Washington Wizards Blog

Comment from gbkdc
Time November 24, 2008 at 12:56 PM

WOW…..

Comment from windy city
Time November 24, 2008 at 12:59 PM

Just heard the news on the radio in Chicago. Good luck to Eddie Jordan. Coaching is kind of a thankless job when the team’s not doing well.

Comment from Jason C
Time November 24, 2008 at 1:27 PM

Can’t say we didn’t see it coming…its on ernie now, as he’ll get to pick his guy…so i guess we’ll see.

Comment from LilGil
Time November 24, 2008 at 1:37 PM

Oh boy, I’m gonna sound really naive but I didn’t expect that…True we could see it coming but still I just never thought Eddie would leave. I have to say I really appreciated this man for many reasons and I hope he’ll find something else in this league. Jordan really represented this team for me and I wonder who’ll be able to lead this team to victory wheter everybody’s healthy or not cuz basically we all know Eddie can get good things out of his guys when they’re all around, now this guy will have to find two system: a temporary one until Gil gets back and one which will fit Gil.
I know we’ll all miss him, and good luck Eddie, wish you all the best….

Comment from Da_Big_Taba
Time November 24, 2008 at 1:37 PM

i think i big reason for our losses is not being able to close games. we are last in defending 3 pointers n it hurts us everytime in the 4th qt. also eddie jordans rotation always questioned me. we shud get avery johnson or jeff van gundy as coach. someone who thrives on defense!

Comment from wizkid034
Time November 24, 2008 at 1:45 PM

4th quarter collapses, idiotic rotations at times and inability to play defense no doubt are the reasons EJ is packing his bags.

Bottom line is that EJ is a “players coach.” Tapscott is an okay bridge, but we better bring in the next guy THIS SEASON! Ernie is going to take the approach of “I think we will give Ed a chance and see what he can do before we turn outside the organization.”

I agree with Da_Big_Taba, Johnson or Van Gundy would be GREAT options as the new coach. I do not see them sticking with Tapscott long.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time November 24, 2008 at 1:45 PM

I really enjoyed the transition from the “old” days to the Ernie/Eddie days. It brought winning back to DC basketball. Eddie was a big part of that and I would like to personally thank him. I wish him the very best of luck in his coaching future (every time except when the team he is coaching plays the Wizards).

Comment from aznzero
Time November 24, 2008 at 1:46 PM

shocked to see that abe pollin was part of the firing. i knew he really liked EJ but didnt see it coming when he said there needed to be change.

i see avery as our next coach. till then im just have mixed feelings about everything. not seeing eddie on the wizards bench. he was a players coach which im pretty sure the players are gonna miss. well miss you EJ and good luck!

Comment from SportzWiz
Time November 24, 2008 at 1:48 PM

I will say this once. EVERYONE PLEASE WATCH THEIR LANGUAGE TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Putting in asterisks or $$ signs does not make it ok!

Comment from Jason C
Time November 24, 2008 at 1:58 PM

Oh I wanted to add that Eddie did bring us back to respectability and I probably wouldn’t be as big a fan if not for the ‘04- ‘05 year.

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time November 24, 2008 at 2:17 PM

i seen this comming as well and i hate it but what can you do.. i am with the rest of you i will really miss him and he did bring back the playoffs to DC. he was a players coach and i have nothing but respect for this man and the way he did his job..
But now we got more problems one being you were already losing now you got to put EJ job on your head wile your trying to brake your funk.. then we got Gilbert Arenas who said time and time agian that he would leave if EJ was not the coach how is he going to react to this.. i think this was a bad time to do this and it showed a lack of faith in a man that took you from ping pong balls to playoffs

Comment from novaport
Time November 24, 2008 at 2:17 PM

I’ll will watch my language but I really want to go off on Polin and primarily Grunfeld – Eddie was Ernie’s guy – buddy buddy – real tight – guess who’s gotta go – and it’s NOT Jordan !!!!!! Eddie was perfect for this team and this city !!! He had the energy, experience and vision – good things take time to develop and nurture – (6) years is nothing – does the whole world have ADHD ??? This makes me sick and I’m done with the Wizards – their organization is now more of a mess than the Redskins and that’s off the charts !!!!!

Comment from jdmek9tec
Time November 24, 2008 at 2:21 PM

kinda weird that hes actually gone, but
i agree with bigtaba and wizkid, we should bring in avery johnson or vangundy this year!

Comment from Rick
Time November 24, 2008 at 2:25 PM

i don’t see how anyone can say they didn’t see this coming. 1-10? That is one of the worst starts ever! I don’t care how many injuries there are. This is the NBA and injuries happen. There are 2 healthy all-stars still on the roster. In my opinion, this change should have happened 5 games ago.

Please no Avery Johnson. Van Gundy Yes!

Comment from slwiz
Time November 24, 2008 at 2:30 PM

I do have my initial thoughts and reactions saved in “Word” but too many wouldn’t understand my feelings. A couple of you would but I’m just too upset and seeing red to share too much because I don’t deal well with rejection. Man, I wonder if Eddie feels the rejection. But Tom mentioned he’d get some rest, and be okay. It’s just his words on Saturday after the Nick’s loss, he “feels he could build” and make this team into something good. Man, he believed in this team, the injured team, the inexperienced team, the aging team. And for him and maybe even the players and some of us fans to get socked in the gut like this. Wow!! I look forward to the audio interviews.

Thanks for saying you’ll have the audio interviews up. I know I’m struggling to think and say positive things. It will be good to hear from you dj and you glen and you SportzWiz, too. For me ever since I started listening and watching you’ve had up building thoughts and kept me focused on what was truly important. And the players and coaches did too so again I’m really looking forward to positive fan comments over the next 3 games, too. It’s gonna be another transition period and we’ve got 3 games comin’ up!! GO WIZ and best of success to Ed Tapscott!!

Comment from cj8
Time November 24, 2008 at 2:38 PM

We have been season holders for 5 years and decided not to renew our subscription this year, it is hard to justify thousands of dollars to watch your team take the lead at the first half only to loose it at the end.

I believe this is a good move on Abe Polin’s part, this is a franchise, a business. If the CEO of a company is getting paid but not doing their job and dragging the company to the ground, the board has to step in and relieve him of his duties. It has to re-organize and take a hard look at the business model, what works and what does. Also, it needs to look at who contributes and who does not, I conclude that Arenas should also go. It has been 2 seasons of sitting on the side lines, and how much is he paid? We could have traded him for 2 really good players–Go Hoyas!

I am now a big fan of the Celtics–what a turn around and excellent players who all contribute to one cause without egos–championship! My 2 cents.

Comment from LilGil
Time November 24, 2008 at 2:43 PM

I definitely agree with you guys but still I’ve got home an hour ago, found out about Eddie and still I can’t stop being mad… I just wanted to say that I can understand this decision but from my point of view it wasn’t a wise decision… I mean of course you need change, and Eddie did some wrong things (rotation, consistent defense…) but still that man was an amazing coach and I’m worried we’ll hear there were personnal thoughts under this whole thing…
Anyway, the least you could expect is a great coach to show up, not a better one cuz Eddie brought wo much to this city that he’ll still be the man for a long time. If Avery or van gundy steps in I’ll be at least hopeful.

Comment from gbkdc
Time November 24, 2008 at 2:50 PM

My vote is for Van Gundy. But I am feeling very sad indeed.

I don’t blame Eddie entirely for our record, but I do think his substitutions and defense were part of the problem. We may never know if the poor defense was the fault of the players or the coach, but the substitutions were definitely Eddie’s choice.

Having said that, I truly wish him luck, and I really enjoyed most of his tenure. Maybe Eddie would be better just running the offense, not as a head coach. He will be missed.

Comment from Jgarcia104
Time November 24, 2008 at 2:51 PM

Hey guys… Im Really sad that this happened and that it came to this… but..

I saw it comming for about a week and half now…

On the John Thompson show last week “Bird” on wed was talking about he had talked to Phil Chenier before the game and about he felt that “everyone was worried about the changes that would happen if they didnt win at least 2 of thier up comming games”… those being miami that nigt, houston, atlanta, and the knicks

and then in Gil’s Blog and an interview i read him saying he didnt want to be back till jan 1st after the new year so he could be in top shape and play 40plus mins.. and “give him time to learn the new playbook”.. which really made me think…

and then after we lost to the knicks i turned around and said to my friends…. they are going to fire Eddie Jordan… This is not all his fault… but maybe the players had started to tune him out… but this 1-10 start has as much to do with them than it does with him… we’ve been in the games in the final 3 mins… thats a tribute to coaching… the players just couldnt close them out…

Comment from d.c.
Time November 24, 2008 at 3:06 PM

forever greatful to Eddie for the restoring this team to a playoff participant,but it was time.How many times in the last six years have you really seen the princeton offense being run all game?And in my opinion if you aren’t running the princeton offense as the working offense on the floor then what are you doing.If the team can’t get better defensively under you then what are you doing?
For all you excuse makers who wanna say that gil and Haywood are the reason why this team is 1-10,get over it.This team has enough talent that if used wisely,although not a perfect record but definitely 1-10 they wouldn’t be. .500 or better a strong possibility though.
Sure Mcgee isn’t Haywood,but people are making this spacing and defense calling point as if Brenda was Ray Lewis or something.Sure hey gets Kudos for improving his free throws and showing some signs of life as a a center after being a literal waste of space for years before,but lets not confuse that with the fact that Javale’s upside if coached properly right now could trump everything you’ve seen in recent time in the middle for the Washington franchise.
This team needs discipline and tough love from a coaching staff that can show them how great the possibilities are for their success if they commit.I think this team wants to win,but their level of commitment is a 1-10 level of commitment,and I blame the coaching staff for that.They have the talent now to be dangerous,and EJ never used enough imagination to change or even scrap his offensive and defensive tolerances to stimulate change.
When i heard him say that he didn’t have the guys to do the job and that this team was made for Gilbert Arenas I knew he was as done as a glazed holiday ham,because that showed that this guy had no more water to pull from the well,no resources to draw from,just the same tired way of doing things. Most teams can’t boast of two all-stars,and you trying to tell me that you can’t make some noise with this team.
This team need a coach who can bring accountability,and discipline to this team at large and show some trust in this team as a whole so that they can trust one another,and get this thing on track.Van Gundy?(the thin one lol),Avery Johnson? Not sure who.

But what I am sure of is that this team needs a next step coach.And that next step is discipline and defense.Something that this team lacks,and all the Gil gunning,and 20-10’s from Jamison won’t get this team over the hump.This team needs their roles defined so that the young guys chart their growth,and understand their responsibilities on the floor, vets too.
We should be applauding Polin for doing what had to be done while the season can still be salvaged.Now the hope is that the coach that comes gives this team a more sound offensive philosophy,and not only preasches defense,but demands it.
I’d rather see Eddie leave then to lose Blache,Mcguire ,Mcgee,and who knows who else to another team because we did’nt see how solid contributors they can really be in a better team concept.

Plus,think about Jamison.How many more years can he waste before he is done.And by the way…Eddie was wrong about something.This team isn’t made for anybody.This team should be made to win,and if it had to made for anybody lets make it in the likeness of Jamison who is all about team,whether it means coming off the bench or not,and he’s a pro’s pro. I feel more optimistic now than I have all season so far,cuz although Eddie got the squad this far,he wasn’t made to take the squad much farther.No hard feelings Eddie.Thanks for everything.

Comment from Rick
Time November 24, 2008 at 3:11 PM

Of course Eddie Jordan is not the only one to blame. But he is the easiest change to make. I’m very interested to see how the players respond tomorrow night, Golden State @ home is as winnable a game as Tapscott could hope for.

Comment from T-Wiz
Time November 24, 2008 at 3:14 PM

I guess you can’t fire the team!! As a loooong suffering fan, I thank Eddie for hanging in there and consistently moving this team further than any coach in 25 years.

Personally, I firmly believe that this team won’t get any better until a healthy Gil is back and DeShawn Stevenson is sent to the bench.

Comment from Bridge
Time November 24, 2008 at 3:19 PM

Avery Johnson will do nothing but do what he did for the Mavericks, which is pretty similar to our past situations (i.e. seeing first rounds; maybe second rounds [in playoffs]). I know this has nothing to do with much of anything, but that man’s voice is annoying lol– he seems like he’d be super verbally abusing our players.

Personally, I like the other Gundy – yeah, his brother who coaches the Magic. I only think that people want him because of his little analogy of the Wizards’ poor line-up for their ESPN game (against the Rocks – and he used to coach the Rockets, so of course he’d know as much as he did). I mean, who didn’t see that? A rocket scientist could’ve seen that…

Flip Saunders should be our man!

Comment from aznzero
Time November 24, 2008 at 3:26 PM

avery may be the guyy we need to get our players straight. he will abuse you but im sure that will straighten up blatche and def get the teams attention. im still sad about the situation but at the same time interested in seeing how the players will respond. just wating for some audio or vids.

Comment from Rick
Time November 24, 2008 at 3:28 PM

i’d take Flip. but do any of those guys want this job? this whole franchise hinges on gilbert being successful, and dealing with arenas may not be such an easy thing for a newcomer to do.

Comment from Bridge
Time November 24, 2008 at 3:39 PM

You know, Eddie is a good coach and I seriously see him with a job soon, soon.

Our players don’t need abuse, or a “straitening out”, they just need a bit of encouragement. Not counting out EJ entirely, but roster improvements (during his tenure as Wiz coach) was a HUGE reason behind play-off appearances – - not saying that he’s never done anything there as coach, but I AM saying that the players were the MAIN reason behind it – our roster got better…People fail to see that though. All we need is a lil defense, and this team will be EXPLOSIVE!! I’m excited, sorry.

Comment from Hando
Time November 24, 2008 at 3:47 PM

have to agree with Bridge here. I always thought that someone else would get a lot more out of this group of guys. I think Eddie was too much of a good guy.

Comment from d.c.
Time November 24, 2008 at 3:56 PM

Definitely too much of a good guy.I could do the flip thing too,but the pistons slid a bit under him.how about a Van Gundy?The slim one really is a defensive coach.

Comment from Hando
Time November 24, 2008 at 4:01 PM

wasn’t flip a guest coach at the training camp this year?

Comment from LilGil
Time November 24, 2008 at 4:05 PM

I was just on the phone yealing at a friend to feel better when I read “Flip Saunders, Pistons head coach” on one of my Gilbert’s poster (the MVP one) and I remembered that he’s free!! Then Bridge brought him up, so I’mnot the first one but if I’m not mistaking he came along this summer camp to give a lil help so he knows a lil bit ’bout our guys…

Comment from aznzero
Time November 24, 2008 at 4:09 PM

yea i think flip did visiting in summer camp.

i got that poster too lil gil.

if im not mistaken avery johnson had a quote on their there too saying something like “[gil] is on another level”.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time November 24, 2008 at 4:11 PM

The entire press conference is available above.

Comment from aznzero
Time November 24, 2008 at 4:20 PM

thanks sportwiz

Comment from TAG FLIP
Time November 24, 2008 at 4:31 PM

wow. i was 100% joking all the times i said “fire eddie..” i never in my wildest dreams imagined him being let go this soon, not as soon as carlesimo was. it was obvious that the situation here was different than Oklahoma City. guys are hurt here, we’re without 3 key players right now (daniels, arenas, haywood), and most importantly, our players hadn’t given up on eddie. but what’s done is done, and kudos to eddie for restoring basketball pride to the district. he will be missed

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time November 24, 2008 at 4:39 PM

there not bringing anyone in ED is now your head coach! for the rest of this year and with the lack of money we have no one will be coming…

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time November 24, 2008 at 4:49 PM

we need to FIRE EG too and ABE its time to put your money were your mouth is.. if your going to dance you got to pay the band

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 24, 2008 at 4:52 PM

Greetings,

It’s never good to see anyone fired from their vocation, expecially during this time of year. I wish everyone the best in their future endeavors, and God Bless.

Comment from LilGil
Time November 24, 2008 at 4:59 PM

True aznzero we also have Avery on that one, but I see he’s not the favortie here (although I appreciate him…). I think as Ivan said it on sportscenter the only guy who could make a difference is someone who screams louder and scares more our players, Avery knows discipline… Still I’m hearing more and more that we dill finish the year with Tapscott, kind of wondering whether I’ll still come to DC for christmas… (of course I’m coming, but Gil’d better play!).

Comment from rgz
Time November 24, 2008 at 5:03 PM

The Wizards were not losing because the players tuned him out.

They were losing because
1. all the other teams improved, particularly in 3 point shooting & ball movement

2. after so many years of Jordan, the opposing coaches already knew all his plays, knew all the defensive weaknesses, etc. Another clue was O’Koren also being let go.

The situation clearly pointed to a necessary change, hopefully to a bright young coach with lots of creativity.

Comment from aznzero
Time November 24, 2008 at 5:05 PM

yea i agree with ivan that we need someone who can come in bring discipline. listening to the press conference it sounds like ET (phone home lol i just wanted to say that) is focusing more on Defense. I’m interested to see how the team will go about doing that. I might as well be the future coach since my name is Ed too. haha j/k i wish

Comment from Big Dogg
Time November 24, 2008 at 5:13 PM

Yall can cancel Van Gundy coming here. He and EG had it out when they were both with the Knicks. I doubt the go with Avery Johnson. I don’t want to see FLip here. I think we need a breath of fresh air. According to D. Aldridge, he says don’t be surprised if they pluck Tom T away from Boston. Remember he was supposed to be our defensive coach and was hired to be that, and then he left for Boston and we got Randy Ayers. I know this might sound crazy but i think we should go with a younger coach. I know they need discipline and toughness and defense but they also need a players coach too. Everyone can’t play for the Jerry Sloans of the world. I say they should bring in Mark Jackson for an interview. He’s a great basketball mind, great point guard and floor general. I think he could help Gil a lot too.

Comment from jmpalomo
Time November 24, 2008 at 5:24 PM

Let’s play a little (I mean alot) of Defense.
My new lineup:
PG ? (take your pick, none of them is at least average)
SG Nick Young
SF Caron Butler (both ways O and D)
PF Antawn Jamison (can’t play D at the PF)
C Javale McGee (just let the flying 7′1″ dude play)

Ed Tapscott was my favorit Analyst for the Wiz.

Comment from Rick
Time November 24, 2008 at 5:46 PM

Is Tom T from Boston available? It’s midseason, and he’d be leaving the defending champs. I don’t see that happening, but would definitely welcome it!

I didn’t realize that EG and Van Gundy were on the outs, that’s too bad. How about Bobby Knight, he’s not busy these days

Comment from LilGil
Time November 24, 2008 at 5:51 PM

Well EG said it, we’re going with Tapscott for the remainder of the season. Just read a couple of interesting reactions froms our boys and knowing how I feel just being a fan I can barely imagine the mood in the locker room these next days…. Jordan was so close to the guys… Anyway we’re gonna have to live with that and boy I hope we haven’t given up by giving the keys of Wiz city to a man that I respect but who still hasn’t coached pro in 20 years…
I truely believe there’s been a lack of commitment lately from some (if not all) guys and that’s just too bad now let’s hope we can show some more despite one other hard hard punch to the face…

Comment from SportzWiz
Time November 24, 2008 at 5:52 PM

Rick, I went to IU, I don’t think Bobby’s made out to coach pros especially at this age.

In his presser Ernie Grunfeld stated Ed Tapscott would be the interim for the rest of the year. But things can obviously change.

Comment from Rick
Time November 24, 2008 at 5:59 PM

Realistically, I think if the Wiz don’t win at least 5 out of the next 10 games, then there should be some effort to get a good pick in the lottery. It is the only way to add a player in the next few years given the salary cap handcuffs applied by arenas.

Comment from Rick
Time November 24, 2008 at 6:00 PM

when they say that eddie jordan is “relieved of his duties” does that mean they still have to pay him?

Comment from Rick
Time November 24, 2008 at 6:01 PM

i was just kidding about coach knight.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time November 24, 2008 at 6:45 PM

i figured, just thought id chime in with my thoughts on him as coaach

Comment from ChenierFan
Time November 24, 2008 at 6:49 PM

It’s always sad when a good guy gets let go. But it happens in all walks of life. Everybody liked Eddie’s class and passion for the game. He sure had a run of bad luck as far as injuries are concerned. It would have been great to see what Eddie could do with a healthy line-up.

That being said, they made the right decision. This team, despite having two all-stars has been totally uncompetitive and the fans deserve better. Jordan can’t seem to get the most out of his bigs. Remember Haywood was totally dissatisfied until Thomas was out all of last year. I think Jordan has mismanaged Andray – delibrately embarassing him (I thought) sucking the confidence out of him as he did with Kwame Brown. Pecherov – (a first round pick) has not developed either.

Jordan never seemed to be in control of his players. Gil would play or not play without Jordan knowing what was going on. I have a feeling he didn’t have clue about Daniels and Stevenson’s injuries. Plus, his blind allegiance to the guard and small forward oriented small-ball Princeton offense when the guard play (except for Nick) has been terrible has cost the team dearly.

Eddie Jordan was here before Grunfeld. Now Ernie gets to select his own coach. This is the most important pick that Ernie has ever done. I think Ernie is one of the most talented GM’s around. He got us Gil, Antawn, Caron, Javale and Nick. Let’s see if Blatche and Pech turn it around under a new coach and I think, a new system.

Comment from M2
Time November 24, 2008 at 6:58 PM

NO to the Van Gundy comments!
Just flat out NO… Does anyone remember the brand of basketball he coaches?
I mean, isolations for the star / feed the post with predictable ball movement…
Great for Sprewell & Ewing / McGrady & Yao but boring & low scoring. & you NEED the talent that’s capable.
What, Dee Brown is gonna feed McGee or we isolate CB3 (we’ve seen how well CB3 plays under those conditions).
Sure, a healthy Arenas & Greg Oden in the paint & Van Gundy is the man. Again, that is if you want really boring basketball.
He does coach a mean D… The score will consistently be in the 80’s & we can all take naps during the games.

Comment from Wizard4liff
Time November 24, 2008 at 7:02 PM

IM A BIG WIZAARDS FAN AND WATCH ALL THE GAMES BUT COULDNT YOU HAVE MADE THIS CHANGE AT the end of the seasons youve seen what happens when we get interm coachs during the season, messes the whole team wrong and now eddies gonna go to teh thunder and make them into a playoff team and EDDIE MADE THIS TEAM GOOD before him WE SUCKED literally BUT HOPEFULLY IM WRONG AND THIS WORKS OUT AND LETS DO SOMETHING THIS YEAR FOR THE POLLINS AND THE FANS AND NOW I WANT TO SEE WHAT THE HIBACHI AKA AGENT 0 HAS TO SAY AND GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WIZZZZZZZZZZZARRRRRRDDDDDDDDSSSSSSSS

Comment from M2
Time November 24, 2008 at 7:35 PM

Team president Ernie Grunfeld chose assistant coach Ed Tapscott to be interim head coach for the rest of the season. Tapscott has been with Grunfeld since their days together in New York, when Grunfeld hired Tapscott to be the Knicks’ director of administration. After Grunfeld lost a power struggle with Jeff Van Gundy in 1999 (which is one reason anyone who floats JVG’s name as a possible successor to Jordan doesn’t know what the heck they’re talking about), Tapscott had a brief stint as the Knicks’ GM.

-NBA.com

Comment from DCBeanzard
Time November 24, 2008 at 7:36 PM

Wheres the love Ernie? We’ve had the best years in decades under this guy…Wheres the love?

Comment from gbkdc
Time November 24, 2008 at 7:43 PM

The more I keep hearing/reading about Jordan’s firing, the more sad I get. He is a really good person. But I guess we all need to move on.

I am really, really curious to know what the players really think. To be a fly on the wall…

Comment from AUNDRA
Time November 24, 2008 at 7:56 PM

It is D-day in Washington Wizards franchise because management has had enough mediocre play from these over priced NBA Players. Effort if it isn’t there then donot be surprised your gone by the trade deadline. The toughness is not there then your gone. The no-brainer errors and focus isn’t there then your gone! We fans want more for all concerned but if this doesn’t set fire to your behind then ask to leave today! We have to rebound the ball not just Jamison annd D-Mac but everyone! I really like Eddie and his fast paced offense but he couldn’t make them play tough hardnose defense!Its a business and Abe is not going to loose money bottom line and losing is losing so you have to take the good with the bad in this profession! I would like to know where Agent Zero stands on the new change ! Its a sad day but there is life after Eddie Jordan and I hope everyone is really ready to explode with emotions and a positive attitude! Good Luck!

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time November 24, 2008 at 8:23 PM

It is a sad day to see the longest tenured Eastern Conference coach let go because of a 1-10 start. It is also sad that Eddie was let go when he’s missing 2 of the starters. I mean, if the Wizards were at full strength and went 1-10, then I completely understand the firing. This is unfair but that’s how it goes in the business of sports.

Let’s see what Tapscott can do. Motivation is the primary key because I don’t see any from half of the players on the team. The team is stretched thin but that’s how young guys learn to play professional ball. The current team’s weaknesses are also a reflection that the GM didn’t put together as strong as a team as he thought. I’m pretty sure EG is also on the hot seat.

If the Wizards do decide to have an open audition for a head coach before next season, I believe the team should get Flip Saunders or Avery Johnson. The Wizards, again at full strength, has the talent and I believe you need a veteran coach to take this talent to the next level. Any other “unproven” coach is not satisfactory.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time November 24, 2008 at 8:26 PM

One more thing – Eddie Jordan has always been a better teacher of the game of basketball than a head coach – just like the stinct he had in New Jersey under Byron Scott. It is too bad that his “former” team didn’t even try to run his offense.

Comment from wtop
Time November 24, 2008 at 8:41 PM

I as a fan of the wizards was shocked to hear the news about Eddie Jordan being fired I think the next coach should maybe be Avery Johnson Flip Saunders

Comment from gee wiz
Time November 24, 2008 at 9:13 PM

wow thats the way too bring in the holidays eddie! that really sucks. mostly because he didnt have many opportunities to prove that they could win with all the injuries going on. personally i think we we should get rid of the GM position all together!!! y?? well the coaches job is to coach the team, it is his system meshed with the players. well in order for his system to work i think he should bring in the players he wants for his system rather than hope the GM listens. NE way imma have to disagree with the majority of u. i say bring in avery! he will definitely bring in defense! there is nothing better than a coach who has played the game firstly. and avery was never a star, he just played his role and that will help guys like deshawn, dominic, etan, blatche, young and the rest of our “non-star” players to grow. also, this system was meant for gil and twan, gil said that himself last year, when u bring in a new coach with a new systems changes will take place. if the last coaches roster didnt get it done u cant bring in a new coach with the same roster and expect a title! ask your man flip saunders with the pistons. ask avery with dallas. pat riley did it but that was his team from the jump! so expect some moves to be made people! this season is nipped in the butt! were going into rebuilding mode… hopefully we aint trying to jump on 2010 wagon too!

Comment from gee wiz
Time November 24, 2008 at 9:23 PM

as mentioned before, the ESPN game brought this to the fore-front. van gundy mentioned the 4th quarter lineup and jalen nailed us saying “washington has no excuse because their are only two other teams in the nba with 3 all stars that boston, ans san antonio and guess what they all have championships, so caron and jamison should get it done” well true! but we also are missing a potential all star in haywood a true point gaurd in AD, no team in the NBAhas been more injury ridden than the wizards the last 2-3 years! and that is a fact! that being said it can be used as an excuse but we did resign them so………eat it up, dont fire the man for trying to do the best he can with what we have! secondly i doubt the players wanted this move, i mean u think their gonna light a fire under themselves now??? aye….. lets play this one for eddie guys! yea right, he is gone now!

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time November 24, 2008 at 9:54 PM

Don’t feel too sorry for Eddie. He had a contract and will be paid I’m sure. And remember: *every* coach of every NBA team gets fired! Eddie will have some down time, time w/ family, a nice long vacation, no more losses, and then he’ll be back coaching in the league.

The thing to realize is that extensive research and statistics has shown that the coach of an nba team has literally *no* effect on that team’s wins and losses. It’s the players and only the players.

We are losing because 3 out of our best 5 players are injured. Essentially, we have only 2 really good nba players, Caron and Antawn.

Etan is not really back yet, and he is undersized. DeShawn is a way below average 2 guard by the numbers, Dee Brown is a marginal player, Juan Dixon is a marginal player, Andray is completely unproven. Nick is completely unproven (and, no, he is not playing better than last year — more minutes but not better per minute), Dominic is unproven, JaVale is fun but very raw, and Pech is likely a bust. Darius is a steady sub.

We have a lottery team lineup on the floor. We’re getting lottery team results. No surprise.

Comment from M2
Time November 24, 2008 at 9:56 PM

Okay so in quotations, “EJ wanted out”!
I have very reliable sources…
RIP coach, thanks for the memories (Arenas, Hughes, Jeffries, Jamison, Haywood – still our best team in years… Man, imagine Butler for Kwame back then & Butler in Jeffries spot)…
It all starts with the guards & in my opinion, Gil & Larry were the NBA’s best backcourt for a season. That said, Dee B, Juan D, DSS & Nicky are far from ready for prime time (good luck Tapscott)… I’d probably have wanted out as well.

Comment from M2
Time November 24, 2008 at 9:57 PM

Well said Tom

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time November 24, 2008 at 10:03 PM

You have to wish Ed Tapscott good luck in his new position — but he has quite a struggle in front of him.

I think we’ll see a lot more of Andray — Ernie loves him. I think we’ll see more of Nick as well. I *hope* we’ll see less of Juan Dixon (it’s an interesting question who made the choice to sign him; was he Ernie’s choice, or did Ernie accommodate the coach?). I hope we’ll see lots more of Dominic.

Comment from John50
Time November 24, 2008 at 10:13 PM

Well Guys,

Well a new start is among us.

First and foremost,

Eddie does have a great list of credentials with him, he will find a new coaching job. Something will come for him.

What I do want to point out is that this is something that was coming.

The development of our rookies under his tenure was not acceptable; all of them. Think, all the rookies that were acquired during his time are underdeveloped-chk out the history of each one-when they left they got better.

Yes some of the accountability goes on the players, but a good amount goes on the coach as well-I’ve stated this before.

But in other news I think Flip Saunders will be a great choice for head coach. Not only has he worked with the team last summer league but I think he will make a better transition with the team other than the other available coaches. Right now we are gonna see what the other Eddie does-LOL 2 Eddies.

I hope the players are making the transition as smooth as possible. Keep your heads up guys!!

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time November 24, 2008 at 10:17 PM

No one in his right mind thinks it’s easy to run an NBA team or to coach one. And I don’t think anyone enjoys firing someone he’s worked with every day for 4 years. I doubt Ernie Grunfield is a happy man right now.

Whether “he wanted out” or not, I imagine that among Eddie’s feelings at present is relief.

Both those things said, when something like this happens — both the 1-10 record and the coach being fired — you have to look at *everyone’s* responsibility.

For example, we have a weird roster, and Eddie Jordan didn’t put it together. We made a weird decision to (essentially) max out a guard who was injured. We haven’t drafted a guy who has unquestionably proven out as a reliable NBA player in the whole time Ernie’s been here. We put ourselves in such a luxury cap bind that we couldn’t afford to re-sign a relatively cheap player (Roger) and were forced to sign a guy who was otherwise out of the league (Juan) for the vet minimum.

*All* the above is on Ernie. He also acquired Antawn for spare parts and a draft choice, and he got Caron in an excellent trade. Those are good things.

But, right now, we have no practical way to make a roster move to improve the team, not for several years. Unless he can find a way, we are totally dependent on the recovery of Gil, and even then we kind of look like a lottery team. This year, I’ll be shocked if we win 33 games.

Comment from Bridge
Time November 24, 2008 at 10:31 PM

Man, with how people reacting, I would’ve thought that EJ was Moses and that he parted the red sea – I don’t think I heard him talkin’ bout “let my people go”…gosh!

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time November 24, 2008 at 10:50 PM

I’m not worrying about Eddie, Bridge; he’ll be fine, and he may even have been ready to move on — but I do worry about the Washington Wizards.

Comment from wizfan and the kid
Time November 24, 2008 at 11:22 PM

First, I wish Eddie Jordan all the best. he is a good man and worked very hard for us all. He is a fantastic part of the DC community and seeing him leave is terrible, but I am betting that even he understands that this happened because his team is 1-10 and was losing because his rotations were not working and his ability to create a coherent idea of how to defend a team was shot. Seriously, it was not long before more than Antwan would decide not to come to the huddle. The management did the job they were hired to do.

Now, people talking about outside coaches, please crane your neck and look at the other Verizon Center based team… the Caps. Coaching change there brought in new blood and the team took off, granted that coach had won several championships at a lower level. But still, I think Eddie Tapscott brings ton of basketball smarts with him. These young kids have worked with him the whole run. I think they will work for him now. I am hoping that with O’Koren gone, too, we will totally refocus on what we are doing on defense and we will see a rising in Coach Ayers ideas. I think this will work out well for us as I think what we heard in the press conference is true of both Tapscott and Ayers, upfront, physical defense. We may not look good tomorrow night, but we will improve and probably pretty fast. (Not tough from 1-10, I know.)

Honestly folks, if we are 11 games into the season and are focusing on who will coach next season, we are lost already. I believe that Tom’s estimate of 33 games won may be a little low, but not by much. I mean the Bobcats won 32 last year! In any case, I think we will stop losing in demoralizing ways and save our team from fracturing, which is the way it was going.

Let’s see what happens tomorrow night. If the team comes and plays hard, we know a bit more of what the situation will be. I for one, will be watching the defense.

Comment from Samir Hakim
Time November 24, 2008 at 11:29 PM

I like Coach Jordan, he brought a lot to this Organization in the past 4 years, but things hasn’t been the same this season. I hope this is a good move for the team. We need to improve and win games to make the playoff. New Coach need to focus on rebound, defense ans score.

I would like to see E. Thomas more on court. And have to admit our super stars C.Butler and A.Jamison have been plying hard every game but they need help from the rest of the team. We’re having trouble finishing up games.

I was super mad when we couldn’t beat NY.

Go Wizards, Go C. Butler and A. Jamison. We need Gil back healthy and averages 30 point per game.

Good luck to Coach Gordan and all the best.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time November 24, 2008 at 11:43 PM

ED Tapscott said he wants an 8 or 9 man rotation. It will be curious to see who makes that list. Dominic and Pesh havn’t played much. I wonder if they will get any minutes now?

I don’t expect to see any major changes tomorrow night given one practice, but, I’m curious as to what small changes might be made.

Comment from nickman
Time November 24, 2008 at 11:43 PM

Guys we need to face it. The wizards are done for this season. Unless we can somehow make a move. Our guard play is horrific as well as our defense

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time November 24, 2008 at 11:45 PM

I’m curious to see who will be the first player under Tapscott to be the one on the inactive list along with Gil and Brendan.

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time November 24, 2008 at 11:48 PM

i hope they quit on EG and get his butt kicked out the door i would love to see it infact i would love to see them just stop playing

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time November 24, 2008 at 11:57 PM

I want to see an offense, princeton or otherwise, where there aren’t 3 out of the 5 players on the court just standing there.

I want to see a little more trust in the players defensively. All the collapsing in the middle is fine except it leaves your defenders 10 feet away from the 3 point shooters. A little less zone and a little more “trusted” man on man maybe?

It’s only the beginning of the season. I hope you are wrong Tom, but, I fear you may be right. 40 wins this year may be a bit optomistic.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time November 25, 2008 at 12:05 AM

I’m not quitting on Ernie until I get a real chance to see the players he brought to this team play. I want to see Dominic and Pesh in particular. Pesh may be a bust, but, who the heck knows? He never gets on the floor. We have been starved for rebounds lately but Dominic sits. If we see Songaila as the center in the latter part of the 4th quarter in ANY game from here on out I’m going to become a Celtic’s fan lol.

Comment from WizShizzle
Time November 25, 2008 at 12:15 AM

This is LOOONG overdue.

The Wizards’ offense is: 5 guys jog down court, form a semi-circle, and take a jumper. THAT IS IT.

I believe that Jordan should not only be fired, but all of his salary from the last few years should be taken back and given to the fans. HE HAS RUN THE DUMBEST OFFENSE IN THE NBA.

If you ever wonder why the Wiz are last in the NBA every year in assists, ask Eddie Jordan. He tells his guys, “Shoot the J. The DC fans are idiots. They don’t know basketball. They’ll pay good money to watch a schoolyard shoot-around.”

Between Jordan and Wes Unseld, we have had the two worst coaches/executives in the history of basketball. Thanks Abe for your great charity.

Comment from neal
Time November 25, 2008 at 12:40 AM

We see it differently on this one Tom. I sorta figure the coaching staff is the 6th man on the floor, and the GM the 7th. So the guys playing PG bear 1/7th of the responsibility, the guys playing SG bear 1/7th of the responsibility, etc. The coaching staff bears 1/7th of the responsibility and the GM bears 1/7th of the responsibility. That’s a lot. I do think a top flight coach could make a difference. But I also think he would work with serious disadvantages. Arenas and Jamison are overpaid – both are below average players on the defensive end. Even Butler is an unenthusiastic defender.

Arenas said he wouldn’t stay if Jordan weren’t the coach. But that was when he was an apparently healthy FA. Now he’s a guy with an expensive 5-year contract and a very iffy knee. I think the Wiz and Mr. Arenas are wedded to each other for the foreseeable future.

Comment from neal
Time November 25, 2008 at 12:52 AM

I agree, dc, that Arenas, Hughes, Jeffries, Jamison, Haywood lineup was the most entertaining and the best lineup I’ve seen the Wiz have in many years. I loved watching Hughes and Arenas together, in particular. And we were all so optimistic that things would go uphill from there.

Comment from wizbulletman0
Time November 25, 2008 at 12:55 AM

I was a little surprised….

No Avery Johnson

Look at guys that are young and have potential to be good coaches:

1. Mark Jackson
2. Flip Saunders (not young but he was a guest coach)
3. Tom Thibadeau (sp) (Would REALLY improve our D)
4. The Assistant from the Spurs, dont have his name at the moment
5. Maybe Jeff Van Gundy but, IDK, didnt he not get along with EG at the end of their stint in NY.

Comment from wizbulletman0
Time November 25, 2008 at 12:57 AM

With the firing, I think a trade of some sort is looming, maybe Jamison is being shopped.

I really want the team to build around Butler and Arenas, both in the primes of their careers. With McGee as an up and coming center and Nick Young at the 2.

Comment from slwiz
Time November 25, 2008 at 1:05 AM

I’m still chewing over my emotions; anger, rejection, fairness, the Thanksgiving Holiday vs timeliness of letting Coach go; but Tom you repeat that he’s gonna be fine and he probably will practice what he preaches, during struggles hang on and things will be better for him down the road. So what do we have with the TEAM is your concern and all fans, really. I know very little of coaches. I think SportzWiz has a good point; ET is going to be the choice until further notice so I’m not really going to speculate on choices of coachs; but I do thank the stars if the Jeff Van Gundy who does TV isn’t a part of the Wiz, man is he one sided! Starters for tomorrow I don’t see the same as the last couple games. I think Antawn and CB3 will. What he’ll do with the mix or go back to AD and Stevenson with Etan is something I’ll be listening for a hour or so before tip off. Of course I want my guy to start; but I want a team win more. How he’ll play Dom, AB, Nick, JaVale, Pesh, etc. I just don’t know.

Several questions what is a “players coach” mean?

What does “marginal player” mean?

What does lottery mean for the NBA? Don’t anybody say go to a store to get a lottery ticket? LOL

Is there a deadline for player trades in the NBA? If so what is the ending date? I’ll check back tomorrow as it’s another GAME NIGHT!! Go Wiz who ever you are!!

Comment from neal
Time November 25, 2008 at 8:42 AM

As I understand it, a players coach is one the players like playing for. He’s not abusive or highly critical. He gets to know the players on a personal level.

A marginal player is one on the verge of being on someone’s bench or being out of the league.

The teams that don’t make the playoffs are in the lottery for the next year’s draft. That means they draw to see determine the order for drafting the top picks. The drawing is weighted toward the worst team.

I think there’s a trade deadline about the first of February. Somebody help me with this one.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time November 25, 2008 at 9:41 AM

neal — about the effect of coaches in the NBA, read this article.

Now, as to our roster — please understand that even the worst player in the league is a tremendous basketball player, usually someone who starred at every or nearly every level along the way up the ladder. But, in the NBA you play against the best of the best, and the team with better players wins.

Juan Dixon was a tremendous college player — and more importantly he is a tremendous person — but he is not a very good NBA basketball player. He is what I mean by “a marginal player.” Juan had no other offers from any other teams, and he signed with us for the veteran minimum. He is not the reason we are 1-10, don’t get me wrong, but when he gets significant minutes that tells you we don’t have enough talent to put on the floor.

We have a bad record because we are a bad team. Sorry to have to say it, but a fact is a fact. Right now we can put two proven good NBA players on the floor — Caron and Antawn. After that, it’s all guys who have not shown they can produce in the NBA (and some who have shown that they can’t produce!).

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time November 25, 2008 at 9:50 AM

Antonio and Etan have shown they can produce in the league, so what I wrote above is not quite accurate. But, AD is injured, and Etan is not yet the player he was. Darius has also produced somewhat, but always at a below average level for a 4 (and even more below average for a 5). DeShawn would not start at the 2 for any other team in the league that I can think of.

Comment from Darius
Time November 25, 2008 at 12:57 PM

The demise of this team can be placed all over this organization. Here are my list of problems from players to personnel:

1) Olesky Petcherov – He’s not Dirk (except in practice). He’s not a banger. He’s useless. The original need for a
7footer was to counter Shaq. The need is over get back to the 6′11 basics.

2) You let go of Demarr Johnson who was very consistent in the pre-season and keep Dee Brown who can run a 4.4 to the cup but has no finishing moves.

3) We don’t have a consistent enough core group to run the princeton offense. Have you seen as many back door cuts recently? Not like when Ed 1st started.

4) You give 111mil to an injured player. I don’t care if it’s Mike, Magic, or Byrd. You don’t give that to a player that hasn’t proven themselves after an initial surgery.

5) You let go of one of our more consistent 3pt shooters in R. Mason Jr. Just plain stupid.

These are just 5 reasons why there is very little success here. Bone headed Mgmt and coaching moves.
And if I don’t have at least 3 people agree with me on here, then I will eat my hat. Now let’s talk some real talk. Holla back wiz nation.

Comment from Darius
Time November 25, 2008 at 3:30 PM

Well since no one has posted in the last 2 hours, will c ontinue my soapbox sermon:

6) The Wizards remind me of an incomplete 5 course meal. You have your appetizers in Juan D. and Deshawn S. Then you have your soup d’jour with Nick Y. You have your main course of A.J., C.D. and J.V. garnished with a lil Darius S.But there’s no desert, no after dinner coffe, no mint, and no discussion. Andray Blatch even tho I root for him is like an over cooked steak…u gotta send it back. D. Mcguire thats my dog. He reminds me of Popeye Jones and that other guy with the weird shaped head…..off shot but great energy and rebounding. But there are no finishers. no one that u can trust in the final 5 seconds with the ball. if this team were on hells kitchen you would hear a resounding….” SHUT IT DOWN.”

Comment from Quantom
Time November 25, 2008 at 6:37 PM

Wow – I just read this on espn.com:
“That’s an unacceptable record, obviously,” team president Ernie Grunfeld said. “We thought the change needed to be made. We needed to do things a little bit different.’
“With that in mind, Grunfeld phoned Jordan and delivered the news — after the coach spent Monday morning distributing turkeys during a team charity event. Grunfeld then informed Tapscott — who was at the arena, watching tape and preparing to help Jordan at practice.”
How do you call your coach and tell him by phone when he is delivering Thanksgiving Turkeys during a team charity event. Wow!!! That is dirty. I think Grunfeld should be on the hot seat.

Comment from Quantom
Time November 25, 2008 at 6:38 PM

Don’t eat your hat Darius! I agree with you.

Comment from Darius
Time November 25, 2008 at 7:56 PM

Winner winner chicken dinner we have one on board…can I get 2?