Comment from AUNDRA
Time December 8, 2008 at 11:33 AM

Wizards the problems we are having closing out games can and will be corrected by reinventing your offensive and defensive schemes. First teams know we can’t shoot the three ball consistently so they are giving us the threeballer all day long. Second we definitely have a problem with penetrating 1&2 guards so that’s another problem because when we cut them off they easily dish to the three ball who is wide open. The offensive problem can be corrected with Hopla working with our three ballers everyday and they are Juan Dixon,Butler,
Jamison,Hollywood Nick, Blatche and our three baller for life Maddog Stevenson. So we definitely have a motley crew when it comes to the three! I feel we need to have a 60:40 approach to the offensive game plan with 60% in the painted areas and 40% from the three or near three range, so that means the skys the limit for three’s some where in the 32 shots range on 82 total shots for the game. The penetrating guard issue can be solved by double teaming as soon as they get across half court like Cleveland used to do Arenas aka Agent Zero! Defensively we have the best 2-3 or 3-2 zone defense so it has always worked so why change when a team makes three baskets in a row! We Must Reinvent Everything Because We The Fans Deserve Better!

Comment from truthaboutit
Time December 8, 2008 at 11:34 AM

If teams keep draining open threes on the Wiz (and are able to move the ball much too easily around the perimeter like the Bulls did), will Tapscott consider a drastic change in defensive philosophy? Such as less matchup zone?

Sure McGee and Blatche can’t throw around a ton of weight, but in the game together, their length would seemingly help protect the paint, allowing the guards to better do their job on the perimeter.

In any case, it seems like it will be tough to continue when 5th worst in the NBA in opponent 3P% and 2nd worst in 3P allowed. When factoring both categories, only New Jersey is worse at defending the trey ball, but they’re 11-8.

Comment from AUNDRA
Time December 8, 2008 at 11:47 AM

I also have to put speedy gonzales on the three baller list because the more options the better and that is Dee
Roll With Me Brown ! I would like to put Pecherov but he rarely gets any playing time so he will get on the list once he is healthy to go full time! Everyone else needs to develop there very short range dunks and med-range jumpers and that is Thomas,Songalia, DMAC,Mcgee and injuried reserve.

Comment from AUNDRA
Time December 8, 2008 at 11:58 AM

My final suggestion is 5 alive rule and thats everyone who enters the game 1st rule of thumb is to get your 5 rebounds to help control the flow of the game from a offensive /defensive standpoint. Look at the video tape against New Jersey and see what you did to control the boards with over 50 rebounds and just look at the results from that effort!

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 8, 2008 at 12:07 PM

Ok, continuing my review of our younger players, their productivity, their problem areas and so forth, I’ll remind you that I’ve posted analyses of JaVale — who after a small number of games is already almost as productive as the average NBA center –, Nick — who in his second year is still unproductive compared to an average NBA 2, but who is definitely improving –, and Dominic — who is already an above average NBA performer at the 3 (and way above average at the 2).

Lets turn to Andray, whom I am comparing to NBA power forwards. Yes, Andray has been asked to play a lot of center, and yes he sometimes can play the 3. But, everyone needs a position, and Andray’s best one is the 4.

So, how is he doing? Overall, an average NBA 4 posts a 10.3 Win Score (an analytic total of stats aimed at measuring how much a guy’s play contributes to team wins). Andray totals 8.9 — meaning that he is still a little short of an average 4 in contribution.

Where are the problems, you ask? In 2 areas and only 2 areas: An average 4 commits 4.9 fouls per 48 minutes; Andray commits 6.8. An average 4 turns the ball over 2.8 times every 48 minutes; Andray turns it over 4.5 times.

If Andray were only *average* in fouls and turnovers, he’d be *above average* overall. All the rest of his work is above average, except that he is slightly below average in getting to the line.

In all, Andray is developing — that’s a good thing. He has a ways to go — that’s no surprise. The things he needs to work on (fouls and turnovers) should be areas where he can improve fairly easily — a good sign for his future.

Comment from slwiz
Time December 8, 2008 at 12:11 PM

Morning!! Aundra and thruthaboutit; you have some excellent comments about defense. I know you’ve been seeing these things before. I’ve only got time for Aundra’s first comments; I’ll try and get more time later this afternoon or tonight!

….so they are giving us the threeballer all day long…..
….Hopla working with our three ballers…..
… as soon as they get across half court….

Several things from the online Sporting News of the 7th.

1. Neither the Hornets nor the Magic want Marbury.

2. Stephon Curry did squat against Loyola due to a double team. His TEAM MATES did play ball and Davidson won the game. The next game Curry got 44!

3.Phil Jackson recognizes the “bet” between team mates about “record steals” is hurting his TEAM defense.

4. Amare Stoudemire says when EVERYBODY chips in, we all have more fun.

I have serious issues that we are playing TEAM basketball. Until I read a comment from the staff that Dee, JaVale, and Darius are supposed to be ignored by their team mates in running the offense, I’m going to stick with my opinion that if the players would PASS THE BALL to more than just one side of the court and into the lane; ALL the players would have a better chance of being in double figures and heading toward a TEAM win.

I believe this is a confidence and trust issue; especially from Caron and Jamison as the leaders. They are trying so hard to take up the slack with Gil and Brendon being out. Relax guys; have some fun. Trust these underperforming players; cause guess what; they are improving!! IMO if you give them a chance they will be better players and in turn keep making YOU two even better players.

Besides working with Hopla on their shooting; I’d like the staff to work with both sides of the court and vision and trusting each other and believing in each other. Quite simply IMO this could be a favoritism issue. What does Gil and Brendon see from the bench? Is it favoritism or vision?

Tom, you slipped in there, too, morning!! I’ll be back later to read your Monday comments!!

Comment from AUNDRA
Time December 8, 2008 at 12:51 PM

3 6 5 ZERO

3 STEALS
6 POINTS
5 ROUNDS
0 TURNOVERS
= WIN
IF DIXON,DMAC,SONGALIA,,BLATCHE,YOUNG AND DANIELS OUR BENCH CAN DO THESE THINGS INDIVIDUALLY;I DONOT SEE WHY WE CAN’T GET A WIN

Comment from AUNDRA
Time December 8, 2008 at 12:52 PM

ROUNDS MEANS REBOUNDS

Comment from M2
Time December 8, 2008 at 2:40 PM

Love the analysis by Chicago’s play by play:
“The Wiz are far too athletic to play bad defense”
They said it (or words to that effect) over & over…

Defense creates offense… It starts with defense… etc etc
Year in & year out, same problem.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 8, 2008 at 2:45 PM

Aundra,

You are on fire on the board today, a lot of passion, well the great thing is the Wizards can get some much needed practice time before our next game. SportzWiz, is Coach Ayers back with the team? Aundra we are in the top 5 in bench scoring, so our bench has been there, it has been IMO player rotations and lack of production from the starters at the 1,2, and 5. But this is a new week, so let’s get it turned around! Maybe we can cut down on giving up 102 ppg, that should help get some wins.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time December 8, 2008 at 2:48 PM

Coach Ayers is back with the team, he has been at home games and Tapscott said today he should be on the next road trip.

Tapscott also talks about in the audio link I’m about to post, the coaching situation and gives some insight into why Unseld Jr. was drawing up the last couple of plays.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 8, 2008 at 3:11 PM

Thanks Sportz Wiz, look forward to the audio portion

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 8, 2008 at 3:26 PM

SportzWiz, Aaron Gray was the reason why McGee did not play after blocking 4 shots in 5 minutes? It looked like to me that he was controlling the match up and had the advantage of getting on the post (wow) I was ok until I heard his comments on McGee. SportzWiz, has there been a change in our coaching staff (i.e. with Okoren and Jordan gone, has the assistants job roles stayed the same or added responsibilites)?

Comment from SportzWiz
Time December 8, 2008 at 3:29 PM

not really sure Jeff,

my guess is Ayers still runs the defensive show, and I see Wes still workiing a lot with the offensive sets with the young guys.

So if this were football and we had offensive and defensive coordinators i would guess
Defense- Randy
offense – Wes.

Comment from slwiz
Time December 8, 2008 at 3:29 PM

I just listened to Jamison’s audio interview!! He’s worried about the teams energy!! And the bench. And the 1st and 3rd quarter starts are getting them deep into holes. He says to take better quality shots.

I agree but also, he and Caron need to PLAY WITH Dee and JaVale as starters. This bringing the ball up the court; passing around to the wings and corners once or twice and taking jump shots isn’t getting it done. Trust and Confidence are lacking amoung the starters. Cohesivness is lacking.

Once Dee and JaVale exit and Andray and Nick come in they pass the ball better; look for the cutters; look for the postups. It’s really cool to see; but they could be doing this those 1st 6 or 7 minutes.

Also, Darius isn’t being utilized in the low post. He had NUMEROUS low post moves but the players choose to go with Andray on the other side; time after time Darius was “missed”. IMO he was missed too often for just coincidence or because Andray had better position.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 8, 2008 at 3:36 PM

Thanks SportzWiz, also any Arenas updates today? slwiz you have some good points, should be some interesting match ups against the Pistons, they at the time are not playing well, maybe we are playing them at the right time to get a win, hope so anyway. Hamilton has really been frustrated, and Sheed’s rebounding is up but scoring is down, he has been up and down all year. Prince and Stuckey have really stood put for them this year, and AI he is the wild card. There bench plays with a lot of energy should be a good test for the Wizards bench.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time December 8, 2008 at 3:47 PM

No Gil updates. Believe me when we hear something you will to!

I wouldnt expect too much on that news for a little bit.

Comment from slwiz
Time December 8, 2008 at 3:58 PM

I’ve also listened to Coach’s audio and I want to emphasis I’m aware there are multiple problems and issues and really the opposing team doing things mucks us up. Hence JaVale’s limited minutes due to a different player getting thrown at him. Also, Andray is doing so much, much better. The guys trying to get him involved is great to see; it’s a lot of fun. Just don’t forget Darius is out there hustling and doing battle with that big guy and he, too, would like some touches. Heck maybe Darius and Andray can come up with some assists to each other. It all stems from moving without the ball; moving and setting the pick and then moving after the pick is set.

I enjoyed the comments about TEAM defense being a process. Maybe these offense issues I actually saw in the Chicago game will be addressed over time; Coach said it took awhile for trust to develop in the defense; to double team and then get back out onto there man. He says We are still in that process right now. Amen to that and they are struggling. So come on guys do your best!!!

For us fans we probably feel we’ve been patient; not just for this year; but for some of you all for YEARS. The same old problems. But I saw several charges taken!! That was something they needed to work on and they are applying it. I love when they get more rebounds than the other team!!

I’ll try to catch up on some of your fan comments. It’s hard to take everything in!!

Comment from slwiz
Time December 8, 2008 at 4:27 PM

Truthaboutit, earlier you were talking about JaVale and Andray being in the game together. I don’t think I’ve ever seen them in together since ED took over. Is that your point? Would you like to see their length utilized together more? Also, how would JaVale and Andray be positioned and how would this help the guards; and which guards would you like to be out there with JaVale and Andray? Thanks. (And lets say for ease that match ups aren’t an issue; ie height weight etc; I’m just asking as the players present skills and abilities go)

Comment from SportzWiz
Time December 8, 2008 at 4:35 PM

Tap used the JaVale and Dray combo a couple times most notably against GS. They work very well against athletic teams because they are big guys that can really run with anybody.

Comment from Phemy
Time December 8, 2008 at 4:36 PM

…by the way, if you haven’t noticed:

http://www.nba.com/fave5/

…why hello there! One guy seems very familiar ;>
(and he even knocked the “king” out of the list, addaboy)

Comment from slwiz
Time December 8, 2008 at 4:36 PM

SportzWiz: The link for McGee Not in Coach’s Doghouse – Washington Post goes to:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/05/AR2008120503546.html

which talks about Caron’s last shot. I do like the article but can you show us bloggers the link to the article about McGee not being in Coach’s Doghouse, too? Tx for checking!!!

Comment from SportzWiz
Time December 8, 2008 at 4:48 PM

Here you go

Comment from AUNDRA
Time December 8, 2008 at 5:53 PM

Any Agent Zero pictures and updates to make the week better because all this doom and gloom has not made it a good week at all! How is Haywood doing he looks like he is ready for ESPN sports commentator all ready.We really need Big Dog Right Now!

Comment from rgz
Time December 8, 2008 at 5:56 PM

If I remember right, having Blatche and McGee in at the same time got a few blocks and intimidated GSW somewhat from penetrating. I liked the lineup where Butler played the 2, Jamison the 3, Blatche at 4 and McGee the 5.

Comment from AUNDRA
Time December 8, 2008 at 6:17 PM

Jeff Malone 1990 the words just flowed out so rhythmically I just went with the flow. This is something the team sometimes gets and other times donot and that is something we must get in the flow and stay there! In the game with NEW JERSEY Stevenson got in flow and he could not be stopped , I donot care who guarded him Vince Carter or Kobe. This is the mindset the team has to demand and take what is rightfully there’s .Bloggers this your time to voice your opinions about this process of developing a winning mindset!

Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time December 8, 2008 at 9:26 PM

McGee got 11 minutes after dominating the first quarter and the reason is “he didn’t match up well against Gray”. Of course he didn’t match up. He didn’t have to. He was the better player. Losing teams worry about matching up. Did the Lakers sit Jabar because he didn’t “match up”; did the celtics sit Bill Russell because he didn’t “match up”; did the 76ers or the Lakers sit Wilt because he didn’t “match up”. When you have an advantage you make the opposition try to match up. What kind of a coaching staff do we have??? That’s more of the small-ball thinking that is still her from EJ. GET A BIG BOY OFFENSE.

Go Wiz!

Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time December 8, 2008 at 9:35 PM

We’ve got two real All-stars in AJ and CB. We need to give the younger players maximum minutes so that they can develop their game against real competition. AD and ET should get mop-up minutes only. DS should be the last man in the guard rotation.

We can have a BIG, fast, athletic team with several players who can score. We should be winning. We can’t afford to have older vets get playing time when they don’t contribute. Coach T. Take charge. Forget that small ball and using non-productive vets. Put the Eddie Jordan offense behind us. Let’s have some fun. Get the entertainment back into the Wizards game.

Comment from slwiz
Time December 8, 2008 at 10:53 PM

SportzWiz: Txs for the link to that McGee article!!

Also I know everybody is anxious for Gil to return; including himself. I’d rather see him come back when the trainers/doctors say then “I feel ready to play” as most ball players would rather play ball than eat or other enjoyable life events. But don’t we want Gil to play the rest of the season and into the playoffs? I read that he only played like 6 games because he came back to early from his second knee surgery.

Phemy yup Caron is “king” for the week rather than Lebron!!

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time December 9, 2008 at 1:08 AM

McGee did not rebound the ball thats why i think he got no min he had 11 mins 4 blocks and 0 rebounds the guy is good but if your 7′ guy near the hoop 90% of the time you should rebound the ball!

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time December 9, 2008 at 9:25 AM

getabigboy,

Thats a great point..if you think of it McGee doesnt match-up with Gray on ONE side of the court..BUT on the other Gray doesnt match-up with McGee..

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 9, 2008 at 9:32 AM

The other guys we put on Gray didn’t stop him from rebounding either, as he had 9 boards in less than 22 minutes. On the other hand, we outrebounded the Bulls in that game.

It’s one game; lets see what happens w/ JaVale’s minutes over time, and we’ll know. I’d like to see him get 20 minutes a game. Not much more, however.

Comment from AUNDRA
Time December 9, 2008 at 9:33 AM

I FEEL FOR THE GUARD WHO HAS TO CHECK RICHARD HAMILTON BECAUSE HE WILL RUN A MARATHON AND THEN SOME AROUND THE COURT. I ALSO FEEL FOR THE GUARD WHO HAS TO CHECK IVERSON BECAUSE HE LOVES TO GO LEFT AND PENETRATE FOR FOULS AND EASY LAY-UPS. HOWEVER THE GUY THAT WILL KILL YOU IS STUCKEY WITH HIS LONG RANGE MISSILES AND PENETRATING DUNKS ABOVE THE RIM. THE LAST GUY IS WALLACE ONCE HE SEES OUR ROOKIE HIS EYES WILL GLOW BASKETS SO WE DEFINITELY NEED TO SHOW AND I MEAN SHOW PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH. WE MUST BE A FORCE FROM BEGINNING TO END REALLY!

Comment from chillwill
Time December 11, 2008 at 6:03 PM

Does anyone know what is up with McGee minuets? This is terrible.