Comment from Tom Mandel
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:37 AM

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.

Thanks for quoting me above, DJ.

To me at least, if what it means to be a Wizards fan this year is to watch the development of Andray, Nick, Dom, JaVale, Dee and, yes, Pech — then, fine, that’s what it is, and I’ll enjoy doing it.

Everybody wants to win a championship, and everyone knows that we’re “good” when we win and “bad” when we lose. Lets get beyond that and be analytical basketball fans.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:13 AM

that’s the deal we are just friends talking b-ball…soemtimes i get it right…sometimes i am wrong…it is just great we can do this

Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:33 AM

I agree with Tom M. that it can also be fun to watch the younger players develop. How about if we gave the younger guys a chance to see what they can do with extended minutes alongside our two All-stars. How about giving Pech some court time? It is not entertaining to watch the veterans play the same way every game with the same results. I’d really like to see some rotations that included Slick Nick, DB, AB, JM, and a combination of DM or Pech on the court at the same time…size, speed, shooting, desire.
AJ, CB, JM, AB, NY, DM, Pech, DB -8 DS and DS +2. JD & ET end of bench. Time to make AD an assistant coach -street clothes.

Comment from wtop
Time November 29, 2008 at 12:18 PM

One note wizards fans we get to send the CAPS to csn plus tonight because we are on csn for the game Extended pregame coverage at 6pm on csn

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time November 29, 2008 at 12:41 PM

Ok, given my interest in being an *analytical* basketball fan, lets look at how the young players are doing based on comparing their statistics to last year (where possible) and to the average NBA player at their position.

Lets start with Nick. His stats are up, but so are his minutes. Lets look at him on a per minute basis.

Overall, Nick is substantially more productive so far this year than last, but he is substantially *less* productive than an average NBA 2.

Nick’s scoring is about the same as last year. He nets 23.3 points per 48, based on 18.8 fgas and 6.5 ftas. That’s about 1 fga less and 1.5 fta more than last year. His scoring is a bit better than an average NBA 2 — he scores more, yes, but that’s not what I mean. He is a bit more *efficient* scorer than an average 2.

Nick’s rebounds are down this year — from 4.8 to 4.2 (per 48); an average 2 grabs 4.7. So Nick is a bit deficient in this stat.

His steals are down too — from 1.5 to 1. An average 2guard has 2 steals. So Nick is a bit deficient in this stat as well.

Nick has improved substantially in turnovers: from 3.9 to 2.7 (per 48). He is above average now — an average 2guard turns it over 3.4 times per 48.

His blocks are up from .3 to 1.0 — that’s good. And an average 2 guard grabs about .3, so Nick is above average here as well.

Nick is average in number of PFs — 3.6. And that’s a big improvement from last year when he averaged 5.4 fouls per 48.

Nick’s big problem compared to an average 2 guard is lack of assists. Last year he averaged 2.6 assists per 48; this year he is at 2.7. An average 2 guard in the NBA averages *8.6 assists* per 48 minutes.

Using the Win Score calculation, which accurately reflects a player’s contribution to winning nba games, Nick is at 3.76 this year. A *big* improvement from 1.95 last year. Unfortunately, an average nba 2 guard scores 6.40. If nick got assists at an average pace, he’d be at 6.76, slightly above average.

This is how you get to 2-11. Nick has improved, but he still isn’t very good at any part of the game but shooting. But… he is headed in the right direction!

Comment from tarik8811
Time November 29, 2008 at 1:04 PM

hello DMV hope evryone enjoyed their turkey hehehe, and good to see again DAVE and DJ on the blog .and hope the wiz can get it right tonight and yeeeees im going to be at the verizon center again to check them out
cause that s my fav teammmm
go wizardssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!

Comment from jdmek9tec
Time November 29, 2008 at 1:45 PM

i agree with getabigboyoffense, i would honestly would like to watch the young players play more MINS rather the the vets like ET, AD. I think it would be great for experience and plus its really just something different because we know how the vets play like.

oh by the way arent DAve and Dj the same person?

Comment from aznzero
Time November 29, 2008 at 1:46 PM

man roger mason is lighting it up at san antonio. wish we still had him… im excited to bounce back tonight!

go wiz!

Comment from neal
Time November 29, 2008 at 2:32 PM

We got this record with the veterans (Dixon/Daniels, Stevenson, Butler, Jamison, Thomas). I don’t think it will be easy for them to break old habits on defense. And I doubt if Tapscott is the hard-ass that would be required to make them change.

If we’re to turn it around, it will be via the energy of the kids (Brown, Young, McGuire, Blatche, McGee).

Tom, you’re going to owe me a Starbucks at the end of the year. Mason is having another career year.

Comment from tarik8811
Time November 29, 2008 at 3:02 PM

jdmek9tec oh my bad dude i didnt see it i know they are the same hahaha thats a stupid mistake again my bad

Comment from TAG FLIP
Time November 29, 2008 at 5:00 PM

this is one i feel we can definitely get. we played these guys in atlanta and only lost by 4, and now we’re playing them on our home floor.

Comment from jdmek9tec
Time November 29, 2008 at 6:00 PM

nah man your good.
i just got confused for a sec haha

Comment from neal
Time November 29, 2008 at 6:31 PM

Good chance to get another win tonight.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 7:32 PM

6:20 PM…Dave Johnson checking in….Wizards will go with same starters..Zaza Pachulia’s shoulder is still bothering him but he had 17 rebounds last night….in loss to Toronto

Comment from wizbulletman0
Time November 29, 2008 at 7:33 PM

man we better win tonight…

well on the bright side, if we get the number 1 pick, we get BLAKE GRIFFIN

dude is a beast

Comment from neal
Time November 29, 2008 at 7:33 PM

testing

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 7:40 PM

6:25 PM…starters are officially in….it is indeed Brown, Stevenson, Butler, Jamison, McGee….Hawks…PACHULIA will not start…shoulder maybe a problem in back-to-backs….back court has Mike Bibby, Joe Johnson, and Maurice Evans at small forward, Marvin Williams, and Al Horford in the middle….Horford did not play in last meeting with Wizards because of a sprained right ankle

Comment from wizfan and the kid
Time November 29, 2008 at 7:46 PM

Question for DJ:
What is the story with Pech? When both McGee and AB went done with fouls against Orlando in the first half, why didn’t we see Pech? I just wonder if he performs badly in practice or what? I am just unclear at this point what the situation is with him.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 7:50 PM

no i think with Pech…they were looking to Thomas for his strength against Howard..and now that I recall I think he was inactive anyway….becasue Antonio Daniels was back… we have 13 healthy players–when daniels is okay–for 12 spots

Comment from SportzWiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 7:56 PM

Tap talked about the Pech situation during his pregame. He was inactive (as he will be tonight)

Right now he said he’s a little behind (the injury last year put him behind the other young guys) but he’s working hard in practice and he will have his turn. Also while he is 7’0 he’s not necessarily the most physical player.

Also Tap was happy with Darius’ play on Thursday so expect to see more of him early off the bench tonight.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 7:58 PM

Here is another link in case the listen live link isn’t working

http://player.streamtheworld.com/liveplayer.php?callsign=WVIEAM

Comment from dmac
Time November 29, 2008 at 7:59 PM

Article today in the Washington Post states that Coach Tapscott needs more scoring from his starting guards. I have said it over and over that DS has not shown that he is worthy of starting at the two guard. Also his defense has not een all that great either. I realize that some of you are not sold on starting Nick. If and when Nick starts I say he will keep that spot throughtout the rest of the season. When DS say’s that he cannot create his own shot and he needs someone to pass to him so he can spot up for the three. Well I say he can do that as a roll player.
Now if AD is healthy then he should step up his game and get the players moving on offense so they can take more quality shots. If AD plays 25-30 minutes he should have at least 7-8 assists if he is playing and we win.
As Tom said earlier today let’s play the young guy’s. Andray is our sixth man if Nick starts. I think that starting Nick also let’s us know if he is our starting SG for the next 4 to five years.
Dee needs to use his speed and quickness to his advantage to get other players involved. I have watched Dee throughout his career at Illinois and he can hit the 3.
He needs to have confidence in his shot and not e hesitant.
Hopefully tonight against Atlanta we shall see which team will show up the team which outplayed GS or the team that was dominated y Orlando.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:00 PM

Glen Consor here….Keys: Make Bibby and JJ pasers, no second chances, offensive floor blance to transition d

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:06 PM

Glen, Bibby has been lights out we really need to key on him and Marvin Williams this game. I think Jamison could be in for a huge game, in the first match up it looked to me that Marvin could not handle him

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:07 PM

dave jere jeffmalone 1990 as always you nailed it… and antanw will be looking to extend his double double streak to 8 games

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:07 PM

Dave and Glen, any chance we might see Juan get some time tonight?

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:09 PM

dmac good points….deshawn starting does help on defense and actually he has been helping the offense with 33 asists last five games….but we your points are well taken

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:10 PM

I think the truly amazing thing is even after this terrible start the Wizards in the Eastern Conference can still make the playoffs, get healthy as the season goes on and make a run make some noise. Yes Wizards fan I really do believe it.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:12 PM

and there is no sense of quit in this team… again it is butler and jamison setting the tone

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:13 PM

I have been really impressed with Dom, his shot is not falling like in pre season however his energy and D has been there, if he can get his confidence on the offensive end he could really help us, as well as Nick being aggresive early and getting to the basket to set up his “J”. I actually have to say over the last 2 games I have watched Dray and I loved that he is just out there just reacting and playing hard, hopefully it continues tonight. Lets get a win tonight

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:16 PM

Not to look to forward in the future…However how great will it be to have Haywood and McGee playing at the 5 spot, and Gil healthy, as Agent Zero says, “Impossibe is Nothing”

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:20 PM

jeffmalone that is something to dream about and dom has been helping in the boards effort

Comment from ChenierFan
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:22 PM

Wiz need 20 mins from Dominic to stop JJ and Marvin and hit the boards.

Deshawn is under orders to contribute more to the offense. Let’s see if he can respond.

Given the Wiz awful start this is another big game. We need a win badly – GO WIZ!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:24 PM

Caron looks so smooth on the court, it almost looks to easy

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:26 PM

send it in Big Fella, McGee

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:27 PM

Glen and Dave, can someone try and explain the principles of the Wizards D?

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:28 PM

hawks have yet to miss a shot 4-4-…we need to make mike bibby play some d

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:32 PM

defsne is not working in part becaSUE WIZARDS TAKING NON RYTHYM JUMP SHOTS AND THEN HAWKS CAN GET ON THE BREAK…unbalancxed offense leads to unbalanced defense

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:34 PM

need more drives to the basket

Comment from gbkdc
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:38 PM

GUARD THE THREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:39 PM

Ok, and I believe you are correct. It just seems from the beginning of the season, we play a scambling D, a lot of traps not as much Man to Man (although since Tap has been the coach they seem to play more Man at times) just wondered what the philoposy is on D, I know what it is on offense.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:40 PM

Hawks are the best 3pt shooting team in the league at 41.7%

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:42 PM

needmore drives to the basket

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:43 PM

Just would love to see more energy and passion from our team on both ends of the court, come on guys let’s pick it up!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:44 PM

great drive by Caron, ref missed a call that was a foul on the drive

Comment from gbkdc
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:45 PM

we can’t hit much tonight

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:45 PM

wizards need a jump myabe dixon or young in

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:45 PM

Ok Hawks, live by the 3, die by the 3, we will have a chance to get back in this game

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:50 PM

I know we may struggle on offense, but D is something that we can be good in at all times, let’s get more steals and blocks, great steal by Caron. Yes I agree we need to change the tempo and get Nick and Juan in, really need a spark

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:51 PM

glenn was just saying maybe butler at the two…to help get some scoring in the back court…right now…rebounds hurt 13-6 disadvantage

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:53 PM

daniels, young, butler mcgee songailia

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:54 PM

Glenn, I pray that Caron plays the 2 in this game, I hate to say it we are not getting anything from the backcourt. Maybe a Juan and Nick sighting playing together, earlier this season I thought they played well together

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:55 PM

It appears to me that Juan is out of the rotation

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 8:56 PM

good play butler double teamed ..quick feed to songailia

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:00 PM

tough shot by Nick, lets see if he heats up

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:00 PM

ok Dom, give us some energy

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:01 PM

look for mcguire to cover joe jophnson

Comment from gbkdc
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:01 PM

DMAC!!!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:02 PM

no inside presence, nice D by Dom on JJ

Comment from slwiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:03 PM

so glad darius is having some good minutes!!

Comment from gbkdc
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:03 PM

songaila is a good shooter

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:04 PM

songailia is really playing at a high level and in case you missed the radio pre game ed tapscott made a point of saying how well darius played against d howard

Comment from slwiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:04 PM

looks like he has some jumpers and free throws

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:04 PM

gbkdc and slwiz, Darius is playing well

Comment from slwiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:05 PM

hope you get that pre game posted; i wasn’t able to start with the 1st quarter!!! Go Wiz!!!

Comment from slwiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:07 PM

looks like gbkdc, jeffmalone are a couple bloggers on right now, nice to see you both and ALL fans tonight!!! Lets get some emotion going amoung ourselves; maybe they’ll since it and get “juiced up” LOL

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:07 PM

bad call

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:07 PM

what is the backcourt scoring difference in this game, wow…GREAT BLOCK by DMAC

Comment from TAG FLIP
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:08 PM

that was a horrible call on the block by mcguire… seriously, that was cleaner than after i windexed my car windows..

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:08 PM

slwiz, lol I hope so…great pass and cut by Darius

Comment from slwiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:08 PM

They need to get it under 10!! Again from Songalia!!

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:09 PM

wizards bench outscoring hawks 23-6

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:09 PM

Deshawn plays his best when he has a swagger, have not seen him play with it this year, for us to win we really need Deshawn to play with more confidence

Comment from slwiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:10 PM

Hey hey tap flip with the blog, too, yeah sounds like glen says D-Song is sparkin’ this 2nq quarter!!

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:11 PM

yes indeed darius ..playing good d again and making good cuts and scoring

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:11 PM

Glenn, anyword how Juan has fallen from grace in the rotation, since Tap has been coach, he has been in once for like 10 minutes and a DNP, what gives? I like Dee, but we need some scoring, against a smaller Hawks backcourt thought he would get some run tonight

Comment from slwiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:13 PM

darn, 3 on D-Song the fouling really hurts our bigs!!!

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:14 PM

hawks seven of 11 three poinmt shots and wizards too mnay quick shots

Comment from gbkdc
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:15 PM

Yeah that foul on DMAC’S BLOCK WAS nonsense!!

That was a NASTY block!!

Hey slwiz!

Comment from TAG FLIP
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:15 PM

slwiz – our bigs are capable of playing the way AB did against golden state.. unfortunately that never happens becuase they all get into foul trouble before they get into a rhythm.

Comment from gbkdc
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:17 PM

Nice slam by AJ!

Comment from slwiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:17 PM

hey back gbkdc so how are they playin’ tonight?

Comment from gbkdc
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:18 PM

I can’t believe that went in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment from TAG FLIP
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:18 PM

i can tell the co-captains want this. the rest of the team has to want it just as bad. stuff like that basket at the end isn’t what we need

Comment from gbkdc
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:20 PM

Not so good, slwiz. Not terrible, not good. Not guarding the 3 well, as usual. It is frustrating to see that happen over and over and over again for years! YEARS!!!

But I have to be honest, a lot of the time I can’t tell what is going on on defense. I don’t know what schemes they are running, etc. I can’t keep track.

But I know when they are not guarding the 3!!!

And some shots have not been falling.

Comment from slwiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:20 PM

never say never TagFlip — it could happen
learning not to foul!! LOL

Comment from TAG FLIP
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:22 PM

hockey update – blue jackets leading capitals 1-0, just under 12:00 left in the 2nd.

Comment from TAG FLIP
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:23 PM

slwiz – i understand where your coming from, cause i’ve seen it in the past but i’ve said time and time again, the NBA has the worst officials among the big 4 sports…

hell, even NASCAR officials are better than NBA refs, and that’s saying something…

Comment from slwiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:24 PM

look at the drives through the lane and attacking the rim as well. Is there any stopping the drive? Turning them back out to the outside?

Comment from ChenierFan
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:25 PM

As I have been saying since last year. Butler needs to get most of his time at the “2″ and let Songailia or Blatche take his spot. The Wiz are out scored what 28-1 in starting backcourt? There is no way to win a game like that. Deshawn zero confidence now, so let him go against second line-players and get it back.

The Dee Brown is another player who needs to go against second line players. He is the type of guard you put in mid third quarter to change the tempo, then take him out.

The Wiz still have a chance this game. Let’s see if they can come through.

Comment from gbkdc
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:25 PM

Question, can we put DMAC on Bibby?

Comment from slwiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:26 PM

did you see my comment about officials earlier tag flip; there is no reason for ticky tack fouls vs knocking a man to China but they sure do get any with in; pathetic, someone said at least in football they can review the play!!

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:27 PM

yeah gbkdc that is possible

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:28 PM

chenierfan you make an interesting point about butler…one thing in this game…if he goes to the two it does put pressure on the hawks guard to play defense which is something we wnat tto do

Comment from slwiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:28 PM

get away with it, sorry horrible typing!

Comment from slwiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:29 PM

Has there been any plays run for the guards this game?

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:32 PM

I took time to watch the first half and write down some notes. AB maybe should start rather than McGee, AB seems more into the offensive scheme (JM has more athletic skills than the fundamentals). AB just needs to stop the reaching. AD is better to run the offense, he has more “calm” to him (NY just can’t run an offense and looks to score more than pass). We need to pick our poison…backcourt should stay on their men instead of helping out and let bigs help out once there is penetration…and maybe try to take charges??
Fundamentals is what helps DSong excel….and he does an outstanding job, if I must say so myself.
All in all, Atlanta was HOT, hopefully they will cool off in 2nd half.
Just my two cents.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:32 PM

slwiz no but it hasn’t beent there….yet

Comment from gbkdc
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:34 PM

And did everyone hear about Plaxico? DUH… what a dolt. Why do you need a gun in a club, especially if you don’t know how to operate it safely? He is lucky he didn’t kill someone by accident. And now he has effectively ended his employment for the time being. Oops!!

Comment from gbkdc
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:36 PM

Man oh man… that was not good.

Comment from TAG FLIP
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:40 PM

slwiz no i did not see it.

Comment from jdmek9tec
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:40 PM

well goodnight, not wasting my time watching us lose against the hawks….

Comment from TAG FLIP
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:44 PM

geez… we’ve been feeling our faces a lot this year cuz deshawn hasn’t been knocking down those 3′s

Comment from slwiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:44 PM

seems to be a little more energy with this group

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:45 PM

need to get iut under 10 and re start the half

Comment from jdmek9tec
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:45 PM

OMG>>>ERNIE PLEASE TRADE OUR CRAPPY VETS. INCLUDING BUtler and JAMISON PLEASE@!!!! SO WE CAN GET SOM REAL TALENT PLEASE!!!! WE SUCK!

Comment from slwiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:45 PM

something tells me they aren’t going to cool off on their three’s;

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:47 PM

tagflip i hear you…still no scoring from back court

Comment from rnbrown4
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:51 PM

how is it that the coaches of the wiz can not see who should be playing and what kind of offense do the wiz run. This is pathetic watching them play atlanta. No individual defense and no offense.

Comment from jdmek9tec
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:54 PM

do we not know how to play Defense haha omg. this is soo frustrating, none of our players have any kind of good workethic including butler. WE have a bunch of idiots on this team.

Comment from TAG FLIP
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:54 PM

dj – still no scoring from back court… but d-steve has 6?

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:56 PM

young is in

Comment from gbkdc
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:57 PM

wow 7 pt game

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:59 PM

10-4 wizards run

Comment from rnbrown4
Time November 29, 2008 at 9:59 PM

Do the wiz know how to post up and pass to the post? Oh thats right we run the motion offense. The hawks are getting to the rim anytime they want.

Comment from TAG FLIP
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:00 PM

something interesting i’m noticing in the live box score on nba.com, our starters are being outscored by more than 10 points, but the thing DJ pointed out was bench scoring. our bench is basically what’s keeping us alive at this point. you dont’ think that if tapscott made CB3 and AJ come off the bench for a game that wouldn’t change how they went about things?

Comment from John50
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:02 PM

LETS GO WIZARDS LETS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lets act like we in the Booth Yall!!!!

Well, I thought someone will say it-Everyone seems a little irritated.

LETS GO WIZARDS LETS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment from gbkdc
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:02 PM

Interesting TAG FLIP. But how much is it just one bad game/good defense by Atlanta, or how much is it that they are playing badly and need to be benched? What do you think?

Comment from rnbrown4
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:03 PM

The wiz bench consistently beat the starters. starter should be mcgee, butler, daniels, young, blatche. bring jamison off the bench.

Comment from gbkdc
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:04 PM

WOW DANIELS!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment from TAG FLIP
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:05 PM

gbkdc – it’s neither of the things you suggested. it’s our horrendous 2-11 record that basically speaks for itself. you can argue that haywood and arenas being hurt have a lot to do with it, but we didn’t have arenas last year and we still won 43 games, so we can’t use that excuse.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:08 PM

We have to stay focused the whole game. Mental errors diffused the comeback, for now.

Comment from gbkdc
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:08 PM

Who should you bench?

Andray, Andray, Andray!!! Love ya but get the fouls under control.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:08 PM

we are in this game…but killing ourselves with mkistakes at critical times….

Comment from rnbrown4
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:08 PM

The bench players try and play defense and they pass the ball to each other. We need a gaurd that can get in the paint and dish or score.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:10 PM

that the way to do it

Comment from slwiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:11 PM

Jamison is bringin’ it on!

Comment from rnbrown4
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:12 PM

We get close then choke. miss he layup and let bibby get to the rim easy.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:14 PM

bench advantage is now 35-11

Comment from John50
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:14 PM

I think Dom will be great in this game to guard some of these players.

Side note Ed T.–Talks alot- LMAO

Come on yall-GO WIZ

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:15 PM

4 point game darius again

Comment from gbkdc
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:15 PM

how did songaila get that black eye?

Comment from TAG FLIP
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:16 PM

gkbdc – another option is to put guys like juan dixon and oleksiy pecherov in. pech hasn’t really gotten a chance all season other than mop up duty, and dixon has a couple of DNPs already. de-activate blatche, activate pech, and let him get buckets son!

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:16 PM

That zone just isn’t going to cut it.

Comment from rnbrown4
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:17 PM

The Wiz should beat the hawks but they keep giving them open shots.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:17 PM

Caron is the MVP tonight.

Comment from TAG FLIP
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:19 PM

d-song got the black eye at practice yesterday according to the comcast guys. got hit by pech.

Comment from slwiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:19 PM

Tie Game!! Tie Game!!!

Comment from slwiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:19 PM

Now they just have to close out the game!! Go Wiz!!!

Comment from John50
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:20 PM

Good Job.

Comment from rnbrown4
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:20 PM

got to go to the basket strong and play tough d

Comment from TAG FLIP
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:21 PM

what the hell is this. man.. this is embarrassing. 5 point game already

Comment from rnbrown4
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:22 PM

stevenson needs to go. he had plenty of time to get position.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:23 PM

Good comeback. Three minutes is plenty of time to get this…

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:23 PM

have time..but need better possesions

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:23 PM

We had two 4-point swings (i think).

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:25 PM

The middle is really opening up for us, we should hit it every time down.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:25 PM

good play off time out get it deep in paint

Comment from slwiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:25 PM

And D-song is 4-4, strike that 5-5, strike that 6-6 on his FT’s!!

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:25 PM

WTH???????????

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:26 PM

MAN-MAN…no more threes

Comment from TAG FLIP
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:27 PM

it looked like horford leaned his shoulder into songaila.. terrible call

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:27 PM

that’s right, make em earn it at the line

Comment from rnbrown4
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:27 PM

we can’t stop anybody. we make everyone look like superstars

Comment from slwiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:28 PM

D-fense D-fense

Comment from TAG FLIP
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:28 PM

dang looked like joe johnson traveled on that hop step in the lane

Comment from slwiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:28 PM

great our ball!!! go O!!!

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:28 PM

LOL…CB3!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment from gbkdc
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:28 PM

butler!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment from gbkdc
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:29 PM

it figures they would review our 3 pt shot!

Comment from TAG FLIP
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:30 PM

wooo!!! tie game baby!!!

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:30 PM

THE BALL DON’T LIE…

Comment from slwiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:30 PM

it’s a three, it’s a three!! it’s a three for CB333333333
Tie Game!!! Tie Game!!!!

Comment from rnbrown4
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:30 PM

3pt

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:30 PM

nothing easy

Comment from slwiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:30 PM

come on D-fense, get that stop!!!

Comment from rnbrown4
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:31 PM

d-fense

Comment from slwiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:31 PM

Close out the game guys, you can do it!!

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:31 PM

Okay, cut out the flopping

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:32 PM

why the zone?????

Comment from rnbrown4
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:33 PM

gave up baseline again.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:37 PM

okay, moving forward. AB start instead of McGee, and Caron move to the two spot.

Comment from John50
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:37 PM

When did the announcers start telling us the plays? LMAO

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:38 PM

LOL….

Comment from rnbrown4
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:39 PM

trade stevenson

Comment from jdmek9tec
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:39 PM

hahahahahahaha WE SUCK!

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:40 PM

I guess our roster is really that interesting for him to get so much time…but it is what it is. We almost pulled it out.

Comment from slwiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:40 PM

best close finish of the season!!! Great effort at the end; now they just need to start there run a little earlier!!! Another foundation to build on!!

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:41 PM

We are just a tweak away from a victory.

Comment from rnbrown4
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:41 PM

let the youngsters play with butler. I’m tired of losing the same way with the vets playing soft and no energy

Comment from slwiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:41 PM

We won the battle on the boards too, whoo whoooo

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:42 PM

We were right there. AB gotta stop reaching, we need him to finish.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:44 PM

CB3 is busting his butt trying to will a victory EACH night.
Well we have NJ and portland, time to get ready to build a streak.

Comment from rnbrown4
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:45 PM

move butler to the 2 jamison to the 3 and andray and mcgee 4and 5 daniels the 1.

Comment from wizbulletman0
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:45 PM

IDK what to say, i think a move has to be made, not drastic, but our backcourt is not producing, and we cant start young because our bench would be horrible.

Any ideas…

Comment from slwiz
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:46 PM

What, no audio for the call in show, drat that NBA league!!

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:46 PM

Okay, I’ll take that, but McGee is sooooo green. His energy is electric, but he’s gotta do more than alley-oops.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:47 PM

That D…..Make players drive instead of shooting threesaand start teaching our young how to draw charges. Scrap the zone..

Comment from rnbrown4
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:48 PM

they need to learn to keep people in front of them. It’s basic defense.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:49 PM

LOL…Yeah, but since they can’t do that step up and take some charges.

Oh, well, we shall see

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:54 PM

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeey, since Marbury isn’t doing anything….maybe we can use some of his points. May have to deal with some drama….LOL

Comment from M2
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:54 PM

Nothing new here…
We don’t execute on either end…
With blown ops down the stretch that we can obviously ill afford…

Oh &, nice work at the line DSS. How about make those, then a quick foul, they go 1-2 at the line (which they did) & CB3 isn’t chucking up a 3 ball in a futile attempt to lose by only one point… We could have actually gone for two & stretched the game into overtime!
Clunking a couple of foul shots with seconds left? … Nice leadership… Great “swagger”… Yeah, he unfortunately feels his face… I do not like DSS!

All day long I’ve thought that this would be a win…
Atlanta let us hang around on a bad night…
Thus, I still thought we’d get a W somehow because Atlanta played last night & we had an off day & were playing a freaking home game so we should have gotten it done down the stretch.
Okay, rant over…

This team is demoralized… Could be a season long situation?
Understand, I love the Wiz…
I will continue to support & love them!

Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:56 PM

Tough loss, but we didn’t deserve to win.

For the record, I liked CB’s game much better when it included a little humility.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 29, 2008 at 10:57 PM

We are soooooooooooo close.
See everyone Tues.

Comment from ChenierFan
Time November 29, 2008 at 11:02 PM

Some random thoughts:

This is a nightmare season for Stevenson. but it is not his fault. He should be a 15 min/game player (non-starter).

Andray needs to finish his moves and jumpers going TO the hoop, not fading away. Perhaps the coaches should let him know that. Plus, he needs to move into the defender on his drives to keep his position. He’s big enough now to do that now. If he makes those two adjustments he becomes a big time player. I believe he is moving closer to that level

Javale needs to learn to front the post. He his getting outmuscled every night now and his play is fading.

Songailia is in a good groove these days. His movement without the ball is a weapon.

Antonio was moving a bit better tonight, he was in third gear rather than 2nd.

Bibby got into a good rythym shooting over Dee in the first quarter. Plus, he didn’t have to guard him (Dee). Sounds pretty easy – and it was.

MacGuire needs more minutes for his perimeter defense and rebounding.

Being from central Jersey, I was thinking of going to the Wiz/Nets game next Tues and cheer the Wizards on, but I don’t think it would be a good idea to blow $100 for a starting backcourt of Dee and Deshawn. I think after tonight Coach Tapscott would have seen enough to make that adjustment. I know I would give it a try (Butler at the “2″).

Enough with saying how they are asking a lot of young players. Andray is in his 4th year and 1st and second year players are making strong contributions all over the league. Look at Horford. You should expect more from them, not less.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 29, 2008 at 11:05 PM

Good Point. Who is teaching these guys? Is it the players teaching them? Just wondering.

Are they relying on athleticism rather than fundamentals?

Comment from AUNDRA
Time November 30, 2008 at 12:15 AM

If management excepts this year as a rebuilding year so be it, otherwise we need to package 4 for the road before the trading deadline. If we can do it my road exchange would be Pecherov,Brown,Dickson and Thomas!If not then we have regressed to the bottom of the NBA for sure!The fans will grow tired of this crap and I be able to sit in the $120 seats for a smooth scappers $25. Then we shall keep track of progress there after if they want a long term committment$$$$!

Comment from tarik8811
Time November 30, 2008 at 12:34 AM

wizardsssssss !!!!!!!!!! wake up !!!!!!!!!! we need a trade !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and nowwwwwwwwwwwwww not next life get ride of stevenson and thomas and dixon and daniel its timeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee for changeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
maybe go get marbury from the knicks

Comment from TAG FLIP
Time November 30, 2008 at 12:46 AM

tarik – anybody but marbury.

Comment from tarik8811
Time November 30, 2008 at 12:49 AM

man i know i agree with u but at least he s not going to miss two free trows at da time i mean come on that s too much i was at the verizon i almost jumped to the court to punsh stevenson on the face so that he can really ”FEEL HE S FACE” and start making shots

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time November 30, 2008 at 1:35 AM

Everybody is antsy and expectedly so. Deshawn knew the play was designed for Caron to take a three yet he drove the lane for a 2? That is just not understanding the game. He certainly should …he has been in the league long enough. We were down 3.. doesn’t matter if he makes both free throws. We are still down. Taps drew up a 3 point play. The team shoulda stuck with it.

Marbury’s price tag is 21 million. enough said. (by comparison Gilbert’s average salary over 6 years is 18.5)

We need “bigs” and Pesh sits in street clothes? Is he hurt? I don’t understand not playing him against teams with dominant centers. It’s pretty sad when Darius played Howard the best of any of the “big” men.

Comment from Harry Baldwin
Time November 30, 2008 at 1:36 AM

• The wizards need to get with the program and start making deals and put a big guy on staff to help develop JaVale McGee. The Lakers have Kareem Abdul-Jabbar working with Andrew Bynum and. The Magic has Patrick Ewing working with Dwight Howard. The wizards have enough money to get a big man like Alonzo Mourning come in to help McGee. I also think they should waive McGuire (a nice guy but not an NBA talent), pick up Darius Miles, trade Andray Blatche and DeShawn Stevenson for Jason Richardson and Antonio Daniels for Jamaal Tinsley. Things can’t get worse.

Face it Gil Fans he’s not going to play this season!

Defense! Defense! Defense! Defense!

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 30, 2008 at 2:40 AM

if marbury has a buyout, we only have to pay minimum salary (i think)

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 30, 2008 at 2:49 AM

tinsley has been hurt more than Gil, right? We’ve been relying on the big three for too long, knowing that we couldn’t win a championship without an inside presence.
What is the objective? If we REALLY were ready to take the next step, why would we keep getting “Projects” for our inside presence, instead of a bonafide, proven big man? Hmmmmmmmmmmm, makes ya wonder, doesn’t it?
Tapscott hasn’t coached for 20 years, and it wasn’t on the NBA Level??? Why put in the position? Is it to show his player development program wasn’t working either?
If you were contemplating firing Eddie, would you get a proven coach first, if you thought what you had was good enough to do something now? Sounds like strategic planning for something else.

But hey, I’m just a fan, watching a business operate.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 30, 2008 at 3:03 AM

Ooooooooooookay, I just read the article about Tapscott….impressive, but it only shows that he and Ernie have been friends for a long time…LOL…networking is a beautiful thing

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time November 30, 2008 at 9:11 AM

neal — Roger is playing at an all-star level right now.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time November 30, 2008 at 9:19 AM

Oh riiiight — Stephon Marbury and Jamaal Tinsley. There are a couple of personnel moves that’ll really help the team???

Harry Baldwin isn’t right about much in his comment, but he is certainly right that Alonzo Mourning would make a great assistant coach for big men. Is Mutombo still on Houston’s roster? Otherwise, he’d be another good choice.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time November 30, 2008 at 9:30 AM

Last night was a perfect example of our current problems. We got a *great* game out of Antawn, but Caron was off, and so we lost. Unless at least one other player *really* steps up, we get in a hole early on that it’s hard to dig out of.

Neither Dee nor JaVale are really capable yet of playing at an NBA level, yet we have to start them (although I’m pretty sure Antonio will be starting from now on). In effect, we lost the game in the first seven minutes.

I thought the effort was good across the board, but only Antawn, and occasionally Darius, seemed able to get open shots. DeShawn never did, and he is a marginal shooter under the best of conditions.

Right now, I am trying to figure out how to enjoy the games without getting upset when we fall behind early — it kind of takes the fun out of it, and I don’t want that.

To be honest, I still don’t understand what we are doing — or not doing — defensively that gives everyone we play one after another open three-point shot.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time November 30, 2008 at 9:41 AM

dcbutler asks why we don’t acquire “a bonafide big man.”

Whom do you have in mind, and how do you suggest we snag him?

It’s *hard* to get a big. That’s why teams pick guys they hope to develop. Kendrick Perkins and Andrew Bynum come to mind as successful examples.

Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time November 30, 2008 at 11:58 AM

Against Golden State the Wiz were energetic and aggressive. The young guys seemed more sure of themselves. Against Orlando and then last night against Atlanta the Wiz were lethargic and uncertain. I didn’t see a single dribble-handoff (sign of Princeton Offense) in the GS game, but we ran the Princeton Offense some of the time against Orlando and a lot against the Hawks. What was major Wiz personnel difference between the GS game and the Orlando and Atlanta games…think about it. We simply don’t play an agressive offensive with him in the game and he’s a sieve on defense

Our perimiter defenders can’t stop anyone from driving right past them. Consequently, our big guys get in foul trouble trying to pick up the player with the ball as he gets into the lane. Let’s at least put some defensive pressure on the opponent with the ball by double-teaming whenever possible. It might get our juices flowing if we get some steals. If the double-team results in the opponent getting some open looks, so what, they get them after two passes now anyway.

I read that Coach T wants to keep the offense simple so that the young players will not have too much new to learn. How about if we got rid of the pattern offense and went to straight NBA 3-man basketball. How about screening away from the ball; more pick and roll; give and go; more hard cuts; more MOVEMENT that has a purpose (not just because it is part of the pattern)? How difficult is that to teach to an NBA player? It looks as though only Darius has any idea of how to play the game without having it scripted for him. He knows when to cut and also how to get the ball to the cutter. AB is pretty good at that also. He probably learned from Darius as second team teammates at practice.

Can we please put the fun back into the Wizards game. Let’s put some pressure on the ball on defense and some real purposeful movement into our offense.

Let’s Go Wiz!

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 30, 2008 at 12:01 PM

My bad, I try to have a solution to the problem, upon mentioning the problem…..if I look at a team out west, I’m sure there’s a big man sitting on the bench, that we could use. That will take a bit of homework to research, for a specific person.
Sometimes you have to give to get, so to get that specific role person, Ernie or whomever, gets paid the big bucks to figure that out….

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 30, 2008 at 12:05 PM

hmmmmmmmmmmmmm, maybe it’s because the guy hasn’t coached in about 20 years….LOL….I have a strong feeling there’s something we’re just not getting about this whole set-up.

Getabig….whether you are right or wrong, I like your blogging….you put it out there and let the chips fall where the may…..

Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time November 30, 2008 at 12:07 PM

Thanks dcb. The blogging just adds to the fun of being a Wizards fan.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 30, 2008 at 12:10 PM

okay, this last tid-bit, then its off to the pigskin……Look at championship teams. Saaaaaaaaaaaaaaay, Chicago. Do you honestly think Dennis Rodman became a nut over-night. Sometimes you deal with a person’s issues, as long as the person is contributing to the team and getting to the championship. I say that to say, even if a person has a storied past, but is good (marbury). Is he out committing crimes? If he does a buyout, we can get him for league minimum and just see how it works out the rest of the year. Heck, we already scraping the bottom of the barrel anyway. If I’m wrong, i’m wrong but what else do you have….LOL….At this rate, i may go have lunch with sprewell, to see if he can still fit his tennis shoes….LOL

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 30, 2008 at 12:14 PM

Getabig, you right about that!!!!
I like it. Thus far, I’m having a blast with it. I just can’t take it too serious ALL the time. At the end of the day, it is a good escape from the norm, and it is based on a usual vocation for some, but it’s also partial entertainment for some also.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time November 30, 2008 at 12:21 PM

getabig and dcb — you two are great additions to the blog. Keep it coming.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time November 30, 2008 at 12:25 PM

dcb — we can’t sign a guy for the minimum, because even that signing puts us over the luxury tax limit. In effect, it means we’d be signing the guy for *a lot of money.* For one thing, you pay to the lux tax fund dollar for dollar for every dollar over the limit. For another — and even more important — reason, if you are *under* you collect a share of the luxury tax fund at the end of the year. Hence, Marbury would cost us a fortune.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time November 30, 2008 at 12:27 PM

I’ve also heard suggestions to “waive” this or that guy. There is no such thing in the NBA, unless the player has a non-guaranteed contract. Hence, we can’t let someone go and get salary relief to sign someone else.

Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time November 30, 2008 at 12:30 PM

I agree with dcb.

Our primary problem is at the point guard position. Consider this…

Stephon Marbury’s has been in the NBA for 13 years. He has averaged 19.7 points and 7.8 assists per game. He has played for the Timberwolves, Nets, Suns, and Knicks and appeared in two All-Star games. He is talented. It just looks as though he can’t seem to fit in with a team. But he does make a team move. If you don’t keep up, he’ll just play without you. I AM NOT a Marbury fan; but I AM A WIZARD fan and we could certainly use his point guard talents. Let’s see if the Knicks will eat some of his contract and take ET and AD for him.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 30, 2008 at 12:30 PM

Daaaaaaaaaaaaang, we just looking pitiful all over the place…..we can’t get help even if we could get it????

WOW!! I am really baffled. We have a team that is about 50% or more back-up players/Developing players and we are “over” the salary cap??? Who’s our financial advisors ENRON???

Okay, I need a drink…LOL….JUST PLAYING

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time November 30, 2008 at 12:31 PM

As to trades — the Warriors do not like Marcus Williams; it’s possible they’d take Pecherov for him (the salaries are very close). Marcus was starting point guard on the UConn team that won the NCAA a few years ago. When he was a Net, Jason Kidd gave him high praise. He fell out of favor there and at GS; I don’t know why. I’d make that trade if I could.

As to big guys sitting on the bench in the West — I can only think of Chris Mihm w/ the Lakers. He is an okay player, but he wouldn’t make any real difference to our team. I can’t think of another guy who could conceivably be available that I’d like to have.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 30, 2008 at 12:32 PM

Seriously Guys, gotta go. Thanks for communicating, I’ll step in every now and then and see if some new suggestions come along. Peace.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time November 30, 2008 at 12:37 PM

dcb — *every* team is more than 1/2 back up players! And pretty much every team is also over the salary cap.

But I wasn’t referencing the salary cap; I was talking about the luxury tax limit. If I thought we could get a guy who’d take us to the Eastern Conference finals, I could see going over the Lux tax limit. Otherwise, why?

That still leaves us able to make trades. Who do you think we have that is trade-able? Always remembering that you can’t usually trade your problems for someone else’s solution.

Comment from stephan miquel
Time November 30, 2008 at 12:55 PM

I think the wizard should try to land Stephon Marbury! He is a better assist guy and has more on the court wisdom than any of the guards we have suited up now. This will give us another vet to help jamo and butler out! Plus he would be a asset to have when Brendon, and gilbert comes back! Could you picture a starting five of Starbury, Gil, Butler, Jamo, Haywood

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 30, 2008 at 1:14 PM

Cool, thanks for the explanation. Hmmm, some teams have back-ups that could start elsewhere….but to answer your question, I could see ET, DS, maybe Pech and maybe even Jamison….but I guess I’m not knowledgable in all the aspects of the trading business.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time November 30, 2008 at 1:36 PM

Jamison is *by far* our most productive player right now; he and Caron are the heart of the team. If we were to trade either of them, we’re heading for 15 wins this season — unless you trade for someone equally productive who can step right in. Seems doubtful.

Songaila is probably paid a little more than he’s turned out to be worth (although if he returns to playing the way he did last night, that’s the guy we were hoping to get and I’d want to keep him).

But, maybe by “DS”, you mean Stevenson. You’d have to package him with someone to get a good player in return. I don’t think the package of Stevenson and Thomas is likely to attract many trading partners, do you?

That leaves Pecherov; would Mullin and Nelson be interested in a Pecherov for Marcus Williams trade? I don’t know. It’d be a good trade for us, and they do seem to want to get rid of him.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time November 30, 2008 at 1:39 PM

Marbury w/ Gil? I remind you: there is only one basketball.

Moreover — and *please* do try to understand how the NBA business works — we *cannot* sign another player right now. We don’t have room under the luxury tax, and to my knowledge we also don’t have an “exception” to use (like most teams, we are way over the cap).

Comment from gbkdc
Time November 30, 2008 at 2:13 PM

DCButler, Had to laugh about the ENRON comment!!! Good one!

Just checking in to see if any bloggers have solved our problems yet! ha ha

I agree, NO TRADING ANTAWN OR CARON!!!!!!!!!! NO NO NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Keep those ideas coming… we have until Tuesday to make suggestions for Ernie and Eddie, who I’m SURE will listen to all of us.

Is there a practice today?

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time November 30, 2008 at 3:33 PM

i just got back from the game i had to fly and all that jazz just to get to the game and it was looking like a blow out for a sec.. next thing you know bam we are tied the crowed got back into the game and i still cant see how we lost i so thought we had that game and DS did miss the free throws but you dont have to worry about trying to make him feel bad i am sure he is doing alot of that to his self but i still have no idea why he was trying to drive that ball to the hoop and us down by 3 with 6.3 left but all in all it was a good game at the end we could have won it but we just did not get it done! but i got to go to the game for my X-Mass present so it was still awsome…

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 30, 2008 at 4:32 PM

Thanks to everyone for their input, I’m watching the skins under-achieve right now……
As far as our Wiz go, I guess if Gil and haywood were not hurt we would be singing a different tune. Hopefully our youth will get it together and get over the hump.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 30, 2008 at 4:33 PM

Hmmmmmm, a trade with DS and ET packaged?

Comment from GlingGling
Time November 30, 2008 at 4:44 PM

Good game boys. I enjoyed it for the most part, it got exciting at several points.

dcbutler357, who would want that trade? I think the best we could get out of that is to clear up some cap space.

Comment from slwiz
Time November 30, 2008 at 4:51 PM

W4L so glad you got to go to the game!! Pretty nice early Christmas present!!

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 30, 2008 at 5:10 PM

Well, even if a trade can’t be made anywhere, we are just about over the hump. New Jersey and Portland coming up. Maybe we can “fine-tune” the learning curve for our youth and make a turn for the better.
I do feel that AB should be a starter more-so than McGee, since he seems to be more comfortable with the scheme of things. We could use McGee’s energy off the bench, along with DM.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 30, 2008 at 5:16 PM

Tom Mandel,
Are we basically over-paying a lot of our guys?

Getabig,
What is your analysis of AJ? Is he out of position?

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time November 30, 2008 at 6:46 PM

No, dcb, I don’t think we are overpaying a lot of guys. Obviously, some contract decisions don’t work out — that is no more or less true here than any other team.

Even in the case of Gil, whom we gave close to a “max” contract. If he hadn’t opted out, he would be making pretty close to the same amount this year.

Ernie has made some very good personnel/pay decisions: we didn’t chase Larry Hughes for too much $$ or match the over valued contract the Knicks gave Jared Jeffries.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time November 30, 2008 at 6:49 PM

Ernie has built this team with intention. Two years ago near mid-season, we were 9 or 10 games over .500 and leading the East. Ernie still thinks we’re that team and “when we’re healthy we’ve shown that we can compete with anyone.”

Until he no longer has that view, he is unlikely to trade any of the players at the heart of the team. Thus, there will be no trade of Antawn. Or, rather, if Antawn *is* traded, that’ll tell you that management has given up and wants to rebuild.

In other words… stop calling for AJ to be traded.

Comment from M2
Time November 30, 2008 at 9:26 PM

08/09
Gil – 14.5
AJ – 10
CB3 – 9
Thomas – 6.9
Daniels – 6.2
Haywood – 5.5
D Song 4.2
DSS – 3.6
Blatche – 2.7
N Young – 1.6
Pech – 1.5
McGee – 1.4
Brown – 1
Dixon – 1
D Mac – 700,000

Thomas is glaringly overpaid… Pech & Brown shouldn’t be on the roster (although their money isn’t bad at all)… I’m more than fine with everyone else’s salary!

Comment from neal
Time November 30, 2008 at 9:30 PM

testing avatar

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time November 30, 2008 at 10:08 PM

Wizards salaries here: http://hoopshype.com/salaries/washington.htm

Comment from Rick
Time November 30, 2008 at 11:13 PM

For us to win it is important for Andray and JaVale to be on the court and NOT in foul trouble.

They both play decent defense on the ball in the post. They should only be fouling in one of two circumstances:

1) Going for an offensive rebound

2) Coming over to protect the rim and prevent easy layups. Though the guards should do a better job of containing dribble penetration. But if it’s between forcing drivers toward the bigs or continuing to give up open threes, I say force them into the lane (depends on the opponent though).

Andray getting reach-in fouls at the three-point line is totally unacceptable and silly for him to do. does he want to be on the bench?

Comment from dcbutler357
Time November 30, 2008 at 11:51 PM

Tom/Rick/M2

Thanks for the enlightening info.
Are the increases each year for cost of living.

Another glaring fact is that AJ will be making 15mil at the end of his contract….but i’ll leave him alone since he has double/doubles (not a deal-maker for me, but I’ll take one for the team)

Rick, your #2 is so glaring and on the money. I can’t wait for these guys to grow up…it’s going to be awesome.

Well, goodnight. Gotta do the grown-up thing in the a.m.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 1, 2008 at 9:19 AM

Antawn is well worth his money. Take a good look at his line from the Atlanta game. He is one of the most productive players in the league.

Of course, “well worth his money” is relative! These guys do get paid idiotic sums to play a kid’s game, don’t they?

JaVale is going to get called for a lot of fouls. First, because he is going to commit them. He is a 20 year old rookie. Second, because he is a rookie he’ll get called closely — no referee respect has been earned.