Training Camp Day 3 Practice 1
10:30 AM Good morning from Richmod. Dave Johnson here.My sincere thanks to all who jumped on over the weekend and even if you can’t jump on during practice, I go back and look at all the posts so feel free to post a question anytime. Count down until the officially start of practice at 10:45 AM….but everyone has been in the gym here at the Siegel Center for some time. “Coach Arenas” as Eddie callled him has been bringing guys over early to shoot. By 9 AM there is usually 14 or more players here shooting.
10:45 AM…Center court for thew huddle…here we go..in case you missed some of Eddie’s comments about yesterday
On today’s practice:
“I saw a lot of great effort from Dee Brown, Dominic (McGuire) and Andray Blatche. Andray is playing better and at a higher level consistently so far in training camp.”
On Dominic McGuire:
“He is almost a different player (than last season). He understands what we are doing. He understands his role and he is playing at a very high level. You can see the seriousness in him. We saw his improvement in summer league and he has been on pace to improve from the end of the last season until summer league. We now see his improvement from summer league to the beginning of training camp.”
On Dee Brown:
“He is doing a great job of pushing the ball up the court. He is a tough Chicago guy that is relatively young. He does a good job of talking on the court. He also gets into you defensively. He shot is a whole lot better than we saw two years ago.”
On Antawn Jamison:
“He did a lot of shooting before practice. He did some walk through drills and that was it for precautionary measures.”
10:47 AM…drills underway…igoing over offense….
10:59 AM..the offensive walk through done…strength coach Drew Cleary now takes over for stretching and warm up
11:07 AM in groups of three.Randy Ayers leading a drill on defensive footwork…help on close outs
11:15 AM..we have two floors to work from…in fact the wizards brought down their own floors…the main floor and the pratice floor….two groups..looks like same drill… two guys running the floor and then a coach serves as a defender on 2 v1
11:19 AM …cones on the foor.. 2 groups going one one one..cones limiting where they can dribble
11:22 AM..now the offense player coming down a lane outlined by cones…purpose is for the defense not to get beat….dee brown does not give an inch on D
11:26 AM…now cones gone…working in transition up and down the court 4 on 3
11:31 AM..now five on 3 starts with a rebound..want to see four or five passes
11:41 AM now 5 v5 rotating players
11:52 AM…now half court 5 on 3
11:55 AM… Dave Hopla on court instructing 3 man weave up and down..loking for pass pass layup
NOON..now 5 on 5…not scrimmage…eddie and mike o koren working with one group..randy ayers and phil hubbar another
12:07 PM 3 referees have been introduced
12:30 PM…alright 4 on 4..working on ball denial
12:40PM…5 v 5..first team to 7..each basket counts as one..need to make two free throws to get one point at the line
Posted: September 29th, 2008 under Training Camp, Wizards.
Comments
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:05 AM
There’s some conversation about this in the previous thread where Doc posted the above already.
Comment from Bex
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:09 AM
good morning guys (in Germany it’s already late afternoon 
)
Dave, did you get any news about the wizads tour to Berlin? Will Agent Zero be with the team? And will there be any apparences besides the actual game? Thanks.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:11 AM
thanks again for the post….to your last question…yes the D league could be an option this year for younger guys …but in the right situation… I would not see it for a whole year….but that could be an option….as for Dray’s playing time…the only thing that will impact his time..is how he plays…I will ask some of your more specific qs after practice…and perhaps you saw the video with KC raving about Dray
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Morning Dave: Thanks again for all the effort with text, video, and audio!!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:13 AM
good afternoon Bex….not sure on Gilbert…that has not been decided ..I know he would like to be there but it depends on his rehab and what he needs to do.. and I know we are making an appeance outside of the game but I need to confirm where it is…I hear the O2 World is fantastic
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:15 AM
just to update you…going over offense right now..no defenders..doing a walk through
Comment from peej9999
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Dave, thanks again for taking the time to post these messages. Those of us that are die hards really appreciate your effort!
My first question…Dave Hopla really provided us with some benefit last season especially with Brendans FT shooting. Is he working with anyone in particular during camp? Any chance Etan could shoot better than 60%?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:18 AM
slwiz thanks..hope you are getting a feel for what is going on…former assistant coach Tom Young —is here and on the floor
Comment from Bex
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:18 AM
O2 World is indeed fantastic. it looks great and it has a capacity of 15.000 ppl. should be a great atmosphere.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:20 AM
10:59 AM..the offensive walk through done…strength coach Drew Cleary now takes over for stretching and warm up
Comment from dc4life5
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:20 AM
This is my first time on here and im really excited about the wiz and this season! i know everybody is talking about the return of juan but what about the return of d.j.(Demarr Johnson) to his hometown how has he been doing? i know he has alot of talent and he is still one of my favorite players.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:22 AM
peej9999 ..good question about Dave Hopla…he has been running shooting drills with all the players but I will check to see if he is working with anyone specific…but Brendan Haywood was indeed a new shooter at the line last year
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:22 AM
I’m doing my best to come up to speed!!
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Bex will you be able to post video on you-tube of the upcoming October games!?!
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Dave, are they doing the hip/groin strengthing with the bungee like yesterday? How is Tawns hip?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:28 AM
along with Tom Young… KC Jones and Flip Saunders continue to serve as guest coaches…talked with KC yesterday..the video is on the site but he has a great story about Larry Bird demanding the ball in the final seconds of a game against the Sonics. Before the play he told the Sonics Xavier McDaniel how he was going to get the ball…sure enoguh play develops…Bird hits the shot and as KC said Bird was in the locker room before the shot went through the hoop
Comment from r55
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Hey dave how has pech looked so far
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:30 AM
11:07 AM in groups of three.Randy Ayers leading a drill on defensive footwork…help on close outs
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:31 AM
KC’s comments about being invited were nice; he seems to enjoy learning the new ways of the wizards vs the older ways of the celtics; he really is glad to have been invited!! The players seem to enjoy his stories, too!!
From a bio:
“I played for Red Auerbach. I watched him, listened to him, saw what he did,” Jones recalled. “Cousy was the quarterback of our team and I watched him. I was a bench guy and I hated being on the bench, but while I was there I watched and absorbed, and when I got out there on the court I was in heaven.”
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:31 AM
have not seen the bungee yet today….again it is a bungee chord attached to the ankles..i am told it is hard
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:31 AM
as for pech…i am told he is coming along…the key for him will be to stay healthy
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Ladders?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:33 AM
we have two floors to work from…in fact the wizards brought down their own floors…the main floor and the pratice floor….
two groups..looks like same drill… two guys running the floor and then a coach serves as a defender on 2 v1
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:36 AM
11:19 AM …cones on the foor.. 2 groups going one one one..cones limiting where they can dribble
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:36 AM
what about D. SONG is he looking more rested an active? i know last year after he played for his team he look run down near seasons end
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:36 AM
no ladders yet although they did work on defensive footwork in that one drill
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Pech wearing 14 and Darius 9? I think I mixed them up yesterday, sorry!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:38 AM
wizards4life…hello…yeah dsong looks solid . and healthy and yeah rested…
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:39 AM
now the offense player coming down a lane outlined by cones…purpose is for the defense not to get beat….dee brown does not give an inch on D
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:41 AM
just watched nick young go at dom mcguire…that’s only happened a few million times…sine they were room mates
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:42 AM
they really emphasized “not getting beat” over these practices. I thought the comment of 2-3 of 10 times ONLY to use second line of defense was interesting!!
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:44 AM
thats good to hear sounds like Dee and DeShwan are going to make a lock down back court for us at times.. i know you guys dont get to see alot of Offence but can you tell if Dixon is gettin back into the flow of the system
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:45 AM
that is an emphasis not getting beaten off the dribble….they will need help defense.,..but don’t want to use it every time
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:46 AM
yeah it is like Dixon never left and the sheer joy on his face to be back and he is serious when he says he will live downtown so he can pratice more
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:47 AM
11:26 AM…now cones gone…working in transition up and down the court 4 on 3
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:48 AM
and as they work in transition they get into the offense…nick young sweet jumper from the wing
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:49 AM
and young again at the toher end….not missing many
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:49 AM
lot of talking from the three on defense
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:51 AM
11:31 AM..now five on 3 starts with a rebound..want to see four or five passes
Comment from ricklevinenyc
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:53 AM
is there a link to KC’s video interview somewhere?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:54 AM
kc ’s interview is on the front page of washingtonwizards.com….on the right hand side where you see it says Wizards TV
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Honor role out yet? Wasn’t communication one of the things coachs wanted to see? Effort, too. Any other criteria?
Comment from peej9999
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Just curious, where’s Gilbert while this is going on? Is he on the side “coaching” or is he somewhere else?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:59 AM
11:41 AM now 5 v5 rotating players
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:01 PM
i will check on honor role….gilbert is sometimes on the sideline..pointing out things.. other times in the training room….again sometime after 8 is when he comes over with the guys with the goal to have 300 made baskets
Comment from ricklevinenyc
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:04 PM
thanks, DJ. KC seems like a really great guy. Any chance that he will stick around the team through the season?
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:07 PM
wow, did the font size just change for anybody else??
Comment from Rook
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:07 PM
I was extremely impressed by Dominic McGuire’s interview where he talked about bringing a more professional attitude. He spoke about working out twice a day during the Summer and especially about his mid-range jumper.
The Wizards really need someone to step up to take some of Caron’s minutes…
From looking at the interview, he looks slimmer and more defined. In great shape. But to really help the team, and spell Caron, he’s going to have to produce at least SOME offense.
How does his jumper look?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:07 PM
KC is just here through Tuesday…it is something Eddie has done in the past…we have had Lenny Wilkens ..Pete Carill here etc.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:08 PM
rook welcome…we noticed the same thing about Dom..he looks in better shape… and his rise apparently started in summer league
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:10 PM
can’t say I have noticed anything in particular about Dom’s jumper but he is having a good camp…..Steve Buckhanzt just commented he doesn’t know if he has seen Nick Young miss a jumper in 3 days
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:12 PM
11:52 AM…now half court 5 on 3
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Dom seems serious when he talks about professionalism and his workouts in the gym and then gets that “Dom smile” when he talks about his jumper and Dominic, Jr!!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:15 PM
11:55 AM… Dave Hopla on court instructing 3 man weave up and down..loking for pass pass layup
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:16 PM
yeah slwiz….could be a good year for dom…hard to believe he played 72 games last year
Comment from SportzWiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Rook, I can only tell that from what I saw at summer pickup games, Dom’s jumper is much improved.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:18 PM
now a variation on the weave with the trailing player get a shot at jumper from a pass from the side…again these practcies are so choreographed they just flow
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:19 PM
referee are here..likely means scrimmage later
Comment from mv2120
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Is practice open to the public?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:20 PM
now 5 on 5…not scrimmage…eddie and mike o koren working with one group..randy ayers and phil hubbar another
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:21 PM
mice to the cheese, kid to the candy store!! LOL
Comment from Rook
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Love to see some video of the scrimmage, if that’s allowed.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Dave, just wanted to say thank you and you are doing a great job! How is Juan Dixon looking thus far? And also DeMarr Johnson?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:22 PM
not a scrimmage per se…but refs on the court now..
Comment from Bex
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:23 PM
agreed. footage of the scrimmage would be awesome. 
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:23 PM
dixon daniels butler haywood dsong on offense
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:23 PM
dee brown linton johson javalke mcgee and etan thomas and dermarr johnson on another team
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:24 PM
white with a steal…dermarr johnson to the free throw..line..wizards looking at hom as a guard
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:25 PM
the kids are in the candy store!! LOL
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:26 PM
players rotating in and out..pech just fouled brendan and he goes to the line
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:27 PM
dixon sweet pass underneath to butler
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Dave, what is the mood of the overall camp? Are you seeing the guys more focused, are has it been rather loose thus far? And I know Eddie loves bringing in guest coaches, here is a name he should try Jeff Malone,lol
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:29 PM
dray intercepts runs the fllor and then finds nick young who nails a baseline jumper
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:31 PM
mood has been great…antawn said it best..it is a group of guys who love playing together….and all the extra time they spend in the gym with each other shows..jeff malone..i rememeber the days when eh was almost an all-star
Comment from ricklevinenyc
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:33 PM
jeff malone had the best fade-away, falling-out-of-bounds, high-arcing, baseline jumper i’ve ever seen.
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:33 PM
What percentage of the players actually have living arrangements close to the gym? Is it higher than last year? About the same?
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Hey Dave Jeff Malone was an all star, and yes great memories! Love that the guys are having fun and they have chemistry, I am sure that will be a carry over to the regular season. Love to here Dray and Dom and Nick really stepping up there play as well, hopefully Pech (I get buckets) can get his confidence as well.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:35 PM
good memory on malone…just saw nice slam by Etan..not sure on ther % living close
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:37 PM
I remember one year when Malone was left off…and should have made it…forgot he did make it
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:37 PM
ricklevinenyc
Jeff Malone had one of the sweetest jump shots I have ever seen, I remember how he loved playng against MJ. The days of the Malone and Malone, he was a decent coach in the NBADL as well, I am sure if they need a guest coach he would be there to assist Dave Hoopla (I hope I got his name right). I really thought Jarvis, when he was with us would evolve into that, never did.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:40 PM
a runnign SKY HOOK from Haywood
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:41 PM
The young kids should live in a dorm in the building. They should have a curfew and have to check in and out, and they should live on an allowance. Gil’s dad should run the dorm.
Just joking. (but they’d thank me in a few years, when their bank accounts had millions of $ more in them!)
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:42 PM
I still here Mel Proctor on HTS make the call on Jeff Malone’s game winner while he was falling out of bounds, gives me goose bumps everytime. Same with Dudley Bradley’s game winner in the playoffs against the 76ers. Anyway, really excited about this years team, and for Mr Pollin to finally have a legit chance at another championship in DC.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:43 PM
again what is going on is 5 v5 ..with refs…they are stopping for instruction and specific situations
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:44 PM
tom the way Gil is getting the young guys up early at camp..gil could run the dorm
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:45 PM
good memory jeffmalone (not the real one)..it think this year will be intesresting..it is a bummer we are not complete…but this is an accountable bunch with two healthy all stars
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Tom and Dave great call, although the thought of Gil’s dad running it, is a great idea. LOL
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:46 PM
dixon great feed to songaila underneath
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Dave have you seen Juan’s ball handling improve from years past with the Wizards?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:47 PM
now a break…gilbert is back on the sideline..might be a scrimmage coming uo
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:48 PM
gil is on the court right now giving pointers toi dee brown….coaches at ceneter circle..rest of players taking break
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Gil, my hats off to you being in camp and really showing leadership, I am sure it speaks volumes to everyone on the team!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:49 PM
juan has looked good..hard for me to compare from before..as it is t camp…..
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:49 PM
alright 4 on 4..working on ball denial
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Can you ask Gil/Dee what specific pointers? And in the upcoming Scrimmage do you see the pointer being listened to. Still like the comment from Carril about feeling like Gil wasn’t listening; yet Gil demonstrated that he was!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:52 PM
yeah I remeber that…i think people think of the silly fun side of Gil but he works hard at his craft and is always looking for an edge..i will ask dee what gil was telling him
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:53 PM
are they looking for “help” during the ball denial or keeping themselves from getting beat better? Do you see improvement from Saturday/yesterday?
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Thanks and I’ve tried hard this day to not talk so much, how’d I do! LOL
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:59 PM
big deal is not to get beat….it’s ahrd to compare dya to day
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Coming to a close; aren’t we? Sigh, it’s been so much fun and I hope the video crew got some of the scrimmage….and photos and quotes and audio….
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:00 PM
just sperated on tow floors for indvidual work….now back on one fllor…now 5 on 5 firtsv team to seven
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:00 PM
each basket one
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:01 PM
nick young fouled he will shot two if he makes boht it will be one point..missed
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:02 PM
stevenson song, daniles haywood, butler…against pech thoms dray, dee brown nick young
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:02 PM
Dave, from the photos it looked like Nick and Dray have hit the weights, have you noticed that as well?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:03 PM
dee brown from the right wing..whote has the lead 1-0
Comment from ricklevinenyc
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:03 PM
what does the songaila / dray matchup look like out there?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:03 PM
yes…and pech to on the weights
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:05 PM
thomas blocke dbutler..butler got it back..and then haywood finished 1-1
Comment from Rook
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:05 PM
The Wizards improvement this year will have to come from the young guys.
With Mason gone, Nick Young has the opportunity to be the backup Shooting Guard. Nick’s Offense has been mostly terriffic…. It’s on the Defensive end that he needed to make progress this Summer. Do you see any change in Nick’s defensive abilities?
Last year, Caron played too many minutes. Dominic McGuire has an opportunity to cement himself as the backup SF. It’s obvious from reading coverage of the Wizards this Summer, and more recently this week, that he worked extremely hard over the Summer on his mid-range jump shot; something the Coaches asked him to do in the exit interviews. AND that he has a new-found professional attitude…. I’m looking forward to seeing him in pre-season games.
Blatche had problems last year with conditioning. It sounds like he put on 10 lbs of muscle over the Summer; and has come into camp in pretty good shape. Can you comment on Andre’s conditioning?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:05 PM
dray has just looked good running the floor
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:05 PM
2-1 blakc after a turnover
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:06 PM
now 3-1 on stevenson jumper…eddie call out the plays he wants
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:06 PM
good commenets rook
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:08 PM
Rook,
You know “D” much like offense is attitude. When you see Kobe or MJ lock down on D it is a midset, Nick Young has all the talent in the world and if has attitude is to be a top notch NBA player he has to make D a priority, and I believe he has the skills to be a great defender.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:09 PM
nick young steal and stuff..
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:10 PM
well d is again a priority in this camp…..although they are stressing individual ball containment…last year they worked on the trust and help and that still applies..but want to be better indvidually
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:11 PM
nick young called for a charge..gilbert over for instuction
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:11 PM
I am so happy for Dom, he reminds me of CJ undersized but can clock shots, with a mid range jumper and if he continues to run the floor and be the energy guy, that is really exciting. From all of the reports he is the one player I canot wait to see in Pre Season action, with some extended minutes.
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:11 PM
jeffmalone199 – what skills or criteria (other than attitude, mindset) do you see are involved with great defending? Anybody else?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:11 PM
stevnson outside jumper to make it 6-2 black
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:13 PM
dee brown fade a way for nthree whoch couynst as two in this game….so now 6-5 black
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:14 PM
haywood game winner from foul line and that is pratice….
Comment from ricklevinenyc
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:14 PM
defense is mostly mindset. but strength, anticipation, and quick-feet certainly help as well.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:14 PM
back tonight..spread the word …hope you can join us!!!!
Comment from Rook
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:14 PM
Yep, you’re absolutely right Jeffmalone1990….
Nick has all the tools to be a great defender. Extremely long arms (7′ wingspan). Large quick hands. Freakish standing jump (39.5 inches). Very good lateral quickness. He’s atlhetic, fast and quick.
It’s also understandable that Defense takes longer to learn, and to become proficient. You need to learn tendancies; referee’s angles, etc… AND, having a reputation as being a good defender helps as well. (fewer foul calls)…
But I’d like to see Nick taking steady strides towards becoming that good defender.
Comment from ricklevinenyc
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:15 PM
sounds like Etan is picking up a lot of fouls guarding haywood. does he look rusty to you?
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:18 PM
slwiz,
It is a desire, and heart. That is why players like Juan can come in and be a spark, keeps a low center of gravity on the ball, moves his feet, and communicates. When it comes to team D or individual D, to me it is a committment to man to man, D up as I would say and lock down. And of there is a breakdown you have a 4 or 5 to rotate and clean up any mistakes. That is why G-Town back in the day had so much success. yes guys can score in bunches, but if the other team cant score now we are advancing deep into the playoffs and making a championship run. Starts with the mind set of each and every player, I am sure Coach Ayers is doing all he can to get it out of everyone, I love when Gil wants to lock down on D, it gives him more swagger on the offensive side of the ball, much like Deshawn the whole team gets a life and easy buckets in transition, we have the bigs to pull it off.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:20 PM
Rook, I 100% agree with you, great post
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:22 PM
“effort getting into people”, any comments on that from the defensive end?
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:24 PM
I’ll check back in a bit; gotta go. Thanks everybody for your comments. It was fun today!! Loved the cheese and candy! LOL
Comment from Rook
Time September 29, 2008 at 1:25 PM
Hey – anyone know the schedule for these practices?
I missed the first half of this morning’s practice because I didn’t know the start time….
For instance, when is this afternoon’s practice?
Comment from SportzWiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 2:08 PM
rook, training camp schedule is on the right of the page
http://www.nba.com/wizards/news/trainingcampcentral_2008.html
Comment from Rook
Time September 29, 2008 at 2:23 PM
Thanks SportzWiz – I knew it had to be somewhere.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 29, 2008 at 2:32 PM
Great comments about Nick — you are right, there is *no reason* he shouldn’t be an excellent defender. He should present a huge problem to an opposing 2 guard trying to get something done against him.
Nick has a 7′ wingspan and is extremely quick. Last year, however, he got himself out of position repeatedly and found himself reaching and getting called for touch fouls. That needs to change, obviously.
“Dee Brown fadeaway 3 pointer is good…” — I like the sound of that.
Comment from SportzWiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 2:42 PM
Here’s a new feature we are going to do, each day Steve Buckhantz will break down a different Wizards player position. Today he talked about the point guards,
Click here to listen to the audio file.
Comment from doclinkin
Time September 29, 2008 at 3:18 PM
Defense is tougher to learn, and team defense doubly so, in part because it’s not something you can practice alone in a gym whenever you have a free minute. Defense requires a ‘partner’. One key reason why College kids tend to be better at it, especially the 4 year seniors.
Every ball fan in America has had a ball in his hand at some point dribbling and providing his own play-by-play with the “3..2…1…” shot…
But the same kid isn’t guarding that imaginary opponent, with his hand in his face, iagining shutting him down, sending the oppoennt cheerleaders home with their mascara running in tears.
Defense requires a certain healthy competitive disdain. A willingness to hurt a guys feelings. You’re not admiring your own pretty shot, you just hate to lose so bad that it doesn’t matter if you give the the other guy a bad day. That’s the instinct and aptitude part of the game: you know you’ll be miserable if you lose, so it’s ‘better him than me.’
The fundamentals can be taught. The anticipation can be developed with experience. The ‘hate’ might develop over time. But the best defenders are the desperate competitors, or the guys who bounced around overseas and realize how good they have it over here.
One reason why I expect good things from Dee Brown.
Comment from doclinkin
Time September 29, 2008 at 3:23 PM
Nick Young is a nice guy. like Gil. One reason why it doesn’t come easy and natural. And both of them are such instinctive/proficient scorers it’s almost like they’ve never seen good defense on them, haven’t been shut down in humiliating fashion. Don’t want to return the favor. Both guys just seem to figure they can make up the score at the other end and laugh about it.
Of course now that Gil’s been out a while and experienced that desperation to play, and now that he’ll struggle a bit to regain his shot (probably) I expect he might be a born-again defense hound. Nick, he might take a little bit. He’s got a steep learning curve. But if he sees his man Dominator McGruff the Crime Dawg the Live Wire Dom McGuire get playtime accolades and swag credit for defense, maybe he’ll raise his game to get playtime and swag of his own.
Comment from agentzero0
Time September 29, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Will Gilbert be at the Scrimmage on Friday?
Is it worth it to come if he’s not?
Comment from Bridge
Time September 29, 2008 at 5:58 PM
Speaking of the scrimmage on Friday, I won’t be going (damn!); I thought I’d be a “good missez” by staying here to celebrate an anniversary with a man who already had plans for us (I said DAMN already, right?). Wouldn’t really be right (of me) to ditch him…So yeah, I’ll be here hearing the “WOOOOO[‘s]” and “YEAAAHHH[‘s]” of happy Brewers fans…just to feel “in the spirit” of things, I might just join in.
I hope that people go out to support the team – there’s nothing to lose (but a bit of gas) cuz it’s FREE! DJ, SportzWiz – I hope that there’s much coverage, but I’m not worried because you guys have been great so far….
GO [to the scrimmage] Wiz [bloggers/fans]!!!
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:02 PM
agentzero0 — how can you ask whether it’d be “worth it” without Gil? You an Arenas fan rather than a Wizards fan? I’d love to be there, but I’m a good 200 miles away.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:30 PM
dave johnson here…just so you know we have started a new blog for the new pratice..thanks for logging on
Comment from agentzero0
Time September 29, 2008 at 10:08 PM
tom- i only asked because Ive been every other year, and I really wanted to go this year to see what gil looked like coming back from his injury, but if he’s not there, im not going to go , and go to my own basketball game instead
Comment from gee wiz
Time September 30, 2008 at 2:39 PM
feels good……. the smell of basketball is in the air again! (whatever that smell is) whats up wiz fans! its almost that time. how do u guys feel about dee brown and juan dixon filling the role of the pg along AD while gil is out. im okay with it. i think the wiz will be just fine. most of all i will be excited if etan makes the final cut and stays….. despite health concerns he brings a type of energy and hustle that knowone else brings on this team. i truly hope he brings it this season.
Comment from gee wiz
Time September 30, 2008 at 2:44 PM
im down in orlando and im tellin’ these guys are really thinkin champioship down here for the magic. its time the wizards show whose boss in the east. help defense needs to improve after watching how lebron spanked us for the most part. but its not just us he did it to everyone except the pistons….. they dont play that. their excellent at help D. i think flip really gave butler a boost of confidence with his comments in summer camp
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Comment from doclinkin
Time September 29, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Re-post from last thread so it doesn’t get lost:
Good morning DJ (and everybody)
Good to read articles and hear about Etan’s total recovery, The man has always shown good heart and I expect Big things from him with a re-newed re-dedication from a player who played like the avatar of a War-god even _before_ he was robbed of a year in the game that he loves. I fully expect to see him playing with berserk joy once the season gets underway. Dwight Howard, look out.
That said, I’ve got small nagging worries only tangentially related to previous Etan conversations (which is usually the old ‘Brendan Haywood’ merry-go round). Chiefly: Andray Blatche and his purported newfound ‘maturity’.
In the vein of ‘the Devil has work for Idle hands’… I’m most concerned that Andray’s past immaturity [knock wood] be held against him and rob him of back-up minutes at the 5-spot.
I love the future of our man ‘Bulletproof’ as a Princeton Offense true Pivot player, Bill Russell-esque high post center. His vision, passing skills, instincts, handle etc all suggest a wicked positive mismatch against the league’s slower Centers. Half the Princeton sets are the old Russell/Sam Jones sets from waay back in the days of grainy footage. The action rotates around the center spot at the free throw line like spokes of a wheel, and Big defenders have to mark him out there, leaving space under the rim for the wing atttackers to divebomb in and finish (backdoor, backdoor, backdoor). As a SF he’s too slow-footed on defense, reaches and fouls alot. As a PF he’s got soem skills. But as a Center, he’s waay too quick and skilled for most Bigs to handle, and is less likely to get whistled for the little ticky-tack fouls.
Complicating that development though: Coach Eddie likes mature players who will work no matter what and not get distracted, not complain. Professionals. These are the guys who earn playtime, via effort more than raw talent. Coaches trust consistency, you know what you can gameplan with and rely on. A steady 10 and 5 is better than a sometimes 15/7 sometimes 5/3.
My worry is that Blatche, with his current good attitude intact, might not yet have a role with the team, lose minutes to consummate Pro Darius Songaila and the dreadlocked berserker shaman warrior-for-peace. Darius is a known factor, and Etan will play like he’s spirit-touched no matter when you put him in. Dray, well, he might forget from game to game what makes him so darned good.
So… The question is: Andray’s role. A young player needs repetitions to improve, if he’s mostly used as a jack-of-all trades (defending Big SF’s, backing up Jamison, filling in at center) it may stunt his growth. He may miss the chance to steadily improve. Build on one skill set before moving to another. Bigs take a long time to develop, but Dray could be an All-star Center, once he learns the high-post skill set.
How do the Coaches envision Andray earning minutes this year? What’s his ‘bread-and-butter’ role on the team. Where does he fit in the rotation? Who’s the probably first big off the bench? First forward? Or do match-ups and opponent dictate that more than any other factor.
Or put simply: with all the Bigs and 4’s on the roster. How does the coaching staff find time for them? Both for immediate benefit and development for the future?
Also: for guys like Pech and Javale. Does the D-league ever feature as a possibility, or does the D-League have limited utility unless they’re running Princeton sets.