Comment from windy city
Time October 6, 2008 at 10:29 AM

Is there a link to listen on-line? Or would this be available on NBA Audio league pass, and is that free this year? Anyone know? i’m in Chicago.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time October 6, 2008 at 11:12 AM

Hey everyone, I will be down at practice in the next hour or so. Team will be leaving for Dallas right after practice.

Comment from Bridge
Time October 6, 2008 at 11:32 AM

Just want you guys to know that y’all do a GREAT job!

I can’t wait for things to start – I bought my tickets for the November 5th game here; I think I’m even gonna get me a Wiz shirt made!!

Go Wizards!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment from Phemy
Time October 6, 2008 at 11:42 AM

“Center Brendan Haywood wasn’t available, either, courtesy of a sprained right wrist. He was sent back to Washington and will miss at least another week of the preseason.”

What’s up with that? any more information?
But..meh…we got Etan, so give him the time. Well, we even got mcGee also!

1 more day, yeahhh..let’s send dirk home to germanyy! (or something… )
greetz

Comment from SportzWiz
Time October 6, 2008 at 11:48 AM

we mentioned it earlier, he sprained it I believe on Thursday. No updates but if we here something we will let you know.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 6, 2008 at 12:06 PM

That isn’t good news. He must have tweaked the wrist pretty good if he isn’t traveling with the team in the first week of the pre season.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 6, 2008 at 12:10 PM

Hi Phemy.

Are you going to get the chance to see them play in Berlin? Here is in hoping so.

Comment from doclinkin
Time October 6, 2008 at 1:17 PM

REPOST FROM LAST THREAD
—————————–

# neal Says:
October 6th, 2008 at 9:10 AM

Someone suggested a minor league for basketball. Makes a lot of sense. There are SO MANY good players that can’t quite make it in the NBA, or that bloom late. However, the NBA teams would have to contribute a lot of money to keep the minor league afloat. That means they would have less to pay NBA players and the union would probably be opposed to the idea.

# SportzWiz Says:
October 6th, 2008 at 10:09 AM

Minor league is basicaly the d-league.

===========
doclinkin says

Point was: how to make the D-League serve as a better minor league system. And the primary additional cost would be:

Expanding the D-League so there’s a one-for-one ratio, so every major league team gets it’s own affiliate.

That’s it. That’s your big ticket cost. That and hiring personnel to assist in the lower league.

The rules alteration that would require Player’s association approval would be a tweak that allows an NBA star to slum in the D-League –IF THEY WANTED TO– to rehab an injury. The way the current rules are written, a vet can’t drop dimes in the D to knock the rust off. The players didn’t want the D-League to be used as a potential threat, a punitive measure by coaching staff, that you could send a guy down to the minors if they didn’t act right. A voluntary only measure can leave a player open to pressure from their coach I suppose, but ultimately I don’t see it as likely.

The main thing would be that the lower level team could then be more responsive to the front office of the Big leagues, they could play similar systems, etc. No 2 year training wheels period to learn the Princeton offense, or whatnot. Understood, this would benefit the Wiz more than many teams I suppose, but hey, that’s what kinda fan I am. But still, having a closer relationship between the D-League affiliate and the parent team would allow for the front office to ask for more PT for a guy, or request that his coaching staff work with him on Defensive fundamentals, etc. Things the Big League coach might not have time to focus on — might not have on court minutes for– in the middle of a playoff run.

The benefit is you get an NBA quality player developed quicker, trained in your team philosophy. The Yankee way. Oriole way (Ripken style).

The tweak that intrigues me from the Wiz angle is the idea of a local team with local talent, and regular try-outs for walk-ons etc. The DMV area has a ton of talent from MoCo to Barry Farms to B’more to PG to whereever. If players didn’t have to ship out to Dakota, the D-league might look like a better option than Europe or whatever, and Eurotalent might even find it’s way over here.

Seems to me extra cost may be offset by revenue uptick when re-habbing stars commonly show up in the lower league to work the kinks out. Ten-game ‘Gilbert plan’ promotions. See ‘Javale McGee grow up!’ You build brand loyalty from the little league on out. Though possibly you get a better more steady audience in towns without Big League dollars.

Just saying, I want my own Wizards affiliate, same way them Lakers get a personal minor league squad of their own.
======================

Hey DJ maybe you can ask around about the concept. Would the Wiz be more likely to use the D-League if they could send the players down to a team that taught Princeton principles and similar defensive concepts?

Comment from SportzWiz
Time October 6, 2008 at 2:06 PM

Quick heads up on the radio broadcasts. Here’s what we know so far

Tomorrow Night 10/7 Wizards at Dallas

ESPN 980 in Washington

FOX 1370 Sports Radio in Baltimore

For the rest of the preseason games:

WTNT 570 AM

WWRC 1260 AM

FOX 1370 Sports Radio

All Regular season games:

ESPN 980

Comment from ricklevinenyc
Time October 6, 2008 at 2:41 PM

by the way, comcast sports net is broadcasting the dallas preaseason game in HD! way to go comcast.

though i haven’t seen him play much at all, from what i’ve read, i am hoping that we keep dermarr johnson. with his size at the 2 position, it sounds like he can help us defensively. that’s where we all know improvement needs to come.

it may be true that juan dixon can sell some tickets, but the only real way to fill the seats will be to win. and to win, we need defense, and that is not something juan is known for. sorry dixon fans, but i think he needs to be let go.

Comment from GlingGling
Time October 6, 2008 at 2:53 PM

Windy, there is a very good chance it’s going to be available to listen to free on NBA.com.

As to what Tom said about the D-league acting on a one-to-one ratio. Three team (SA, LA, OKC) now have their own D-league teams. I think it’s very possible for this to take off. Though it will happen over time rather than by some initiative.

Looking forward to hearing Phil and Steve. Looking forward to watching the young guys get minutes in the preseason.

slwiz, I didn’t know Dee was responsive to questions, thank you for letting us know. I love the players that try to connect with the fans (Gilbert, Nick, Dom, and now Dee). Having blogs and vlogs is really a treat for the fans and if these guys have a little extra time it can really give us more energy to cheer for them.

Comment from Bridge
Time October 6, 2008 at 3:08 PM

“Bridge; I think if MySpace isn’t an option; try his Q & A. I’ve let him know you are going to possibly try so he’ll be looking for your Q & A. I explained a little about Score and your son’s desire for the NBA. Hope you two can connect!:)” – - slwiz

Yeah, thanks slwiz; I just caught this comment reading through/catching up on everything because I was kinda busy during the weekend. Thanks for explaining the blog . Also, he’s my BROTHER – seeing the word “son” made me nervous…not yet – not even close to yet, I’m still young and somewhat immature lol…

Comment from GlingGling
Time October 6, 2008 at 3:14 PM

Anyone still worried or looking for confirmation of Dee’s roster spot, I noticed that on the roster page Dee has been given a jersey number (17) while Juan still has not. Take it for what it’s worth.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 6, 2008 at 3:17 PM

Hiya Bridgy. Hey I’m old and immature. Works for me

I like the idea Doc. Pretty much like MLB’s farm club system. I don’t see it taking off right away as I don’t think players like Gilbert or Elton Brand could see themselves playing in the D league because of how it is now percieved. In time though the “revamped” D league teams would be self sufficient as they would fill their respective arena’s with fans watching players like Gilbert as they rehab. I also like the idea as “our” D league team could teach the Princeton offense and all the defensive nuances that are common only to the Wizards.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 6, 2008 at 3:18 PM

Demarr or Juan… I’m happy either way. Both bring differant things to the table. Both can help us.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time October 6, 2008 at 3:20 PM

GlingGling, it’s not worth much, those pages are run by the NBA and constantly behind! For example, Ernest Eugene the assistant trainer on the page left the team four months ago and is now the head trainer for Marquette .

Comment from GlingGling
Time October 6, 2008 at 3:23 PM

Poor Dee, Elvin Hayes stole his jersey number for good!

Comment from GlingGling
Time October 6, 2008 at 3:25 PM

Oh snap SportzWiz, that’s confusing. Curse you NBA webmasters!

Comment from SportzWiz
Time October 6, 2008 at 3:26 PM

Dont curse the Wizards webmaster . But just dont put too much stock into that, in fact I just emailed the league about Ernest but just an FYI for future purposes.

Comment from GlingGling
Time October 6, 2008 at 3:36 PM

Haha, thanks. I know they take a while to update. When trades/signs happen on just about any team it can take a few weeks for the roster to change.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 6, 2008 at 3:37 PM

LOL GlingGling…. most of them came from badmitton/beach volleyball so they have an excuse. We are one of the few teams in the NBA “spoiled” the way we are. I doubt Dee was even born when “Big E” was stealing his number

to the Wizard’s Webmaster…. the site is very cool these days. The video section is awesome.

Comment from gbkdc
Time October 6, 2008 at 4:00 PM

My husband asked if I was going to watch the Wizards game or the Presidential Debate. Wiz game for sure! I know enough about those two already. Besides, I can watch the debate during halftime and commercials. My priorities are straight!

Comment from SportzWiz
Time October 6, 2008 at 4:31 PM

I mean we know what the Presidential candidates will say, but we dont know what kind of dunk Nick Young is going to pull out, or how many blocks Dominic McGuire is going to have or what JaVale McGee is going to do in his first action!

Comment from Bridge
Time October 6, 2008 at 5:43 PM

It’ll work for me for life GR lol…

I’m with gbkdc and SportzWiz!

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 6, 2008 at 6:03 PM

I’m writing in Antawn Jamison for President anyway?

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time October 6, 2008 at 9:05 PM

lol Grifon i think thats a plan ill do it too… and yeah you cant miss the first game of the preseason its not American

Comment from slwiz
Time October 6, 2008 at 9:09 PM

I posted this earlier in the Back in DC blog; seems I’m still trying to come up to speed:) slwiz Says:

October 6th, 2008 at 2:47 PM
Alright Tom, and truthaboutit; you’ve had your laugh; go ahead split a gut: ROFLMAO; you could have warned … Man they take a simple game and put all these numbers and statistics and Tom; you love it!! LOL This is my initial reaction and I’ve only gotten as far as CBA and BRI!! LOL Right now it’s like great; I can’t even remember what the names and numbers of the players are, let alone definitions and abbreviations! This will take time and effort!!

Well, I’ll keep plugging but if I do ask a specific question, please, please use the KISS method. Your minds and experience are for Milt!! But if I can learn some; I’d like to. I also know besides keeping things simple; repetition is a key for me to learn. So I may ask the same question over and over till you want to pull your hair out:) Life is full;…the things we do to enjoy our team and players:)

Comment from slwiz
Time October 6, 2008 at 9:09 PM

The Dallas Mavericks have several players with 10-14 years experience; and true Jason Kidd is old but experienced. What matchups do you think will happen with our starters. I know Brendan is out with the wrist; but otherwise it’s possibly Etan (C), Tawn (F), CB3 (F) and Deshawn (G) and AD (G) but who do they match up with? Thought?

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 6, 2008 at 10:24 PM

slwiz…. never hesitate to ask any question that’s on your mind. We are all friends here.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 6, 2008 at 10:27 PM

And, never worry. Tom and Neal love new “numbers” people. I’m sure they will give you all kind of good places to get all the numbers you can stand lol.

Comment from GlingGling
Time October 6, 2008 at 10:28 PM

Josh Howard vs Caron sounds like a fun match up. Etan should be able to handle Dampier. I’d like to see Andray tested against some bigs including Nowitzki. I’m interested in seeing Dee against Kidd and other larger points. My thoughts will be more cohesive during/after the game. It’s hard to focus on specific match ups, I want to see it all.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 6, 2008 at 10:30 PM

I think Tom is out of town now. Neal will, no doubt, be on pretty steadily after tomorrow night (first pre season game).

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 6, 2008 at 10:36 PM

I’m traveling, but I do check in when I can.

I like the idea of Antawn for president, but really how tall is he? If we want a president who really can “see Russia from here” he has to be at least 7′ — JaVale is my choice.

(Of course, no Wizard is old enough to qualify to be president — thank heavens! 40 is kinda old to ball unless you are Mutombo, who would be the best choice for president among nba players, now that I think of it.)

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 6, 2008 at 10:37 PM

I’m going to miss tomorrow night’s game, alas. I might try to get my wife to record it for me.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 6, 2008 at 10:41 PM

You hit a couple I’m looking forward to too GlingGling. Dee/Kidd… the first time I really am going to get a chance to see Dee play. I’m really looking forward to it. Andray/Dirk…. that one should show us if Andray has, or is about to, turn the corner. The Howard/Caronimo battle is just going to be flat out fun to watch. I’m also looking for a little Dominic/Howard action as well. It will just be good to see Etan back out on the court. If he is back on the court we all Know what we are going to get from him…. 110% as always. My very first “wanna see” is Nick. I don’t care who he is guarding or who guards him. If he shows me any kind of improvement over last year and the summer league the cork is coming out of the champaigne bottle

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 6, 2008 at 10:41 PM

LOL I love it.. Miss ya Bud

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 6, 2008 at 10:49 PM

I only have DVR and don’t know how to transfer it to a cd or I’d mail you a copy.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 6, 2008 at 10:59 PM

You know, of course, if Nick gets 15 points… 5 rebounds…. 3 assists…. 1 steal…. and 2 turnovers we have got us another Roger Thang lol.

Comment from slwiz
Time October 7, 2008 at 3:36 AM

7:36 PM…Dave Johnson checking in from Dallas….Again BLOGCAST is back….connect with us during the game……THERE WILL BE A LINK TO THE LIVE RADIO BROADCAST HERE ON THE HOME PAGE AND AT THE TOP OF TUESDAY’S BLOG.

dj or SportzWiz- so us new to the blog from Illinois will not need to use NBA.com All Access? All we do is exactly what we did for training camp? Which is come to the blog? and click a link to open up the radio blog?

so in the background of our speakers will be your lively voice, and your lively fingers will be typing away to all fan questions?

We look forward to you Dave (radio) and Glens (TV) play by play…We get to listen to our boys playing basketball tonight….Cool!!!

Comment from slwiz
Time October 7, 2008 at 3:47 AM

Thanks for the support, GrifonRacing, and I’ll try to ask my questions without hesitation it’s just hard because I find the answer the next day in my reading!! LOL

For now, my mind isn’t into numbers and figuring out the salary cap. Really, that link and other info I’m reading indicates there’s more to it than the simple definition. for the next few days I hope to focus on who the Mavericks are and the Grizzlies are!!

Dee vs Jason Kidd. I thought Jason would start and Dee would be come off the bench for AD? So about the only way they might match up is if Dee starts, which I think is possible in pre season because coach is still trying combinations. Or if Jason doesn’t start and he comes in off the bench to spell the starting guard whose getting playing experience. It will be a good matchup.

Also, Deron Williams and Jason Kidd where with the Olympic team for what 3 years building up to the “Redeem Team”. And Deron and Dee still communicate; so in chatting about the Olympics it’s possible Jason’s name and style of play came up because they are all guards!! and vs versa deron to jason. It could happen!!

Comment from slwiz
Time October 7, 2008 at 4:05 AM

Josh Howard’s future: What could Dallas Mavericks get for him?
http://bestsportsbook.name/index.php?sport=nba&story=10838324

He made some mistakes and his reputation is in question. He has to build trust and respect. So he could enter preseason with something to prove, that he is learning and that could make him dangerous? Also he’s a G/F so he could be quick and handle the ball?

Comment from slwiz
Time October 7, 2008 at 4:15 AM

Yeah Erick Dampier has 12 years and Dirk Nowitzki has 10. Dirk coming out of Germany may play even harder since he didn’t have the games in the Olympics that he would have like to have?

Is Andray a C or a C/F? Which postion does he seem the most comfortable playing? I wish I had the visual as Andray and Dom and Nick are all players I’d like to know more of. So you fans who get to watch on TV; enjoy and have fun!!

Tom, roses or chocolate; taking out the trash or even just down right begging might get cha a recording made! Or even a simple Please, honey might do the trick! Laptops are great during travel?

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 7, 2008 at 10:18 AM

slwiz…. yes… tonight just come here as you normally would to blog during the game. There will be a link at the top of the blog for the audio link. At least that’s how it worked last season.

I expect to see a very liberal substitution policy especially in the first 2 or 3 pre season games. At some point I think we will see Dee on Kidd. We as fans want to see it and I think the coaches want to see it too.

Is Andray a C or a F/C? Probably more of a F/C. They talked about Andray 4 years ago as they are talking about JaVale today. Tall, very atheletic, huge potential. I think he is a little more comfortable at the 4 but did a fairly good job last year at the 5. He can play them both.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 7, 2008 at 10:29 AM

Ps… Dave and Glenn do the radio broadcast. Steve and Phil do the tv.

Comment from gbkdc
Time October 7, 2008 at 9:14 PM

Ohmigod no!!!!! Not Antawn!!!!!