Training Camp Day 3 Practice 2
5:43 PM..Dave Johnson checking in from the Siegel Center….thanks agains to everyone who jumped on earlier today….players have been here since between 4 and 4:15 doing shooting and drills on their own…practice officially starts shortly
5:46 PM…here we go officialy underway…walking through the offense
5:55 PM…some of Eddie Jordan’s thoughts from this AM
On the scrimmage this morning:
“I liked that we competed even though we were a little fatigued. It was a long practice; a very physical practice. The effort was there.”
On different backcourt combinations behind Antonio Daniels and DeShawn Stevenson:
“(Juan Dixon and Dee Brown) are there at the same time a lot. We also liked Juan and Nick (Young) together. We liked Dee out there with the starters too. With Juan and Nick, although you don’t have a prototypical point guard, you’re a threat. Dee can play with any group because he pushes the ball. He also picks up (well on defense). Juan picks up too, so there are different combinations that can give us different strengths and different looks.”
On Washington’s multiple seven-footers:
“With Andray (Blatche), JaVale (McGee) and Pech (Oleksiy Pecherov) with Brendan (Haywood) and Etan (Thomas), you have a lot of seven-footers across the board with different skills. Andray is multi-skilled. Pech can step out to the (three-point line), and he’s very physical inside. He liked to front the post. Obviously Brendan and Etan are veterans for us inside, fighting and clawing their way. JaVale is a long rookie that goes after every shot, so it’s a lot of fun to watch them all battle in the paint.”
On Antawn Jamison’s participation in practice:
“He did a lot of shooting and moving around in practice, but we just don’t want him to bang right now.”
On if he’ll use Caron Butler at the ‘two’ position (shooting guard):
“No. He’s an All-Star at the three-spot, so why screw around with that? We have capable ‘twos’. DeShawn is a solid ‘two’ that can really defend ‘twos’. I like the fact that Nick can come off the bench and defend ‘twos’ and score like a ‘two’. Caron is a ‘three’.”
6:05 PM…stretching done…now instead of walk through…running offense up and down
6:20 PM Shooting drills now
6:27 PM…two guys run the floor..coach as a defender in the paint
6:35 PM…back to walking throug offense
Posted: September 29th, 2008 under Training Camp, Wizards.
Comments
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:07 PM
evening Dave!! How is there energy in the shot around? They’ve been working pretty hard the past several days, no contact; limited contact tonight, right?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:16 PM
non contact or limted… and these days are long..but guys are into it..guys get back to hotel around 2pm then back here just after 4
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:17 PM
had a nice interview with dee brown that will be up on the site..i think fans are really going to like him
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:19 PM
haven’t listened to it yet; any highlights on Dee’s interview you can share?
I did listen to Coachs and his thoughts about Caron at the 3
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:27 PM
yeah dee will be up later…it is just that he is so eager to make it here and he is backing it up with his play on the court and he is an intense defender..his time in Turkey was interesting as well…not easy playing with fans throwing coins on the court
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:31 PM
eddie is calling out the plays.. and players run them …working in groups of five
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:32 PM
Antawn is back running around
Comment from Bridge
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:35 PM
Hey DJ – is it possible to move the scrimmage from Friday to another day?
Naw, I’m just kidding 
. Keep up the great work…
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:35 PM
i also talked to caron after the early practice..so happy to be healthy..he is mpressed with the camp
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:36 PM
hey bridge..still in milwaukee….is my memory right
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:38 PM
on it being an impressive camp…..i think it is not just smoke… this is a team that has been together…i vividly remember the days in 2003 when eddie was just trying to work his offense in….now second year of a new defensive scheme..just see the progress
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:39 PM
did CB3 say what about the camp he especially liked? Special coaches?
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:40 PM
how far is Milwaukee from the verizon center?
Comment from mv2120
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:42 PM
Any of these open to the public???
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:44 PM
slwiz great question…i just think he liked the inetsnity and competition…..
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:45 PM
mv2120 the scrimmage fruda night at 5 is open to the public
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:45 PM
that is friday nigh ..my fingers are tired sorry for the typos
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:46 PM
night
Comment from Bridge
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:47 PM
My bad; I’m walking back-and-forth from my computer…It’s about 11 hours; from where they’ll be in Richmond, it’s about 13 hours – and I was about to drive, so hopefully all this talk will inspire Tom to go .
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:47 PM
6:27 PM…two guys run the floor..coach as a defender in the paint
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:49 PM
Tom’s the one that is about 200 miles away to et to Richmon? Sorry to hear you won’t make it bridge, you sounded like you would have really liked to go…but that is a long way to travel…but you got any ticket plans for regular season….
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:50 PM
As Eddie said today he would love to have Gilbert on the floor…but it is exciting what we are seeing on the floor I think.. I think Dee Brown has been fun to watch…great to have Juan back.. Darius is healthy..Etan is healthy and aggressive
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:51 PM
do have to report Domenic McGuire does have a left groin strain..but again having a good camp….did shoot tonight..in fact he hit 9 three pointers
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:51 PM
Dave, better soak your fingers tonight!! You’ve been working so hard the past few days, too….
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:53 PM
also need to note that Andray Blache has also been very consistent..plan to do video interview with him tonight
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:54 PM
caron butler and dee brown interviews are now up
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:59 PM
Isn’t “injury” a bad word!!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 7:00 PM
i am tired of using injury in a sentence…but mcguire is not serious
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 7:01 PM
Maybe Dom and “the hot shooter” need to get together later!!
Comment from doclinkin
Time September 29, 2008 at 7:03 PM
Just by way of peptalk and a cup of gatorade to the marathon blogger:
DJ these blogs are much appreciated. Especially now since I’m working late tonight. I recently gave you props on another message board as probably the most easily accessible/responsive sports-media personality, happy to do your job and not especially heavily invested in your own ego. As a fan of the team it’s like a breath of fresh air to catch up with a kindred spirit who actually seems to enjoy it and ain’t jaded about the whole deal. Hey, you get to watch and talk about sports for a living. How cool is that!
So, props given. So what if you can’t type to save your life…
Comment from Bridge
Time September 29, 2008 at 7:03 PM
“but you got any ticket plans for regular season?” – - – slwiz
No because I’m mostly just into seeing the Wizards and/or Bulls live; for other teams, I just watch them on the TV screen…
“caron butler and dee brown interviews are now up” – - – DJ
Yay Caronimo!!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 7:03 PM
that’s it practice done…….long day….spread the word…. we are talking about this team everyday right here…
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 7:05 PM
Any more on Nicks jumper? He’s doing better than summer league; but isn’t he wanting to go for more consistancy, too? What is Nicks take on his offense vs his defensive skills?
Comment from Balla
Time September 29, 2008 at 7:07 PM
Its nice to hear that Dmac is hittin jumpers
Comment from Balla
Time September 29, 2008 at 7:07 PM
But Hows Nicks Defense DJ
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 7:12 PM
nick has barely missed a shot
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 7:21 PM
I think Steve or sportwiz was commenting about Nicks hitting EVERYTHING; when you interview him ask Nick about his confidence since summer league and also if he feels his consistancy is improving? If you can of course! Thanks again for a great day of HOOPS drills and effort; and don’t forget to ice down your fingers; maybe wrapping your hands around a cold one?
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time September 29, 2008 at 7:29 PM
Do you have links for us to those interviews? Thanks!!
Comment from doclinkin
Time September 29, 2008 at 7:38 PM
“So what if you can’t type to save your life” [grin] <— the ‘grin’ didn’t show up. since I had it in ‘<’ angle brackets. Meaning: ‘just kidding, old pal…’
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 8:25 PM
Tom – I was asking DJ a couple questions for upcoming interviews with Nick. In Nicks Q and A he talked about knowing his summer league was off and needing confidence. I wondered if he personally felt his jumper was improving and back to where he wanted it; and also if he felt more confident and believed he could be more consistant with his jumper.
http://www.washingtonwizardsblog.com/2008/09/18/nick-young-q-a/
DJ i also wanted to know how Nick felt about his defense? Is that part of the packet given out to him at the beginning of camp? (Juan Dixon talked about the packet) Is it something the coaches are setting as a goal for him to use his skills to be a better defender; or do they have other roles for him and other goals for him? In other words what is in Nicks packet for goals for training camp? Hope it’s okay to ask these types of questions of the players.
Comment from slwiz
Time September 29, 2008 at 8:29 PM
Training Camp Day 1 Practice 2
DJ-WizardsRadio Says:
September 27th, 2008 at 7:01 PM
also worth noting Juan said he apprecaites the Wizards situation even more .. as he says the grass is not always greener..Dixon also says he really likes the way Eddie Jordan makes it clear what a players role is..he says everyone received a packet outlining their individual expectatiions when they arrived at camp…
Comment from neal
Time September 29, 2008 at 10:00 PM
It’s really easy to be optimistic reading these reports. Does anyone have an idea as to how our camp compares with others? Are they all as intense? As up-beat?
Comment from doclinkin
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:45 PM
Yeah I was looking around at other camps to find the same thing. Many camps started today, so it’s hard to tell yet. SportzWiz how about we start a thread to collect and report on other teams training camp hyperbole? A scouting thread for outrageous optimism.
That said I think few teams have quite as many youngsters developing and all within the same system. Many teams with new players are just getting to know each other, so the stories will be about introducing the new players to the fans etc.
Fact is every year training camp is optimistic. In part because any basketball is great after long months without it. And for wizards fans, heck, hope is often all they’ve had.
Still, we’ve got good talent here, a bunch of ex-rookies who got a ton of experience on a winning team, and young seasoned veterans who played well together. Plus a Coach they like and play hard for. I’m willing to get a little riled up with irrational exuberance. Cause pretty soon the regular season rolls around and starts kicking everybody’s dreams in the kidneys.
Comment from GlingGling
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:50 PM
Was out all day again but I want to thanks Dave and Co. for all the audio,video,pictures and quotes. This is such an amazing level of detail. I absolutely love it. Every bit of information gets me more excited for the season.
Comment from GlingGling
Time September 29, 2008 at 11:53 PM
doclinkin, you’ve got a talent for speaking for many of us. Hopeful until we start losing.
Comment from slwiz
Time September 30, 2008 at 12:03 AM
Earlier I asked what skills or criteria (other than attitude, mindset) do you see are involved with great defending?
Wow, what great posts everybody!! Especially from ricklevinenyc, Rook, jeffmalone1990, and doclinkin. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts!!
From starting with the mindset that this man isn’t going to get around me (D up and lock down), to everybody thinking this means I can help my team to get deeper in the playoffs if the other guy can’t score, to using physical abilities such as height, vertical leap, lateral quickness and quick legs and large hands, to studying and learning the tendencies of opponents and gaining a reputation as a good defender and not have so many fouls called, to having a proper and healthy competitive disdain of the opponent, to not wanting to lose so much that it hurts when it does, to feeling desperate to stop the hurt of losing or the hurt of having a reputation as a poor defender, to having good examples around you to learn from, to wanting to develop the swag for oneself so that you are in a position for more playing time due to “kudos” or appreciation for your defensive efforts and more accolades as a championship team because I’m helping my team; well, I don’t know the players real well yet, but something tells me each has several of these defensive capabilities so hopefully each can go with what they have, show and demonstrate their talents and develop as they go and get better and better as each day happens!
It’s been a long day , like GlingGling said lots of detail, great posts, so hope to hear from you all Tuesday.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time September 30, 2008 at 1:06 AM
Doc… we have had our kidneys kicked for over 30 years now. I’m tired of getting our kidneys kicked. This team can shuck and jive and miss that direct kidney hit me thinks. We make em miss all together and kick each other in the kidneys?
The one thing that stands out to me is that this season we have a very “quick” team at every position. It should be a very interesting season.
On our pressure defense I would like to see Dee and Juan out there together. Get past those two in synch and win a prize.
Not long before it all starts now
Comment from Phemy
Time September 30, 2008 at 1:51 AM
…morning y’all, just flying thorugh before going to school….new Agent Zero blog is out! Funny thing (like always)
greetz,
Phemy
Comment from doclinkin
Time September 30, 2008 at 2:12 AM
Grif
Well, on Dee and Juan together you wouldn’t put the ball ot he floor you’d just toss it over their heads to the next guy up court. On the plus side that gives Caron a chance to swipe the ball, but still.
As for the quickness –I like the all-effort and hustle potential in our bench line-up:
Dee/Juan
Nick/Juan
LiveWire Dom McGuire
Bulletproof (Javale, eventually)
Big Poet (Javale Eventually)
After the starters do their thing and get things started, we dump out the high-energy uptempo shock troops and run run run ’til their tongues are hanging out. We may not hit the first shot every time or even run the offense, but if you chuck the ball near the basket somebody’s getting the offensive rebound. You can survive out there with two gunners like Juan and Nick for that reason, in fact Dray and Dom may be the better passers, while Juan and Nick need only make a cut to get open then take that shot.
I like the Dee configuration best with Javale for the alley oop potential this team has lacked since, well, ever. But it may be much to expect the rook to contribute this early. Defensive positioning is still a consideration.
For continuity’s sake and offense you can feel free to drop Caron in at the SF slot and still keep your uptempo upcourt swarm. (And if Javale actually hits that three pointer from catapult range, better beleive the paint is clear since his man will follow the sevenfooter out to the perimeter).
There are more hopeful visions for the future here, than long minutes right now. But still, inside my eyelids it makes pretty pictures. Training camp is great every year…
Comment from slwiz
Time September 30, 2008 at 7:07 AM
Dave: The following is from one of Dee’s blogs; about that away game:
2008-02-19 ”… we played in a big game on the road. The environment was the worst I have seen in my career. The fans were just crazy and really loved their team. 5000 fans screaming, singing, throwing money and water bottles at you it was crazy. I have never, ever seen that in my life. We had to run off the court due to the throwing of coins, water bottles, car keys. I was hit so many times I didn’t pay it no mind after a while I just wanted to play and get out of there”
Oh my gosh, Dee was talking about the flares, too, out on the court!! Great interview!! Oh, my … thank you and the video crew, thank you so much for the interviews and video of all the players and KC and coach Jordan over the last several days!! And you guys even got some of the drills and scrimmage in the background!! How cool! For us fans that are so many miles and miles away it just brings us closer to “our boy”!! Plus all your text and the fans sharing just is making this training camp a real blessing for all. If this is what Wizard basketball is about, if this type of environment and atmosphere can be kept up and sustained during the hard times, the difficult times; as well as the good times…well there is so much; so many other things that goes into a championship team and season…Thanks, thanks again!!
Comment from slwiz
Time September 30, 2008 at 7:20 AM
I was noticing the Dee/JaVale duo during summer league video. They seem to be starting to look for each other on the alley oop and dunk. I had hoped to see them play together; but from coach comment early on JaVale might not get a lot of minutes. But that configuration is there in the development stage; it was seen in summer league; and I bet it’s beeing seen in pickup games? Those who get to go to the gym let us know if it does.
I liked Coach comment in the video about …of course Dee/Juan are together because they both are wearing white shirts!!
And the blog of Gilberts is fun. Is he like that in person!! Anyone!
I wonder if he can be convinced to sit on the bench during home games, that his being there would be wanted…but it’s nice for the heads up that he might not be visible… and the heads up about Europe is nice to know. If he was missing, we’d wonder so knowing he’s in rehab is nice to know….
Comment from dmac
Time September 30, 2008 at 8:11 AM
It seems as though we have something special going on here in Wiz-Skin city. Young talent being cultivated with the already established veterans. This means that we not only have the ability to win a lot of games now but for years to come. When you look at Jason C development under Zorn it is possible with a victory over the Eagles next week we could be 7-1 when we face Pittsburgh on 11/3/08.
Reason I say that is because we play the Rams, Browns and the Lions teams we should defeat. Same thing with the Wiz, last year we showed we could beat the better teams in the league. But we kept losing games that we should not have lost mainly to a lack of offensive production and letting teams back in the game. So the battled tested vets on the Wiz have got to keep the young guy’s grounded when we find success. Don’t need no fat heads (swelling up).
I remember when we had LaBradford Smith with the Bullets. He hit 37 points on MJ in Chicago on a Friday night in which the Bullets won. LaBradford was in the paper talking about how he served MJ. Next night the Chicago Bulls were in the Capital Centre.
MJ had 21 points at the end of the first quarter. The scary thing was they were all jumpers in LaBradford’s face. MJ finished with 49 that night and did’nt even play the fourth quarter and the Bullets lost at home by over 20.
The main thing is the Wiz playing together at all times as a team and not individuals.
Bring on the pre-season so we can get get a look see if there is something special brewing in Wiz-Skin city.
Write a comment
You need to login to post comments!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time September 29, 2008 at 6:07 PM
5:43 PM..Dave Johnson checking in from the Siegel Center….thanks agains to everyone who jumped on earlier today….players have been here since between 4 and 4:15 doing shooting and drills on their own…practice officially starts shortly
5:46 PM…here we go officialy underway…walking through the offense