Game Day Nuggets
6:24 AM Dave Johnson….as always ready for a new day….Caron Butler (flu) and Juan Dixon (elbow)did not practice yesterday…update you as we have it…just looking for better effort tonight…really effort has not been the issue this season but the last couple of games a concern.. in the loss to Nets we noted on the raido that the Wizards actually came out with a lot of energy and even responded when getting down by 10 in the first half….but there was no answer once the Nets went on a 25-2 run that started in the closing moments of the second quarter…BLOGCAST starts at 7:55 PM…tonight..later because of national TV…we put YOU in touch with us court side…..on the radio on ESPN 980 AM in Washington…94.3 FM in Warrenton and Northern Virginia…92.7 FM in Southern Maryland……and 1370 AM in Baltimore and on great affiliates from Cumberland to Roanoke….
7:10 PM….Dave Johnson here at Verizon Center….Caron is out with the flu…Juan Dixon will play so we will have 9 players…Chauncey Billups who had a sprined right ankle and missed the game against OKC will play tonight
7:36 PM…startesr are in Wizards changing things abit…Javaris Crittenton and Mike James in the back court (James is really a 2 guard) Darius Songala Dominic McGuire and Antawn Jamison…Nuggets will go with Chauncey Billups Dahntay Jones Nene Kenyon Martin and Carmelo Anthony
DAVE JOHNSON POSTGAME REPORT
Posted: February 6th, 2009 under Wizards.
Comments
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:21 AM
We’d also get another roster spot, something I want badly if I’m the GM.
Our roster would be a bit unbalanced for the rest of the season, obviously. I’d be *really happy* if we then signed Dee Brown for the last 35 games.
So… what do you guys ‘n gals think?
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:28 AM
Good morning Tom M. Thanks for the great exchange last night. Very enjoyable. Griff just kept throwing fuel on the fire. It was fun. I didn’t realize that M2, dcbutler357, and Wizards4Life were still on the blog when we checked out. I enjoy their writing also.
Nuggets tonight. Go Wiz!!!!
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:30 AM
You’re stirring the pot again, Mr. Mandel. lol
Comment from neal
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:36 AM
I think there’s a strong body-mind connection. If playing has become work instead of fun your body is more likely to develop injuries so that you can’t play. I think it’s no accident that teams that are winning and have good morale have fewer injuries.
Comment from millie mill
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:15 AM
I like the idea of trading Caron for expiring contracts.
Tom the trade you proposed with Portland seems like the best thing out there right now.
I really don’t want to lose Jamison but maybe trade Jamison and Stevenson to Detroit for Rasheed Wallace. That would free up 14 million and a roster spot.
Or trade Etan Thomas, Caron Butler and Juan Dixon to Cleveland for Wally Szczerbiak and Eric Snow. That will free 20 million and two roster spots next season and one this season. For Cleveland: receive another star player to keep LBJ happy. They don’t have to worry about having enough money to keep LBJ happy because the year he leaves Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Ben Wallace come off the books.
Or trade Etan Thomas, Nick Young, DeShawn Stevenson and Caron Butler to Oklahoma City for Chris Wilcox, Desmond Mason, Joe Smith and Robert Swift. Sound crazy but free up 20 million and four roster spots. For Oklahoma City they receive some much needed vets in Butler and Stevenson and a nice young player in Young.
We are not the only ones thinking that we should trade Butler.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&page=tradetalk-090205
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 6, 2009 at 12:24 PM
LOL…Soooooooooooooo, according to the article….we do have the right man at coach for this season (too get a high draft pick)…lol…
So I guess we need to start congratulating Tap more, and get with the program….LOL…
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 6, 2009 at 12:47 PM
neal — you are right about the mind-body connection, of course.
In fact, I’m surprised we don’t have more injuries right here on this blog! 
SportsWiz — send over the trainer; my foot is stuck in my mouth!
Comment from SportzWiz
Time February 6, 2009 at 1:09 PM
True story, (i will post this video soon) we were shooting the next Wizards overtime with Glenn and Dave and the videographer shooting it came down with a lower back injury right after it was over.
We also have a PR assistant who just had microfracture surgery on his knee
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 6, 2009 at 1:17 PM
Ok,
Ya’ll are spooking me….i’ll be back when we start winning again 
Comment from SportzWiz
Time February 6, 2009 at 1:24 PM
Comment from millie mill
Time February 6, 2009 at 1:27 PM
What, do we have some kind of ghost in the Verizon Center?? I was thinking about paying $150.00 for two lower level tickets, two hotdogs, two sodas and an Arenas jersey, but have changed my mind fearing that I might get hurt. ?
Comment from SportzWiz
Time February 6, 2009 at 1:41 PM
millie mill, that really is a great offer, its also the spurs game. And that team is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with come playoff time.
Comment from M2
Time February 6, 2009 at 1:59 PM
I do not want to trade Caron for “a future roster spot”!
I want Caron on my roster in the future!
Why would I trade one on the 10 best (conservatively because I think he’s better) 3’s in the league for a “roster spot”?
Although, I will say this… I like Amare. Trading for him for Caron is actually fair but will never happen (because NOBODY want James & his ridiculous salery – Toronto’s GM should be shot for ever giving him that kinda loot in the first place)…
& understand, as cool a guy as Amare is, he’s a handful & will DEFINITELY wanna be our feature guy with the O running through him ALWAYS.
We’d also only get him for a season… So we’re back to, I don’t wanna give Caron up for a future roster spot.
Look everyone, this season is a mess & we all (Caron included) had very high hopes coming in… Caron was coming off of back to backs in the All Star game with the potential of becoming a perennial All Star should the Wiz have continued to do work. That’s a hard blow to take. We are talking about a man’s career. Yes, he’s had a rough go of it & at times shown his frustrations in the wrong way but… HE STAYS IN DC!
We know what we have in Caron (so does the rest of the league, believe me, Ernies phone is blowing up with calls from GM’s around the league) & when our pieces are back in place, he needs to be one of them.
Y’all are NUTS trying shop Caron on this blog…
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 6, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Hello M2,
According to the article above from Millie, mgmt already started entertaining/accepting trade talks for Caron.
In regards to this season, there will not be any quick-fixes for the wiz (IMO). Any changes will take time to bring together.
Comment from Jaba
Time February 6, 2009 at 2:23 PM
Hard for me to believe this trading craze….Can’t we just forget this season and wait for Brendan and Gil to get healthy….I’m keeping my faith no matter what is happening at the moment. If we suck again next year with those two performing, than trade whoever you want to trade. Even Caron! But not now! Please!
Comment from SportzWiz
Time February 6, 2009 at 2:33 PM
jaba, the trade deadline is coming up, whenever that happens you will hear lots of rumors and you will see very few trades.
Take everything with a grain of salt until it happens. Thousands of deals are talked about everyday, very few come to fruition.
Comment from M2
Time February 6, 2009 at 2:35 PM
Desperate people do desperate things…
This organization has had their collective heads in their a%%es the entire season & have made decisions accordingly. Trying to shop one of the two or three best players to come through our doors in the last decade only continues to accentuate that fact.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 6, 2009 at 2:37 PM
Awww, come on now — all’s fair in love, war, and trading Caron. I am not suggesting we *should* trade him, only that we *could* (more easily than most of our roster).
Ok — here is a challenge. Who would you trade Caron for. Again, not a suggestion just an interesting question. What trade would you make (one that would work salary-wise)?
M2 wouldn’t trade Caron for LeBron James — would you, M2? (don’t get me wrong; it wouldn’t work because the salaries won’t match)
Comment from Jaba
Time February 6, 2009 at 2:48 PM
I hear you, SportzWiz……still I’m shaken when I read some of this stuff.
Comment from M2
Time February 6, 2009 at 2:48 PM
Of course we COULD trade him… What kind of statement is that?
Who (besides us) wouldn’t want to try to package for Caron freakin’ Butler?
Comment from M2
Time February 6, 2009 at 2:50 PM
& the LeBron qestion?
C’mon… I’m not stupid & I understand the nature of the league.
I said Caron was one of the 10 best 3’s in the league so that means in most cases, I would let him go for one of the other nine…
Duh…
Comment from M2
Time February 6, 2009 at 2:53 PM
But the list of guys that I’d let Butler go for is pretty damn small…
& I certainly wouldn’t let him go for a future roster spot. That’s just ridiculous.
We landed Caron in one of the best trades in recent history (LA refers to it as their worst ever trade) & you wanna let him go for a future roster spot?
Ha ha ha ha ha…
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 6, 2009 at 2:55 PM
M2 — of course I don’t mean to act as if you are stupid. The LeBron question was a little joke, given the very negative attitude we all seem to take to him — he gets called ‘Queen James’ and “LeTraveler” a lot.
Who do you think are the other 9 top threes, btw?
Comment from M2
Time February 6, 2009 at 2:58 PM
Hell, I’ll give you 15… The best small forwards in the league are: Bron, Melo, Prince, Pierce, Josh Smith, Rudy Gay, Granger, Andre Ig, Hedo Turk, Odom, Artest, McGrady (when he’s not at the two spot), Marion, Josh Howard & Caron in no particular order…
& 10 knocking on the door are: Cory Mag, AK47, Yi Jian, Rich Jefferson, Deng, Durant, Marv Williams, Gerald Wallace, Mike Miller & of course Dom McGuire
BUT, Bron, Pierce & Butler are the three best!
Comment from M2
Time February 6, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Ha ha ha… Well, with all due respect… Dom does have the best per 48 numbers.
I hope he doesn’t feel slighted on my “10 knocking on the door” list?
Hilarious…
Comment from millie mill
Time February 6, 2009 at 3:39 PM
I like Caron but there are only two players on the roster that other teams might want. If you haven’t figured it out its Jamison and Butler. Like Tom said you have to give up something to get something. We all had high hopes for this team this season. I don’t think anyone would have thought that we would be tied for last place in February. We as fans sometimes get caught up with the fact that we love the players we have but the fact is that the NBA is a business. If we were to trade Butler or Jamison I will not be disappointed. We have to clear roster spots for next season. Correct me if I wrong but I believe that we only have one free agent on the roster and that’s Dixon. He makes the league minimum. So when we get this high draft this summer either we are going to make moves to be able to free up some cash so that we can sign that rookie, trade the pick, keep what we have, or draft an overseas player and stash him like we did Pech until we can afford to pay him. So that’s why I say trade a player for roster spots.
Keep in mind with more money and roster spots we can still make some moves in the off season (free agency). We have player like Drew Gooden ,Ben Gordon, Wally Szczerbiak, Ron Artest, Marquis Daniels, Shawn Marion, Charlie Villanueva, Channing Frye, Jamario Moon, and Carlos Boozer all coming out this summer. We could be able to free up enoght cash to sign two free agents and the rookie. We are going to have another coach next season, so the team might not be playing the Princeton Offence next year.
Comment from M2
Time February 6, 2009 at 3:50 PM
WRONG…
You don’t give up Butler to “clear a roster spot” for anyone you’ve mentioned!
Sure, I’d take Boozer over Jamison… But THAT’S IT as far as what you’re proposing, & Jamison isn’t going anywhere.
Comment from M2
Time February 6, 2009 at 3:52 PM
& teams in this league would be stupid to not take a long look at guys like Blatche, Young, McGuire & McGee among other Wizards… “Only two players on the roster that teams might want”? Don’t think so…
Comment from millie mill
Time February 6, 2009 at 4:20 PM
M2
We only know those players because we live hear.
1. D. Rose signed last Draft for $4,822,800
2. Michael Beasley signed for $4,314,960
3. O.J. Mayo signed for $3,875,040
4. Russell Westbrook signed for $3,493,680
5. Kevin Love signed for $3,163,680
Blatche= good but salary too small to help much $2,739,669
Young = good but salary too small to help much $1,602,960
McGuire=great but salary too small to help much $711,517
McGee=good but salary too small to help much $1,392,240
Other teams may look at these players but it won’t help us to trade them we still couldn’t sign a free agent or a draft pick.
The only salary coming off the books is Dixon at $797,581
Comment from M2
Time February 6, 2009 at 4:30 PM
Agree 100%… But what I’m saying is, the GM’s in this league know these players & are licking their chops…
But unlike everybody else (save Gabbo & dcb I think?) on this blog, I’m not looking to dump anyone significant. Personnel ISN’T our problem. Health & the coaching staff is!
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 6, 2009 at 4:50 PM
LOL…M2,
You and Gabbo(getabig for those that don’t know his bka) must be related. You two have similar styles. Thanks for the shout out.
I really think we have a good team and would like to see them operate with a good coach. Prior to this year, we were a few big men from REALLY getting close to the trophy (imo). With what I’ve seen from AB and Javalle, we may be on the cusp of something special (once we get all of our troops on the court). These players have shown that they can play, and having someone to motivate, direct, learn players strengths and weaknesses and get the most out of them may seem minor, but could make the difference. CB is being asked to do something new this year and that must be kept in the back of our minds. We don’t need an over-haul to the roster, but maybe a tweak here or there OR just direction. I am really enjoying the last two days of blogging, keep up the good work guys!!
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 6, 2009 at 4:56 PM
BTW-We indeed have NBA Players. Players are not always looked at to be scorers, or have weaknesses in one area and strengths in others. IMO the little attributes in one area may be needed on the court at one time or another. As a team, once the comfort and jelling kicks in, the other team mates will know what you can do, and will know to look out for you in certain times or leave you alone during other times and let you do your thing. Once again, it may seem minor, but it goes a long way during crunch time, or making a back-door pass, etc. We need time to get a set system and everyone blended together. We can’t have the vets on one spectrum and the youth on another. As a TEAM, we gotta pull it together.
One luv.
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 6, 2009 at 5:01 PM
I was more than a little upset by the way that CB and AJ were mouthing off about the other players not providing enough effort when both CB and AJ were only playing offense. And, at one point, I said that it might be a good idea to trade one or both of them while they had value to some other teams.
However, I can’t imagine who we might get who would be better than them. I’d rather keep them. They are very good players, they are just not superstars who can carry a team. If “where’s Waldo” ever returns and Brendan and Blatche are healthy, we’re in good shape.
The issue is management. Tapscott is the worst coach ever and he shouldn’t be allowed near a team.
TURN OFF the TAP!
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 6, 2009 at 5:04 PM
I’m considering issuing a virtual “TURN OFF the TAP” line of apparel. I’d need a designer. LOL
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 6, 2009 at 5:15 PM
Heeeeeeeeeeey Getabig,
How are ya?! Yeah, CB and AJ may be correct on one end, but they also need to look in the mirror. They are not above reproach. Once we get settled, they will adjust accordingly, OR we’ll start talking about trading someone again
All-stars are voted for each year…lol…I didn’t see either one on the team or on the “snubbed” list….
I understand that they are frustrated and deservedly so…I’ll accept them venting every once in a while, but they are the players and not mgmt….I don’t see everything on the court, but I also don’t really see them doing much directing (imo). Either you’re part of the problem or part of the solution (for now, I think they are part of the solution, but need help from mgmt, because they can only use the resources on the court and the direction that is given to them). AND WE’VE ALL SEEN WHERE THE DIRECTIONS ARE COMING FROM. MAYBE TAP NEEDS A COMPASS….LOL
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 6, 2009 at 5:21 PM
Oh, I forgot the game plan….Tap’s role is to get us a high draft pick. Since we have kind of solidified that, he can roll after the all-star game
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 6, 2009 at 5:23 PM
milliemill — we get to sign our first round pick, no problem. We don’t need to make a trade to do that.
M2 — when we were at our healthiest we were not contending for a championship. Lets not go overboard about our personnel.
For the final time, I’m not suggesting we trade Caron (or Antawn or even Nick Young, for crying out loud). I’m just having some fun during a bummy losing season. Believe me, no one is going to execute on any trades because of anything I (or anyone) says on this blog! SportsWiz, will you reassure M2 that Ernie is *not* waiting with baited breath to read my every blog comment? Please? M2 is worried that I’m going to trade Caron for an empty first class seat.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 6, 2009 at 5:27 PM
I like the “turn off the tap” thing, getabig — let me know and i’ll help you create a blog site for it!
Ok, lets go for a win tonight: more minutes from JaVale and Crittenton and Pech. Fewer minutes from Mike and Darius.
I think this is another badly depleted night, however — Caron is still flu-ridden, and Juan’s elbow is still bad? Only 8 guys dressing.
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 6, 2009 at 5:34 PM
hey i hate to keep asking this but did anyone find out when i might get my stuff from the “so you think you know Caron Butler game” because the way people are talking he is going to gone by the time i get his autographed jersey
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 6, 2009 at 5:35 PM
dcb — did I detect an Eldridge Cleaver quote there?
“If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.”
Comment from Aj
Time February 6, 2009 at 5:42 PM
None of these trades are gonna happen unless we are under new management because Ernie Grunfeld and Abe Polin love are star players. That is the same reason they signed gil to 5 years instead of 1 and see if he would maintain health. I think we need a couple good role players, maybe 2 good three point shooters and a good big defender from the draft. Then of course the injury bug needs to stop bitting us and we need to get healthy. I know everyone is tired of hearing this but “when healthy” we are a dangerous team. Thank you to everyone who gave me a birthday shoutout. I will be at the game on the 27th against the bulls for a school field trip. A lot of my friends are going and they know I am the biggest wizards fan in the school so let’s get a win tonite and on the 27th.
Comment from M2
Time February 6, 2009 at 5:47 PM
I’m just suggesting Tom, that you’re proposals are ridiculous… I too, am having fun during a “bummy season” thus even entertaining most of the comments on this blog… Hell, I have the NBA package & can not believe that during the game people are actually getting their call through a blogcast? That’s why I’m on here pre & post game when I’m actually on here.
I mean, it’s 2009…
Anyway, I more than realize that you’re not actually able to pull the trigger on a trade.
Ha ha ha… Give me some credit.
Problem is, you actually have people jumping on board the “lets see what we can get for Caron” wagon…
So I will continue to refute such stupidity (well, maybe i’ll stop at this point because everyone already knows my feelings).
But, in the midst of it all I LOVE THE WIZARDS, make know mistake!
& am glad to know that everyone else on here does as well…
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 6, 2009 at 5:52 PM
ROFLMAO….TOMM,
Show’s how much that I know, I was thinking about leave it to beaver….roflmao…
You must be an avid reader….but looking at the website, that’s some deep stuff. I think I got the quote from a conference or something.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 6, 2009 at 6:52 PM
Well, it’s definitely Eldridge — from Soul on Ice.
M2 — proposals to trade Caron aren’t “ridiculous,” it’s a business and anyone can be traded. We aren’t putting any statues of these guys outside the arena.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 6:53 PM
Hey everybody
Sportwiz can you confirm that Juan will play tonight and Caron will be out again with the flu tonight?
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 6, 2009 at 6:58 PM
This trading business reminds me of the story the carpenter told about his favorite hammer:
“I’m telling you there’s no hammer like it. Over time, I’ve had to replace the handle a couple of times and the head once, but still — what a hammer!”
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 7:08 PM
7:10 PM….Dave Johnson here at Verizon Center….Caron is out with the flu…Juan Dixon will play so we will have 9 players…Chauncey Billups who had a sprined right ankle and missed the game against OKC will play tonight
Comment from ChenierFan
Time February 6, 2009 at 7:09 PM
Maybe Sportwiz can tell us when Andray is coming back…
Our only chance tonight is (To paraphrase Coach Taps) “Nick left, Nick right, Nick up the middle”
No deferring to Jamison, this is your team tonight, Nick! Light it up!
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 7:09 PM
Hey Dave and Glenn look forward to the call tonight, hopefully we will see Juan on the court and more time for Pech and McGee, and of course a win is always welcomed
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 7:38 PM
7:36 PM…startesr are in Wizards changing things abit…Javaris Crittenton and Mike James in the back court (James is really a 2 guard) Darius Songala Dominic McGuire and Antawn Jamison…Nuggets will go with Chauncey Billups Dahntay Jones Nene Kenyon Martin and Carmelo Anthony
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 7:38 PM
jeffmalone1990 we missed you…and yes they will get playing time..
Comment from Wizfan4life
Time February 6, 2009 at 7:41 PM
Im just gonna say this right now: Caron is the only player on the Wizards that is untouchable at this moment…..and if Mcguire improves I think he will too (along with Blatche when he returns). I think the future “veteran core” of the Washington Wizards stems from Caron, McGuire, Blatche, and hopefully Arenas (provided he actually plays and doesn’t just replace his knee with a plastic one). When it all comes down to it, you gotta imagine the Wizards will most likely draft Blake Griffin (provided we get 1st pick) and he will be our new starter most likely……that will leave our others starters to be Arenas, Butler, a shooting guard, and a center….with jamison being the 6th man because Griffin doesnt play center
Comment from Wizfan4life
Time February 6, 2009 at 7:43 PM
Oh yeah hopefully the Wizards win tonight, or maybe we should just hope they finish with the worst record in the league so we have a better chance of getting that 1st pick? Anyone feel me on this? Sort of the pessimistic way of viewing the season, but an idealistic way of thinking about the future lol. Go Wizards!
Comment from slwiz
Time February 6, 2009 at 7:49 PM
I’m pretty sure the game is on ESPN in my area so I’ll try to watch it. I hope I can take the announcers and hopefully James and JCritt can get some assists going and ball movement. With Andray out Darius will need to get position for rebounds. Hopefully Juan and Pech will have good games, too. I’ll check back in later. Go Wiz!
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 7:50 PM
Thanks Dave and Glenn missed the last few games, however I have been reading all of the blog posts. So let’s get win number 11 in front of the home crowd.
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 6, 2009 at 7:51 PM
Critter at the point, good idea; Mike James at shooting guard- good grief..SHOOTING GUARD…SHOOTING GUARD. The man has the worst shooting percentage on the team.
More BRILLIANCE from the LOTTERY COACH.
But…Good luck Mike. Go Wiz!!!
TURN OFF the TAP!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 7:52 PM
i know it is not working for james now but he is natuarlly a two and when he averaged 20 points game for a full season it was as a two guard
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 7:53 PM
Hey Gabbo
I know James is a natural 2 guard, would have loved to give Juan a shot at the 2 to start and James come off the bench, oh well
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 7:54 PM
Keys: Transition d, try to take care of the ball, Denver leads the NBA in steals, try to make it a half court game
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 7:54 PM
I know that JR Smith is a Wizards killer, hopefully we can keep him at bay tonight
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 6, 2009 at 7:55 PM
I’m really worried he has in mind to start mike at the 2 for one of his 7 game units.
Plus, starting Darius at the 5 when he has simple, fresh, clear overwhelming empirical evidence that he gets more out of JaVale (and for that matter Pech) at that position is… dunno what to say. Not to mention that it guarantees Antawn will play 40 plus tonight at the 4.
It’s strictly a cold water Tap!!
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 7:56 PM
Based on the change by the starting line ups for the home team, I expect to see a lot of the bench tonight
Comment from Wizfan4life
Time February 6, 2009 at 7:56 PM
Ok so i understand the starting 4 situation, but why is songaila starting at center? Hes a powerforward, hes not strong enough to post up on a man like martin defensively
Comment from Wizfan4life
Time February 6, 2009 at 7:58 PM
Im looking forward to tonights game…..havent blogged in a few games because ive been busy here at school and not that many people watch nba basketball….especially when its the Wizards on comcast sportsnet almost every night! lol
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 7:58 PM
Last time Melo played against us he went for 49!!! He must like playing close to home huh?
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:01 PM
Denver with Nene and Kenyon and Chris Anderson and Linus, are a match up problem for us, I agree I think we need to go with a more athletic big (like McGee) to play big minutes and protect the paint, not a good match up tonight for Daruis however could be a good one for Nick and DMAC as well as JCritt, and of course with extended minutes at home Juan.
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:02 PM
hey guys i posted a comment earlier but my internet went out as i tried to post.. =( but yea listening to espn radio today ivan carter basically said that even if we get one of the first picks we will not be able to sign him wo touching the luxary tax… and we all know how abe feels about that… i would not trade butler… i think i would rather trade jamison, songila, or deshawn… but i doubt we will have any takers with thier salary… if anyone i think jamison deserves to be traded… not because he stinks or anything but bc hes the one that plays the hardest and give 100% effort on this team and he deserves to be on a better team than this one… i have the ultimate respect for him and he deserves better than this team… that doesnt give effort night in and night out… and he’s the only one on this team that i can honestly say that gives 100% every night. by moving him and one other piece then we can develop our talent down low.. wether i be blake griffen, pech, blatche, or mcgee…
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:04 PM
espn980.com link is working…sadly nba dot com is not
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:08 PM
Not good so far, the offensive sets are slow and nothing going into the paint
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:09 PM
Nice drive DMAC
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:09 PM
jgarcia 104 good to hear from you again
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:09 PM
thanks for the shout out =)
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:09 PM
dom mcguire on anthony
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:11 PM
nice shot slection so far for the wizards
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:12 PM
didnt MJ have some of his best games w Flu like symptoms? kobe too for that matter….butler is out and jamison out there battling…. hmmmm… i will talk about this later…
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:13 PM
Mike James is getting lit up by Jones
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:14 PM
good job of attacking!
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:15 PM
i like this starting line up
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:16 PM
mj used to give oppsoing players the flu
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:16 PM
lol
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:18 PM
wizards 12-0 points in paint so far
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:18 PM
#8 is the only pass first playmaker we have on this team…
nick is a playmaker but looks to score first pass second jamison is shoot first drive second pass 3rd butler is about 50-50….
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:20 PM
hilario
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:22 PM
these guys arnt talking on defense… we either have 3 guys looking at the ball on a rebound w no oneboxing out or 2 wizards fighting eachother for a rebound… need better communication..
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:22 PM
KMART dunk, nobody boxed out, Washington shooting 60% thus far
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:23 PM
see wat i mean…
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:23 PM
JCRITT playing a good game, very active…Man we have to put McGee in the game, we have zero presence in the middle 3 straight buckets in the paint
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:24 PM
the body language is getting worse….. and the espn 980 link just stopped working..
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:26 PM
nba dot come is now working
Comment from pk1
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:28 PM
anyone have an alternative link for audio stream? It seems like whenever the game is on ESPN the NBA audio pass feed doesn’t work…
Comment from Wizfan4life
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:28 PM
yeah love the aggressiveness from crittendon, but songaila should rest until close to the end of the fourth…..lets see what McGee can bring us!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:28 PM
wizards 4 turnivers last 3 minutes
Comment from pk1
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:29 PM
Thanks – yes NBA.com feed now OK
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:29 PM
lets go pech!!!
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:31 PM
that was just like butler does… he should knw better
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:34 PM
wizfanlife welcome aboard
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:35 PM
5 wizards trunovers led 16 of the nuggets point sin their 16-2 run
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:36 PM
some of the sot slection by the wizards was good ealry 16-8 point sin the paint
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:36 PM
it will be dixon young james mcgee pecherov
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:37 PM
well just got in and i see Juan thats nice and McGee
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:39 PM
i like this anderson kid… he plays the game w energy and the right way..
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:39 PM
Nuggets 15-2 run
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:39 PM
wow no D out there got to get back and find your man
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:40 PM
Birdman has made the differance in this game, he has been the game changer
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:41 PM
no argument…he came in and made it chaotic
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:43 PM
alright 27-4 nuggets run
9 of 12 nuggets in run
wizards 2 of 10 in run
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:43 PM
cant wait till i can say put in Haywood, AB, Gil, Nick an CB3
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:43 PM
wow i didnt realize that they were in 3rd place make that 2nd place tonight in the west… they are flying under the radar…
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:45 PM
Well the good thing about playing Denver, they will allow us to make a run and hopefully get back in this game
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:46 PM
yeah nuggest are having a great year if they win tongith it would be the best 50 game start in their fran shise history…still time to spoil that
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:46 PM
they are like a new look suns team fast pace up and down
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:50 PM
anyone remember kliza’s amazing run last year in the playoffs? that guy is good
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:50 PM
Would love to see us set some picks, and look for the cutters
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:51 PM
I remember nobody wanted Birdman with his “issues” wow look at the kid today, would be great in a Wizard uniform, huh
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:52 PM
this looks like what EJ O# and how it should have ran
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:55 PM
the difference in offensive scheame is amazing.. we set pics at the top of the key so we can either pick and roll or pick and pop or pick and go one on one to create.. where denver is setting picks at the top of the key to free up a cutter/slasher and take advantage of us not talking on defense and running staggerd picks on the baseline to free up melo and smith… one leads to an easy score the other leads to not much ball movement and a lot of quick shots and 1-1 basketball..
dave and glen wats your take
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:55 PM
o man get that on a poster and ill send you 10$
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:55 PM
nice play Juan to DMAC
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:57 PM
Wow…we are really playing bad basketball
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:59 PM
remember when we played the cavs tap changed the style by sacraficing the offenseive rebound and getting the guards to drop back on d to stop those fast breaks….. why dont we implemnet that for this game..
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:59 PM
its going to be hard to win this game if they dont slow it down as much as they can make it a half court game and keep the gards out of the lane and box out and keep the bigs off the blocks
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:01 PM
Denver is attacking, nobody is contesting the paint for the Wizards, Denver is not even looking for a jumper this game
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:01 PM
18 pts in the paint this qtr for Denver
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:03 PM
Denver has scored 61 pts thus far with 2:00 minutes still to play….The Verizon Center where “no defense” happens
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:04 PM
i dont think its wise to put nick in and take out Dom
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:06 PM
Denver shooting 61%
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:13 PM
Last time I checked there were 24 hours in every day. Why does Waldo have to rehab his knee during the 2 1/2 hours that his teammates are playing a game. They just showed Etan, Andray, Brendan, and DeShawn sitting behind the bench rooting for the Wiz…and they said that Waldo was doing rehab on his knee. I don’t believe it. The Wizard management owes a refund to season ticket holders and an apology to all Wiz fans for not beling more transparent about Gilbert’s return to play this season.
Comment from SportzWiz
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:15 PM
hey guys Here is our All-Star Contest form. The Fan that is the closest to predicting the winners of all-star weekend will win the contest and get an autographed wizards ball.
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:16 PM
Jeff, you and I could shoot 61% if no one was playing defense on us. I don’t think that there is anything that can help us this year. I hope that whoever coaches the Wiz next year has some understanding of how to play defense and can install a real NBA offense.
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:21 PM
i could prob shoot 62% getabig …. im just saying…. lol
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:24 PM
17-4 fast break piints nuggest,..we said transition d would be the key
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:24 PM
nice a autographed wizards ball would be a awsome thing for a fan to get there hands on
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:26 PM
i hate the fact that Mike James shoots like 2% from the field and gets 30 mins a night and Juan plays better D and shoots better and has to dust his butt off when he gets a chance to sneak into the game
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:27 PM
Yep, Jgarcia104, I have no doubt that you could.
I’m glad to see that AJ is back in form at least. I’m also glad that I couldn’t get to the game tonight. This is horrible. No defense. No offense.
JeffM, you’ve got it right, “The Verizon Center where “no defense” happens” very funny…very sad…very true.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:28 PM
36 % of nugest points dunks
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:28 PM
but according to tap james is one of those players to be “productive” i never heard of such a thing… look at roger mason and dixon… always ready… the only thing mike james needs minutes for is to STAY UN-”Productive”
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:29 PM
gabbo-I love the Wizards and the blog is really a highlight but to watch this team this year, it is very hard and especially to do it on the live blogcast, lol
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:31 PM
I see the attendance dropping this year, from tickets sold to actual live bodies at the game, I really do not believe that we can wait to make changes
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:31 PM
ikt is tough gang nuggets look like they are having fun… they should be talked about in the wetsern conference
Comment from M2
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:31 PM
Doms body language has been horrific from the very start… Depressing… They are running us like we’re a 1AA team… Geez
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:31 PM
SportzWiz-sounds like a cool contest, I will check it out
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:32 PM
o yeah if they dont have a shot at it i dont think anyone dose looks like they put the right guys around mello to get it done
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:32 PM
well at least season tix should be cheeper next year….
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:33 PM
great game Twan, now please sit for the rest of the game let the bench finish the game, no need to risk an injury at this point
Comment from SportzWiz
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:33 PM
we’ll pub it a little more next week, but figured for you die hards it would be something fun to check out in game.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:35 PM
thanks Sportzwiz
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:35 PM
Wizards have not scored in over 4 minutes
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:36 PM
alright guys in out… ill be praying for a mircle and hope that this doesnt effect me in my leauge game tonight… getabig ill have someone keep track to see if i can shoot the rock at a 63% clip lol its game time…. game one of my rec league… and wow he just “shooed” mcgee’s hand… wat a jerk…
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:37 PM
if they want to play for the future they need to play all the bench as much as posible i dont see why we have our main guys on the floor when its not helping and the kid need time to learn the game
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:37 PM
Dixon to DMAC again another nice assist
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:39 PM
Wow what a move by Melo
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:40 PM
please put the bench in, we only have 1 blk shot for the game, Denver has 6
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:41 PM
sit James and Jamison
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:41 PM
We are playing a very good veteran team. We just don’t have the horses.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:42 PM
they are coasting at this point and up by more than 30, I do not like the teams body language tonight
Comment from M2
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:42 PM
Amazing how Jamison just flat out has zero defensive anticipation & cannot stay in front of his man for anything? He just can’t play man D… It’s amazing… An opposing player doesn’t even need to give him a head fake or anything… Just go right by him.
Man I love Jamison… Hard to watch him play D though… Very hard!
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:43 PM
Crit is better than James every day of the week
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:44 PM
Critt
Dixon
Pesh
McGee
Young
to finish the game please
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:44 PM
Charles: whats up buddy, where u been? Wiz need to try to value each possession now, execute, and try to make plays without turnovers.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:45 PM
My buddy Glenn, what’s up!! I thought you banned me from the post game show, lol….and yes Glenn you are correct however it may be too late for us tonight
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:46 PM
i like that old red Bullets Jump its nice
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:47 PM
M2-I agree at this point as long as Jamison and James are on the bench no need for them in the 4th
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:48 PM
No energy, and no effort
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:48 PM
the fans are starting the boo birds
Comment from M2
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:49 PM
Yeah Tap, get a time out… Take to opportunity to teach a little… Ha ha ha ha… ESPN is hating us right now!
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:49 PM
bring back the old red white and blue jerseys!!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:50 PM
Charles< you are never banned, where you been, thought you abandoned me!
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:50 PM
Denver scored at least 30 in each qtr
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:51 PM
well guys have fun.. i got too much love for this team to watch them get Beat like this! ill see u guys next game
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:52 PM
Glenn just messing with you buddy, lol…I am here and will of course join you on the “Greene Turtle Post Game Show”, been watching the games and not blogging, but I am back……great move by Young!!!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:52 PM
thanks wizards4life
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:53 PM
nice agressive move by Pech “I get buckets son”
Comment from datonypony
Time February 6, 2009 at 9:59 PM
This is freaking… stupid. Just chuck young guys on for 4th quarter please… The only blowout game so far today…
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:03 PM
that pass by Smith and dunk by Linus, sums up the night for the Wizards, not sealing the baseline (NO D)
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:05 PM
Down by 32 with 9:30 to go in the 4th quarter and that IDIOT (yes, I know it is a clinical term) has just put AJ back in the game. Is Tap intent on seeing if he can get our best offensive player hurt or does he think that AJ can scor 40 in the 4th and we hold them scoreless?
Ernie, fire that fool’s butt during the game.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:06 PM
I do not understand at all why Twan is in this game, please anybody help me with this one?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:08 PM
the way the nuggest big men run the floor impressive
Comment from dabeatkeeper
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:09 PM
Ok, so I am a die hard fan of the Wizards and have been my whole life but this is just out right stupid and a total joke! Man to lose like this is just not even right in the NBA! I know the whole team is hurt but damn come on, be in the game at least, this is the NBA right!?!? They show our sideline and our whole team looks beat down and totally lost! This is all coaching!!!! Tap can not make it the whole year as this is totally out of control. The announcers are even talking about the joke that is our loved Wiz., and this is not the first time we’ve been clowned on national TV. I can not imagine that people are even going to go to the games anymore. WOW heads need to roll!
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:12 PM
dabeatkepper-my buddy on the westside I agree, I had to turn down the TV and listen to the stream with Dave and Glenn
Comment from Wizfan4life
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:12 PM
You know I think this is another one of those games where the Wizards had it in the first half….sure they had some fouls in the first quarter, and there was a big lead by the Nuggets ending the first half, and the Wizards sort of just gave up at this point
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:13 PM
Pam McGee looks pissed on the sideline
Comment from Wizfan4life
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:13 PM
stats Jeff Malone….Jamisons in there right now to boost his stats
Comment from dabeatkeeper
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:14 PM
McGee’s mom kills it!
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:15 PM
WizFan4L-sad but true, I think if that is the case that is in a word “terrible”
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:17 PM
I do not exactly know what rock bottom is, however if you look at our bench we may have a good picture
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:20 PM
crittenton playing hard
Comment from dabeatkeeper
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:20 PM
Jeff, I should have turned this off a long time ago as well, but it’s almost funnier listening to the announcers clown our team.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:21 PM
Nick is just clearing out and going one on one
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:22 PM
dabeatkeeper-wow the Nuggets bench doing the wave, speechless
Comment from dabeatkeeper
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Damn even Melo was doing the wave in our home!!!!!! That is reason to FIRE Tap alone!
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:24 PM
I thought that we could make it to the end of the season with Tap and bring in a new coach and staff at the start of the year, however after watching this team IMHO a change needs to come at the All Star Break
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:28 PM
key tonight did not make the nuggets a half court team….25-6 fats break points
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:28 PM
301 230 0980 for the post game
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:29 PM
This is the longest running movie in history, It’s like watching Ground Hog Day everyday for 24 hrs a day
Comment from M2
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:30 PM
It would be my hope that EG has been working VERY hard to find the right guy to come in during All Star break & get the ball rolling the right way for the seasons home stretch. I don’t even think it’s debatable… Tap needs to step down… Or it will take these kids half of next season to recover from this.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:31 PM
301-230-0980 post game show
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:41 PM
I hope you are right M2. I’m a little concerned that there has been no news of any kind regarding what Ernie is thinking about the future. Is he planning on just keeping things as they are until next year? He couldn’t possibly be thinking of keeping Tap on next year could he???
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:43 PM
I like the Groundhog Day reference Jeff. Sad but true
Comment from M2
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:47 PM
There is NO WAY Tap is the coach next season. It’s an impossibility. I will assure you that if he does, I’ll have Jessica Alba (or a comparable starlet) run across the Key Bridge naked to make up for our heartache.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:48 PM
ROFL… so you are saying then that keeping Tap next year wouldn’t be a bad thing? What date is set for the Key Bridge “run”??? LOL
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:49 PM
Lost to another mediocre team by 20+. Nice coaching.
There is no lack of desire on the part of any player on this team. They all want to succeed and they all play hard. The issue is that there is absolutely NO coaching.
I have watched the big guys work out before games. Do you realize that it is Wes Jr. who is teaching them how to get post position, receive the ball, and get a shot. Wes Jr. hasn’t played the post position since he was in third grade.
I suggested previously that the Wizards try to get Alonzo Mourning as the “big man” coach. Zo could teach them a thing or two. I just know that if Zo was the “big man” coach when Pech got that rebound under the basket in the 4th quarter and took a step backward and shot a jumper Zo would have gone out on the court, grabbed Pech by the neck, dragged him into the locker room and beat the crap out of him.
We need someone who can teach McGee and Blatche how to play the post position. Brendan could learn something from Zo also.
Let’s start to build something in which the fans can have some pride.
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:51 PM
Ernie. we have an opening for a coach. Sign Zo NOW!
Comment from neal
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:53 PM
And I don’t look for any changes for the rest of the year. Unless some GM makes EG an irresistable offer.
I watched the second half. The D just gets worse. Only the kids and Songaila seem to care any more.
Neither James nor Dixon should play PG. They just want to shoot. Dixon actually seems to try pretty hard on defense. Can’t say as much for Jamison. He just looks disheartened.
If things don’t get better the next coach will have a huge job getting these guys to believe in themselves again.
Comment from M2
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:54 PM
& Grif
If Tap is head coach on day one of summer league… Jess will be on the bridge!
Ha ha ha… That’s how impossible it will be for him to retain his position…
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:55 PM
Wes Jr is working with the guys in the post? I thought that was what Hubbard was for. Good Lord if Wes Jr is working with them…. no wonder.
As I said in a much earlier thread …. we don’t have the type assistant coaches to back up a rookie head coach. None of those guys would be qualified to be a head coach in their own rights. Heck most of them are there because of some type of loyalty to the Wizards more than for their coaching talent.
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:56 PM
Neal, I couldn’t agree with you more. I think that Tap has taken the spirit right out of every player on this team. A new coach at this stage would get a pass from the fans regarding wins and losses as long as he focused on teaching and we could see some improvement.
Comment from Wizfan4life
Time February 6, 2009 at 10:59 PM
Im down for bringing in Flip Saunders or Avery Johnson as head coaches…..sure they got fired…..but led their teams to nba finals…..and if u look at their teams when they coach, they really didnt have a superb bench or starting 5, but the flow of their offense and defense was what got them to the finals
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:00 PM
You hit it Neal. It is going to be hard, especially for the young guys, to come back from “this” mentally.
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:01 PM
GrifonRacing, believe me. I’m standing in line when they open the doors. I want to see what is going on pre-game. Jr. works with the post players with Mass playing token defense; Hoppla works with the shooters. I have yet to see Hubbard or Randy on the court pre-game (however, that doesn’t mean that I haven’t missed something, or that they’re not working in the practice gym).
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:02 PM
I agree Wizfan4life. Both of those guys have solid coaching resume’s. Both are defensive minded. Both have coached winning teams. So, of course, they couldn’t possibly be in our future plans.
Comment from Wizfan4life
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:03 PM
Yeah GrifonRacing in my opinion it was stupid for Dallas and Detroit to fire those guys…..I mean look at the teams now
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:05 PM
Didn’t realize that GetaBB. So then, Tap is squandering ALL of his resources. Not just the players. Wonderful!
Comment from Wizfan4life
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:05 PM
They didnt really coach winning teams in terms of a championship, but they got 50+ wins……what if we had one of those coaches, and eddie jordan as an assistant? I mean thats about as unlikely as Kobe announcing his retirement from the NBA tommorow
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:07 PM
I’m convinced that the key to the Wiz being successful is, not only to get rid of Tap, but to make sure that the assistant coaches all have a specific role and that they are capable of executing that role. Teaching is key with this team. The Wiz future is full of young players who have not had the benefit of 3-4 years of good college coaching so we have to provide teaching in basketball fundamentals to these guys.
Zo as the big man coach would be a start in the right direction. Bring him in NOW.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:08 PM
Wizfan4life …. THAT WOULD BE SWEET! Avery/Flip for defense and Eddie for offense (he was a much better offensive coordinator for the Nets than he was a head coach for us)
Comment from Wizfan4life
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:11 PM
GrifonRacing…..its a great dream to have Avery/Flip for head coach, Eddie has head assistant coach……buts its about as unlikely as Gilbert Arenas playing more than 20 games this season lol
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:11 PM
Wizfan4life, either Flip Saunders or Avery Johnson would be a 360 degree improvement over what we currently have. I like them both. Flip appears to be solid. Avery is a bit edgy, but that might be what we need.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:11 PM
Zo, Ewing, Dekembe…. Somebody!
Imo…. the coaching staff needs to be fully revamped. I don’t see one coach on the staff that really stands out.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:13 PM
It’s ok to dream Wizfan4life LOL
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:17 PM
Not Ewing or Dekembe, We need someone who played the game with intensity and a chip-on-his-shoulder. The Wiz have no fire, no life, no demonstrated desire to kick everyone else’s butt. Zo played as though you had his children captive and he had to beat you to get them back. Zo is the man.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:17 PM
I just noticed a “John Thompson” kinda theme to the big man coaches I suggested. LOL it wasn’t intentional, but, maybe Big John would like to coach in the NBA to finish his career (if he hasn’t fully retired already)
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:19 PM
I always got the impression from Zo…. you didn’t want to make him “too” mad. LOL
Comment from Wizfan4life
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:21 PM
I think Unseld Jr. should stay because the name itself makes him a part of the Wizards franchise……and maybe hoppla stays for shooting…..everyone else goes…….we need a true big man assistant coach like i heard some people say…..and an assistant coach like EJ and then Flip Saunders lol
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:21 PM
GrifonRacing, I’d go with Big John as a replacement for Tap, but I’m not sure that he’d be the best person for the Wiz in the long run. However, he’d sure scare the crap out of some of our young guys.
Comment from Wizfan4life
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:22 PM
lol I agree….but I get that impression from Mutumbo as well……..like if he didnt block a shot from getting in his basket the whole world would explode
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:24 PM
Wizfan4life…. Wes Jr is only there because of Daddy. He has scouting credentials but no coaching credentials. He is “the” coach I was refering to mainly when I said they are there because of their “Wizards loyalty”.
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:25 PM
Wizfan4life, I’d bet a nickle that EJ would not return to the Wiz especially as an assistant coach. Even if he would, I don’t think that it would be a good choice for the team.
Wes Jr. may be a great basketball mind. I don’t know and I hope that I didn’t give the impression that I was passing judgement on his ability. I just thought that it was unwise to use him to teach “big man” offensive moves.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:26 PM
Dekembe was a master at the art of the “elbow”. I believe it as an ancient martial arts thing, but, he sure mastered it.
Comment from Wizfan4life
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:27 PM
Wes Jr. is only good for scouting and stats like GrifonRacing said
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:33 PM
Wizfan4life and GrifonRacing, no disrespect to either of you because you are both usually on target, but how can you be so sure that Wes Jr. is not a good coach. We haven’t seen what he might be able to do. My comment was aimed at Tap for placing Wes Jr. in the position of having to coach big men.
Have I missed something about Wes Jr. coaching at some level and doing a bad job?
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:35 PM
Checking out folks. Thanks for the exchange. Better Wiz days are coming.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:36 PM
No sir you haven’t. Wes Jr has never coached anywhere before the Wizards is my only point
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:42 PM
Nite G…. I’m gonna hit it too Wizfan4life… Thanks Bud. good seeing you again. It was Fun
Comment from Wizfan4life
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:44 PM
getabigboyoffense…….he never played in the NBA…..how can you have good experience coaching in a league when you have never played on an NBA court before?
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:56 PM
Ok before someone corrects me… Wes Jr was an assistant coach for the Mystics for a year. I didn’t really count that.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time February 6, 2009 at 11:57 PM
Now… Nite all… lol
Comment from GlingGling
Time February 7, 2009 at 2:16 AM
I find it very interesting listening to non-Wizards announcers (Phil, Steve, Dave, Glenn). You get a different perspective from guys who aren’t as intimately knowledgeable. It doesn’t mean they’re right, but it’s interesting to hear what they’ve got to say (Hubie knew a lot about Javaris).
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 7, 2009 at 7:45 AM
Hello Fellow Bloggers,
I was in the club and saw that the score was 120 sum odd points to about 80 something and went back to what I was doing….
This is really a rough season….
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 7, 2009 at 7:50 AM
Getabig — I don’t think the Nuggets are a “mediocre” team; they’re a good team (not to say a great team by any means).
It’d be asking a lot, with the guys we have out, to beat them. More or less our whole starting lineup from last year plus a couple of our key reserves!
Still, you’d like to see competitiveness, and you’d like to see at least *some* sensible decisions in playing time. Once again, JaVale for example shot better than Darius, rebounded better, assisted better, turned it over less, and so forth. He just played better ball — but only for 20 minutes. Why?
And, as usual, we make the other guys look great. Dahntay Jones was above his scoring average 5 minutes into the game! Linus Kleiza looked like an all-star. Kenyon Martin looked 10 years younger than he is. Etc. etc. etc.
Sigh….
Comment from neal
Time February 7, 2009 at 8:55 AM
We are in free fall.
Can’t remember seeing poorer defense.
Comment from Aj
Time February 7, 2009 at 10:26 AM
That game just wasn’t fair. Against a team like denver we have to play almost perfect and they have to play their worst game. I couldn’t believe some of defense effort we gave. It’s just hard to cheer for a team that gives no defensive effort. At the beggining of the year all our losses were close games. It seems like it’s getting worse game by game. I just want CB3, dray, etan, and deshawn back because I’m tired of us losing 30 point games.
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 7, 2009 at 11:10 AM
I posted: “Wizfan4life, either Flip Saunders or Avery Johnson would be a 360 degree improvement over what we currently have. I like them both. Flip appears to be solid. Avery is a bit edgy, but that might be what we need.”
and someone pointed out that 360 degrees would put us right back where we started. Tap gets me so mad that I’m typing in circles. How about 180 degrees.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 7, 2009 at 11:19 AM
lol…getabig,
I noticed it, but i knew what you meant. Plus, we ARE so busy talking about what’s lacking and needed, etc, I just didn’t have the “muster ” to point anything else out.:-)
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 7, 2009 at 11:22 AM
AJ,
Hang in there young fella. You’ll have something to cheer about soon enough (soon meaning next season or when we announce a permanent coach), and this season will be just a blur…trust me on that one (from experience).
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time February 7, 2009 at 11:51 AM
I have only missed 4 wizard home games this season, I almost went home for the game v. the knicks at the garden, but I punked out at the last minute – I am a teacher & despite the fact that I never take off, reality set in & since I had to be back for the home game v. the knicks…
anyway – we see the same pattern. start strong, get a slight lead OR the score is parallel and we kind of act like the job is done…. we are half way through the season & are still trying to find the right combination. Yes, we are very light on players right now but as I looked at the guys we had on the floor, at any given time we had 1 – 2 shooters. Sometimes it was just one. Crit is a passer. But I will say with him starting & James as shooting guard, James was able to convert his previous missed shots into good baskets. So how long as be been away from the shooting guard position?
McGuire played 41 minutes, 7 def refounds (8 total). I would say his is pulling his weight. He is not out there to make a bunch of baskets, but we do appreciate when he does make them – I think he shot 50% last night, 8 pts…
Crit lead w/assists, still driving to the basket just to pass it…
Young is a ball hog LOL
McGee continues to make progress, but is it taking longer than I am sure anyone expected.
Haywood is there every night. I bet he is showing up for practice too… If not, can he & McGee text exchange messages or something? We used to see Arenas & Dixon chatting it up on the bench as they watched teh games…. are these conversations still taking place? It is becoming increasingly obvious the coaching staff is nto getting it done, so what role are players, ALL of the players, playing on the development of the team?
When changes need to be made in my classroom & no one in the building follows through, does their job, & provide guidance & leadership, I shut my door & put my students first.
I think we are at that point when we need a “come to Jesus” meeting… get in a room, air it all out & no one leaves without a plan….
I will be there on Sunday, again cheering my Wizards on
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time February 7, 2009 at 1:00 PM
GetaBB. It’s kind of ok what you posted. We have been spinning out of control as a team, so, a good coaching change wouldn’t stop us spinning immediately. We would probably turn that “extra” revolution to get to 360, but, go the additional half turn and achieve 540 degrees (hey whatever works lol)
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time February 7, 2009 at 1:06 PM
I wish we could somehow figure a way to claw our way up to “mediocre”.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 7, 2009 at 3:02 PM
From Antwan after last night’s game:
There was his teammates’ general mind-set: “Honestly, I thought some of our guys were scared to play out there tonight.”
There was the way the home fans reacted: “It’s embarrassing when they’re booing you and doing the wave and got to find a reason to entertain themselves.”
There was the lack of progress from Washington’s young players, who are seeing more time because of all of the team’s injuries and illnesses: “They complain about, ‘If I was playing, you know, this should happen.’ And now you’re playing, and you need to show me what you’ve got, and right now, they’re not showing us anything.”
I personally didn’t see the game, but is AJamisons performance that spectacular, that he can keep separating himself from the team. Continuously making these comments does not build cohesiveness imo.
Comment from Reuben
Time February 7, 2009 at 4:09 PM
well I was at the game last night with one of my best friends and the game was…………. awful! The wizards were barely putting any effort into really trying to win. Nick Young had a nice game and I think he will turnout to be a very good player, I dont get why he didnt start, it made no sense. Something has to change and if ed tapscott remains the coach for next year i am going to be very mad.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 7, 2009 at 5:43 PM
dcbutler-I look at what Twan had to say and he has been saying the same thing all year, I cannot remember him being this vocal about his teamates before. We really need to win to get a winning mentality back, this is really a bad year from the top down, we need a change NOW.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 7, 2009 at 6:02 PM
JeffM,
It’s not like he’s a force on offense AND shuts his man down on defense, so he needs to take a look in the mirror also. As I recall, he and the vets lost quite a few down the stretch this year, be it tired legs or whatever, he can’t say the youth on the team is the problem with this team. Only nine players on the bench (of which, two barely are allowed to wear their uniforms for a normal game), denver just showed them what they were supposed to do against New York, when we had 12 players on the bench and NY had only eight players dressed.
If he is unhappy, ask to be traded, but he is not above reproach. He fit in well at Dallas, because all dallas did was run and gun (No D). He would have fit well in Phoenix before all the trades also, but he’s an offensive all-star, by no means a defensive all-star. If he wants to call someone out about being scared, why doesn’t he set REAL picks or take charges…..LOL….He can help the team, but he isn’t all that for him and Caron to keep ragging on the youth like that. We’re supposed to build them up, not tear them down.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time February 7, 2009 at 6:31 PM
As veterans and all stars Antawn and Caron probably feel Tapscott is justified in playing them big minutes as that is the only way those 3 feel they can win. I can understand the mindset. Since Antawn and Caron are getting the big minutes they both feel they need to help the team win it must be the young kids not producing that is causing all of the losses. Sometimes you are too close to a situation and can’t see the forest for the trees. We all sit on the outside and can see that Antawn and Caron have not been very productive players lately. I doubt they see that. Antawn probably figures he is still getting his double doubles so it can’t be him. We all see him getting his double doubles but see him taking 50 shots to get there. Sometimes distancing yourself from a situation can allow you to see the situation a little clearer. Maybe someone can anonimously leave a stat sheet by his locker?
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 7, 2009 at 7:32 PM
Grif,
Well said…..
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 7, 2009 at 8:59 PM
It is pretty astounding that every Wizards blogger (both here and on the Washingtonpost.com) see the same thing, and say the same thing. The Wiz entire team lacks discipline, plays lazy defense, blames each other for the failures, doesn’t acknowledge their own individual shortcomings, etc., etc. It’s strange that we can all see it, and Wiz management can’t.
That’s what happens on a losing team. The coach has no control. Our coach has no idea that he has no control. Good coaches TEACH, bad coaches PREACH. We all know which type of coach Tap is.
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 7, 2009 at 9:03 PM
Griff, dcbutler, Jeff, Wizfan, and M2 – your analysis is terrific. Lots of great ideas. Thanks.
Comment from neal
Time February 7, 2009 at 9:42 PM
All good points being made here. Why doesn’t EG ask us what’s up?
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time February 7, 2009 at 10:57 PM
I still like M2’s idea of keeping Tap next season the best!
I’ve already ordered a new camcorder for when Jessica Alba runs naked across the Key Bridge ROFL.
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 7, 2009 at 11:34 PM
Lest we forget how we got into this coaching mess:
From SI – December 22, 2008 –
“WHEN WIZARDS president Ernie Grunfeld fired coach Eddie Jordan last month, his in-house options to take over the team included a former NBA coach (Randy Ayers) with a defensive-minded reputation and a highly rated assistant (Mike O’Koren) who was working his way on to head-coaching short lists. Grunfeld instead tapped Tap—longtime confidant Ed Tapscott, Washington’s director of player development, who last worked a sideline nearly two decades ago.”
Tap averaged 13 wins over 8 seasons at American…and got fired; got hired and fired by the Bobcats; got hired and fired by the Nicks.
From the Nicks blog -Nov 24, 2008 – Just when you thought it couldn’t get worse in Washington, the struggling Wizards have fired head coach Eddie Jordan and have replaced him with Knicks legend Ed Tapscott.
Tapscott, you’ll remember, managed to have authority over the Knicks 1998 draft and overruled his European scouts and selected Fredric something* over Ron Artest…
Welcome back Ed!”
*That would have been French center Frederic Weis who never played a game in the NBA.
Tap hadn’t coached in over twenty years, got fired from every b-ball position he had, and Ernie appointed him to coach our NBA Washington Wizards.
Abe, are you there? Ernie MUST go and take Tap with him!
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 7, 2009 at 11:39 PM
M2, I just saw your last post from yesterday…man you’ve got the fire! I like your stuff. Keep it coming.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time February 7, 2009 at 11:44 PM
Wonderful News!
So my wife was right then. I could hand pick 5 bloggers and they would have a better chance of coaching this team to a win than the present coaching staff.
I knew he was no coach, but, I thought he was at least a good front office guy. I thought Bob Johnson liked him? Guess not?
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 7, 2009 at 11:45 PM
Pacers tomorrow at 6:00…6:00, is that a misprint? Nope, my tickets say 6:00.
AJ (player, not blogger), don’t speak anymore this season. You’re making yourself look bad. However,
if you MUST criticize something, Tap is an easy target.
TURN OFF the TAP!
Go Wiz!!!!!
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 7, 2009 at 11:48 PM
Griff, you’re a great blogger but I think that your wife feeds you all your best stuff…LOL
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time February 7, 2009 at 11:48 PM
I think one of two things… either M2 is you under another name….. OR…. human cloning has been achieved in our lifetime LOL
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 7, 2009 at 11:49 PM
Still a hoot!
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time February 7, 2009 at 11:49 PM
gotta keep you guys laughing… Terrible basketball season?
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 7, 2009 at 11:51 PM
Checking out for the evening. Stay well.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time February 7, 2009 at 11:52 PM
you too Bud… see ya tomorrow…
Maybe?
Go Wiz
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time February 7, 2009 at 11:52 PM
We at least have a chance
Comment from GlingGling
Time February 8, 2009 at 3:15 AM
Maybe if it is so obvious to us it is by design. You see the candor of all the articles floating around on the internet (snippets have been posted here). It’s not just us.
So here is the obvious design. Eddie Jordan certainly failed to coach a Haywoodless team and things were looking pretty darn bad. Well Mr. Ernie knew something we didn’t. He knew Gilbert wasn’t coming back and he saw very little chance of a successful season. As much as nobody wants to see any NBA organization willfully scrub a season, it seems obvious that that is what is happening. Just that one article about picking Tappy over two other well qualified coaches shows that it can’t simply be bad judgment on Ernie’s part (let’s hope not).
Let’s try to get lucky in the LOTTERY!
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 8, 2009 at 8:47 AM
Oh, I think Antawn gets to vent, yes I do. Against the Nuggets he went 10-16 including a 3pointer, 5-6 from the line, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and a blocked shot. He is intensely, effortfully, in every game.
I don’t know whom exactly he was calling out, on the other hand. Overall, Dominic played pretty well — but he did contribute to the first run by the Nuggets w/ turnovers.
Nick scored 20 points, so you all think he’s a star — was it Nick?
The worst performances were by Songaila and Dixon — those aren’t young players. Pecherov didn’t play very well, but I don’t believe AJ was calling Oleksiy out.
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Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 6, 2009 at 8:16 AM
I enjoyed our thread about possible trades — and the various opinions and high level of energy it provoked.
You will remember that I was talking about a trade w/ Portland. How about one with Phoenix?
Word is that Phoenix is shopping Amare Stoudamire. His production is *way off* from last year, and he is unhappy with his role on a team centered on Shaq. Do you think he’d look good in a Wizards uniform?
Remember, you have to match salaries w/in 15% in a trade, and usually you have to *give something good* to get something good. Amare was one of the 15 top players in the league last year.
How about Caron and Mike James for Amare Stoudamire? The salaries would work, Phoenix would get a stud for a stud and would absorb another shooting guard, something they can use. We’d get a starting 4, enabling Antawn to become our 6th man (which some people on the blog have recommended).