Washington Wizards Blog

Comment from Reuben
Time October 2, 2008 at 7:24 AM

We have been hearing a lot of good stuff from camp but not much on JaVale. Dave, how has he been playing?

Milt as Vice President Of Player Personnel what exactly is your job?

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time October 2, 2008 at 9:11 AM

Looking forward to tomorrow guys! Hey Dave, do I just tell VCU security I have permission to stop by and say hello, and if so when would be a good time to stop by?? Oh and will non season ticket holding fans get a chance to get autographs?? last year Ernie Grunfield made a selfish rule that only season ticket holders could get autographs after the scrimmage…..and if only season ticket holders can get them this year, can u try and push for bloggers as well??

Comment from dc4life5
Time October 2, 2008 at 9:12 AM

Dave does it seem like Javale is getting the concept of the defense? and who is usally the 1st Wizard in the gym?

Comment from fishercob
Time October 2, 2008 at 9:28 AM

Dave,
First post, but I have been reading the blog religiously since my man doclinkin pointed me over here last week. You do a wonderful job — both here and on the radio. And your partner Glenn Consor was my coach senior year of high school. I think I’m still sore from some our practices.

Do you think that if Nick and Dee continue to look good, Juan could be out of a roster spot? If Eddie’s confident that those guys can hold down the backup guard spots until Gil gets back, it would seem like DerMarr’s size at the guard spot would bring an element the Wiz haven’t had since Jeffries left town. Given the Wiz’s troubles defending the three last year (and a certain 6′8 manchild in Cleveland), I Dermarr’s skills might suit the team’s needs more than Juan’s — especially once Gil comes back.

If you had to guess, who do you think it’ll come down to for the final spot?

Comment from dmac
Time October 2, 2008 at 9:37 AM

It is a good thing when you can come to camp and see a team begin to come together. Mind you we have not played any pre-season or regular season games. But still I sense something that tells me this is going to be a special team and sesaon.
Anytime you got good players in camp who may not make the team because of the talent and potential our team has. That is a good thing.
No longer will small guards cause us match up problems. No longer should we be pushed around under the basket. In fact we will cause matchup problems for opposing teams defenses. I feel one advantage we take into this season is not to be predictable. Before opposing teams knew with or without Gil what our approach was. We have the ability to score a lot of points, sometimes in spurts but have a problem holding onto the lead and playing sound team defense. Last year without Gil we were overachievers who arose to the occasion.
Now this year alongwith with our vets our talent core is the best it has been here in a long time. So many times in the past we traded away our top picks hoping to make ourselves better. Now we have some nurturing going on and it is a good thing.
The best is yet to come. When Gil get’s back the process will continue the best is yet to come.

We now have the potential to surprise some folks in the NBA if we approach this season with some humility and hard work and some good fortune. Now is the time for the balls and calls to go our way. I say this we cannot afford to swell up when we find success. Just dig in deeper because know one is going to hand you the playoffs or a title. We will have to work for it. It seems we have gotten off to a good start in camp.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 2, 2008 at 9:53 AM

“our talent core is the best it has been here in a long time.” I have to agree with that. We have a pretty good team!

Comment from sgriff17
Time October 2, 2008 at 10:07 AM

Wow, you’re up early again! What time do the players generally get there in the morning?

So tomorrow is the only chance to see them in action, right? Do you think there will be any autograph opportunities? (All I want is Dee Brown’s on my Illini hat)

Comment from slwiz
Time October 2, 2008 at 10:17 AM

Morning Dave; sorry about having to leave so abruptly yesterday and not coming back until now. Our apartment complex was experiencing “a Natural gas smell” and we were being evacuated. That put us behind in everything and I’m just now getting back to what I love…HOOPS!!

Since I am so new to the Wizard organization I sure didn’t know who Milt Newton was. I’m so glad he’s going to be there! Just the little I found through an online search on his name and title was excellent information. I’m sure veteran fans have seen the information before but for new ones like me….

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/12/AR2006091201399_pf.html
Milt has been with the organization since 2003 and in 2006 was promoted from director of player personnel to vice president of player personnel; focusing on team scouting operations domestically and internationally. Milt, do you feel you and Tommy Sheppard had a hand in advancing to the NBA playoffs? How so?

http://www.cjonline.com/stories/021608/haw_247526423.shtml
Mr. Newtons appreciation for work ethic (see above comment from dmac about hard work and humility). Was with the 1988 Jayhawks of University of Kansas and had a great reunion with them in Feb. Any further thoughts of KU and how it helps you in your job now?

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jun/27/wizards-size-up-mcgee/
JaVale mentions text messages from you, Milt. Any experience you would like to share on recruiting, JaVale; or any other the other players for that matter? I picked JaVale because he was one of the first to come up in the online search:)

http://www.nba.com/wizards/news/cbbwb_080903.html
on the international scene…you and Caron just got back from Johannesburg in Africa. Did you design that logo? Great one, simple, artistic, and colorful for these young players. Besides the Hoops you were involved with a home building project for a young lady; who showed her appreciation through her eyes! Any other experiences you’ve had like this with the recruitment of these young players; and of course how active where you in helping get Dee:)

Comment from slwiz
Time October 2, 2008 at 10:22 AM

sgriff17 are you the one on Dee’s Forums giving him a tough time on his Cubs hat:)

Sure hope you get his autograph; I was hearing about that rule of just the season ticket holders geting autograph, I can understand why; 1000’s wanting them, long lines, burned out players….but still for the “little guy” who doesn’t get to see their favorite player often live, or ones who drive or travel a long distance after hording their limited pay…well it’s a tough balance and maybe Milt or another person might be able to work with the organization on this issue?

Comment from sgriff17
Time October 2, 2008 at 10:43 AM

Yes I am the one razzing him on his website about his Cubs hat. I had talked back and forth over the internet about attending his charity golf outing, but I just ended up sending a donation check to his mother.

He’s a big inspiration to me and I’d love nothing more than to have his autograph, and his only. I work 10 minutes from VCU and would love to drop my Illini hat off if he would/could sign it

Comment from slwiz
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:00 AM

“He’s a big inspiration to me”. If they can work it out I think they will!! Seeing, “our boy, DB” in action again will be such a thrill for you!! I believe the Wizard fans are getting a taste of what Dee can bring! WE knew because we are from Illinois; but seeing it in action is so much more than words. Right now there is much talk about all the guards; what might happen with only the 15-man roster, no injured reserve…any thoughts…mine is fear and worry…and sadness because at the end of the day (camp) somebody isn’t going to be left standing and they ALL are showing such great heart, drive, desire!!

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:09 AM

10:45 AM…here we go gang..practice is underway…going through an offensive walk through

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:10 AM

now to some of the questions.. and Milt Newton Vice President of Player Personnel will be here to ask questions

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:12 AM

about Javale..fair to say he has done some nice things….but it is a lot to take in for a rookie….when we get Milt..i will get some of his impressions….

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:14 AM

about the log jame at guards…it is ia nice option for the wizards to have….juan and dee have had good camps….and DerMarr Johnson has been through into the mix at 2 guard…

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:14 AM

Milt Newton is here now

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:15 AM

on job of Vice Presdent of Players Personnal….essenially assistant general manager..advise Ernie on everyhting…salary cap management…player management…draft..in charge of the scouting departmnet

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:16 AM

milt started from scratch….a computerized scotuing system

Comment from sgriff17
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:17 AM

Yes SLWIZ, I agree – Dee was the heart of that Championship team with Deron and Luther.

I moved from St Louis to Richmond and actually graduated from VCU, so to have him playing on my home court (So close, yet so far) is killing me!

I’d of course love an autograph, but most of all – Much love and God Bless Dee…..

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:18 AM

thoughts on javale…milt saw him early and saw potential…traing camp he has had good moments and momenets where he ha slooke dlike a rookie..competes and works hard…wants he learns what it takes to play the pro game…could be a good for a long

impacts shots as a shot blocker…so athletic…Milt says he would put him among the top two to three athletic big men in the league right now!!!!

Comment from truthaboutit
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:19 AM

Hey guys….

How about Eddie Jordan’s rotation?

I’ve seen stats that roughly estimate rotation size (and I’ll have a post coming out about this on my blog in the future), according to those who play significant minutes….the “significant” cut-off being more than 8 minutes per game.

While no coach wants to pigeon-hole himself into the amount of players he plays each night (as it’s game-by-game situational), Eddie Jordan surely has a philosophy about which players he is comfortable with giving significant time to on a nightly basis…and hence, a rotation size.

Based on the statistics I’ve seen, Jordan’s rotation size (based on the ’significant’ definition, which is rough) for his five years at the helm (03-04 to 07-08) has been 8.51, 7.83, 7.68, 8.13, and 8.02 respectively (earliest to latest).

I know it’s early…..and my actual question could get lost in the above, but what exactly is Eddie Jordan’s philosophy on rotation size? (Others have also expressed concern in playing the bench more in the effort to retain the health of Butler, Jamison, et al.)

With Arenas being out, will Jordan expand his rotation at the beginning of this season, so that he may narrow it down at the end of the year? Or, in an effort to get a quick start out the gate (unlike last year), will Jordan be intent on locking down the top 8 players he can depend on and not really let anyone else get off the pine with significant run?

The Wizards seem to be deep this year, but will that depth actually be used? It will be interesting to see as the preseason develops into the regular season. But I’d be interested to hear you guys’ thoughts on the subject and perhaps hear Eddie, himself, answer a question on his rotation philosophy, especially in terms of making sure the stars receive proper rest, while still aiming for wins.

Many thanks.

Comment from sgriff17
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:20 AM

Good Morning Milt,

I would love to hear your take on all the guards in camp. Do you think it hurt when Dee came back for his Senior season at ILL. (Eventhough I believe he hurt his ankle or something in the off-season)

Comment from Black92778
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:20 AM

What can we expect to see from DerMarr Johnson and will he be able to get into the rotation and be able to play key minutes for the Zards.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:20 AM

on numbers of guards in camp…if you look at team milt says we have inside pl;ayers but with Gil out we thought needed to bring in as many guards as possible… and these are not just bodies./…juan has come back almost like he has never left

dee brown brings new aspect…ability to push the ball and defende baseline to baseline…competition is making everywhere one better

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:22 AM

on DerMarr..can play two or three and even played some at point… and Milt says opn guys who get invited to camp tghe philsophy is

that the players will tell them what to do or at least make it difficult to make a decision

Comment from Bex
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:22 AM

hey guys. got two questions:
Dave, you are often reporting about a offensive walk through. so do we have some complete new offensive plays or just the same basic stuff from the previous years with some small changes?
2nd question: Could we sign another player (Demarr Johnson?) without going over the luxury tax?

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:23 AM

on playing senior season at Illinois for dee brown

when he came out of illionois he was consdiered more of a two…and people probably thought he was small 2…but he is showing the Wizards he can be a good point guard

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:25 AM

11:00 AM… now warm-up…with strength coach Drew Cleary….Milt Newton is with us answering questions

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:28 AM

on T camp this year top your question Bex….not much new stuff introduced….on defense because last year scheme was new…need to review it again…..on offense mostly the saem a couple fo wrinkles.,…maybe differnt post options..with brendan more confident..this year Milt says we have been able to go through camp with more plays memorized….that’s continuity

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:29 AM

on signing player without going over luxury tax…we have 14 unbder contracty..withg a couple of partial guarantees..so we can sign another player but it would be at a minimum contract

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:29 AM

check that it is 15 under contract and a couple with partial guarantees

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:30 AM

so to add somebody we would have to cut somebody with a partial guarantee

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:31 AM

defensive close out drill….cutting off the baseline

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:32 AM

wizfan4 life if you are there..on autographs… if the players are okay ..it is okay.. and just mention to an usher to get my attention

Comment from slwiz
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:33 AM

Oh, my, now I’m beginning to understand more about why the questions of luxury tax, under cap, because you’ve seen this before; players doing well, will they take a cut to get in….Gilbert took the cut to get more players in…all these angles to pro ball…thanks for letting me learn!!

Comment from Black92778
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:34 AM

Will the scrimmage be free to the public and what time will the doors be opening?

Comment from slwiz
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:35 AM

does the same apply to sgriff17 (about dee autograph)?

Comment from slwiz
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:37 AM

more internet searching…help…any good sites to share on luxury cap tax what it is…:)

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:37 AM

fishercob…i will tell glenn you asked about him….and thanks for the kind words….more on guards…

some thoughts on juan….he has competed …has been seemless tranition of onfeense…has to make transition from being more of one than a two…we know his strength is scoring….but he can bring it up and get us in plays…

on dermarr’s size…would necessarily consider that he woudl guard lebron but his length helps him

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:37 AM

on guarding lebron more of a team thing

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:38 AM

the luxury tax is 71,100.000

and the wizards are close to that

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:41 AM

11:20 AM….defensive ball movement drill work ball around perimeter…when ball moves guy guarding the ball moves and so does everyone else….

Comment from sgriff17
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:43 AM

I’ll try to drop off my hat for Dee to sign. If it works, it works, if not, oh well I’m just so happy he’s back in the States and somewhere I can SEE him play again.

Him, Deron, and Luther were magic….if it wasn’t for darn Sean May….ugghh…

Comment from slwiz
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:45 AM

did the little break help…do they appear fresh…how many went to gym to shoot around…PU game?

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:45 AM

truthabouit….with gil out..rotation won’t necessarily expand…look at ntop 9-10 players…guys like caron and antawn and hopefully dray will step up more…dray has had a good camp..we were helped when caron and antawn basically took their games to a new level……..so the number of player in the nightly rotation might not expand but obviously different players involved

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:46 AM

skwiz…look good..six guys came to he gym on the “off night”

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:48 AM

dc4life….javle is doing well on defense..he is being disruptive…has to learn to stay on his feet….tech him to play defense before opposing player gets the ball by using his length

Comment from truthaboutit
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:49 AM

slwiz –

I’m sure you’ve come across this site by now, but I’ll drop it anyway.

http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm

Lot’s a great info about the salary cap, etc….probably the best out there.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:50 AM

chnage in defensive drill…one less defender on the floor..to get used to covering more space

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:53 AM

shooting drill

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:54 AM

truthaboutit…apprecaite ther site..it is something milt has seen too

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:00 PM

now a drill 4 on4

Comment from slwiz
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:01 PM

thank you truthaboutit!! Thank you…No I just am begining to understand WHY it’s so important this salary cap thing is; and how it affects the players right now, this year…any other link are alway apprciated…and i’ll recearch when i can….

Comment from Rook
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:03 PM

Dave – how is McGuire today? Groin still bothering him?

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:07 PM

rook welcome aboard…..mcguire only missed one day….milt says dom is good defenser… and pretty good shot blocker for his szie…..makes antawn and caron better and his shot has improved….one of the better passers on team too..again milt newton is with us commenting

Comment from Rook
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:11 PM

Question for Milt… Might be kind of an odd question during the middle of Training camp, but:

As President Of Player Personnel, I would assume that you take a look at all the talent out there, especially looking forward to the Draft. In your opinion, is Ricky Rubio ready for the NBA?

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:13 PM

milkt’s answer on ricky rubio….yes…he saw him play three years ago…and he wa spretty special

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:13 PM

water break…refs are on the floor..scrimmage on the way

Comment from Rook
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:15 PM

Dave – your impression… Who has surprised you the most in this camp?

Comment from slwiz
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:16 PM

I wanted to thank the video crew for the scrimmage photos..great shoots of the players working hard to set amd go through screens, move around screens…the defense they’ve been working on…so thanks again video crew…hope you can get some more coming up????

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:17 PM

well like most dom…really did stand like he has for most….dee brown’s speed dedense and he has made some tough shots……and blacthe really seems like he is ready for the next chapter….even more serious in his demeanor….

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:17 PM

scrimmage is underway…again the coaches call out plays

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:18 PM

I’d like some more info on Milt’s computerized scouting system — as people on this blog know, I am big into analysis of numbers and use of statistical understanding to grade players. I’d like to know whether Milt is aware of the Wages of Wins system — economists analyzing sports and players.

slwiz — salary cap and luxury tax are different things. Pretty much everyone is over the cap via one or another exception and therefore can’t fit anyone under the cap. Using other exceptions (mid-level, etc.), you can add players, but every dollar above the luxury tax ceiling costs you 2 dollars (you pay in to a fund dollar for dollar). And teams *below* the tax *split the fund* at the end of the year — another cost for going over!

The Wizards should not go over the luxury tax ceiling; it would be a mistake. Anyway, Ernie doesn’t do that kind of thing!!

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:18 PM

nice jumper jamison

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:20 PM

question on working on next year’s draft…theyhave an idea of who they want to follow…and will start going to to practcies and games once season has started

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:20 PM

stevenson for three gives the black the lead 12-120 on whote

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:22 PM

white has nick dee dom linton and etan

black daniels stevenson buteler jamison..blatche

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:22 PM

it is now 12-12

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:24 PM

tom mandel..questionI’d like some more info on Milt’s computerized scouting system — as people on this blog know, I am big into analysis of numbers and use of statistical understanding to grade players. I’d like to know whether Milt is aware of the Wages of Wins system — economists analyzing sports and players

milt is aware of the book

scouting system is a system to evaluate and track players and to give them a numerical measurement….but don’t feel you can appply same sttagey like they do in baseball…because basbeall so mnay mor eplayers

Comment from dmac
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:25 PM

fishercobb if it came down to Juan and Dermarr I would go with Juan. Juan is more familiar with the Princeton O, can still shoot and is more flexible in the 2 guard offense. A good defensive player. In Gil’s absence Juan is one of the shooters alongwith Nick, AJ and DS I want to take the gamewinning shot.
Dermarr is a good player who is a good ball handler and could cause some matchup problems at the 2 guard. Even though he has long arms he is not a great defensive player. The first player I would assign to check LBJ would be Tough Juice then DS and Dominic McGuire.
. We never know how things may unfold in the pre-season but my choice is Juan.It has to be Juan because I told Tom Mandel that Juan was good for 3 game winning shots before Christmas.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:26 PM

as we evaluate players talent is king

but if things are equal..the guys who deos the little things…intangibles if you will ..that player will get the nod..

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:27 PM

dmac like your comments on defensing lbj

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:27 PM

cb ds and dom….are very versatile defensively

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:28 PM

dee brown with a three

Comment from Rook
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:30 PM

Hey Truthaboutit – regarding rotation size ……

Barring injuries, I don’t see how Eddie Jordan can go below 9 players this year.

The Wizards have a pretty solid 4 guard rotation, with Daniels, Stevenson, Young and now Dee Brown (who I think will get the majority of minutes behind Daniels at PG until Gil returns)

They are also loaded in the frontcourt with Butler, Jamison and Haywood starting – Key reserves Blatche, and Songaila. Not sure where Thomas fits…. although he may get more than 8 minutes per night as well.

If Dominic McGuire continues his rise, we may even see a 10 player rotation… In my opinion, the ideal situation for this team to keep guys like Stevenson, Butler and Jamison from burning out.

I think Juan Dixon will play situational minutes…. some days he’ll get 20 or 30 minutes, but he’ll also get his share of DNP’s, or 5 minute stints.

McGee and Pech will be the end of the bench.

But any way you slice it, this is the most talented, and deepest Wizards team that Eddie Jordan has ever had.

Comment from slwiz
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:30 PM

so between juan and demar which is consistantly doing the intangibles? sorry if asked by another or earlier?

Comment from sgriff17
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:32 PM

Good, that’s my boy!

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:34 PM

juna has been consistent…dermarr had avery good practice yesterday…linton johnson has been aprt of thngs to and taj mccullough as well…in fact taj hit a game winner…not dodging the question…..just shows how hard the evaluation process is…it gets back to what milt said earlier (he is still right here)…you want camp players to make decisons difficult

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:35 PM

to rook’s comment But any way you slice it, this is the most talented, and deepest Wizards team that Eddie Jordan has ever had.

milt gives a quick yes.. and this has been the most intense training camp

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:36 PM

pech for three

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:36 PM

d song make it 30-28 white

Comment from slwiz
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:37 PM

so what will Dee do when Gil returns…TEAM that’s all Dee cares about is the TEAM doing well…so he will do all the coachs ask of him when Gil returns….in the meantime he will improve get better have fun and keep working towards his goal of GREAT rather than just good. Remember sgriff17?

you want camp players to make decisions difficult? explain please….huh….:)

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:38 PM

Dave — It’s Moneyball that’s about baseball. The Wages of Wins is almost entirely about basketball (football a little bit too), and it *definitely* proves its points.

If you look at the success of drafts statistically, it shows that teams haven’t yet understood how to quantify player productivity and especially not to project from how a guy does in college to how he’ll do in the pros. The WoW system does those things better than anything out there.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:38 PM

white now has juan nick darius pech dom

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:38 PM

black dee linton twan caron and javale

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:41 PM

on the book i know i am typing for milt as he talks and we just got off on a differnt tangent..

milt has read excepts from book but not the whole book…. i was paraphrasing some of his thoughts on player evaluation….

Comment from slwiz
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:42 PM

who are the guards in that black combo? or did it change already? LOL

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:43 PM

on the dee brown question… he would make a great third point guard… he provides something wqe haven;t had..someone who could really push the ball; and pick up full court defensively and disrupt

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:43 PM

daniels and dermarr now in black

Comment from Rook
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:44 PM

Great to hear that Dominic McGuire is scrimmaging….

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:44 PM

i hope this is coming off all right…to give you all a visual milt and ia are sitting courtside… and i type as he talks

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:45 PM

yes…he really didn’t miss a beat dom has had a good camp.. and frankly he has a lot to be proud of.,…his hard work in the off season…as eddie said he is almost a new player

Comment from Rook
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:48 PM

We’ve heard a lot about Nick Young working on d, Dom’s improved jumper, Blatche’s improved consistency and professionalism (sp?), Dee Brown and his speed, the way Juan Dixon picked up like he never left, etc…..

But someone that we have rarely heard about in Camp is “steady” DeShawn Stevenson…

How has DeShawn looked in camp?
What did he work on in the off-season?
Perhaps a video interview?

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:48 PM

scrimmage is intense even working the refs

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:50 PM

But someone that we have rarely heard about in Camp is “steady” DeShawn Stevenson…

How has DeShawn looked in camp?
What did he work on in the off-season?

really steady milt says ..done a good job defensiveley… best one on one defender..really physical….and still making the long ball…kind of picked up where he left off

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:51 PM

and will try to do video interview…you bloggers have the power

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:54 PM

baseline to basebaline dribbling..relay..break from scrimmage

Comment from slwiz
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:56 PM

is steve in today to do another position break down?He’s done two so far, right, point guard and center; or did i mss one due to apts. natural gas problems?

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:56 PM

javale flies in this drill for a big man….milt says a way to get running in without thinking they are running

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:57 PM

yes i think he is slwiz

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 2, 2008 at 12:59 PM

that will do it for practice….a big thanks to Milt Newton…again feel free to post questions

Comment from slwiz
Time October 2, 2008 at 1:00 PM

LOL Milt; yeah out think the young kid, LOL yah know get them to eat their spinach, come up with ways to get them to eat their “good” veggies, LOL

Comment from Rook
Time October 2, 2008 at 1:01 PM

Dave – Milt

Thanks a ton for your time… I really appreciate it.

I’m gonna try to make it down to VCU tomorrow for the scrimmage; probably bring my son.

Comment from slwiz
Time October 2, 2008 at 1:01 PM

way to end a great practice…thanks for coming in Milt…learned alot from you and look forward to learning more about salary cap, luxery tax; and hope you continue to recruit like this…they are raving about the depth of this bench and 6-15 players!!!

Comment from slwiz
Time October 2, 2008 at 1:06 PM

Rook, do enjoy the quality time with your son!! These memories are to be cherished. This is NBA hoops in the making. A preview of what is to come; maybe even history in the making and legends!! Have a great time….:)

Comment from doclinkin
Time October 2, 2008 at 1:57 PM

truthaboutit, rook, et al.

On Rotations. In the past Eddie has said he prefers a rotation of:

4 guards (’smalls’)
3 Forwards (’mids’)
2 centers (’bigs’)

I think that’s some part of the urgency to get Dray minutes at the 3-spot. This team is so frotnweighted with Bigs, you want to find a way to get him minutes no matter what.

You never know what will happen with injuries of course, but this tends to be the one place where opportunities open up for the team to play deep into it’s roster. But you hate to be hoping for injury, right? (Maybe one of these years we’ll be completely healthy year ’round).

Occasionally though EJ has gone with a 2nd quarter ‘bench dump’ putting out an entirely different second squad. And this year the team really seems to have the personnel to do it.

Counting players who can play dual roles (with Gil out, and assuming Dee Brown and Juan make the team) we have:

Three points (combo guard Juan Included)
Three off-guards (four if you play Daniels next to Dee)
Four Small forwards (Tawn and Dray included)
Five Power fours (Javale included)
Five Pivotmen (DS9 included as a highpost option)

Adding Gil back in gives us four guards at both on and off-ball positions.

The combinations possible are fluid and flexible.

Comment from ricklevinenyc
Time October 2, 2008 at 3:09 PM

Hey DJ, If you had to pick 1 player who you think has had the best all-around camp, who would it be?

Comment from sgriff17
Time October 2, 2008 at 3:33 PM

Just went down there on my lunch break, got pics and autographs with almost everyone BUT Dee Brown.

However, who is number 31 and 13? I can’t make out their autographs.

(Of course I did not get Arenas either) Jamison was a surprisingly very nice guy.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 2, 2008 at 3:40 PM

one of those guys is taj mccullough — 31 i think. the other name must be linton or dermarr

Comment from SportzWiz
Time October 2, 2008 at 3:48 PM

rick im not dj, and i havent been here for all of camp, but i’ve heard multiple people say one name… Andray Blatche. Tifwiw

Comment from SportzWiz
Time October 2, 2008 at 3:49 PM

31 – Taj McCullough
13 – DerMarr Johnson

Antawn Jamison is the NICEST GUY!!! Just a true professional that every fan should cheer for and love to see succeed.

Comment from sgriff17
Time October 2, 2008 at 3:54 PM

Yep, def Taj and DerMarr….now that you say it I can make out the names. As for Jamison, it was awesome that he stopped what he was doing to take a picture with me. Might have a new Wizards fan and not just a DB fan!

Comment from AUNDRA
Time October 2, 2008 at 5:53 PM

We bloggers have talked the talk. However we know in order for the Wizards to stop Olympian All-Star Lebron from coming done the lane for dunks and a cup of tea we need the Huge SUV,s in the way to slow him done! So how have our Enforcers doing” Hayood & Thomas” to improve there game and consistency.Roll The Video Tape Please DJ!

Comment from neal
Time October 2, 2008 at 6:20 PM

Three “mids”, doclinkin?

The three are bound to be Jamison, Butler and Blatche, with Blatche spelling both the others. That leaves Songaila, McGuire and Pecherov out of the rotation. That’s tough.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 2, 2008 at 6:44 PM

I don’t see how Pecherov cracks the rotation — other than if he plays extremely well for a stretch in spot minutes. JaVale gets spot minutes. Juan is a situation-changer; I can’t see him delivering in regular minutes.

For my money, Dee has to be the first point guard off the bench. If he can’t win that job, he may not make it out of camp. Nick has to be the first 2 off the bench. Dominic, I sure hope, will earn the role of being the first 3 off the bench. Andray has the size, length, athleticism and skills to be a terrific 4, the first one off the bench. Etan backs up Haywood.

That leaves Gil, who is injured, and Darius — I see him as insurance. He plays when Dray or Etan are ineffective.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 2, 2008 at 6:46 PM

Of course, nothing can or will be near that simple!! ;>

Comment from fishercob
Time October 2, 2008 at 6:50 PM

@ dmac re: Juan vs. Dermarr

I think I’d keep Dermarr. Yes, Juan knows the offense, but offense isn’t this team’s problem. Even with Gil out, Juan is no better than the 4th guard and quite possibly the 5th if Dee continues to impress. I love Juan and know he’s got the heart of a lion, but he can be exploited on D and is not a particularly efficient offensive player.

Once Gil comes back, Juan shouldn’t see the court. DerMarr can give teams a different look with some size on the wing — he’s 6′9! He can fill in some minutes if Caron or DMac get hurt, so I think he’d be filling an area of greater need.

I didn’t mean to inimate earlier that he’d be some sort of Lebron-stopper; there’s obviously no such thing. But he’s another body to throw at him, in addition to Caron, Deshawn and possibly Blatche.

I love Juan, but don’t actually think he’s a great fit with the Wiz right now.

Comment from rgz
Time October 2, 2008 at 7:15 PM

Speaking of tall guards, it’s been reported that Phil Jackson has had 6-10 Lamar Odom at PG in a few practices, with Derek Fisher at SG & Kobe Bryant at SF on offense and switching around defensively. Of course these are just experiments, but just goes to show you it isn’t just Wiz (with Jefferies and now Dermarr), Knicks with Jefferies trying out tall guards for some situations. And didn’t the Lakers also pick up a tall PG from China? Odom supposedly spent a couple of early career years at Clippers as a PG.

Comment from GlingGling
Time October 2, 2008 at 7:25 PM

SportzWiz, that’s why Antawn is always in the running for the sportsmanship award.

Comment from doclinkin
Time October 2, 2008 at 7:48 PM

neal says

“Three “mids”, doclinkin?

The three are bound to be Jamison, Butler and Blatche, with Blatche spelling both the others. That leaves Songaila, McGuire and Pecherov out of the rotation. That’s tough”
================

Yes and no. I expect the rotation to add a third ‘Big’. Eddie likes to try a Princeton Offense center from time to time to jumpstart offensive flow. This opens minutes for Darius and Bulletproof.

And I don’t even think it’s a done deal that Etan sops up the majority of the minutes at back-up Center. If you look at the line-ups he’s tried in scrimmages, he’s playing with skilled Bigs at all three frontcourt spots at times.

Yes this endangers Haywood’s minutes, though I expect he resents the threat from Dray less than he does from Etan whom he knows he out-plays.

I don’t think Pech will play much right now. The various injuries means he’s lagged behind his classmates.

Dominic is the guy I’m trying to find minutes for. But shoot, I can even see him earning minutes as a back-up 2 in spot-duty, especially as his jumper develops. Remember EJ had him shadowing Chris Paul last year. It’s nto a perfect fit, but then, he’s got to be better than Jared Jeffries. Right?

Comment from GlingGling
Time October 2, 2008 at 9:07 PM

During summer Dominic expressed a desire to be Caron’s backup. He was trying to drop weight so he could be speedy enough to cover small forwards. Also why he was working heavily on his jumpshot. If he continues to work hard he should be able to find solid minutes at small forward.

Comment from AUNDRA
Time October 2, 2008 at 9:40 PM

DJ
Whats the real deal with Dermarr Johnson ! He has the size of Magic Johnson 6′9″
quick and fast and the smoothiest jump shot with a quick release. My question is why has he been shopped around the league when this guy has unlimited talent! What is his passion ,what makes he tick and why would he be a perfect fit right here with the Washington Wizards! These are just a few questions I want to know about.

Comment from nickman
Time October 2, 2008 at 10:20 PM

Hey everybody, been very busy with school sr. year. Kent st.
Its about the bigs. I am vey interested to see how etan is going to look this year. Hopefuly he can stay healthy. I also want to see Brendan keep up the ft % at 70 plus. Its on Thomas to step up and become a force in the post with his hook. I believe that Dave Hopla can increase Etan Ft numbers as well.

Comment from GlingGling
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:08 PM

nickman I’m with you 100%. Etan and Brendan are gonna be big.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:25 PM

DerMarr Johnson was a high draft pick, but he just hasn’t panned out. I don’t know why, exactly, but he hasn’t been able to earn minutes anywhere. Being Magic’s size (not to mention having the same last name) doesn’t mean a thing.

That said, I can well imagine keeping him over Juan — but I don’t think it’ll happen. Juan will put people in seats while Gil is gone. Local guy.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:43 PM

If Andre has truely matured, has developed a work out ethic, and has solidified his game we may have found a defender who can handle the Queen? At least as much as anyone can.

I love Juan. He has been an over achiever his entire basketball career, but, in this case I think someone who can play the 2 and the 3 at this point gives us too many more options. It’s no surprise as I’ve been lobbying for a 2/3 all summer. If Nick really catches on he could also fill that need.

I would like to see Dominic’s progression be good enough to land him Caron’s back up role. With that kid’s upside he could turn out to be a Caron clone that blocks shots? Behind Dominic I could see Demarr and maybe Andre.

Barring that dreaded word “injury” (almost like saying the word Rain on race day)…. Is there any one of us that isn’t feeling pretty good about our 4’s and 5’s? We sure have some Grade A Prime Players in our Bigs this year. Especially if Pesh is totally over the ankle thing. Brendan anchoring the entire crew. Go ahead guys Dream…. JaVale “gets it” early.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 2, 2008 at 11:50 PM

Who knows Tom? Demarr may just be our poor man’s Bonzi

Comment from millie mill
Time October 3, 2008 at 8:52 AM

Here is an article on Demarr Johnson http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/01/AR2008100103448.html

He was in a car accident, I think that’s what slowed him down.

From the Washington Post:

“After averaging a career-best 8.4 points and 3.4 rebounds in 72 games during his second season with the Hawks in 2001-02, Johnson injured his back and neck in a car accident.

Since then, Johnson has bounced around the league looking for a team and situation that fits. Right now, he’s hoping to find it in his home town. “

Comment from millie mill
Time October 3, 2008 at 9:21 AM

Demarr Johnson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgXHk5IMKcc

Juan Dixon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hishly-IYyk

Comment from doclinkin
Time October 3, 2008 at 10:14 AM

The knock on DerMarr Johnson has primarily been his defense, especially on the perimeter. He’s had poor fundamentals, upright stance, doesn’t move his feet much, poor lateral movement, and seeming disinterest.

Offensively he’s been a bit of a chucker too. Falls in love with bombing away from long distance. He’s demonstrated offensive skill, but not the best judgment. Overall the knock on him is his consistency, he came into the league as an interesting raw talent and never really developed into a fundamentally sound baller. Wasn’t DerMarr the kid who tried to declare for the NBA after his junior year of high school? Maybe it has just taken this long for him to grow up and get serious.

DraftExpress has a good breakdown for him. It says basically what I just said about him, because I stole their analysis and acted like i made it up myself. But for what it’s worth their ‘Comprehensive stats’ indicate the same thing.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 3, 2008 at 12:12 PM

Doc… the breakdown on Demarr is not what I wanted to hear. Sounds like back to the 2/3 drawing board.

Comment from millie mill
Time October 3, 2008 at 1:20 PM

That’s just what I was thinking GrifonRacing!