Washington Wizards Blog

Comment from aznzero
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:32 AM

i always liked deshawn but honestly he needs to rest himself.

Comment from GlingGling
Time December 23, 2008 at 10:06 AM

Maybe change is in the air. I am interested in this turn of events. Mix ups are great.

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 10:55 AM

I hope that things go well with Dee Brown and the Suns!

Let’s get this WIN tonight guys; all things are possible, even the playoffs this season!

GO WIZARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 11:00 AM

Oh, and ~SHARING IS CARING~ [Team Ball]

TEAM!
TEAM!
TEAM!
TEAM!
TEAM!

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 12:17 PM

SportzWiz: Any information!!!

From dj’s opening comments I think I “guessed” tonight’s starting lineup!! I’d rather it be Dom and have Juan and Nick together; but again he doesn’t seem to be doing that. It would be a miracle if JaVale and Andray played together at the same time. Even more if it was JM, AB, NY, JD, and Dom. I’d even take Darius with those first 4.

I didn’t realize DSS had had so many injuries to his legs. Very difficult for a guard. Also didn’t realize he’d started so many games. That too would be hard to let go of. He and AD did show true TEAM unselfessness.

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 12:18 PM

Just saw your post, Bridge. Is the “rumor” official? Any links yet?

Comment from aznzero
Time December 23, 2008 at 12:23 PM

did dee brown make it to the suns? i just know that he is going to audition for the backup PG. he might also be picked up by the lakers to fill in for farmars injury.

Comment from sharpsburg23
Time December 23, 2008 at 12:37 PM

Best Starting 5: James,Caron,Jamison,Song,Blatche-(Most consistent to date)
Tonight: James,Caron,D-Mac,Jamison,Blatche

Comment from sharpsburg23
Time December 23, 2008 at 12:38 PM

Tap doesnt know hes even male yet, how can he pick out who plays the best!

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 12:54 PM

Oh, I don’t know (what the status is) – my bad…Just kinda how I typed it, but what I MEANT to type was: ‘Good Luck to Dee Brown (with the Suns)’. I don’t really know what the Suns are looking for in a “back-up” PG, but I do think that he has a good chance. Steve Kerr seem to like vets (?); Dee Brown is the youngest competing, then there’s Walker Russell Jr. who’s great with assists – - so who knows…There’s many scorers on that team to “feed”…He gotta WORK IT (to be seen)!!!

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 12:59 PM

12:55 PM….So it will be Caron Butler at two-guard and Domenic McGuire at small forward wtih Mike James, Antawn Jamison and Andray Blatche. McGuire can help with defense and rebounding. He has demonstrated with his athleticism he can guard just about anybody.

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time December 23, 2008 at 1:14 PM

is this game going to be on CSN tonight?

Comment from SportzWiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 1:34 PM

CSN+

Comment from dmac
Time December 23, 2008 at 2:06 PM

I respect DS for doing what the coaching staff should have already done. I am very happy to see that possibly DMAC is in the lineup tonight. With Caron at the SG it should be a interesting game to watch tonight.
Once again kudos for DS for being a team player. That type of humility will play a role in him getting his confidence back.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 2:36 PM

I would love to see who will be coming off the bench, I really do not want to see Juan have another DNP, since Deshawn is coming off the bench. I am excited for DMAC this is a huge game for him, I hope we will see Blatche, DMAC, Young, Dixon and McGee on the floor at the same time for some run together.

Comment from Rick
Time December 23, 2008 at 2:37 PM

I have just gained a lot of respect for Deshawn. I hope he can provide some punch of the bench now.

Comment from Rick
Time December 23, 2008 at 2:51 PM

furthermore, with dominic starting we match up pretty well with Charlotte. hopefully he can put the clamps on Gerald Wallace and Caron can take advantage of the smaller Raja Bell.

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 2:53 PM

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2008/12/23/20081223spt-suns.html

I haven’t even read it yet; but he’s still in the NBA!!

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time December 23, 2008 at 2:58 PM

Thank You Slwiz. Very good news. I’m glad somebody saw his worth in the NBA. I wish Dee all the best.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 3:02 PM

congrats to Dee . I hope he does very well 80 games a year .

Comment from TAG FLIP
Time December 23, 2008 at 3:46 PM

im glad deshawn is finally taking one for the team… one only knows how long we’ve been waiting for a change like this. let’s hope d-steve can start to feel it again, that way opponents won’t be able to feel his face.

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 3:47 PM

Yay Dee!!! Great team; and Terry Porter is an EXCELLENT coach – I love me some Porter! I’m so happy for him…

Comment from Jaba
Time December 23, 2008 at 5:09 PM

slwiz…..I’m writing this from Stuttgart, Germany. There are a lot of turkish people living and working here. The ones that follow basketball (and that I’ve gotten to know, because I follow basketball) know and love Dee Brown from his stint with the Galatasaray Cafe Crown . Seems like he’s making friends wherever he goes.
I really do wish him the best with the Suns!
Hope that you will not turn your back on the Wizards now that Dee’s caught on with another team! Right now, we need all the fans we can get!

Comment from Jaba
Time December 23, 2008 at 5:11 PM

And guys, please give Mike James some love. He hasn’t been doing that badly now, has he?

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 5:25 PM

Mike James gets some love from me, on the scoring end “YES” assists “NO” he is a shooting guard trapped in a PG’s body, he is avg 1.8 assists since joining the team and 6.2 pts per game, in the games he has scored well he is shooting over 50% and the other games he is 0% (2 games total) should he start “yes” should he play 30 min a game “NO” should Juan and Javaris spell him “Yes”….Congrats to Dee I am glad that somethings reported as rumor are sometimes true, have a great year until we face you of course, lol.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 5:28 PM

jeffmalone just so you know it’s 2.8 not 1.8

Comment from SportzWiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 5:28 PM

and its 11.2 ppg

Comment from Jaba
Time December 23, 2008 at 5:41 PM

jeff- Mike James is still getting to know his teammates. He did have five assists in the last game vs Dallas. You don’t get that from merely shooting the ball. He’s getting more and more familiar with everything, so I’m predicting he’s going to get at least 4 assists tonight. Seems like Tap likes him and is giving him the minutes. And considering that he was warming the bench just a while ago, he’s been contributing pretty well.

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 5:57 PM

Jaba; how could I miss all the fun with our statistical fans and passionate positive fans!! Thanks for the shout out from Germany. Dee ALWAYS spoke highly of the Turkish fans and their love. Here in the states thousands and thousands of fans attend the pro games but in Turkey sometimes only hundreds were able to support the teams. But their singing, dancing, drums, etc really showed him true fan support!! Many here say I bring something nice and positive so I hope to keep trying. My knowledge is sometimes weak but my passion for HOOPS is broadening.
Does anybody have more info about the “10 day contracts” that might take place after the Jan 10th deadline? So far I’m reading that Dee’s under a non guaranteed contract which means he could be let go but also something about stay on for one or two “10 day periods”. What’s that all about?

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 6:03 PM

Jeff, just looked at the Suns schedule, they play the Wiz on Jan 26th!!

I have to say on Mike James he’s bringing scoring. I hope he can find a balance with shooting and with assisting. If he can; he will continue to be a great addition for the Wiz. Javaris seems to be understanding the “schemes” better for offense and defense so Tap’s confidence is building. He had good minutes the other night against Dallas so I see no reason he can’t get in!

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 6:09 PM

Dom seems to be a steady player!! He’s defending the better players and seems to be doing well at this task. I hope he and Andray can start well together. They played in summer league and Europe so hopefully they can find each other. Sounds like CB3 will be driving more and posting more if he’s got a smaller match up. If the outside jumper is there, “in rhythm” (as glen would say, LOL) they can take it! But drive and make them defend you guys!! I’m pretty excited about the line up change; I see the radio link above!! Protect the lane and rim. Box out and rebound. And hustle after those loose balls!! Let’s have some energy guys!! Go Wiz!!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 6:11 PM

SportzWiz-thanks I think the stats I quoted were based on the entire year (per NBA.com), so thank you again for the clarification. And Jaba yes I hope if he plays 30 plus minutes he can at least get 4 assists, that would be nice, I am excited about the game and look forward to charting the minutes played by the starters (CB3 and Jamison) and the bench rotation and assists. My hope as it is for every game that we play the bench more, cut the All Stars minutes down to no more than 35 min a game, and that we have more than 15 assists as a team. And maybe Juan can get into the game as a backup with this new line up.

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 6:17 PM

Hey SportzWiz or dj/glen – Is ET (Etan) DNP, due to ankle injury?

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 6:27 PM

6:25 PM Dave Johnson and Glenn Consor checking in from Time Warner Cable Arena,..starters are in…Mike James, Caron Butler, Andray Blatche, Domenic McGuire, and Antawn Jamison….Raymond Felton, Raja Bell, Emeka Okafor, Boris Diaw, and Gerald Wallace

Comment from zbp18
Time December 23, 2008 at 6:27 PM

Big props to DeShawn for being unselfish & recognizing that his struggles were to much for this team to over come with him in the starting line-up. I think this will help D-Steve and the team. For him it will take off some of the pressure of trying to score while he’s in his shooting slump. My advice to D-Steve is ,grow the beard back, do the “you can’t see me” hand wave & buy Soulja Boy season tickets. All jokes aside I’m pullin’ for ya’.

For the team, it should give other guys the opportunity too see if they can be more productive in a starting role.
IMO we need to go big with McGee, Songaila or D-Mac. Nick is also a possibility depending on weather we want to play a more up-tempo style. Since everyone gives their suggestions on line-ups, I’ll give mine.

If McGee:
PG James/ Dixon/ Critt
SG Butler/ Nick/ Stevenson
SF Jamison/ D-Mac
PF Blatche/ Songaila
C McGee/ Pech/ Etan

If Songaila:
PG James/ Juan/Critt
SG Butler/ Nick/ Stevenson
SF Jamison/ D-Mac
PF Songaila/ Pech
C Blatche/ McGee/ Etan

If D-Mac:
PG James/ Juan/ Critt
SG Butler/ Nick/ Stevenson
SF D-Mac/ alternate between Butler & Jamison
PF Jamison/ Songaila/ Pech
C Blatche/ McGee/ Etan

If Nick:
PG James/ Juan/ Critt
SG Nick/ Stevenson
SF Butler/ D-Mac
PF Jamison/ Songaila/ Pech
C Blatche/ McGee/ Etan

The inactive player would be between Critt, Pech or Etan

Juan didn’t get any playing time against the Mavs which seems like a big mistake to me. I think James & Juan would be a nice 1-2 punch at the PG spot. It’s funny Juan who’s played decent ball has 4 or 5 DNP’s under coach Tap but D-Steve who’s been strugglin’ all year, has to ask too be sat down. My advice to Tap is just play the guys who are playing well & you should get some wins.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 6:27 PM

Etan just a DNP… and Happ Holidays slwiz and everyone

Comment from Jaba
Time December 23, 2008 at 6:28 PM

slwiz – you definetly bring something nice and positive to this blog!
Got a quick question: how can I add that small picture to my name?

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 6:30 PM

zbp18…welcome and good options.. and I think at this point Tap is tryiing to find the right combinations…as you might expect nothing is set in stone at 4-21…hopefully things will settle as wins start to occur

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 6:31 PM

Hey Dave and Glenn, should be an exciting night of basketball, both teams in transition at this point and trying to find the right combo’s. The Bobcats are tough with Diaw and Bell in the fold, for what they gave up in scoring with JRich, they have gotten better ball movement with Diaw, so there scoring and shooting have improved, and G Wallace always seems to play well against the Wizards, should be a great test for the new look Wizards. Here’s to a win tonight in Tar Heel country! I know CB3 talked about getting more Post up looks moving to the 2, will be tough against Bell however it seems as though Jamison loves to play in Tar Heel country I expect him to have a big game.

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 6:31 PM

Ed Tapscott is rewarding Dom for his defensive work

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 6:37 PM

….so i switch from comcast because i couldn’t get CW50,now fios and know CSN+ or CW50.WTF

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 6:42 PM

Anyone here have fios and know if the game is on TV 2nite??

PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 6:43 PM

^^^*know what channel the game is on

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 6:45 PM

on tv it is csn plus…on espn 980 am 94.3 FM and 92.7 FM

Comment from sharpsburg23
Time December 23, 2008 at 6:46 PM

Its not important if Stevenson Starts. What matters if tap is stupid enough to play him extended mins when he is doing nothing. No offense at all= Losses. Stevenson should get about 15mpg off the bench. Unless hes hot for some holiday miracle.

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 6:46 PM

Happy Holidays DJ

GO WIZARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 6:51 PM

hey bridge how is milwaukee

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 6:51 PM

How can our arena be called the verizon center and verizon doesn’t even support the channel for the game.This is crazy

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 6:52 PM

anyone know a video link for the game

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 6:54 PM

(You don’t even wanna know) SNOWY, cold; lots of inches out of the blue, type of weather…

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 6:54 PM

need atmopsher on the blog becasue it is quite in here

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 6:55 PM

I am sure we will bring it on the blog tonight-DJ

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 6:55 PM

that is quite in here i meant to say…..

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 6:56 PM

try agian quiet is the word

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 6:57 PM

I’m thinking I’ll blog a bit today for old time sake; hoping others do too – - lets not give up on our team people !

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 6:58 PM

glenn consor here: keys, contain the dribble, must keep Cats out of the paint, conversly Wiz need to attack with the dribble, get to the paint and rim.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:00 PM

Let’s get a win tonight then on XMas day against the Cav’s to give us a nice 2 game winning streak!

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:02 PM

http://www.washingtonwizardsblog.com/2008/10/31/contest-practice-quotes-and-creating-gravatars/#comments

Go to Oct 31st; scroll down past the 3 audios and the instructions are there. After the game if you’re still needing help we will try!!

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:05 PM

I am getting the audio here
http://www.nba.com/broadband/alp_schedule.html

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:06 PM

anyone have any links for the game

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:06 PM

thanks slwiz

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:07 PM

thanks sl

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:08 PM

Jeff no visuals either

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:08 PM

thank you slkwiz…..I forgot our baltimore affiliate has a conlfict tonight

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:08 PM

looking forward to Bridge’s comments and who knows maybe we will go big sometime tonight!! Go Wiz!

Hey Tom, Neal, Jeff did you all see my question about the “10 day contract” after Jan 10th? I’ll check back later; right now Let’s Rock on Wiz!!!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:09 PM

just for you NickDaGift

http://www.justin.tv/directory/sports/basketball?kind=live&order=hot&lang=en

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:10 PM

DJ,.. so you do the radio and blog

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:11 PM

thanks dj I’d wondered about that WVIEAM link. So that’s your Baltimore station. Does glens post game show go there sometimes when the nba.com goes off the air?

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:11 PM

MY MAN JEFF

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:13 PM

i’m just goin to listen the visuals is to choppy,but thanks anyway JEFF.

GO WIZ!!!!!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:14 PM

me as well Nick

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:16 PM

lifeless to start

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:17 PM

man i hate this,its even worst when you waited all day like i did and then its not even on TV.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:17 PM

slow start, that’s ok plenty of time, just have to settle down and get into the flow of the game

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:19 PM

good drive by Caron

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:19 PM

love to see that from CB3

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:21 PM

you called it jeff! that time out helped them to settle down!!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:21 PM

I guess CB3 is loving the seitch to the 2

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:22 PM

3-3 for caronimo good start for him

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:22 PM

Blatche playing very well to start

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:22 PM

He knows that’s his spot for right now. That too should help all of them to play the position better. Dom’s off to a good start, too!!

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:23 PM

Wow very early off the bench with Dsteve and Dom was doing so well! Hope that move is a good one!

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:24 PM

blatche been playing very solid lately,he’s erased the negative image i had of him hope he can keep it up.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:24 PM

Maybe we will get Deshawn, Juan and Young on the floor together, we will see, ok Deshawn let’s get that swag back tonight!!

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:24 PM

so Dsteve is in

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:25 PM

Oh, wait, maybe DSteve went in for James?

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:25 PM

anyone know the best site for live game stats

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:25 PM

yeah for james slwiz

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:26 PM

at least i thought

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:26 PM

http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/scoreboard# Nick try this one

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:26 PM

yes detsve is in..with james.. jamison butler and blatche

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:28 PM

well im on the radio i dont have CSN+

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:28 PM

aren’t those 3 quards, jeff? Nick, Dsteve, and Young?

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:28 PM

jeff is that one better than yahoo’s

Comment from wtop
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:28 PM

Dave I did not know you both did a game preview for the fans at Verizon Center I was there Sunday for the Wizards game

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:29 PM

lol, slwiz it is, but what the heck, maybe Young can play at the 3 (with certain line ups)

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:30 PM

hope you enjoyed it the preview

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:30 PM

Bobcats on a run, may need a time out

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:31 PM

we need to start bringing nick in around the 6min mark in da 1st

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:31 PM

i’m looking at yahoo stats, box score and like it; it lags behind dj some but not much.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:32 PM

ok let’s not give up 30 in the 1st, lock it down on D

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:32 PM

defense not good…need to contain dribble

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:33 PM

Now I’m seeing Dom out and James and Dsteve in. Wow that early line up didn’t stay in there long.

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:33 PM

yeah yahoo is much better.IMO

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:35 PM

Augustine and Singleton in for the Bobcats, man I hope we get Juan and Nick in the game to match up with that line up~

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:35 PM

we can not lose to the thunder

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:37 PM

my fault singletary not in just augustin…

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:37 PM

Wow how many line changes in that quarter? And really the beginning was pretty good till Dsteve came in; then all down hill. Is he searching for the bench? Well get Andray and McGee in together and Nick and Juan in together. Try that combo!!

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:38 PM

caron and twan playd that whole qyarter, hope we don’t be dead in the 4th

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:38 PM

James, Butler and Jamison played the entire 1st qtr

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:38 PM

young stevenson siongailia dom jamison in

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:39 PM

blatche 2 fouls

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:39 PM

He’s killing me, LOL Now Nick’s in!!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:40 PM

Man I would love to see Young and Dixon on the court together

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:41 PM

Deshawn being aggressive

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:42 PM

augustin is a baller

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:42 PM

who’s playing the point

Comment from Wizardfan0
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:42 PM

Hey guys im listening on the radio right now im just new i hope we start winning again and hope nick young gets on fire plus stevenson too hope we do well tonite ill be listening! thanx Curtis

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:43 PM

Tap please put Juan in

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:43 PM

there matc ups to exploits

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:44 PM

i’d like to see J-critt, he playd okay last game

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:44 PM

dj/ what match ups are you seeing. I’m a little weak in this area and have limited knowledge. When you have time!

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:46 PM

jamison on bell….but wallace is in now..stevenson on augustoin……but jamison can’t force things we have to help him

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:46 PM

only 3 assist on 11 makes,5 offensive rebs.

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:47 PM

how do we not play juan.i don’t get it

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:49 PM

Thanks, on Jamison as far as Dsteve how can the plays be set for him? Same thing? Ball screens or other plays?

Comment from wtop
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:50 PM

Any body looking for a place to tonights game go to espn980.com because there is a listen live link on their website

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:50 PM

nick is always streeky the need to sit him let him get his mind right

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:50 PM

Here’s my issue about Juan, it’s not like he has been playing bad, he actually has been putting up numbers off the bench, this DNP I do not get, he actually was doing a good job at setting up the offense, not sure what the heck is going on? We are not getting easy looks at all, and at the very least he has shown he can run the team, man!

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:51 PM

set screens for him….so he can coming off those screens..or stagger(multiple) screens….so he has some room to work… he has tried to drive into the paint and been met by two players

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:51 PM

just down 5 thats not to steep.

Lets GO WIZ!!!!!

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:52 PM

I’m not real familiar with the Princeton. Do they have “staggered screens” in the playbook? That sounds like movement which the Wiz aren’t doing so well. Are you guys seeing this some in practice? or maybe it will be coming up in future ones?

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:52 PM

wizards yet to go to the line

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:53 PM

i agree Jeff, i don’t get it neither i feel he really has been playing well too.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:53 PM

That’s the key, if they are driving and help comes over, someone should be open…only Gil can take two people and make something positive out of it. tHAT SHOULD BE A TECH ON JHOWARD

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:54 PM

slwiz, do we even run that offense anymore?

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:54 PM

okay, got that about Dsteve’s drives; they have him covered in the paint so that’s why the screens; but again is that something “we want” and is in the Princeton? I worry about the multiple part? And the score is only 1 point down!!

Comment from jewell
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:56 PM

Hey Dave–here with Wil and Julian hoping for an early Christmas present from
the Wiz!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:56 PM

Bobcats 3 pts in the qtr, yuck, Wiz with 10

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:56 PM

Slwiz if the cover him in the paint some one should be open on the outside for a mid range shot

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:57 PM

NickDaGift, yeah it’s a wonder about what Offense is run, LOL

dcbutler357, hello, and I will look for Gil taking 2 defenders in to the basket, LOL, in the meantime hope we can get some of these screens set for Jamison and Dsteve and others get open for their shots

We’ve got the lead, ALRIGHT

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:59 PM

Butler has 15 of the Wizards 32, somebody else needs to step up

Comment from LilGil
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:59 PM

Hi everybody, I’m a lil late but I’m right there, and it seems like I brought the lead with me

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:59 PM

hey hey Wizards4Life draw them in the paint and kick out for that mid range jumper or “rhythm” 3 pointer. Keep going Wiz!!

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:02 PM

Hello everyone.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:04 PM

Wow, low-scoring first half. We can take this one guys and gals!!

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:06 PM

see we have a fluury of folks jumping on….great.. and wil i am so glad to hear you are on the way back…..it wasn’t a beauty contest but we got aftrer it on defense.. after a sluggish start and now as everyone has stated we need more than just butler

Comment from TAG FLIP
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:06 PM

solid first half overall.. didn’t really get to see much of it thanks to prior obligations before the game but i’m satisfied with the halftime score… need to win the 2nd half.

Comment from LilGil
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:07 PM

Yeah I seen some pretty good D during the last minutes of the first half, we gotta force them to take shots, and tough shots if possible!!!

Comment from wtop
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:09 PM

Wizards think free throws free throws in the 2nd half

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:09 PM

WOOO! LETS GO WIZARDS!!!

Comment from NickDaGiFt
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:09 PM

good to hear that the wizards are playing good D. Hope we can pull this one out.

Comment from LilGil
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:10 PM

Hey Bridge, how ya doin?

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:10 PM

hey dcbutler- a broken record the 2 all-stars have played 20 minutes for CB3 (he is the reason we are in the game) on pace for 40 plus, (hope he has it in the tank in the 4th qtr) Jamison at 16 (I love that, he will get about 32-35) James with 14 minutes (on pace for 28-30, I like that as well) now for the one I have a question abot Deshawn 12 minutes on pace for 24-26 minutes???) Blatche on 11 minutes (I do not like that, have to play him) I like Darius 13 min (pace for 26 minutes, have an issue with that, need to play McGee more 5 minuts in the 1st half) Nuck Young 8 minutes, started out fast (still needs to get at least 20 min a game, pace 16 this game) and lastly I have no clue what Coach Tap is doing with Juan, can someone tell me why he cannot get 10-20 minutes a game??

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:11 PM

I GET BUCKETS SON…C’mon TF, you gotta say it for me – please??

What up LilGil !

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:11 PM

I’m good – missed you on here homie!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:12 PM

The Wizards only have 4 assists in the 1st half, (4) wow!! and 4 TO’s

Comment from wtop
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:13 PM

WIZARDS THINK FREE THROWS FREE THROWS

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:13 PM

Why was Larry Brown scopin’ Caronimo out?…HE’S A WIZARD LARRY! He’s our All-star!!

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:13 PM

defense was much better ins econd quarter…11 points off 9 Bobcats turnovers…

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:14 PM

need to attack basket more…only at the line twice for four shots

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:14 PM

Then J. Howard is playing all rough on D. Song…

Comment from LilGil
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:15 PM

I missed you and the whole blog atmosphere you know… been pretty busy, but I’m here to stay now

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:15 PM

Wow, wonderful interview with Dom!!

Comment from Rick
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:16 PM

only 4 free-throw attemps
only 4 assists
only 4 turnovers

of course we know what needs to change and what needs to stay the same. should ride caron’s hot hand as long as it lasts. with only 36 team points in the first half, he is the only one who seems to be able to find the bottom of the net.

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:16 PM

You better be – - I’ll come overseas looking for ya if I have to lol…

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:17 PM

on offense we need to get the ball to the “second side”….better off if we make the bobcats move on defense…in other words work it to the right get it to the left….it is not complicated we are just settling for too many quick shots

Comment from zbp18
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:17 PM

Halftime,

Second game in a row no Juan, Second game in a row no production from the back-up PG spot!!!!

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:17 PM

Where the hell is TF – c’mon, I know that Pech ain’t in -

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:18 PM

rick that’s funny a game of fours

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:19 PM

I think we need a pass first guard in the game to help get us set up, i vote for juan

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:20 PM

bobcats w\ 11 assists

Comment from LilGil
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:20 PM

Lol Bridge, Ill be waiting for ya

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:21 PM

4 is bad luck amongst some cultures…

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:22 PM

too mnay jump shots

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:24 PM

Too many jumpers, if we want to attack the rim, we need the right line up in the game

Comment from LilGil
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:24 PM

wow dom screwed up bad…

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:26 PM

yeah that was not good

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:26 PM

“Lol Bridge, Ill be waiting for ya ” – - LilGil

Yeah, and the guy at Wendy’s (a restaurant here) is too lol. I ask for fries, and he’s trying to give me a chocolate milkshake…flirting nowadays…

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:27 PM

Dom is TOUGH

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:27 PM

PG play is how you get it going!

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:27 PM

LETS GO WIZ!!!!!!!!!

Comment from FantasticWiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:27 PM

Have you all noticed both DS’s (D-Steve and D-Song) wear long black socks.

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:27 PM

Yes Jeff!

Comment from LilGil
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:28 PM

“Wendy’s (a restourant here)” I hope you ain’t suggesting I don’t know what Wendy’s is aren’t ya!! I actually just stepped out of a burger king and I didn’t get no special treatment so don’t complain will you

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:29 PM

Bridge-ya know I luv ya

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:29 PM

“Have you all noticed both DS’s (D-Steve and D-Song) wear long black socks.” – - FWiz

Maybe a superstition??

Comment from LilGil
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:31 PM

Great play, Blatche should have scored!!

Bridge- I can tell you DeShawn wear always the same shoes as ‘Tawn for the rest, no idea…

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:31 PM

Naw LilGil – some cities, states, countries, etc. have different restaurants, so I’m the one that don’t know lol! Hey is that YOU (at Wendy’s) – - just kidding lmao

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:32 PM

Well Deshawn is leading us w\ 2 assists tonight, that’s good right?

Comment from LilGil
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:32 PM

That’s alright, just kidding with you, btw if anyone can tell me where I can find a tacobell in DC that’ll be kind:)

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:32 PM

Yeah, I remember reading that he does…

I ain’t got nothin’ but luv for ya either Jeff

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:33 PM

No ball movement, a lot of one on one offense w\ jumpers, we must get into the lane and get more assists 4 will not cut it, and no Juan, he is avg 3 on the year

Comment from FantasticWiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:33 PM

Bridge – My guess is DeShawn is looking up to borrow some luck from Darius who leads the team in FG%.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:34 PM

This type of game is the Bobcats style of play it does not favor us, this is classic ugly Lary Brown ball, we need to change the tempo

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:35 PM

Caron the only one ball’n tonight?

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:35 PM

Oh, ok. Stevenson just needs to believe in himself and he’ll be alright

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:36 PM

Wizards yet to hit the 20 pt mark for a qtr, in this game

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:37 PM

time to get it together

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:37 PM

Put Juan in the game!

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:38 PM

one man team?

Comment from wtop
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:38 PM

I hope Dave that you or Glen or anybody else with the wizards were not affected by the major water main break on river road in montgomery county that caused major problems through Montgomery county today one huge note we wizards fans owe a huge thank you to wtop radio and everybody in our dc media for covering the water main break

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:38 PM

Hey, where’s Sl and W4L??

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:38 PM

We need some penetration

Comment from LilGil
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:38 PM

You’ve got hope jeffmaline1990, tied with 36 at the half…

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:39 PM

This is gonna be a sllloooooowwwww game…

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:39 PM

I don’t know if the picture that I saw was exagerrated or not, but the water break looked like a river

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:39 PM

LilGil-I have hope and actually have more audacity at this point,lol.

Comment from LilGil
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:40 PM

Caron’s so much into it, gotta bring that kind of high-energy atmosphere into the locker room every night!!

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:41 PM

only 5 assist shooting 31 % but only down by 4

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:41 PM

We gotta give him a straw or something -

Comment from LilGil
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:41 PM

True JM1990 (sorry for the mistiping, ain’t easy to eat and tipe at the same time…) but we gotta have a whole lot of audacity if we wanna make the playoffs

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:43 PM

I wish AB would jump towards the rim, he may get to the line more

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:44 PM

The Wizards yet to score 20 in a qtr, and over the last 6 games in the 4th avg around 18, please let this change tonight

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:44 PM

“but we gotta have a whole lot of audacity if we wanna make the playoffs” – - LilGil

And I’m just overflowing with it (for still believing), I guess lol

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:45 PM

We need DMac in there. Our middle is looking real soft

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:46 PM

Damn Larry Brown!

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:46 PM

We got a early xmas present from Augustine

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:46 PM

We are playing one one one basketball

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:47 PM

LOL….Looks like one on four basketball. Caron has half our points

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:47 PM

I CAN’T FEEL MY FACE (oh, thank the lord!!!)

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:48 PM

Surely they will have some gas and fuel in the tank for the 4th. It’s not been very uptempo tonight!! Only 2 assists that quarter. Very sad!!

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:49 PM

yes to much one on one… but here we go foiurth quarter…lets just get this one

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:49 PM

Scoring for the Wiz-18 in the 1st, 18 in the 2nd, 17 in the 3rd, 6 assists total for the game, Bobcats have 16 thru 3 qtrs. Caron 32 min, Jamison 29 minutes thus far

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:50 PM

Man, I only got my whole life to live (this game is slow) – it’s not the Wiz, it’s these Bobcats.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:50 PM

Another DNP for Dixon, why????

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:51 PM

al right that was good ball movement

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:51 PM

That would’ve been NICE

Comment from LilGil
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:52 PM

Yeah true, wassup with Juan??

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:52 PM

NICE BLOCK!!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:52 PM

Ball Movement!!

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:53 PM

When Caron drives, the open man is not cutting, they are just standing back watching….good thing Caron is on.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:54 PM

The Bobcats are getting easier baskets, the assists total will bare that out

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:54 PM

Nick!!

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:54 PM

DMac bringing good energy

Comment from LilGil
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:54 PM

I’m glad there so bad from the line (god they’re bad…)

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:55 PM

NY had a backdoor for DSong twice and hasn’t passed it yet…..

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:55 PM

Good D by Dom

Comment from LilGil
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:56 PM

Greaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat, I like that cuz Dmac wasn’t mooving you know

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:56 PM

This time they had Augustine on DSOng and didn’t pass it…..can someone on the bench say something???GEEEEZ

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:57 PM

Even possession, they are at the line!

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:57 PM

^Every

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:58 PM

JD would have exploited those situations

Comment from LilGil
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:58 PM

True, and that’s when you say “thanx god they don’t know how to shoot free throws!!”

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:58 PM

McGee 5 minutes

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:58 PM

True…

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 8:59 PM

points off turnovers saving wizards

Comment from LilGil
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:00 PM

again to the line, are you kidding me?!

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:01 PM

They are calling EVERYTHING for them

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:01 PM

Well he did take the ball from jamison

Comment from LilGil
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:01 PM

great play by tawn and MCgee

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:01 PM

There you go Tawn

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:01 PM

We aren’t going to get calls shooting jumpers

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:02 PM

ridiculous, they need to be getting up off the floor going through the middle like that

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:03 PM

Felton and Augustine, wow we cannot matchup with them? 2 small guards, c’mon

Comment from LilGil
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:04 PM

HEEEEEEEEEELLL yeah Mcgee!!! That’s wat i’m talkin bout!!

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:05 PM

Do our youth watch film?

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:06 PM

We better not lose to this team; if we do, I’ll break my computer or something gooossssh!

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:07 PM

What’s up with our match-ups?

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:08 PM

Good call, but Caron needs to be taking him to the basket

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:08 PM

We have become a one on one jump shooting team, where is the ball movement? Post up’s, Pick N Rolls?

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:09 PM

Is this a small line up that we have in?

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:09 PM

All I know is in Dom half time interview they are told to get the ball to the forwards.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:10 PM

DAM-, Caron had four people on him…..where is everybody!!

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:11 PM

OH NO!

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:11 PM

Is CB3 and Jamison looking for others? Or just focused on scoring? Is the team movement there or just stagnant?

Comment from LilGil
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:12 PM

That’s shameful… missing a dunk and hurting Blatche, get outta here… (I guess the bobcats were created to hurt the Wizards, know what I mean…)

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:12 PM

The team doesn’t cut, heck when DSong was cutting, no one passed it to him anyway……we’re dysfunctional….can’t even play basic basketball.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:12 PM

Caron w\31 no one else w\ double figures

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:13 PM

sadly i know what you mean

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:14 PM

We may need to watch film instead of practice. Is that part of practice?

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:14 PM

Yeah, I agree Jeff – we’re not really passing a lot. I just don’t know what’s wrong with them…Is it the coaching staff or something?? I just don’t understand…I like it that Caron has a lot of points, but where’s everyone else, and why is he putting it all on himself??

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:16 PM

This is unbelievable!! We could’ve gotten this one…WTF!!

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:17 PM

You have to have team mates that cut to pass. dsong is the only one that cuts….meanwhile, charlotte has about three or four slams in the last minute…..Game Over….next on the menu or are we the menu?

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:17 PM

No ball movement and we have close to nothing in assists, once again I look at the assists and the minutes played by our starters and the bench! We will not win with these rotations and Juan another DNP.

Comment from LilGil
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:18 PM

I really really dont wanna loose that one, but by really I mean reaaaaaaaaaaaaaally….. It’s sad but as you guys said it I think our guys should calm down a bit and remember that wins come with team play, wheter there’s 2 or 48 minutes left on the clock…

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:18 PM

We did not get good PG play tonight, it’s not the scoring it is the assists, we look for jumpers early and often in the shot clock

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:19 PM

THE PROBLEM IS THAT EVERYTHING DOESN’T NEED TO GO THROUGH OUR TWO FORWARDS….ITS MESSING UP A TEAM MENTALITY

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:20 PM

Wizards score 16 in the 4th, we see this pattern in the last 7 games in the 4th and have done NOTHING to change that trend!

Comment from LilGil
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:20 PM

Well we didn’t get our christmas present tonight, I guess that means we’re getting it thursday

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:21 PM

Yeah Caron scored 30, but it was one on one, not within the makeup of team basketball. We need to get a team mentality as our foundation. No matter who’s on the floor.

Comment from LilGil
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:21 PM

As usually, good to be with you guys, thx Dave, thx Glenn and see y’all in Cleveland (make yourself know if you go to the game, don’t wanna be the only wizard out there ) Good night, see y’all.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:21 PM

Correction 19 in the 4th! falied to score 20 in any qtr tonight

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:22 PM

LOL….We are the present…LOL

Comment from LilGil
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:23 PM

lol dcbutler, we’ll with it then

Comment from LilGil
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:23 PM

^we’ll DO with it then

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:24 PM

40 minutes for CB3 and Jamison and James w\ 37, not a winning formula!!!!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:25 PM

9 assists in 48 minutes (Horrible), 12 FT’s not attacking the rim, pts in the paint 42-24 advantage Bobcats

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:27 PM

We need a guard to penetrate and someone cut when they’re man helps out….basketball 101. Heck, can I go down and sit on the bench and watch with the coaches….you don’t have to pay me anything….LOL

Comment from TAG FLIP
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:28 PM

still not sure what our deal is.. at this point we need more than a federal bailout..

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:29 PM

on hold on the post game 301 230 0980

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:30 PM

have a great call jeff, stay calm, LOL

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:31 PM

“All I know is in Dom half time interview they are told to get the ball to the forwards.” – - Sl

That is COMPLETE BS! The forwards aren’t the only two people on the floor, coaching staff!! Now our freakin’ record is, what, 4-22? How crazy – - I HATE lack of teamwork; what’s the point of watching a PLOTTED OUT train-wreak!

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:32 PM

Wow, Phil you’ve been saying that all year!! When are you going to make those players listen!!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:33 PM

slwiz-i will do my best

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:34 PM

They wouldn’t want me to call – - mad respect for DJ and Glen, but every other word (would be a cuss word).

Nice to have ya with us LilGil!

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:36 PM

jeff, the nba.com live audio just went out; sorry won’t hear you.

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:38 PM

Nba.com has done this alot can SportzWiz do anything to get them to keep the link established? I know you aren’t there now; hope you see this post tomorrow!!

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:40 PM

sorry Bridge didn’t mean to get your dander up; it’s frustrating to have so much passion and have the same old same old happening; really nice you blogged tonight!!

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:41 PM

i heard about two seconds of audio and that’s it.

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:42 PM

Yeah, they seem to let glen do the stats but when it comes to the callers they get cut off; I tried the baltimore station but it’s got something else on.

Comment from Bridge
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:45 PM

Naw, that’s not a problem Sl…I guess I just can’t believe that. They just don’t seem like the same players, and that kinda hurts, but oh well…

Glad I blogged too, and with you guys –

Goodnight

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:46 PM

Yeah I vented a little bit could not help it, crazy….Once again thank you Glenn for taking the call

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:47 PM

Was there an answer for Juan not playing? DJ/Glen seem as frustrated with this as we do!

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:49 PM

Bridge – they are the same guys! Very talented! Putting up with these losses; still positive in the locker room; some of the swag is dwindled but hey, they need US to help them stay positive!! I really believe the wins are around the corner if the staff would just continue making some adjustments!! Hang in there!!

Comment from slwiz
Time December 23, 2008 at 9:51 PM

jeff venting!! LOL wish I could have heard that!! Hey sportzWiz are blogger calls allowed to go up as audio!!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 23, 2008 at 10:06 PM

Glenn said he was unsure why Juan was playing, and actually said he would ask Coach about it, so I guess stay tuned. 9 assists, I just cannot believe that and not to score 20 pts in one qtr the entire game, slwiz I love the wizards and I was a bit encouraged by some of the changes. The one change we made in the backcourt has exposed us not having a pass first PG, we get nothing easy going to the basket, it is one on one, a clear out or a quick jump shot, we also talked about the starters playing 40 minutes a game, I will hand it to Glenn he is a straight talker.

Comment from justgetanoffense
Time December 23, 2008 at 10:23 PM

There are VERY few players in the history of the NBA who could actually carry a team to victory in a given game. CB is NOT one of those players. Maybe Oscar, Bird or Wilt. Not even MJ, Russell, Elgin, West or Kobe.

At his very best CB if an excellent role player…so is AJ, but at least AJ seems to realize this.

What kind of coaching forces every play through the forwards? I guess if you have no idea how to coach, let alone a NBA basketbal team, your objective is to get the ball to your All-Stars and let them decide how the game should be conducted.

EG, ENOUGH of your friend coaching. There are many available (NOT PJ) unemployed coaches available who might know how to teach the TRIANGLE offense. There is probably no team in the NBA that has better personnel to use this offense than the Wiz. Blatche and McGee on either low post (Darius in reserve); AJ and CB (with DM and DS in reserve) on the wings; James (with NY ad Critt in reserve) at the point…, DeShawn and ET mopping up…Could be POTENT.

I’m disgusted with the entire Wiz management, I guess we’re playing for the lottery. Let me think about how we last handled that choice pick…Oh, yes, I remember, it was Mr. nobodyreallywantsmenow Brown. Does anybody think that EG is a better judge of basketball talent than MJ?????

I refuse to pay top $ to see this team play while Tap is the coach. I’m done!

Comment from John50
Time December 23, 2008 at 10:31 PM

Happy Holidays…..

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time December 23, 2008 at 10:43 PM

If we ever want to win we had better start shooting better. We are never going to win when four of the guys that got the most minutes tonight went 5 for 18, 2 for 10, 4 for 16, and 3 for 10. If Caron hadn’t been around 50% they would have crushed us.

We need somebody in the middle. Our guys are too skinny and inexperienced. Etan should be getting some minutes. He shouldn’t be starting, but, he should be in there banging as we have no other “bangers” this season. You have to at least try to slow down the Okafor’s in the league. We are getting killed in the paint.

Comment from John50
Time December 23, 2008 at 10:55 PM

Um…Well.. I think that we need a change, but not on the players. I think the management level need to change. I dont understand why they fired EJ and got an interim coach that is not really doing anything. I commended him at first (thinking EG will find and get a more seasoned coach with ideas etc..), however I am seeing same things that concerned me. -I dont think Tap was really ready for this-We need a real coach!!! If we want to become a better team, we have to start from the top and then go down to the players. EG-dont trade players and think the solution will be better overnight. You traded players without having a stable coach. If you want to make/developed a better team stop depending on the draft…really.

As far as tonights game we had a W in our fingertips but it wasnt enough passion out there. We have the notables of course Caron. We need everyone tho. The Wiz have to play a more established Team Ball. At times it appear that there was no practice, so disorganized, out of position and confused. Do they go out to get to know each other or do they treat this like the normal 9-5 someone please tell me. WE NEED MORE OF A CONNECTION!

DS going to the bench…Well if the player notice after 20+ games he should even be sat out…well…Coaches were you watching the game???? DS really need to establish some form of self confidence. People have slumps and stuff but you have to practice and do whatever it takes to help the team.

**DS-dont allow yourself to get to comfortable on the bench (appear that you were) if you worked hard enough to be a starter someone else could take your spot while you are sleeping. **

Also any updates on Blatche’s Hand????

Well thats all for tonight. I dont mean to come off neg. but hey I still believe but it dont appear that some of the organization do (Some players, Front Office)….

Peace J50

Comment from adnanajanah
Time December 24, 2008 at 8:06 AM

last year we were bettter with daniels stevenson jamison blatche and haywood………… How great would this sound- After the worst start in franchise history the washington wizards turn this season around and are going to the playoffs to face the celtics.

Comment from millie mill
Time December 24, 2008 at 8:08 AM

Does anyone realize that the Wizards have not won a game since the trade? I think Lebron is going to score 35pts tomorrow. He would score 50 but they won’t let him play in the fourth quarter. I don’t even watch the games anymore I just wait to see how bad they get beat and look at the box scores. Too bad for Butler and Jamison they are putting up all star numbers but will not make it because of the team’s record.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 24, 2008 at 8:33 AM

What a mess that game was.

Antawn played his worst game of the season, alas. If he plays anywhere near normal, we win the game.

millie mill comments that we haven’t won a game since the trade. True enough. Ernie’s comment on the trade was that we needed back court scoring to win more games. I guess that means that the trade was a failure?

Dominic played well — 10 boards in 23 minutes! JaVale played well too, despite missing his only 2 shots. In 9 minutes he had a blocked shot, a steal, an assist, and 3 rebounds. How come he only got 9 minutes, you ask? Great question.

If you want to understand what’s wrong with Nick Young’s game, just look at his line last night. He went 3 of 10 from the floor, and there is *nothing else* on his stat line. Literally nothing. No rebounds, no blocks, no assists, no steals, no fouls, no turnovers, nada.

Comment from Phemy
Time December 24, 2008 at 8:49 AM

….merry christmas y’all! Happy holidays from Germany!

greetz

Comment from Bridge
Time December 24, 2008 at 11:51 AM

Thanks Phemy, for the Holiday wishes .

Boy, Larry Brown sure handed us his ‘sloppy seconds’; my lingo for basically saying that as a result of his team not being able to really score, his other resort for winning was basically at the foul line; smart, because it made our fouls go up; sloppy because – - I mean, this is Larry Brown, but he just mirrored how we played…or should I say, how they were coached?. They beat us at the free throw line!…With shots that they were barely making!! I don’t think I’ll be watching the Christmas game because I’m not up to hearing the TNT guys bash us some more. I’m sure that the players are embarrassed, but why doesn’t it seem like the “front office” (is that what it’s called?) is??

I just feel sooo bad for some of the players, especially Caron; he should’ve been a “star” by now, but he’s so underrated as a player. Our ‘young guys’ (I feel weird saying that cuz I’m their age) should be pretty-much developed by now; Tawn should be on a winning team at this stage of his career and our star should be healthy by now; Haywood is a great C, but he should be somewhere in the top C’s…

But, whatever…

Word to organization: Y’ALL ARE LOSING FANS!

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 24, 2008 at 12:37 PM

Hmmmm,
I don’t think any of the area teams have done this bad in a while, so it feels like a new experience (I think DC United had a losing record this year).
Just like we don’t accept this as the “norm”, I’m sure mgmt doesn’t either. This will turn itself around, but it won’t be a “quick-fix”, so we may have to endure for a minute.
The funny part is that the blogging is becoming more fun than watching the game, we see the same plot play out each game, but having others say what we feel is more of a “I knew I wasn’t crazy for thinking that”, or “I was correct”, which pulls more fans into blogging and enables the fans to speak/type their minds. So while the team may be struggling, or I should say while the team is struggling, it knows that the fans believe in them and expects better, because we know they can do better. While at the same time, the fans are forming a bond with each other and have a format of letting the players know what we expect. This format of communicating should also boost the players confidence by letting them know that people are in tune to them from the east, west, north and south of not just the U.S., but abroad. And it shouldn’t lower their confidence, but give them a lil more to work on.

Tis the Season, Peace!!

Comment from dcbutler357
Time December 24, 2008 at 12:44 PM

BTW-Have NY watch some game film, he may get more assists if he does. Heck, have the whole team watch the last game’s film. The only one cutting to the basket consistently, seemed to be DSong…..Basketball 101.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time December 24, 2008 at 1:01 PM

Around Thanksgiving time, DC “bogger” superstar Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post conducted a very fascinating interview with interim coach Ed Tapscott (shortly after Eddie Jordan was relieved). Unless you followed AU basketball a long time ago, many doesn’t know what Tapscott’s pedigree is and what he brings to the table. In honesty, I didn’t like the move and thought that if you’re going to “relieve” E. Jordan of his job, do it at the end of this season or sometime next season when the team is more or less at full strength.

Anyways, Coach Tap stressed 3 things for the Wizards for the rest of the year: scheme, execution, and approach. After watching bits and pieces of last night’s contest (as Bridge puts it – “a PLOTTED OUT train-wreak”), I am beginning to wonder if Coach Tap is just not ready to take on a head coaching position at the NBA level. Here are my reasons:

1. Scheme: Tap said in the interview the Wizards have many good schemes. OK – that’s fair since the players are more or less still under the mindset of Jordan’s Princeton Offense. But, there are 2 glaring problems: (a) no one on the current team care to run the Princeton [AD tried but he's no longer here] and (b) the schemes are not creative. This leads to defensive gameplans aimed to stop whatever the Wizards offense is running.

2. Execution: Aside from Butler and Jamison, I don’t think anyone on the team trusts another teammate to execute on the floor. Stevenson’s struggles are well documented and – to follow up with Tom M.’s comment – Nick Young has been timid all season. If you’re open, take the shot. Don’t worry about the consequences (like missed shots and turnovers) because no coach is going to tell a player not to take an open shot. Mike James may seem like a ballhog at times, but he has no problems taking shots he thinks he can make. Sometimes, you need to be very assertive to put defenses on their heels.

3. Approach: Tap used terms such as “focus”, “intensity”, and “playing harder” to define approach. The Wizards, in my opinion, have shown pretty good focus, intensity, and playing hard for 36 minutes of evey game. It is the last 12 minutes – the crucial quarter – where things fall apart. As a consequence, Caron went on an F-bomb tirade and Jamison has made this point to the media many times. Yes, the team is 4-22 heading into hostile Cleveland against a team that hasn’t lost a home game all year. Yes, the game is on national television (TNT) and no one wants to be embarrassed. But, the reality is that 1 team is on cruise control and the other is missing 40% (now 60%) of its intended starting lineup and the contest is already decided before anyone steps up on the court. Tap understands it is hard to have “approach” when you lose 95% of the games you compete in. No one is purposely losing or caving in, but caring/salvaging about the season is slipping.

On a completely separate note – I agree with justgetanoffense that Butler and Jamison are not players that can carry a team. Neither Caron nor Antawn had to do it, probably, since high school. The skill sets offered by Butler and Jamison don’t translate well into carrying an NBA team. This is why the team needs to go back into “team mode” instead of “hero mode”. Eddie Jordan knew, and has said, that Arenas takes “hero shots” because he has been designated to carry the team when needed (Gil also doesn’t mind doing so – and hence the birth of hibachi several years ago). Butler has tried to do so, for example, against the Lakers earlier this month, and it didn’t work out. Butler and Jamison can certainly put on the cape, but they are far more dangerous when they don’t wear one.

Lastly, as an observation – for as much as the Wizards have struggled this season, the fans haven’t deserted the team. I still see about the same amount of people going to the Verizon Center as in previous years when the team was winning more. I conclude that if you like the Wizards and the NBA, you’ll go check them out no matter what – either via television, radio, Internet streaming, or live in-person. Look on the bright side – the more distraught fans get, the more adult beverages the concession stand sells – thus, bringing money into a recessive economy. The team may be losing, but at least someone else is winning …

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 24, 2008 at 1:26 PM

Interesting analysis — I agree that the team isn’t losing fans. Obviously, the economy has forced a lot of ticket specials. So, the team may not make as much $$ as it did last year.

Obviously, the coaching change hasn’t helped. We got a bounce win on the day of the change. Since then we are 2-12. I’m not sure any coaching change *could* have made a difference. If you bring in a guy who hasn’t had the team over the summer and in training camp, what can he be expected to produce?

Another point worth mentioning is that Eddie Jordan didn’t become a different coach over the summer either. He is the same guy who had 3 successful seasons.

So, it ain’t coaching. That means it’s players.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 24, 2008 at 1:34 PM

I will go on record to say that the trade was not a good one for the Wizards, but it was a good one for AD and now D Brown. We really need a pass first PG, we have scorers and nobody playing unselfish, it is a jump shot and one one one ball. Mike James yes will score, and Javaris may be good next year but since the trade, the Wizards last win (with AD and Dee) the bench scored 59, since the backcourt rotations have tighten and Juan is back to getting DNP’s? I agree with a tight rotation when the team is 100% healthy however we are not at that point, every ably body needs to play. 9 assists in a game, we have ball stoppers we did not need more scoring, we needed more ball movement and assists, the scoring would come with the proper line ups on the floor. This is not a knock on James, however he is not what we need, what we need is a PG. Juan is our best option at assists and yet he is not playing at all, our best big man at blocking shots (McGee) is getting spot minutes, the big man perfect for screens (ET) has a string of DNP’s. You have too young athletic bigs McGee and Blatche yet we have seen that line up maybe twice all year, Tap has subscribed that Vet’s win you ball games, well Coach the last game we won, the bench was the reason we won the game! Caron and Twan are playing at an all star level, but even all stars need rest at times, we play them 40 minutes a game and score at an avg of 18 pts in the 4th qtr, I mean is this not a pattern? The issue I have with this, it is not the talent level, it is game management and rotations. The Bobcats gave up a scoring SG (J Rich) got Diaw and Bell, and they are actually a better team with better ball movement. I heard Coach define the definition of insanity, Coach you are doing it again!

Comment from Bridge
Time December 24, 2008 at 1:52 PM

Y’all sure about that?; well, either way I’ll have to disagree because most of the time, fans of the opposing team travel (to other arenas, including and especially DC) just to see their team play – I barely think that it has anything to do with the economy. With tickets prices being down, I would think that more would sell and therefore ‘even-out’ everything…I’ve watched every single game since being a Wiz fan and I’ve seen the arena fluctuate with fans; and yes, watching from a TV screen, you could notice things like that. The seats behind the player bench, for example, at the VC isn’t as jammed packed as it could be, along with other areas. Here in my city, the tickets are marketed so that there’s a ‘deal’ off the regular price in seeing the big-teams like the Celtics, Lakers, and Cavaliers; but in all reality, they want you to buy the tixs in a “bundle” – - and that’s before a bad economy. Well, whatever way it’s going, they sure aren’t gaining fans (if) keeping the existing ones…

It’s the coaching, so I also disagree with that…

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 24, 2008 at 1:53 PM

So, if it’s players — what does that mean? Here are a few salient points.

1. Antawn and Caron are playing at almost exactly the same level they played at last year. They are both having terrific seasons, just as they did last year.

2. Darius — people think he is playing “better”, but in fact he is about the same. He is shooting *a lot* better, but his net possessions (rebounds plus steals minus turnovers) is down, and his assists are down as well. Net is that he has about the same effect on the game as he did last year. He is getting fewer minutes this year than last on average.

3. Dominic is **much** better this year than last. He is now an above-average NBA player (assuming he keeps producing).

4. JaVale started out his rookie season really well. Through his first 200 minutes, he was putting up numbers that made him about as productive as an average NBA center. I was amazed. He played well last night too, btw. But, in general, as he started to get meaningless minutes, his production started to drop precipitously. Personally, I think he should play 20 minutes every night — or as close as he can before fouling out.

That’s all the good news, player-wise, unfortunately. Bad news in the next post.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 24, 2008 at 2:12 PM

The combination of Gil, DeShawn, Roger and Antonio gave us 7000 guard minutes at, on average, a reasonably good level of play.

We don’t have those guys any more; instead, we have to get those minutes from Mike James, Javaris Crittenton, and Juan Dixon. Yes, Caron will play some guard — but his numbers are already being counted on, so that means Dominic slides in at the 3, and he is above average. Doesn’t make up for what we’ve lost however.

Then there’s Nick: he is playing fewer minutes than last year and he is less productive per minute. That’s putting it in a kind way. So, he contributes less than last year. Andray is at about the same level as last year, and again he is being counted on to play Center, where he really isn’t a competitive position player.

Oh, and we’ve lost an above average starting center.

It’s no surprise we’re doing horribly.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 24, 2008 at 2:20 PM

So, injuries mean we can’t expect to be a very good team.

Declining production from DeShawn and Nick makes us worse.

Off season personnel decisions lost us a pretty good player (Roger). Signing Juan got us a guy whom no one else wanted to sign. Dee was a good pickup; JaVale was a good draft choice, given the way the draft bounced (check out Marreese Speights’s numbers for the sixers when you have a minute).

A trade sent away a good, but aging player for a less good, but a little less aging player and a guy with “potential” — i.e. he is capable of doing valuable things some time in the future (not now). We cut Dee Brown, who was actually reasonably productive *right now.* We haven’t won a game since he departed.

It’s possible we won’t win 20 games this season — quite possible. The good news is that with Brendan and Gil back next year, along with one of the top 3 picks in the draft, we should be better.

Comment from neal
Time December 24, 2008 at 2:58 PM

I still don’t think it’s the skill level of the players. We have enough skill if they play close to their ability. The coaching staff has to get them to play as a team on both ends. When/if that happens they will start to play better, which will increase their confidence, which will lead to still better play, etc. Getting the most out of the players is the most important (and the most difficult, particularly in the pros) task of the coaching staff.

I don’t have a problem with any of the personnel decisions. In particular, I think James instead of Daniels was a good move. Both have pros and cons but James has more left in his tank at this point in their careers.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 24, 2008 at 3:25 PM

Tom

I know you often say that Juan was a guy that nobody wanted, I look at a player like Roger Mason Jr. Many said that he would never play in the NBA, when we landed him nobody wanted him and he spent his years in DC growing into a player and it showed on the court. I see Juan in the same position, he can also be that good with consistent minutes who knows what he can be? Juan has matured on and off the court and it looks like he finally gets it, it took Roger to get playing time due to injury, it is time for Juan to get a good hard look, Tom you never know right?

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 24, 2008 at 3:39 PM

neal — given that either way we weren’t making the playoffs (and if you think different from that, I don’t know what to say), the trade of Antonio for James makes little difference. But, I don’t think it was Mike that Ernie wanted. I think he wanted Javaris Crittenton. To fit him under the luxury tax ceiling, we needed to drop a few hundred thousand in salary, and that’s what we did with Mike James.

The problem for me is that we added a guaranteed salary. We are going to have a very high draft pick, and we’ll have one spot for him on the team. But, we’re also going to have a very high 2d round pick, and we’ll have *no* spot for him on the team.

Moreover, we had to drop Dee to make the deal work. Dee Brown was a pretty productive player for us — a lot more than we’re going to get this year from Crittenton. That told me Ernie doesn’t care about our record this year. In that case, why not maneuver for *more* rather than less roster flexibility?

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 24, 2008 at 3:43 PM

jeffmalone90 — it’s not that “I say” Juan was someone no one else wanted, it’s *the fact* that no one else wanted him. I don’t have anything against the guy — the opposite; he was a great college player.

No, there is no comparison to make between Juan and Roger. Roger Mason *started out* unwanted, and proved he could be a good, if not great NBA player. Juan *started out* as a mid-first round player and proved he *couldn’t* be a good NBA player. He doesn’t have the size or athleticism, and he is a streaky shooter and commits lots of turnovers.

You don’t build a successful franchise based on “you never know, maybe this guy will be good.” On the other hand, Juan sits at the end of the bench; he is not our problem. The absence of Roger *is* a problem.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 24, 2008 at 3:48 PM

I don’t want to seem like I think Juan Dixon, or for that matter Nick Young, is the reason we are having a horrible season.

We are having a horrible season because Gil and Brendan are out and Roger wasn’t re-signed. Trading Antonio didn’t help, but it was already too late to help anyway.

As to the personnel decisions, if they turn out to be right it’ll be Ernie Grunfield who gets the credit. That means, too, that if the decisions turn out to be wrong, he has to take the blame.

In fact, I think it was Abe who made the call on Gilbert’s contract, not Ernie. If so, then Ernie doesn’t get the credit or the blame.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 24, 2008 at 4:02 PM

Meanwhile — time to stop griping and wish you all a…

VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Hope there are tix under your trees, gang!

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time December 24, 2008 at 4:28 PM

In the last couple of years with the Wizards, Daniels never had a good start to the season. It takes Antonio about 30 games to get into rhythm (I’m going to say rhythm instead of shape because AD is very fit for being 32/33? years old). Maybe Grunfeld had enough of his slow starts – especially for a guy making 6 million per year and is a veteran – and thus traded AD while he still had value.

Comparing Mike James and AD is like comparing apples and oranges. Mike has more of a Gilbert mentality while AD has more of a Jason Kidd mentality. I expect James to take 10 shots per game and score at least 12 points per contest. I expect AD to take 0-5 shots per game and dish out 6 assists per contest.

Bridge – the camera panning over the Verizon Center lower bowl seats isn’t indicative of the people that are showing up. Have you seen, on television, the people sitting in the upper bowls, aka “The Hill”? Also, the sports management group for the Bucks may reduce ticket prices for marquee matchups and bundle them to sell tickets, but the Wizards actually increased gate prices for marquee matchups this season against the Lakers, Celtics, and Cavaliers. Obviously this pricing scheme was all concocted before the season started; but I’m pretty sure the Wizards is still making money even with this dreadful start to the season. Those “$11 stimulus ticket plans” the Wizards promote are not that far off from what season ticket holders pay sitting in “The Hill”.

Coach Tap not giving minutes to Juan Dixon and JaVale McGee is ridiculous. I have nothing more to add about this. The team has no defined starting 5 and no defined rotation. I say play the guys that do well in practice and let’s see how that goes.

McGuire being the “Dennis Rodman” of this team is fine – but he doesn’t impact the game that Dennis can. I think the best thing to do is to start Nick Young, move Caron back to the 3, and bring Dom off the bench.

It is well known that Blatche’s offense is inconsistent, but his ticky-tacky fouls on defense drives me a bit crazy. How many Blatche play Center if he can’t stay on the court for 15 game minutes? Andray is one of the worse at taking himself out of the game.

To end 2008, here’s my 1st Annual Naughty/Nice list

Nice:
– Caron, for playing hard and not giving up
– Antawn, for playing hurt again and showing the yahoos on the team that professionalism matters
– JaVale, for playing with enthusiasm (when he does play)

Naughty:
– Etan, for not caring when the team badly needs a PF/C
– DeShawn, for losing swag, his confidence, and his game
– “Big Boss Man”, for firing Eddie Jordan

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time December 24, 2008 at 4:32 PM

oops, typo

How CAN Blatche play Center … not “many”

Comment from ChenierFan
Time December 24, 2008 at 5:22 PM

Merry Christmas to all the Wiz bloggers and to the folks who make this blog possible. This blog is a great present to Wiz fans!

Comment from Rick
Time December 24, 2008 at 5:52 PM

There is one major reason why the Wizards have lost so many games this year.

THEY DON’T PLAY ANY DEFENSE!!!

It doesn’t matter who you put on the court or what kind of offensive numbers they have.

If there is no defense there will be very few wins. In our case very, very few wins because we also have no arenas, no haywood and no stevenson (effectively).

Comment from neal
Time December 24, 2008 at 5:52 PM

Tom, adding Crittenton’s salary and subtracting Brown’s salary would still have left us under the luxury tax ceiling of $71,150,000. And we saved only $150,600 in difference between Daniels and James.

But your more important point about not having room for our second-round pick is very true. I hadn’t thought about it. Both Daniels and James are guaranteed contracts for next year. But Crittenton’s contract is guaranteed, whereas Brown’s was not. Dixon will be gone to make room for our first round pick. Then we have 15 players. So essentially EG is saying Crittenton is a better bet than our 2nd round pick would have been. I sure hope we get something next year for our second round pick other than cash.

Juan Dixon has had much more opportunity to improve than Mason has had. He’s gotten a little better, but you can’t expect much at this point. Mason is just now peaking.

I also think there’s a good chance that Pollin made the calls on the Arenas and Jamison contracts. He’s big on loyalty. They don’t look like good calls at this point.

Further, regarding my ideas on coaching. In the pros you presume everyone comes in knowing how to play the game (unlike the college level). Of course, for guys who haven’t had at least a couple of years in a good college program (such as Blatche), a couple of years experience (not sitting on the bench) are normally needed before they can begin to contribute.

So the primary job of the pro coaching staff is to meld all these talents into a team that plays together. That has to be really tough. The coach doesn’t hold the power/respect that he does at the college level, and most of the players are used to being stars.

I don’t think the Wiz has accomplished a great team ethic in many years. Even when we went to the second round of the playoffs, we did it mostly with outstanding offensive skills and confidence. But that proved to be the peak as we could never get everyone to commit to unselfish team play.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time December 24, 2008 at 6:25 PM

neal – If Pollin is big on loyalty, then why did Eddie Jordan get fired at an inopportune time? Don’t you think Eddie Jordan deserves to at least finish this season and then have Abe and Ernie re-assess the damage done (or the lack thereof)?

I’ve said this several weeks ago – unless the Wizards get Avery Johnson or Flip Saunders as the head coach, this team won’t get back to the playoffs anytime soon. The Eastern Conference is still terrible, and with contending teams such as Toronto and Philadelphia crashing like Washington (at least the Wizards are missing key starters – those teams really have no excuse; even the Elton Brand injury is not that big of a factor since he’s not the Elton Brand people expect).

I’m actually rooting for Eddie Jordan to get the Philadelphia job. He deserved better from this organization and the Philly job is equally attractive with solid talent. He can help those guys get to the playoffs every year just like he did with Washington for consecutive seasons with or without Arenas.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 24, 2008 at 6:41 PM

Happy Holidays to Dave and Glenn and Sportzwiz and to all of my fellow blog mates

I also love we have a place where we can come together as fans and discuss our team, especially the blog cast. Here’s to a gift wrapped victory on XMas day!, maybe Agent Zero will show up bearing gifts!

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time December 24, 2008 at 6:51 PM

wow, I’m losing it – probably because I haven’t blogged in a long time

^my above post; I stopped in mid-thought in paragraph 2:

I’ve said this several weeks ago – unless the Wizards get Avery Johnson or Flip Saunders as the head coach, this team won’t get back to the playoffs anytime soon. The Eastern Conference is still terrible, and with contending teams such as Toronto and Philadelphia crashing like Washington (at least the Wizards are missing key starters – those teams really have no excuse; even the Elton Brand injury is not that big of a factor since he’s not the Elton Brand people expect),

the Wizards still have a chance to stay near the middle of the pack (aka top 8 teams in the East). But the team really needs a veteran coach (or a coach that has played in the NBA) so that guys will actually listen. I don’t care that Avery choked in the Finals with Dallas nor Flip wasn’t able to do better with a loaded Pistons team. These 2 are the best available (with maybe Mo Cheeks and Sam Mitchell behind them) and the Wizards need them. I want Avery Johnson for obvious reasons (defense). Heck – hire Avery and keep Tap around; Tap is a pretty good teacher but just not good enough of a head man.

Comment from Bridge
Time December 24, 2008 at 7:25 PM

wizards_fusion –
Well, instead of arguing all night about it, I’ll just say that our different points of views is just a representation of how we’ll choose to conduct business – - I’m always about the: “well, there’s room for improvement” – in other words, growth…Maybe you already conduct business, who knows, but this blog isn’t a competition, it’s opinion. I’m just all about expressing that/expressing myself and moving on.

Again, Happy Holidays to everyone !!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 24, 2008 at 7:28 PM

Steve Francis traded to the Grizz, wow they have a crowded backcourt, I smell another trade. Hopefully Steve can play for them and be back healthy, good luck.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 24, 2008 at 7:39 PM

malone — check out your gravatar! Welcome to the visual world!

I guess neal and i are the only old guys here (and getanoffense — but he isn’t going visual)

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 24, 2008 at 7:42 PM

Tom-lol thanks alot, and once again happy holidays, so what do you make of the Francis move? Also Chris Wilcox in his last year of his contract, hmmmmm, I am really curious what will take place at the trade deadline, you think we will be a player or stand pat?

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 24, 2008 at 7:45 PM

neal — I guess I must have been wrong about the reason for doing the NO part of the guard trade. That makes it even harder for me to understand.

As to Crittenton being better than a high 2d next year (for which maybe we can get some value in a trade), that may be. Right now, I am not convinced by Ernie’s way of managing the draft. I thought Pecherov was a bad pick, and I haven’t seen anything from Nick to make me think he’ll turn out well. Dominic was a great pick, however. And, JaVale is obviously full of potential.

Now, I’m not sure there was anyone better than Nick on the board when we picked him. I see where the Nets are thinking of sending Sean Williams to the D League. He would have been the other obvious choice on most people’s boards, and obviously he must be a long way from panning out to get sent down.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 24, 2008 at 7:58 PM

Steve Francis isn’t going to help Memphis; I don’t know why they acquired him. I know they somehow got a pick in the deal.

As to trades — lets assume for a moment that we’re not going to trade Gil, Brendan, Antawn or Caron. I can’t see anyone wanting to acquire Etan or DeShawn. Obviously, we aren’t going to trade Crittenton. Or JaVale.

That leaves Darius, Andray, Mike James, Nick, Pech, Juan and Dom. Dominic McGuire is the only player on that list that I’d want to acquire if I were a GM, but there may be some people who still think Nick and Dray have “potential.”

I can’t see us being a player in trades — unless we are really are going to deal one of the big names. Seems unlikely.

Comment from neal
Time December 24, 2008 at 8:35 PM

Well, I think EG convinced Pollin that the team had lost confidence and wasn’t playing hard under Jordan. I agree. They took a chance that Tapscott would be better. I’m sure his interim status is just that.

Yes, I’d go for Avery Johnson in a NY minute.

Yes, a trade is unlikely at this point. But, if things don’t improve when Arenas comes back things change in my book. At that point Jamison and Arenas get offered for trade and we try to start over with a “new attitude”.

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time December 24, 2008 at 8:41 PM

i dont care what happens the rest of the season but for the love of god beat the cavs plz plz plz and i mean beat em and make it hurt!!!!!!!!!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 24, 2008 at 8:53 PM

I think I will just wait until Gil comes back, and then at that point we will have an idea of what we have as for as a roster, and of course a new coach will truly dictate the roster, I think we do have some talent here, however I will stay optimistic and hope a new year brings a turn around for the franchise.

Comment from Blevins360
Time December 24, 2008 at 8:53 PM

COME ON LOTTERY PICK!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 24, 2008 at 8:56 PM

Blevins-are you serious? I look at this years draft and who in this class can come in and help? No Duncan, Jordan or LeBron in this class, sorry I am not to excited about this group, however that is not to say we could not add a decent player, just not a franchise one.

Comment from Blevins360
Time December 24, 2008 at 9:00 PM

we need to do something, even when gil gets back this team ist going anywhere. Even if we make the playoffs I see no way we can even contend with the other teams in the east.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time December 24, 2008 at 9:24 PM

If you have a passion for local basketball check out this artilcle: PG County the new Hot Bed for Basketball

http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?section=magazine&id=3775073

Comment from neal
Time December 24, 2008 at 10:33 PM

Even if Arenas comes back better than ever he ain’t gonna get us to the playoffs. Ain’t no knight in shining armor that can do that much.

The first thing to find out when Arenas comes back is whether he is still mostly a shoot first, little defense PG. That will in all likelyhood be the case. I just hope he still has all his physical skills and showcases them in the second half of the season.

I’m praying the new coach will have the magic touch to create a team that plays together. If so, he’ll have to decide whether he thinks he can get the big three to change their spots (I doubt that anyone can), or whether he will trade at least two of them and start rebuilding.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time December 25, 2008 at 1:54 AM

Arenas’s loss isn’t our problem guys. Losing Haywood is what really hurt us. If he comes back healthy next season we will be a totally different team.

I don’t want to talk “draft picks” just yet. Let’s at least wait until the all star break lol.

Nobody is shooting well, except for maybe Caron, and we are very weak in the middle. No assists, too many stupid turnovers (some by our best players?), If there is an offensive or defensive “scheme” out there would someone please point it out to me?

We have so much talent Neal. Somebody needs to clue somebody in. If Ernie is so high on our newly acquired (I think) 6′5″ point guard…. LET’S SEE HIM. We continue to be weak in the middle and there Pesherov sits twiddling his thumbs? Is he a bust? Who the heck knows? Since the ankle he has dressed in semi fancy street duds. His “beef” couldn’t hurt in the middle?

I’m sorry to all, but, the Juan vs Mike issue is really kind of a moot point. Both are journeymen. Both on any given night can “light it up”. Both on any given night can also have 27 turnovers. Ok 6 (lol). We don’t have a true point guard…UNLESS…. what Ernie says is right? Is Javaris the point guard (with size) we have been looking for? I have no idea they won’t play him.

I know we are only”games” behind 8th place, but, lets be realistic. We haven’t won a game since before Bridgy got her hair cut (if she had the guts to go through with it ). We need to see the youngun’s play to see who is a hit and who is a miss. Too many misses so far.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time December 25, 2008 at 2:13 AM

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE.

May Santa eat your cookies and drink your milk

The nice thing about this blog, this time of year and thoughout the year, is that friendships are made, issues are discussed, arguments occur, but rarely fester, the bloggers support one another, and we are all Die Hard Wizards fans!

May you all have the very best Christmas.

Comment from Phemy
Time December 25, 2008 at 6:19 AM

… the suns signed Dee Brown! Nice xmas gift for him ;>

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 25, 2008 at 8:17 AM

Yeah, I guess after trying everything they could to get future all-star Javaris Crittenton, but being outmaneuvered by the crafty Ernie Grunfield, the Suns settled on Dee Brown.

(dee brown — good enough to be on the suns roster; not good enough to be on the Wizards roster?)

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time December 25, 2008 at 8:21 AM

malone — It’s early days as far as assessing this year’s draft class, but I can tell you that Blake Griffin is putting up numbers *like I’ve never seen.* For example, he is grabbing 17.5 rebounds per 40 minute college game.

Comment from Bridge
Time December 25, 2008 at 8:44 AM

Lol GR; of course I went through with it! I cut it like two months ago and it grew back a bit, so I decided to cut it again a couple of days ago even shorter than when I cut it before…about six inches was cut off, but yeah, I like it, and yeah, I did it. Only live once right .

Maybe there’s some type of ‘late effect’ thing; maybe it has to take time to set-in before they’ll start winning? But despite the losses, I still love my guys and in my heart they’re all winners.

GO WIZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment from neal
Time December 25, 2008 at 9:03 AM

Merry Xmas everyone.

Bridge, we need an avatar of the new you.