Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 23, 2008 at 5:14 PM

Welcome Home Juan, and congrats I am sure this time around you will show us the maturity and grit to really be an asset to the team. And also prove to some of us that you can play the 1 and the 2, here’s to a great year!

Comment from Reuben
Time September 23, 2008 at 5:22 PM

Im not surprised it will certainly bring some MD fans to the Phonebooth. I think this addition could really help while Gil is out.

Comment from neal
Time September 23, 2008 at 5:55 PM

Well, he’s a standup guy. Someone who has seen him play PG give us an opinion, please.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 23, 2008 at 6:09 PM

Neal

I have seen him run the point and I can tell you he is NOT the same player he was the first time around, he is better. Still has the stroke however he plays within the game, and he does not force his shot, he has also improved his ball handling and passing.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 23, 2008 at 6:27 PM

Juan Dixon has zero ability to play the point: read my comment on the previous thread, then look at his numbers. He is a shooter w/ a low FGA. Great guy, not a real good NBA player. I hope this isn’t guaranteed.

The main motivator here is to keep attendance numbers up while Gil is out, in my opinion. It’ll be fun to watch him; he just won’t help us win games.

Comment from GlingGling
Time September 23, 2008 at 6:42 PM

HOLY COW! Looks like Taj, DerMarr, and Linton are just there to fill the training camp roster. It’s up to you Dom! I’m looking forward your breakout season.

This is a good pickup, it seems to make up that “void” left by Roger Mason Jr. While I’m sure Juan is cheaper, I’d prefer Roger. So we’ve got plenty of guards now, when Gil is back there is gonna be a lot of guards on the bench. But in the event that Tom’s pessimism about Gil’s return is warranted this should help the Wizards stay consistent.

You know I think I’ve changed my tune. Maybe a guard is a better choice than a small forward. Looking at the roster now things looks pretty complete. I’m getting pretty excited about the start of preseason (and then obviously the season), we get to see some of the new guys in action.

I’m interested to see your guys’ reaction

Comment from GlingGling
Time September 23, 2008 at 6:55 PM

Tom I agree about his ability to play point. His APG are only slightly better than Roger’s. We’ll be in a similar guard situation to last year + Dee.

As for if it is guaranteed, now that I’ve had a second to compare quotes. In the previous news article Ernie said that Taj, DerMarr and Linton would have a chance to compete for the open roster spot. In this article Ernie speaks as though Juan’s contract is guaranteed. I dunno. I think Juan was all we could afford, he’s solid enough to fill spot #15.

I didn’t even think about the fact that he could be a crowd pleaser. Are people’s memories long enough for that to matter? Or did people care enough in the first place?

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 23, 2008 at 6:57 PM

Here are Juan’s numbers compared to an average 2:

Shooting Guard Average Juan
Points per shot 0.96 0.93
Adj. FG % 0.481 0.463
FT % 0.8 0.00
FGA 17.5 19.5
FTA 4.9 3.9
Points 20.8 21.3
Rebounds 5.6 4.7
Steals 1.8 1.9
TO 2.8 3.0
Net Possessions 4.6 3.6
Blocks 0.5 0.2
Assists 4.6 3.1
PFs 3.7 4.1
Win Score: 6.15 3.04

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 23, 2008 at 7:02 PM

(His FT% is great: .830)

What this says is he shoots a lot, doesn’t get to the line enough, doesn’t rebound enough, and has 2/3 the assists of an average shooting guard. You like?

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 23, 2008 at 7:07 PM

GlingGling — Roger last year got 20% more assists per minute than Juan’s career numbers — that’s *more* not less.

Jeffmalone90 likes Juan’s numbers as a point guard in ’07-08 for Toronto: here they are compared to an average nba point guard:

Point guard Average Juan
Points per shot 0.95 0.88
Adj. FG % 0.474 0.44
FT % 0.79 0.95
FGA 15.8 18.1
FTA 4.3 2.1
Points 18.4 17.3
Rebounds 4.7 5.5
Steals 2 2.4
TO 3.4 4.0
Net Possessions 3.3 3.9
Blocks 0.3 0.3
Assists 8.6 7.3
PFs 3.6 4.3
Win Score: 6.40 3.70

Those are *not good* numbers. His assists are up near an average point, but he turned the ball over more than an average 1, he shot *way more* (and scored less), and so forth.

As I’ve said above — Juan will be fun to have on the team. But he will not help us win games. If he sticks and gets healthy minutes, our win total will be down from last year and we’ll be wondering why.

Comment from GlingGling
Time September 23, 2008 at 7:08 PM

I’m on the caution train with you Tom, of course he’s not ideal. But who’s to say he gets enough minutes to really hurt us (if signed). Even with Gil out that is five guards which is more than we had last year. Nick Young’s minutes will go up and Dee has to get minutes somewhere too. Where does that leave Juan? Another season of 12-14 mpg and plenty of DNPs? Ahh, I’m speculating too much. I’m going to stop… wait for the season to start…

Comment from GlingGling
Time September 23, 2008 at 7:12 PM

Tom, you’re right, assists per minute is a better indicator than assists per game. But I’d have to calculate that myself Haha. Grr… you’re infecting me you doomsayer.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 23, 2008 at 7:12 PM

“I think Juan was all we could afford” writes GlingGling. I’m sure Ernie hasn’t guaranteed this, and I’m sure he’ll be looking at what comes out of training camps around the league. Juan got no other offers (not surprising), so we are likely to have tendered a vet minimum contract (those are partly paid by the league, and not all counts agains cap/tax).

Do people remember him from Maryland? Did they care? Oh yes — on both counts. He’ll help with attendance.

Comment from GlingGling
Time September 23, 2008 at 7:20 PM

I wasn’t watching any basketball durning UMDs playoff run. I didn’t now how much people cared.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time September 23, 2008 at 7:20 PM

Why do I get the feeling that this season is going to be the craziest for the Wizards even with Gil sidelined? No wonder Larry Hughes wants to be back – DC is the place to be if you want to express yourself on and off the court.

For once in 15 months or so, I agree with Tom on Juan Dixon not being able to play PG in the NBA. Juan needs to shoot at least 10 times a game to be effective (e.g., “to get into rhythm). Although I have to respect a blogger making the name “JeffMalone1990″, I can’t say the same about the analyses. Juan was forced to be a distributor in Portland and he failed (sidenote – that’s when Steve Blake surpassed Dixon as being the better NBA player from Maryland’s NCAA Championship Team). I’m not sure how to describe Dixon’s stay in Toronto – let’s just say that he was their 7th best player and he proved that status game in, game out. Is that a good thing or bad thing you ask? Well, I’ll let you decide it for yourself.

I feel bad for Nick Young. I don’t think he’ll stay in DC longer than his rookie contract. Coach Jordan has his pet players (i.e., Gil, Juan Dixon, Jarvis Hayes, etc.) and gave them far too many chances after bad mistakes. Now that Dixon is back, Nick isn’t getting the minutes he needs to get better.

I’m not going to bash Juan Dixon because I believe he has basketball talent. However, I don’t think his talent is suited for the NBA. Dixon’s game would thrive in Europe though. I can see Juan getting the EuroLeague-MVP if he works hard.

In summary, “The Washington Wizards – Where Interesting Happens” (as always).

Comment from SportzWiz
Time September 23, 2008 at 7:25 PM

My thoughts on the move…

Juan is a very solid player that can play either the 1 or 2 in this offense (there is no true point guard in this offense) and knows the offense. I can not state the importance of knowing this offense. This offense takes time to learn and that’s a big advantage for him.

The team has some unknowns with Nick and Dee, he’s the type of player where they know that he can contribute if either falters.

To me Juan will fight for the 15th spot on this roster but so will Linton Johnson and DerMarr Johnson and Taj McCullough. should be some very good competition between those guys.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 23, 2008 at 7:35 PM

I agree — though not that Juan is a “solid player”; he is marginal. His knowing the offense and being at the end of the bench if required is ok. If he is all we have, then he can make use of spot minutes.

Not everyone in the league is a quality NBA player. For example, only half the player are average or better (think about it). Given that we aren’t one of the elite teams (obvious fact), the players at the end of our bench are unlikely to be real good players. In that sense, Juan will do.

Now, can we do better? Lets see what happens in training camp.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 23, 2008 at 7:36 PM

Meanwhile — welcome back, Juan. You are a DC fixture and a fun player to watch. I hope you are a big success this time through.

Comment from GlingGling
Time September 23, 2008 at 7:36 PM

I like the balance of SportzWiz. As he said there will be a lot of competition for the 15th spot which can only lead to good things.

wizards_fusion, Interesting is the main reason I watch the wizards. I couldn’t be a superfan without it. I too think Nick needs a lot more minutes to improve his game and show what he’s made of as a shooter/scorer. To his detriment he has many other weak areas of his game.

Comment from neal
Time September 23, 2008 at 7:55 PM

What SportzWiz says makes sense. Dixon is not going to be competition for Brown or Young unless one of them bombs. He’ll be here for insurance in case another guard goes down. We get a guy who can play the 1 or the 2 and knows the offense and is very serious about the game.

I’m still concerned about our guard situation. A lot depends on Young and Brown.

Comment from tyrone20000
Time September 23, 2008 at 8:32 PM

Juan Dixon was a success the first time around. Wizards had him on the floor in crucial 4th quarter minutes. I think he left to get more playing time. He is a winner! He can dictate game tempo! Doesn’t get many assists because he is not a true point. Stats never tell a complete story just if that person fit in line with players with good stats! Welcome back Juan Dixon and I hope your contract is guaranteed!

Comment from tyrone20000
Time September 23, 2008 at 8:36 PM

By the way if Dixon is on this team he will not be at the end of the bench…

Comment from neal
Time September 23, 2008 at 9:56 PM

It’s hard to believe Dixon signed a non-guaranteed contract. He must at least have a guaranteed minimum.

Dixon is not expected to be in the regular rotation, if we read between the lines what EG and EJ said. He’ll have to beat out Young, or more likely Brown, to be in the regular rotation. I guess he’ll be next to the end of the bench, rather than at the end (since Pecherov is 4th on the depth chart at PF).

Comment from doclinkin
Time September 23, 2008 at 10:42 PM

It’s my understanding that Dee Brown has only a partially guaranteed deal. I expect he’ll make the team, but I’m not sure it’s a done deal that he’s on the roster automatically. He may have some competition in Juan, while the SF platoon battle with each other.

My sense is Juan adds more to this team than his numbers suggest. The same simple math suggests that the last training camp addition to most teams is far worse than ‘average’. But for a statistically flawed player, Juan adds intangibles in: a veteran with a good attitude, 40% shooting, comfort in the system, all that good stuff. etc. Granted we already have a 40% three point shooter in our Young Gun. But Nick’s passing numbers are atrocious. And Juan’s passing numbers last year represented an remarkable jump from his entire career previously. Occasionally a player grows up and starts to get it. (Or, maybe, he’s surrounded by better talent. Or probably: both, as the role demands). Juan is actually a decent passer now. The ability to morph from shotjacker to distributor is rare and in and of itself may help him serve as a good rolemodel for Nick Young.

If what we get is a decent passer who hits an outside shot, great, that’s a useful addition.

Now, while it’s a bit of a statistical shell game to compare Juan’s career averages to Roger Mason’s averages last year

–Juan’s career averages kick the snot out of Roger’s career averages. And if we’re parsing stats to suit our biases: Juan’s passing numbers in Toronto beat out Roger’s last year by a significant margin. Actually his assists per 40 averaged last year kick the crud outta Roger’s AST/40 and leave blood in the stool samples–

Still I understand the reasoning: ‘How will we ever replace Roger Mason!! Doom and perfidity and four horsemen approach!!! Alack! Cry woe!!’

Fact is though, Roger ain’t here. And we knew that well before yesterday when the JDix rumors were floated. No guard available for the minimum was going to replace a guy now earning a $7million dollar contract from the perennial world champion Spurs. So, there there, crying over, but it’s an irrelevant argument.

If the real question is: ‘how do we replace Mason’s production?’ Juan alone ain’t it. (Though I expect he helps more than various other proven-scrub SFs, as an exemplar of professionalism etc.). No, The answer is:

Gilbert Arenas.

No? okay, it’s:
Dom McGuire with a decent jumper.
A bigger stronger Andray Blatche maturing into his remarkable talent and potential.
Darius Songaila rested and healthy to start the year.
Etan Thomas as a high energy strong back-up center.
Maybe Nick Young catching up on his learning curve.
Dee Brown the whole year instead of ten days of Mike Wilks.
And less fatigue from the starters since there’s more support from the bench depth.

And possibly something NBA-worthy from Pecherov or Javale. Never know.

Plus you never know, Caron Butler actually improved last year. And we have it on good authority that he’s on the best shape of his life… Could he actually get better?

Comment from GlingGling
Time September 23, 2008 at 11:21 PM

Caron is *the* man. My favorite player in the NBA, I hope he gets better. He’s very fun to watch. We know at the very least Caron is going to pour his heart into it. I hope he can play all 82 this year and be healthy to go to the All-star game.

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time September 23, 2008 at 11:22 PM

doclinkin i could not have said it any better.. but its about time some one let it outa the bag

Comment from doclinkin
Time September 23, 2008 at 11:46 PM

Juan shot 40% from three that is (last year). Not too shabby.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 24, 2008 at 12:11 AM

He also shot 48% from the floor with Detroit, so again guys it will all unfold in camp, should be really good.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 24, 2008 at 12:19 AM

Doclinkin great post above b.t.w.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time September 24, 2008 at 2:23 AM

I like it. Juan’s shooting is great, but, his scrappy defense also fits our bill. It certainly gives us guard options lost when Gil went down again. Dominic appears to be on the “verge”. If Pesherov’s ankle isn’t an issue this year…. If Nick really steps his game up…. If Javale progresses faster than expected ?

I’m ready for the season to start!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 24, 2008 at 5:44 AM

So as you look at the roster where do you guys see the most intriguing competition? Is is a the PG, SG or PF? What do you think? Should really be a great camp

Comment from millie mill
Time September 24, 2008 at 7:30 AM

I’m happy with Juan coming back to the Wizards. I hope he really works on his shot and ball handling skills. We’re going to need it.

Comment from millie mill
Time September 24, 2008 at 7:39 AM

Here is more info on Juan.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/23/AR2008092303578.html

Comment from dmac
Time September 24, 2008 at 8:02 AM

Tyrone20000 and Doclinkin thanks for the positive comments concerning Juan Dixon return to Washington. Tom I truly believe this move for Wiz is not about stats. It is the right thing to do. Had it not been for Gil’s being out again we would not be blogging about Juan Dixon. As Doclinkin stated it is the intangibles Juan brings to the Wiz that are important. Besides Gil himself was lobbying for some team to give Juan a chance to make their roster. I’d rather have a player of Juan’s character, integrity, familiar with the team philosophy, another mentor for our young players and someone who fits our chemistry. Here in the DC area we are well acquainted with what Juan brings to the table and it is not to fill up seats in the Verizon Center. Juan is the kind of guy you can go to war with. There will be some nights that the opposing pg will be to quick for AD and to big for Dee but that is when Juan will come in and play some lockdown D, get some steals and create some turnovers. There will be some nights when Deshawn or Nick can’t hit the side of a barn with a jumpshot. But Juan will come in and hit 3 game winners before Christmas (prophetic). I believe that Doclinkin and Tyrone20000 and a few others know that it is destiny and not what was done in the past that brings a young man from Baltimore back to his roots. This is the kind of move that could very well save our season. Only time will tell.

Welcome back Juan Dixon, welcome back.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 24, 2008 at 8:35 AM

I like Juan — I followed him at Maryland. I hope he does well. Thing is… that’s unlikely.

Think about it. If a 6 year veteran can’t get a contract — does that tell you something?

But, lets not worry about it. Lets go to training camp, and see what happens.

Comment from millie mill
Time September 24, 2008 at 8:39 AM

Per the Washington Post:

“Both Dixon and Brown have partially guaranteed deals and the team also signed small forwards DerMarr Johnson and Linton Johnson and power forward Taj McCullough to training camp contracts, so those five will compete for roster spots.”

So, five players competing for two spots on the team. This will be interesting. I think the two players will be Juan Dixon and DerMarr Johnson.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 24, 2008 at 9:08 AM

Millie Mill

I would have to agree with you there DeMarr and Juan would be the favorites going in, however the story will reveal itself in camp.

Also per the Post:

One of things turned out to be former Maryland star and former Wizards guard Juan Dixon, who signed a contract yesterday afternoon. The partially guaranteed one-year deal is for $1.03 million, the veterans’ minimum for a player with Dixon’s experience.

So it is a great contract for the Wizards this year

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time September 24, 2008 at 9:11 AM

Well guys…i havent been on in an eternity..but its about time to start the blogfest with you guys AGAIN…dont worry i have been keeping up reading your comments here and there…

Juan Dixon – one word – AMAZING…he’s just the guy we need after we lost Roger Mason…

Tom – I really dont believe in the numbers..remember you were down on Roger last season..and what happened?..he has a GREAT season with us…

Juan Dixon is going to be one of 3 potential scorers of the bench (Dixon, Young, Blatche)..Juan Dixon is one of my favorite players..i have followed him since his days here..to his days at Portland. Toronto, and Detroit.

Welcome Back Juanny

Comment from doclinkin
Time September 24, 2008 at 9:36 AM

I think Dee Brown running the floor with the young’ns may give him the edge over JDix in camp except that Coach Eddie has fond memories of Juan saving his rear-end in that Chicago series. Personally I’m conflicted.

I do think Dee Brown has more upside than Juan, his year-end numbers at Utah (coinciding with a playoff push) were interesting, promising. His performance in Summerleague this year was hampered by a foot injury, so if that’s all you’ve seen of the kid– well you haven’t seen the One Man Fast Break doing what he does best. A pesky opposing change-of-pace guard is a weakness of this team, even when Gil is healthy, he can’t keep in front of them. It’s good to have a defensive counter: high energy, getting underfoot and inside your dribble. I expect with some re-calibration by ‘Hoops’ Hopla, Dee Brown may regain the shot that let him hit 45% from (NCAA-range) three during his championship run. Though he has the usual problem, it takes a while to get up to speed in this offense and feel comfort.

Remember Roger Mason wasn’t that same efficient scorer his first year with us. DeShawn Stephenson got comfort more quickly because he played a Princeton-offense hybrid in Orlando but his efficiency improved in year two as well. It takes time to learn. Especially at the guard spot. And then it makes you look damn good and you get to earn a large contract. Just ask Larry.

I’m agnostic on the small forward invitees. But deeply ambivalent when it comes to choice between Juan and Dee. I know what Juan can do when he’s at his best. But I like Dee a ton, and in the right circumstances he could be what we need more from the position.

Dunno.

If keep get both of them we could have the distinction of being the biggest team in the league (total height and wingspan) and also the smallest backcourt. Easy to post up on them or shoot over the top. But talk about change of pace. Keeping up with these two uptempo waterbugs would be a pain in the ass to defend and chase around all game. If only we had some players who knew how to set a nasty pick, we could do half our defensive intimidation on the offensive end running opponents around and through bone-bruising picks & screens just to tire them out. Kill the body and the head will follow.

Darius Songaila’s the best option there. Not bad. But somebody show Bulletproof Blatche how to set his base and lean into the contact, use his elbows a la Charles Oakley. Take pleasure in punishing. Then, with his developing offensive toolkit (nice handle for his size, great hands, excellent vision for his teammates, decent and developing jumper) we’ve got some interesting options from the top of the key. Pick and roll, pick and pop, pick and pass to the backdoor cutter, and he’s already ahead of the break for the transition defense.

Dominic too could be a beast in this regard if he showed he actually liked contact. Not that he can’t do it, he just hasn’t shown it much yet. DMac, you was a football player right? Put the hurt on ‘em. In a not-quite-cheating way. Mostly.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time September 24, 2008 at 9:56 AM

Just so everyone knows Juan will be speaking with the media at 11:30 this morning and we will have quotes for you after it is over.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time September 24, 2008 at 9:56 AM

Also with the excitement of Juan’s news yesterday we never put up the quotes from Ernie and Eddie’s presser so we will have those for you soon.

Comment from dmac
Time September 24, 2008 at 10:18 AM

Doclinkin I played weakside linebacker and loved the contact. I think EG may have one or two more moves between now and the beginning of the season. I would not be surprised if there is not a swap of 2 of our players for 1 solid frontline player who can bang down in the whole. That way we get to keep both Juan and Dee. It is possible that pre-season could be audition time for working up such a deal.
I believe Dominic will out play Dermarr and Linton. Remember Dominic was a feared shot-blocker in college. At 6 ft. 8 inches he would be a great relief man for Tough Juice. Besides Dominic has the same skills that both Dermarr and Linton have combined. He can handle the ball, his outside shot is improving. I still feel Dominic has some Scottie Pippen pedigree in him. That was why I chose dmac as my blog name. I believe Dominic is a diamond in the rough.

Tom when Juan hit’s those 3 game winning shots before Christmas remember on 9/24/08 you said was it was unlikely.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time September 24, 2008 at 10:32 AM

Here are the quotes from Ernie and Eddie’s presser.

Comment from ricklevinenyc
Time September 24, 2008 at 10:52 AM

I don’t like Dixon for us. To put it simply, he is a chucker. Shoots too much and with a low %.

My hope is that Ernie brought him into camp to light a fire under Nick Young (and Dee Brown) too.

With Gilbert out until January, and Roger gone to the Spurs, that is a lot of shot attempts per game. Who will take them? My hope is that Andray Blatche will continue to improve his upper body strength and his FT %. If he does, I think he becomes the #3 scorer and one of the best all-around players on the team. He dominated the summer league and even as a 4-year veteran was still one of the youngest guys on the las vegas court.

McGuire also played well in summer league, but I still dont see him making the transition to a consistent offensive player in the NBA until he spends a full summer with Hopla and improves his shot.

Nick Young did not play well in summer league, for whatever reason. I don’t think it is an indication of his lack of progress over the summer. I do think the coaching staff has him really focusing on defense and offensive sets and he hasn’t reached the point where those things are second nature for him and he can go out there and play in the flow. I do expect him to take some of the shot attempts that Roger has left behind.

MAIN POINT: I do not want to waste those shot attempts on Juan Dixon. I want them to go towards the progress of our younger players Blatche and Young.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 24, 2008 at 11:46 AM

Dixon wasn’t brought in to displace Dee Brown — Juan is a designated shooter.

I’m glad to see it is a veteran minimum contract, and I hope it’s only partly guaranteed — i.e. that Juan has to make the team in camp.

Sorry guys, it really doesn’t matter how much you love Juan. He is a marginal NBA player. Why do you think that in his prime, he is looking at a vet min, unguaranteed contract? Because he is a quality NBA player?

DerMarr Johnson and Linton Johnson are camp fodder. Neither of them has any real chance to make the team (barring trade, injury, etc.). Between the two, Linton *not DerMarr* is the more productive player.

For those of you who don’t believe in stats and numbers, understand this: at the end of the game, they don’t count up intangibles or incredible plays. They count up numbers. The team with the bigger number is given the win. Teams w/ players who provide better numbers win more games — every time.

So, as I’ve said, welcome back Juan — it’ll be fun to watch you. You are a local favorite and a great story. We don’t expect you to win us any games.

Comment from AUNDRA
Time September 24, 2008 at 11:59 AM

TOM you love to unload on Juan but we all can see nothing but good coming from this hometown hero. If he shows three things then it’s a done deal. First he has to be in great shape from the word go. Second he has to be sneaky like Agent Zero on defense with out of this world steals. Thirdly he needs to run the offense with confidence and run a perfect pick and rolls to his All-Star teammates!Thats it ! If he uses his huge body teammates like Etan and Brendan for pick and pop opportunities that will go a long way also! Done Deal!!

Comment from GlingGling
Time September 24, 2008 at 12:15 PM

Haha, seems like there is a division on Juan’s presence.

From those Ernie and Eddie quotes it seems like Dee is part of the plan. I don’t think he’ll have to compete much for his roster spot. He’s been with the team since summer league as well so he’s probably getting comfortable with our guys. I like what’s being said about him.

Also I didn’t know Haywood was one of the most intelligent players in the league. I love him at center. I had no idea how much Eddie relied on him. It’s also a good sign there is a clear distinction now between Brendan and Etan. It should really help the team.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time September 24, 2008 at 12:24 PM

Brendan’s basketball IQ IS VERY HIGH! If you asked me the two candidates to become NBA Coaches, I would say Brendan and AD.

Comment from AUNDRA
Time September 24, 2008 at 12:29 PM

Dee Brown can attack the basket with his quickness that is something he may or may not have on Juan but I do see both equal as playmakers so far. I am putting my one dollar bet on Juan Dixon. Why one dollar because thats all I have from fulling up my Huge SUV!! Ha ha ha .

Comment from Bridge
Time September 24, 2008 at 1:15 PM

I remember someone saying that AD would “be a great coach someday” on a previous thread…Oh yeah, that was me…Please people, or should I say (ahem), guys, don’t underestimate the power of the (few) women on this blog.

Go AD!

Comment from SportzWiz
Time September 24, 2008 at 1:21 PM

BRIDGE you are not wrong!

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 24, 2008 at 1:24 PM

I agree about BH and AD as coaching candidates. They’ll also do well as media guys.

Agree also that Dee’s roster spot is not at risk w/ the signing of Juan. And, no, I don’t like unloading on Juan; I’m just not over-valueing him. From the response on the blog, we can see that he’ll help keep people excited while the biggest fan draw (Gil) is out. That’s a good thing; he just won’t make us a better *basketball* team.

Ernie expects us to be “a very, very competitive team” this year — that means more wins than last year. That means looking for home court advantage in the playoffs.

Comment from wizkid034
Time September 24, 2008 at 1:48 PM

I have not been here for a while, but it is that time of year again.

I agree 100% with the thought that AD and Brendan will make good coaches. I kinda think AD is an assistant coach right now. I actually think his presence will help Juan and Dee.

As for Juan, I see where Tom is coming from and partially agree with him. The addition of Juan will not necessarily win us any more games. We will have to see how it all shakes out in camp, but EG and EJ are hoping that Juan or Dee will be able to take some pressure off of AD until Gil returns. I think the fact that Juan knows the offense matters a tremendous amount. I have not seen enough from Dee to say whether or not he will provide us anything. At the very least, in Juan and Dee you have two defensive minded guards who can help down the stretch.

The difference makers this year are going to be Blatche, Dom, NY and Pesh. Blatche MUST carry over the summer league domination and be a constant in the rotation. We need someone to take the pressure off of Caron and give him a blow. We need him playing 30-35 mpgs so he can be fresher come playoff time. My money is on Dom to take that spot. I actually think it will be a combination of Dom and Andray, but I agree that the Johnson boys are meerly space fillers in camp who will hopefully push Dom a bit.

I want to believe that summer league was a aboration for NY. He will get more minutes this year, especially while Gil is on the shelf. That is when NY really needs to bring it.

As for Pesh, can he please just stay healthy? We have heard how he likes banging down low, but given his frame I do not see it. To be fair he needs to be healthy to actually get a chance.

Etan will be the first center off the bench, and that is going to be huge. I foresee him bringing that physical presence we have been lacking down low.

Bottom line…I cannot wait until October 7th! Let the (pre)season begin.

Comment from Gtown87
Time September 24, 2008 at 9:28 PM

I like this move because it gives us alot of versatility in the backcourt. We can go big with AD and NY/DS….or we can go small with Dee Brown and Juan and run somebody off the court

Comment from tyrone20000
Time September 24, 2008 at 10:10 PM

Juan Dixon is a 4th quarter game winner type of player. Look at Brett Farve as the all time interceptions leader as compared to his likely hall of fame future. Stats vs presences… I’ll put my money on it, if Dixon is on this team he will win a few games for us!