Washington Wizards Blog

Comment from aznzero
Time November 13, 2008 at 9:12 AM

great game last night! alot of things finally happened that we didnt see the first 5 games.

i was at home yelling and screaming and clapping when Javale exited. i was surprised Eddie put him in early and let him play the fourth quarter. you can tell when Javale is in there the game changes. Opponents have a hard time scoring inside and getting any rebounds. Man i wish we wouldve connected on that one alley oop to Javale.

Any pics from “Javale Cam”? Javale had a few dunks

Comment from jdmek9tec
Time November 13, 2008 at 9:35 AM

you can tell from the start, the tone was just different, the whole team came out to play. I was getting a little worried there in the 4th, we almost gave in, but we went on that run to end it. I think everyone played well, even andray was great other then that behind the back pass that went straight to the Jazzz….but overall great game

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time November 13, 2008 at 10:04 AM

aznzero,

Man I also WISH he would have connected on that dunk…but it seemed like the timing itself wasnt there…by the time he got the ball one of his forearms had already hit the rim…which kinda knocked him off balance for the slam. It seems like Juan is the only one who can get it up there to him SO FAR with great timing.

But we have to continue to bring this guy off the bench. We need 2 key players off the bench. Right now we have 3: Juan, Nick, and JaVale…on any giving night one of these guys is going to be off..so we need the other to step in.

Man I CANT wait until Gilbert comes back. He would occupy ALOT worries. The opposing teams will try to stop HIM. That will open up a lot of things for JaVale to even to better. I can imgaine us haveing a line-up like this one at the end of the the quarters to close them out well.

Here’s the Line-Up:

PG-Gilbert
SG-Nick
SF-Caron
PF-Jamison
C-JaVale

Now imagine in 2009-2010 season…

PG-Arenas
SG-Nick
SF-Caron
PF-JaVale
C-Brendan

now thats SQUAD…I think im getting a little ahead of myself….but thats what this blogs for!

GO WIZARDS
GO WIZARDS
GO WIZARDS
GO WIZARDS

Comment from Phemy
Time November 13, 2008 at 10:07 AM

Let JaVale start! Let JaVale start!

Oh yeah. Not blogging much lately, need my sleep. But i woke up this morning, and my dad (mavericks/dirk fan) was like “dude, you actually won last night, what’s going on?” -”WHAT?” …and then I arrived late in school because i had to check the boxscore and watch the highlights, and find my ‘zards shirt in the closet:D

Looks like our two allstars had a great game, caron butler really pushing his “star-level”…and mcgee…wow. And Nick…yeah, it’s coming together. Doesn’t mean that much I’m afraid, but…the change has begun ;>

greetz

Comment from wizkid034
Time November 13, 2008 at 10:16 AM

Wizskins…on the surface, your line-up after Gil returns looks nice. However, where is you punch off the bench? By starting Gil, Nick, Caron and Jamison, you are starting our top offensive threats (and not a great defensive group). When you go to the bench, you will see a major drop in offensive production.

I would rather see the Wiz leave Nick on the bench and have him as our 6th man. He is still gonna get his minutes, and he will bring the bench punch.

I am, however, FULLY in favor of starting JaVale…NOW!!!! It is so painfully obvious that the squad is flat with Etan in the game. JaVale clogs the middle and discourages driving to the hoop. His mere presence forces opponents to take more perimeter shots (which with his 7′6″ wingspan he can still block). The kid brings energy…energy we need from the opening tip. Etan would be better coming off the bench…period.

Final comment…your line-up for next year, with Javale at PF? One word about that, NO. As long as Jamison is a Wizard, that starting spot should be his. You do not relegate him to the bench simply for a “twin towers” type of line-up. That is a line-up we will see during the game, but not to start.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time November 13, 2008 at 11:21 AM

One thing about the starters. A lot of people make a big deal about who starts, but in reality if a guy plays 30 minutes and plays in the fourth quarter does it matter who plays the first five minutes?

Manu Ginobili didn’t start for the Spurs during their championship runs. Kevin McHale was a sixth man but always was on the court in the fourth quarter.

I think there is a lot less pressure to come off the bench and bring energy then to start. Nick, Juan and JaVale come in and instantly bring some energy in off the bench which every team needs. They also have been getting lots of playing time down the stretch.

A game is 48 minutes long, does it make that big of a difference who plays the first 5 especially since those guys have performed so well coming off the bench?

Comment from Da_Big_Taba
Time November 13, 2008 at 11:25 AM

we need to get rid of etan thomas! only 1pt in 12 minutes?!?!?! he sucks so much. make him earn his minutes. i think mcgee already proved himself that he can play. after the first couple of games i already knew who was slowing us down. THATS ETAN

Comment from wizkid034
Time November 13, 2008 at 11:53 AM

Sportswiz…you are exactly right. That is why I am not necessarily in support of starting NY. He will get his minutes and if his defense continues to improve, he will be in there in the 4th quarter…who would you guard? Gil? Caron? NY? Quite a quandry.

I think the thing starters is exactly that. They get you off an rolling. When I witness a total melaise when starting with Etan, then I see the energy jump way up when JaVale comes in, I wonder why we do not start the kid. When Brendan comes back and is able to start, he should. JaVale would back him up…and sometimes play with him if needed.

Comment from jhough813
Time November 13, 2008 at 12:31 PM

Honestly, I’ve wanted Etan gone for a long time, I just felt bad when he had the heart condition last year. He’s just too small to match up with the Cs in the league and he doesn’t have any offensive game to justify putting him at PF. He’s a good guy, just not for more than spot duty.

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time November 13, 2008 at 1:06 PM

wizkid034,

The line-up i showed there is the punch off the bench. Our starters would be Stevenson and Etan. But the mix in Nick and JaVale in there once in a while with Gil, Caron, and Jamison. AND its a SQUAD to mess with in the east.

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time November 13, 2008 at 1:09 PM

wizkid034,

Remember now, next year Jamison will be alot older. But if you WANT to start him we have to look at JaVale closely for the rest of the season. He may even get the start over Brendan if he can improve him FREE-THROWS….

Comment from GlingGling
Time November 13, 2008 at 1:26 PM

SportzWiz, I agree with you about coming of the bench not being a big deal, for the most part. The exception would be with JaVale and Etan. I don’t want to get rid of Etan, he can be a very good back up center. However it is hurting more to be flat coming out the gates than the energy JaVale brings off the bench.

McGee played 27 minutes tonight and 29 minutes against the nicks. Both games were double doubles. With JaVale being as athletic as he is there is no reason he can’t consistently play at least 33 mpg. Etan is a good option off the bench but McGee is proving more and more that he is our starting center. It might not come soon and McGee will probably be getting 30 mpg off the bench for a while but eventually, if things keep up, he will start. I do feel bad for Etan though.

I think nick young coming off the bench for 30 mpg is a good idea for now. When him and Juan along with JaVale are out there the energy goes through the roof. That is nice weapon to have off the bench.

wiz-skins07, I too can not wait for Gil to get back. Gil and Nick is going to be SICK!!! I think we’ll see a flash of the old Gil and Larry Hughes combo.

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time November 13, 2008 at 1:29 PM

Yeah, Lets not forgot WHEN Gil is on the court this team is usually RUNNING…that would suit well for JaVale…and a gets most of the attention, giving Nick more room to shine…

Comment from GlingGling
Time November 13, 2008 at 1:33 PM

ahh, how could I typo Knicks?!

Comment from WizardsExtreme
Time November 13, 2008 at 1:39 PM

good win, lots left to work on but we can do this, I am confident~!

btw Javale cam is beast!

http://www.wizardsextreme.com/

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time November 13, 2008 at 1:39 PM

GlingGling,

MAYBE you were to excited with the way Nick Young has been playin’ this season

Comment from TAG FLIP
Time November 13, 2008 at 1:45 PM

this is what i think, not to bash all of you with hypothetical starting lineups..

leave the starting lineup the way it is. we maintained the continuity from 07-08 (minus mason, add dixon, brown, pecherov). we saw what happened last year with the 0-5 start, we won the 6th game and reeled off 5 more after that. it’d be great to do that this year as well, we’ll see what happens in the next 5 games, but seriously, all of these hypothetical lineups likely arent’ going to come to fruition without the assistance of something like an injury or suspension. the starting lineup (until arenas gets back) will remain this way

PG – Antonio Daniels
SG – DeShawn Stevenson
SF – Caron Butler
PF – Antawn Jamison
C – Etan Thomas

B1 – Nick Young
B2 – Juan Dixon
B3 – JaVale McGee
B4 – Andray Blatche
B5 – Darius Songaila
B6 – Dee Brown
B7 – Dominic McGuire
B8 – Oleksiy Pecherov
I1 – Gilbert Arenas
I2 – Brendan Haywood

That’s more than likely how it will look and stay for the near future. juan can easily be pencilled in as a start in the event AD has to miss a game or two, but leave it as it is. you need those sparks coming off the bench, and we all know AD’s numbers when he comes off the bench.. really bad compared to when he starts..

Comment from GlingGling
Time November 13, 2008 at 1:47 PM

Imagine a new NBA team called the Nicks, composed entirely of clones of Nick Young. I don’t know how well that would work though, but FUN nonetheless.

Comment from GlingGling
Time November 13, 2008 at 1:55 PM

TAG FLIP, with the exception of JaVale I think you’re right. If JaVale keeps playing the way he does his starting is inevitable. It’s more of a status thing but also will help bring energy out the gate. He cannot be ignored forever (not that he is). He needs to get the proper recognition and respect for his production.

One thing I also liked, besides his five fouls which considering he is a rookie that was guarding Carlos Boozer I’d say he did a good job not fouling out. Besides that, he had only a single turnover. He seems to have great hands so as he works out his rookie kinks I think he will continue to protect the ball well.

Comment from GlingGling
Time November 13, 2008 at 2:05 PM

Watching the NBA.com highlights they pointed out Caron was one-of-one from three. That’s awesome!

Comment from TAG FLIP
Time November 13, 2008 at 2:23 PM

I’m guessing you would have JaVale starting over Etan?

Comment from GlingGling
Time November 13, 2008 at 4:52 PM

It doesn’t have to be soon, but did you hear the cheering when JaVale came off the court? That was special.

Comment from GlingGling
Time November 13, 2008 at 4:53 PM

I should have said, it doesn’t have to be immediately. Soon would be preferable.

Comment from aznzero
Time November 13, 2008 at 4:58 PM

GlingGling
The cheering was loud for Javale. It may have something to do with Eddie encouraging the crowd to cheer for him. dont get me wrong javale deserved it. i mean wow thats pretty special to have a coach do that for you. shows how much eddie is liking javale. The kid is 20 right? he’s a year older then me and is like hella tall!

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time November 13, 2008 at 5:44 PM

i just watched the game had to DVR it and catch it today.. and to tell you the truth i did not like most of the game but that last 2:30 mins was what i been looking to see outa the guys… that i want it im going to take it move over or get run over play that we all needed to see..

Comment from GlingGling
Time November 13, 2008 at 6:45 PM

aznzero, yes he’ll be 21 in January.

Wizards4Life, did you happen to catch the half time interview with Jamison? They asked him if he liked the level of urgency out of the team and he said something along the lines of, “No, this isn’t it. We don’t have it yet, we have to play harder.” So you and Jamison were probably watching the same game. I never thought they played with less intensity than the Jazz. And as you pointed out in the final minutes they really intensified and it turned into a win.

Comment from Rick
Time November 13, 2008 at 7:22 PM

I think it absolutely DOES MATTER who starts the game. If you come out flat and have to crawl back into a game your chances are low that you will win. If you come out even with your opponent, that is OK but still not ideal. What you really want to do is jump all over a team and take their morale.

In my opinion neither Thomas nor Daniels helps you do that. They are solid role players and should see their action coming off the bench. I don’t think the Wizards need a true point guard anyway. They don’t have one when Arenas is healthy!

Comment from Reuben
Time November 13, 2008 at 8:44 PM

I just played that caron butler game. It was great I won 2 ringtones and a walllpaper

Comment from GlingGling
Time November 13, 2008 at 9:53 PM

I been reading around the blogosphere and everyone is high on JaVale. People were worried about putting too much pressure on him, but when he talks to reporters all you get is cool, calm, and confident. I think the opposite will be true. I think he thrives on opportunity (look at those put backs, that’s opportunity). I hope he keeps playing well so that there is no doubt in anyone’s mind (Eddie’s mostly) that JaVale is the Wizards center (in the absence of Haywood).

JaVale is center.

Comment from Da_Big_Taba
Time November 13, 2008 at 10:22 PM

trade etan for david lee. if that doesnt work lets get ruffin again OOPS

Comment from slwiz
Time November 13, 2008 at 11:18 PM

I just wanted to say thanks for the audios. The pregame with eddie, his post game after Utah, and his comments after practice. The concept of “veterern reliability” is clearer. Eddies use of the bench is clearer. Eddie showing some emotion towards the fans by presenting JaVale to them was cool. So many good plays by several players in the 4th sealed the victory against a very good caliber playoff team in the Jazz. I hope they can keep up the effort and continue good defense and keep their offense going.

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time November 13, 2008 at 11:49 PM

i played that CB3 game and i won a singed CB3 jersey ha ha ha ha ha i am loving it right now GO Wizards

Comment from wizfan and the kid
Time November 14, 2008 at 12:04 AM

Wow, you’d think we won like 5 in a row…I know I am an old-timer here, but…
It was a pretty good game, but like GlingGling said, AJ wasn’t completely impressed with it. I would agree.

Also, lets get serious folks. No team has faced JaVale yet. There is no JaVale strategy or match-up. Let’s let him develop a bit before throwing him out there. Think of him going against Shaq or Amare or someone with size and skill. Lets see how well he does against Yao before we make him a starter.

As to Etan, you people are probably the same that roasted Brendan and called him names instead of supporting him. Etan is getting back into shape. He had 2 blocks in 12 minutes. As our defense gets better and he rounds into shape, you will all be glad he is on the bench as a back-up this season. Yesterday’s block (and almost second block) on Boozer was the same kind that Brendan can get because the defense steers the player into traffic. Trades are fools gold right now.

Oh, and AD is supposed to be the back-up, but he is starting because we are missing Gil. AD is so efficient it is not funny. Of course, he has been playing on one leg, too if people have not noticed.

One very amazing thing I have not seen anyone mention about last night’s game:
JaVale had a very positive impact on AB. Nobody noticed AB playing 21 minutes and 0 fouls. 0!!! That is insane! Oh, and Nick Young…31 minutes and only 2 fouls!! So, you want a real reason to cheer about JaVale it is because of this intangible: he helped the defense of the players that need it most. Let see if that keeps up. Then we will know something special is happening here.

Old guy signing off…

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time November 14, 2008 at 12:27 AM

With Brendan going down, in the first few games I could see starting Etan as he is the only experienced center we have. Too many of the other teams starting centers dominate him badly. Now that JaVale has shown he can play the position for almost 30 minutes a night I think we should start him and bring Etan off the bench when the other team substitutes their back up center. I think dominate might be too strong a word, but, I think Etan would fare better than well against most back up centers in the league.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time November 14, 2008 at 12:31 AM

We haven’t seen Etan’s best yet either. I’m sure after a year off and major surgery he is still playing himself back into game shape. For that reason too I think he should be the first option off the bench at 5.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time November 14, 2008 at 12:37 AM

Who said about Gil and Nick playing together? I should scroll up lol but I’m too lazy. OMG that is going to be ONE fun duo ! I never thought about it but Nick is starting to develop some of Larry’s passing lane stealing skills? Gilbert and Larry+? Hmmm that could be very Cool. Like back in those days…. the other team won’t know which one to guard.

Comment from Da_Big_Taba
Time November 14, 2008 at 1:01 AM

LOL at saying Etan is getting better because of those 2 blocks. have u seen how many shots he leaves uncontested????? ppl be rebounding over him too. it doesnt matter if he is up against a starter or a bench player. i really think he is the reason why we lost a majority of our games. the only gud game he played was the 1st game of the season

Comment from Da_Big_Taba
Time November 14, 2008 at 1:05 AM

i think etan shud earn his minutes n his role in this team. so far he hasnt proved me anything this season except bringing down this team. songaila is more efficient than him

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time November 14, 2008 at 1:14 AM

SportzWiz,

HELP!!!

Why does it keep telling me that I am inelegible to play the Caron Butler game. Thats not fair I WANNA play..lol..Im 18 I should be allowed to play…

HELP ASAP…

Btw…Remember the little contest and we would be getting out little opening night shirts…when will I be getting that…

GO WIZARDS!

HELP!!

Comment from GlingGling
Time November 14, 2008 at 1:23 AM

wizfan and the kid, you have a very good point about JaVale going up against Amare, Yao, Shaq and other dominant vets. Boozer was a good test and in my mind JaVale passed. I’m with you on Etan, I’m not saying to throw him away, he can still be getting 15-20 productive mpg off the bench like he historically has. AB with 0 fouls! UNHEARD OF!

Grifon, that was me that made the comparison to Gil and Larry. That historic duo was actually before my fandom began but my friend talks about it with grand nostalgia. Larry’s years with Gil were some of his best.

I think they ran out of prizes in the CB3 game. I won some shirts but they somehow turned into wallpapers and ringtones, haha.

Comment from Jason C
Time November 14, 2008 at 2:47 AM

Clearly I don’t know Caron that well…blast.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time November 14, 2008 at 4:32 AM

Larry’s best years were easily along side Gilbert. He should have never gone to Cleveland to be Lebron’s whatever. His chemistry was here with Gilbert. Water under the bridge. I feel sorry for Larry. His career has gone straight down hill since that one mistake.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time November 14, 2008 at 8:57 AM

What difference does it make if JaVale starts or comes off the bench? If he is going to get 25-30 minutes a game we’ll see how well he performs. So far, he has been off the charts. He is looking like a guy who could have been the first pick in the draft.

Etan is a steady veteran who is coming off a big lay-off. No, he is not a dominant center in the league — or even a starting center (although the same people dinging him now were calling for him to start over Brendan a year ago). But, he is the best choice to start games for the moment.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time November 14, 2008 at 8:59 AM

Larry Hughes is a wonderful basketball player and a great person too, by all accounts. But his problems have been the same since coming into the league: no real natural position and a tendency to get banged up and miss games.

All the same, he is a great defender and teammate; I wish he hadn’t left.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time November 14, 2008 at 10:34 AM

Tom,

Did you just say first pick in the draft? I thought you didn’t want JaVale .

We will hopefully get the shirts out shortly (cross your fingers its today)

With the caron Butler game you need to be 18 and a resident of MD, VA, WV or DC. Don’t know if that helps.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time November 14, 2008 at 12:22 PM

I never said I didn’t want JaVale, SportsWiz — I thought he was the best guy available at 18.

I did want Speights, had he been there — and he is also looking like a great rookie.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time November 14, 2008 at 12:25 PM

Tom I don’t think it matters who starts between Antonio and Juan, but, I do think it makes a difference who starts between Etan and JaVale. The first 5 minutes of the games so far have not been our friend. Some of that has been our lack of scoring punch early and some has been because we are getting beat under the basket. The scoring will come but no matter how much we would like to we can’t give Etan a few more inches of height. I’m not saying to completely reverse Etan and JaVale’s roles. (at least not yet). I’m just saying to start JaVale against the other teams starter and bring Etan in against their back up where he will fare much better.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time November 14, 2008 at 12:32 PM

I think it took me to JaVale’s 2nd or 3rd alley ooop dunk to forget Hibbert and Speights

Comment from Da_Big_Taba
Time November 14, 2008 at 1:26 PM

i love it when they throw it up to him

Comment from SportzWiz
Time November 14, 2008 at 1:36 PM

Just some fun comments from the days leading up to draft night and after we picked mcgee . It’s funny how things can change in 6 games . At the same time while i really liked the pick i never expected this kind of production this quickly. So I am very wrong to that extent.

from wiz-skins07 | [e]
Time June 26, 2008 at 5:48 PM
Tom — No, we are just worried that we might end up picking McGee — LOL.

Comment from SportzWiz | [e]
Time June 26, 2008 at 5:49 PM
Im not worried about picking McGee, but unlike you that’s because I like him .

Comment from nba2389 | [e]
Time June 26, 2008 at 8:06 PM
No Koufus. No Jordan. No McGee. Please

Comment from Rook | [e]
Time June 26, 2008 at 8:20 PM
NO: DeAndre Jordan, Kosta Koufos; JaVale McGee
YES: Roy Hibbert, Mario Chalmers, Marreese Speights

Comment from wiz-skins07 | [e]
Time June 26, 2008 at 8:44 PM
this is horrid SportzWiz — He better be as good as you say he is.

Comment from texman182 | [e]
Time June 26, 2008 at 8:45 PM
that is one of the worst picks in recent years

Comment from wizkid034 | [e]
Time June 26, 2008 at 8:51 PM
We have more than enough tall skinny guys. With Chalmers sitting there, I wish we would have taken him. I do not want another project that might not even pan out.
I was expecting an exciting draft, and so far it has been BORING!!!!
Ernie, you better have something good up your sleeve. I am not a happy camper right now!

Comment from texman182 | [e]
Time June 26, 2008 at 10:26 PM
CG3- Pecherov and McGee- yeh, that’s building for the future. Same with Sangalia- what the hell is wrong with Ernie? He has no eye for NBA Talent!

Comment from wiz-skins07 | [e]
Time June 25, 2008 at 7:03 PM
Bigs:
1. Hibbert
2. Spieghts
3. Hickson
4. Arthur
5. Ajiinca
6. Koufos
7. Greene
8. R. Lopez
9. McGee
10. Dorsey — Only b/c he’s a reach here. He’s ranked in the 2nd Round.

Comment from Tom Mandel | [e]
Time June 25, 2008 at 9:41 PM
DraftExpress says: “At #18, it looks like the Wizards are trying to decide between JaVale McGee and Darrell Arthur. It appears like both players will be there.”
Oh, God — someone take both those players before us, please!
I’m just hoping that clever Ernie has fanned smoke into the air, as either of these guys would turn out to be a mistake.
Somebody put me out of my misery, please.

Comment from wiz-skins07 | [e]
Time June 26, 2008 at 12:56 AM
SporzWiz– I havent. But he doesnt hustle, osnt a great rebounder, extremely weak physically, and he is an ATROCIOUS defnder. I would rather have us take Joey Dorsey that high rather than him.

Comment from Tom Mandel | [e]
Time June 24, 2008 at 9:48 PM
Finally, after all that we’ve gone through in conversation, after looking at a zillion outlet passes and dunks, after hours on youtube, after trying to figure out what Ernie was saying (nothing), after listening to brilliant, recondite analysis from Rook, after *trying* to follow wizbulletman0’s trades, after appreciating SportsWiz’s informed comments, after all this and more… I am TOTALLY CONFUSED.
I know longer know what we should do, what we might do, what we could do, what we won’t do — I don’t know do do. It’s so unfair!
But wait… there’s another article out there… somewhere… I know it! Wisdom can be found. Tell me it can.
We’ll probably take the dreaded Javale McGee and he’ll turn out to be an all star.

Comment from RDOT51 | [e]
Time June 25, 2008 at 10:58 AM
I’m excited about this guy Javale McGee I watched him a couple a times last year and by far he was the best player on the floor when Neveda played UNC. He can run, block shots, rebound and he has a 7?6 wingspan at 7 foot that is crazy.

Comment from Tom Mandel | [e]
Time June 25, 2008 at 9:24 PM
DeAndre Jordan can jump out of the gym — I just don’t want him to be jumping out of *our* gym. Ditto Javale McGee.

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time November 14, 2008 at 5:55 PM

SportsWiz,

Its NOT funny!

I was one of the MOST and i mean MOST ANTI-Mcgee people on this blog…but now i think i maybe his Number 1 fan!

Im going to the game tonight and im trying to get a hold of a McGee Jersey!!!!