summer league get here already?
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 7, 2008 at 1:52 AM
Not a matter of affording them. We had em. each and every one of them…. in their primes and Mr. Unseld in his infinate wisdom let them go. Sorry a little bit of a sore spot for me LOL.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 7, 2008 at 7:20 AM
You are leaving out one little change in our past — draft Tyson Chandler in place of Kwame Brown. No, we probably wouldn’t have Caron now, but we would have contended for, maybe won, the East last year.
As far as Wes’s terrible trades go, Rasheed for Strickland is at the top of the list along w/ whatshisname (brain drain, ooops) for a washed up Richmond.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 7, 2008 at 7:22 AM
Andray or Pech the equivalent of Rasheed? You have to be kidding. We’ll see about McGee, but he doesn’t resemble Ben very much.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 7, 2008 at 7:39 AM
On his blog, Dee Brown says he’ll be playing in LV either for us or for Detroit.
I like that kid; I don’t know what his NBA skills are, or if he can make it in the league, but he is definitely a quality young man, as you can tell from his site.
Comment from SportzWiz
Time July 7, 2008 at 8:27 AM
Tom Said :
…my man is *planning his wedding*, grifr — looking at tuxedos, trying to decide what kind of bouquet his bride is going to get,
Tom your not that far off, however its much more about the band and venue right now than anything else, which I have to be involved in. Come tuxedo, bouquet and overall wedding design, she’s on her own.
I’ll start a new topic when i get into work and try to catch up on reading these 156 posts from over the weekend .
Comment from neal
Time July 7, 2008 at 9:09 AM
Make it 157. Do you have any numbers on the McGuire or Blatche contracts? What day will the luxury tax be announced?
Comment from SportzWiz
Time July 7, 2008 at 9:23 AM
I dont have #’s on dom or dray but I wouldnt expect it to be a huge difference, figure a 10% jump on both and it only turns out to be around 300,000 more for both of them.
I believe the Luxury tax is announced before free agency starts.
Comment from Reuben
Time July 7, 2008 at 9:42 AM
For more about gilbert in Asia you can go to gilbertology.net there are a few videos
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 7, 2008 at 11:01 AM
neal, hoopshype has AB at $2,739,669. Isn’t Dom somewhere around $700-800K? Puts us at $42m w/o the free agents. AJ should be about $9m and Gil just over $16m (?).
We won’t be able to use the full mle w/o going into the luxury tax. But, we can certainly sign Roger and also pick up a 15th among the undrafted rookies, if we want one. (reminds me of why I’m upset about trading our #2 for cash: keep your eyes on Richard Hendrix this year to see if he carves himself a role; ditto Darnell Jackson)
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 7, 2008 at 11:09 AM
I think there’s a good chance Ernie *won’t* sign Roger, but instead that he’ll go after someone a little higher up the food chain.
Here’s my thinking — back on draft-day, there was a rumor that we’d trade back w/ Houston and get Luther Head in the bargain. Ernie denied it and was quoted saying that Head was “no upgrade over Roger Mason Jr.”
That’s true. Head and Mason are about the same. But, Head has an expiring contract. You get him for a year; if he’s good you re-sign him for about Mason numbers. If not, you reload. Ok, so *in that sense,* it would make sense to have Head in Mason’s place. I’m not dinging Roger or saying anything more than a better contract makes an equivalent player better to have.
But, Ernie said “that’s no upgrade” — hence, I think he is *looking for an upgrade.*
Thoughts??????
Comment from Rook
Time July 7, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Minimum salary for an NBA 2-Year player is $770,610
If that applies to rookie 2nd round picks, in the second year of their contract, then McGuire should be making $770,610 this year.
Otherwise the, the maximum raise allowable under the CBA is 10.5%…. McGuire made $427,163 last year – so this year it would be $472,015
Comment from rgz
Time July 7, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Some websites are not showing Dominic’s salary for the upcoming season. Is that because his 2nd year is not guaranteed? for example
http://hoopshype.com/salaries/washington.htm
http://www.sportscity.com/NBA/Washington-Wizards-Salaries
SportzWiz, Is the prep for the summer league considered to be the Wizards’ “free agent camp”?
Comment from dmac
Time July 7, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Tom I think that EG is really concerned about winning a championship. The fact that Abe invested into AJ and GIL shows that Abe believes he can win a championship with them as a part of the team. If there is a deserving owner in the league to win it all, it is Abe.
In light of that I believe EG is exploring all options. Tom that is why just spark of a rumor about EG possibly willing to trade Deshawn and another player and draft pick for Mike Miller makes a lot of sense if we are moving some loaded contracts. Put Lights Out Mike Miller at the sg sure loads up the Wiz offensive potential. We may lose some on the defensive with deshawn’s possible departure but sometimes a little more offense can be a form of defense. Of course that means if we outscore the other team we win the game.
Mike Miller is a very talented player and if Gil were willing to be more of a playmaker it would make him even more lethal.
I say this because I really feel the Wiz are trying to put something together to make serious run next year and the year after and after.
I see where Ben Gordon is available but I am not sure if he fits our chemistry.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 7, 2008 at 1:36 PM
I like Mike Miller a lot — where is this rumor’s source? Can someone provide a link to a story about this?
(I don’t like Ben Gordon — just another volume shooter)
Comment from SportzWiz
Time July 7, 2008 at 1:40 PM
The guys that go out for summer league that are a little older will most likely be the guys the team would think about bringing in for training camp.
I really doubt this team keeps 15, but if they do I would expect it to be an older guy that could at least contribute kind of like Roger two years ago. I would be surprised if it was a younger guy if they kept 15.
I really have no idea who the team is looking at for signing, I think it oculd be roger but there might be other guys on the table, I think that will come out more in the next few weeks once the cap comes out and the bigger names are grabbed, teams usually wait a little bit for those last few role player spots.
Comment from Big Dogg
Time July 7, 2008 at 1:52 PM
ESPN.com has the free agent list for 2009 & 2010. Maybe Ernie is setting things up to land someone off of that list. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=FreeAgents-09-10
Comment from Big Dogg
Time July 7, 2008 at 1:53 PM
Does anyone see anybody on that list that you think we’ll make a move for?
Comment from tyrone20000
Time July 7, 2008 at 2:10 PM
Wow, where do people get all these trades from? Why would the Wiz get Mike Miller? He can shoot and play fair defense but Stevenson is a fair shooter and can play defense and Etan Thomas would be a salary give away. What would be a good reason to take on his salary? Lakers couldn’t out score Boston but managed to outscore San Antonio. So, it would be trading just because it can be done only…
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 7, 2008 at 2:45 PM
Yes, it’s a question why anyone would take on Etan’s salary, which is a little high for what he brings to the table. But, there is no comparison, on that front, between DS and Mike Miller — the latter is a huge upgrade, and that’s why we’d get him.
But, this is all rumor — some of which I think we must be making up right here, out of boredom! Where’s that Summer League roster?
Comment from wizbulletman0
Time July 7, 2008 at 2:52 PM
the proposed trade with minnesota was my idea and not a exact rumored trade…the rumor (coming from someone on ivan’s blog)
was that EG has something going with minnesota (not necessarily a mike miller deal)
BTW, the person that said it said he was at Capgrill on saturday night and it was rumored around there…not that reliable but could be something..
Where is the SL roster????
Comment from Point Guard
Time July 7, 2008 at 3:14 PM
Tom, I’ve compared Mike Miller, and Deshawn, and I really dont see how Miller would be an upgrade over Deshawn. I’d much rather have Stevenson return for his 3rd season, and keep the core together.
Comment from wizbulletman0
Time July 7, 2008 at 3:21 PM
ok here is another crazy trade…one last try at a barbosa deal…
*we use their 8 million dollar trade exception*
wiz trade: Thomas, Stevenson(trade exception),Songaila(trade exception), 09 1st
phx trades: Leandro Barbosa
Why for Phoenix?
They get valuable center depth in Thomas, they get a foward in songaila that would fit great in what they do (pick n’ pop, pick n’ roll)
They get a guard in stevenson that can hit the 3, spread the floor and play D. on top of that they get our 1st next year.
Why for us?
Our backcourt would become, IMO, the fastest in the league
Also with young core on our bench we have now we wouldnt need another first and this would be a perfect time to trade it to get a player like Barbosa.
now…on top of that idea sign posey and our lineup would be this:
Arenas/Daniels
Barbosa/Young
Butler/Posey/McGuire
Jamison/Blatche/Pecherov
Haywood/McGee
Yea…I’m Dreaming, but EG has to do this trade!!!
Comment from nickman
Time July 7, 2008 at 3:59 PM
I like that trade a lot I think Barbosa can make us much faster, but we wouldn’t be able to get Posey.
Summer League Roster?
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 7, 2008 at 4:02 PM
Point Guard — I’m not suggesting trading DS (plus whatever) for Mike Miller. But, to say that you don’t see much of a difference, that I don’t get.
Miller shot .502 last year; DeShawn shot .386. Miller got almost 5 more rebounds per 48 — more than twice as many. Miller is a top tier NBA player; DeShawn is below average.
As I keep trying to say here — *by definition* 1/2 or more of all NBA players are average or below. DeShawn is in that group. So are Songaila and Blatche and Mason. Young and Pecherov are in the bottom 5% of the league in productivity. McGuire started out slow but pulled himself out of that category — still, overall, not very good. Maybe Young will improve, maybe Andray will — but this is where they are so far.
Fortunately, our starting 5 is among the most productive in the league. In addition, Daniels and Etan are both above average players (AD is one of the best point guards in the league on the numbers).
Really, this kind of thing should be obvious. If we had one of the best starting fives supported by one of the best benches, we’d have one of the best records in the league. We don’t, and it’s because our bench has not been productive.
Comment from nickman
Time July 7, 2008 at 4:11 PM
I agree with tom on the mike miller thing and our bench is really weak
Comment from Point Guard
Time July 7, 2008 at 4:15 PM
Tom I must say, you do present a strong case for making that trade. Those stats you just showed, made me feel like making that trade right now. But for the most part, I would still like to see our current roster succeed, because I really believe they are more than capable of winning it all. We just need to stay healthy the majority of the season.
Comment from Wizfan4life
Time July 7, 2008 at 4:53 PM
Tom i agree with you that Mike Miller is a great player, but i don’ think trading him for DS would really work……i mean doesn’t miller have a way higher salary than stevenson? plus i don’t think miller can guard the 2 since he is generally a forward, and with miller just getting traded to Minn. i don’t think they would be willing to trade him away…….but i do think we are weak in our starting lineup with our guards……i think either arenas needs to play the 2 and we find a playmaker for the 1, or we get stevenson to be a sixth man and we find a more offensive oriented shooting guard; stevenson is only good for 3 point shooting and defense, and his defense is only so-so.
Comment from wizbulletman0
Time July 7, 2008 at 4:53 PM
nickman- if im not mistaken, since they absorbed songaila’s and stevenson’s contract via trade exception, wouldnt that free up space for us with us literally dumping 3 contracts for 1.
Barbosa- around 6 million
Thomas- around 6 million
Stevenson and Songaila- both around 4 million
Comment from Wizfan4life
Time July 7, 2008 at 4:54 PM
but i also agree with Point Guard in that i think what the Wizards really need is for our starting lineup to stay healthy, and as consistent as possible
Comment from wizbulletman0
Time July 7, 2008 at 4:55 PM
^^^ talking about room for posey. But if im wrong, do we still pay their contracts even when they are on another team???
Comment from Point Guard
Time July 7, 2008 at 5:18 PM
I’m really surprised at how most of everyone’s proposed trades, involves trading Songaila. I would think there would be a little more support for this guy, considering how much of a force he’s been coming off the bench. He’s instant points when he come into the game. It pick, and roll, and and pick and pop all game with him, and he’s consistently nailing those mid range jumpshots after setting those picks. His production would be hard to replace. (Just see game 6 of this year playoff series when he was suspended.) It’s just a little odd to me why everyone has him being traded away. We need him.
Comment from tyrone20000
Time July 7, 2008 at 5:39 PM
I can’t wait to see Nick Young and Gilbert Arenas on the court together. Probably would give up points but I can’t see stopping that duel. Young can be a superstar if given the minutes and to let him get away would be get back from the Butler and K Brown deal…I thought we were PJ Brown short of being the Celtics this year. Maybe Etan Thomas can help but I would like to see them get Childress if they can’t resign Roger Mason.
Comment from Rook
Time July 7, 2008 at 6:00 PM
Summer league roster is posted on bulletsforever.com
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 7, 2008 at 6:24 PM
That’s probably an accurate list as far as it goes — and it may be complete too. But, it’s not the official roster, which was *supposed* to be issued today.
I don’t see any prospects on that list. I guess I was hoping to see Dee Brown, but it doesn’t really matter I guess.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 7, 2008 at 6:26 PM
Re: Mike Miller — no, obviously, we couldn’t trade DS for MM; the salaries don’t match. Nor is it likely that McHale would want Etan’s contract or, aside from the contract itself, would be ready to take a risk on him.
Anyway, didn’t Minnesota just acquire Miller from Memphis? Can you trade a guy twice in that way (I know you can do it w/ picks)? I think you may have to wait some period before he is again eligible to be traded. Or… maybe I made that up?
neal — you know anything about this?
Comment from wizbulletman0
Time July 7, 2008 at 6:30 PM
tom i dont know if it is the same…but wasnt rasheed traded to atlanta, played one game and then went to detroit? I know that was in season but i think its possible for him to be traded again. He has a trade restriction where he can only be traded by himself by his team…thats what i know.
Comment from wizbulletman0
Time July 7, 2008 at 6:35 PM
Want to add that Mike Miller is a SG, that is what he is listed as. That means he is normally a 2. Just wanted to clear that up.
Also if we traded for him, the most reasonable thing would be trading Stevenson and another piece so salaries match up. That piece can be songaila or etan. Since Etan’s contract is considered “bad” by most ill take him out.
Songaila, Stevenson, 09 1st, memphis pick
For
Mike Miller
Comment from Wizfan4life
Time July 7, 2008 at 7:02 PM
i just dont like a 2 player for 1 player trade unless its really worth it you know? i mean songaila and stevenson at least know the wizards playbook and are familiar with the rotation,setup, etc…….i just think if uwant to trade 2 players for one u gotta look at what your losing before u look at what your gaining
Comment from gee wiz
Time July 8, 2008 at 6:32 PM
well well, here i am tom. mike miller is definitely better than deshawn. were talking former sixth man of the year. and also an olympian. of course he gets more rebounds he is a foward so he better. of course he shoots a better percentage of 3’s well he takes more shots. he is a go to guy on tha grizz and will also be on the wolves. and he also plays more minutes with that put aside. deshawn should shoot better cause the shots he takes are mostly wide open from double teams on caron and jamison. ne way saying deshawn is below an average player uhhmmm no. thats far fetched considering if deshawn came off tha bench he would probably run for the sixth man award too. secondly he can score, and he can defend. his numbers continually grow. if i were to give him a grade it would at least be c- which is a little above average. if he were so below average he shouldn’t have started on every team he played for. he didnt deserve that contract from last year and he wouldnt have beaten out keith bogans for the starting position twice in orlando (u know tha guy that u said is way better than stevenson a few months ago). he also wouldnt have been john stocktons replacement and doc rivers wouldnt have forced deshawn into the starting lineup to play along mcgrady out of position at the PG in orlando cause he loved his game so much. let me give u some below average players mbenga in la, ryan bowen, ok………….. my bad there is none thats why they have the developement league lol i feel like woody paige now. deshawn is a better defender, miller is a better shooter. miller would be an upgrade but not at the 2. the only player i would even consider sending to the d-league on our roster is pech right now. TOM u my boy and i respect everyone’s opinion on this blog, but as far as him being below average i disagree everything else i concur. TOOTLES lol
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Comment from jmpalomo
Time July 2, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Javale McGee is going to do great. And I think right off the bat he is going to get minutes. He can block shots and rebound.
His highllight real on youtube was outstanding (two dunks taking off from the free throw line. Michael Jordan won a dunking contest over Dominique taking off from the free throw line.
He is more athletic than any other PF or Center on the roster.