Game Day Charlotte
1:57 AM…Dave Johnson checking in from Charlotte…we just got here..because of mechanical problems we had to wait in Atlanta for a new plane to pick us up…no it was not a good night…did not run the offense and work the ball to the second side and too many quick shots and yes we have heard all this before…Antawn Jamison noted after the 111-90 loss to the Hawks that there was too much “freelancing” going on and not enough following the game plan..still a clear positive was the play of JaVale McGee who finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds and has now been in double figures in six straight games…Jamison told me after the game you could hear Hawks players talking about how effective McGee was in disrupting shots and that he is going to be huge asset in the Wizards effort to protect the paint…..get set for the new look Bobcats who now feature Vladimir Radmonovic…..BLOGCAST starts at 7…. on the radio on ESPN 980 AM in Washington….94.3 FM in Northern Virginia…92.7 FM in Southern Maryland….in Baltimore on 1370 AM….and on great affiliates from Cumberland to Roanoke….and we will find a way to listen online.
6:37 PM….Dave Johnson checking in from Time Warner Cable Arena…starters are in…Raymond Felton, DJ Augustin, Emeka Okafor, Boris Diaw and Valdimir Radmonovic…..Wizards Mike James Caron Butler Darius Songaila, Antawn Jamison, Dominic McGuire
DAVE JOHNSON POSTGAME REPORT (ATLANTA GAME)
Posted: February 11th, 2009 under Wizards.
Comments
Comment from neal
Time February 11, 2009 at 8:59 AM
I guess we should make that trade for Hughes. He should still be good when he feels he’s wanted and is healthy. Thomas is competent when healthy but we’re in good shape w/o him at C. We’d be thin at PG w/o James but OK if Arenas comes back healthy.
We could even throw in GrifonRacing and a first-rate hot dog vender (the one with the tattoo).
Comment from neal
Time February 11, 2009 at 8:59 AM
Someone tell EG to go for it.
Comment from millie mill
Time February 11, 2009 at 9:35 AM
If the Wizards don’t make any changes this season or in the summer and they get healthy again in the off-season, I would like to know how you guys would suggest the player’s line-ups. Keep in mind we are not going to have Juan Dixon next year (my dream is to pick Blake Griffin in the draft, so I already put him in my line-up). I would stash the second round pick overseas or trade for a future draft pick.
Starting line:
PG Gilbert Arenas Scorer
SG Nick Young Scorer
SF Caron Butler Scorer/Defense
PF Andray Blatche Scorer/Defense
C Brendan Haywood Defense/Rebounds
Second String:
PG Javaris Crittenton Pace Changer/Pass first
SG Dominic McGuire Defense
SF Antawn Jamison Scorer/Rebounds
PF Blake Griffin Scorer/Defense
C JaVale McGee Scorer/Defense/Rebounds
Match up Nightmares:
PG Mike James Play Maker
SG DeShawn Stevenson Defense
PF Oleksiy Pecherov ??????
PF Darius Songaila Defense
C Etan Thomas Defense
If healthy we could have a very deep team.
Comment from millie mill
Time February 11, 2009 at 11:12 AM
My thoughts on comparing 2005 Wizards roster with a healthy 2009 roster. I think it can be the best of both worlds.
2005 2009
PG Gilbert Arenas Gilbert Arenas =
SG Larry Hughes Nick Young -
SF Antawn Jamison Caron Butler =
PF Jared Jeffries Andray Blatche +
C Brendan Haywood Brendan Haywood =
Second String:
PG Steve Blake Javaris Crittenton -
SG Juan Dixon Dominic McGuire +/-
SF Jarvis Hayes Antawn Jamison ++
PF Kwame Brown Blake Griffin ++
C Etan Thomas JaVale McGee +
Match up nightmares:
Damone Brown Mike James +
Anthony Peeler DeShawn Stevenson +
Laron Profit Darius Songaila +
Peter Ramos Oleksiy Pecherov +
Samaki Walker Etan Thomas -
Michael Ruffin
+/- means they have different games. Strong in some areas and weak in others.
Comment from M2
Time February 11, 2009 at 12:51 PM
Where do I start?
Firstly, Jamison doesn’t come off the bench on this team (on some teams maybe, but not on this team) & Dom should never be anyones second string SG…
But I do agree that when we get healthy, we’ll be deep.
Comment from M2
Time February 11, 2009 at 12:53 PM
& come off the bench to get completely out quicked by opposing SF’s?
Not a chance…
Comment from millie mill
Time February 11, 2009 at 12:58 PM
M2,
What do you think the roster should look like??
Comment from millie mill
Time February 11, 2009 at 1:04 PM
I would have put Stevenson on the second string but I like DOM much better.
Comment from M2
Time February 11, 2009 at 1:35 PM
I think Dom stays a forward!
No team in the league needs an offensive liability at the two spot… It’s ridiculous. It’s what we’ve had (on & off) for a couple years now with Stevenson & I’ve HATED it.
I’d start Crit or Nick (depending on development) in the backcourt with Gil before Dom… Crit an obvious PG & Gil roams as a SG / Nick the other way around.
GUARDS should play guard in the NBA!
Don’t get me wrong, I understand match ups & such & don’t mind Dom out on the wing from time to time as a curveball but NOT a starter at the two spot, no way.
Comment from M2
Time February 11, 2009 at 1:36 PM
& I don’t even think about Stevenson!
He’s a wrap in my opinion… Been waiting for him to take a seat for a long time now (sorry about the back problems though).
Comment from millie mill
Time February 11, 2009 at 2:05 PM
IMO I think the Shoot Guard is our weakest postion. Maybe Mike James and Steveson can share the back-up
roll. I like Jamison as a starter but we do now and will in the furture need someone to come off the bench that can provide a stark night in and night out.
Comment from neal
Time February 11, 2009 at 2:08 PM
The way it looks to me:
PG Arenas, Crittenton, James
SG Young, Draftee, Stevenson
SF Butler, McGuire
PF Jamison, Blatche, Songaila/Pecherov
C Haywood, McGee, Thomas/Pecherov
If we are fortunate enough to get Griffen, then we have to deal a PF for a guard, which shouldn’t be hard to do.
Comment from SportzWiz
Time February 11, 2009 at 2:10 PM
Hey guys, last week on Wizards magazine JaVale McGee was interviewed by his mom Pam McGee and vice versa. Click here for the first part of the interview.
Comment from aznzero
Time February 11, 2009 at 3:33 PM
Despite the loss I was impressed by Javale’s improvement lately.
Go wizards!
Comment from millie mill
Time February 11, 2009 at 3:36 PM
Nice interview with mother and son. I have high hopes for JaVale in the furture.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 11, 2009 at 4:16 PM
The interview is *delightful* — there is so much love in her eyes for her son, and pride too. He is a *typical* late adolescent, squirming under his mom’s adoration.
Very very sweet stuff!
Comment from M2
Time February 11, 2009 at 5:27 PM
Pams wig was killing me… God Bless her though.
So funny how these twenty something freak athletes act like shy little 14 year olds when you put a camera in front of them. I remember the dom-a-nick vlog last season where those two acted like they were ninth graders. I hazard to say that most star athletes develop their personalities outside of sport much later in life than your average Joe… Interesting.
But yeah, JaVale (brought along properly & with solid coaching) WILL BE A BEAST IN THIS LEAGUE! The way everyone ranted & raved about Andrew Bynum in LA when they figured out he was a stud will most likely pale in comparison.
Comment from Harry Baldwin
Time February 11, 2009 at 6:06 PM
It’s obvious things are not working-out for the wiz so changes are needed and fast because the team looks like their winging it on the court, they have no enthusiasm, when the coach speaks he doesn’t even seem to know what he’s talking about and they have backup guards trying to run the point. I prepose they make these changes:
Kurt Rambis – Head Coach Ed Tapscott Head Coach
Steve Francis Guard Free Agent
Shaun Livingston Guard Free Agent (10 day contracts until the end of the season)
Desmon Farmer Guard San Antonio Darius Songaila
Calvin Booth Center Minnesota DeShawn Stevenson
Josh Boone Center NJ Mike James
Patrick O’Bryant Center Boston Dominic McGuire
Wave- Juan Dixon G Etan Thomas C
Comment from llballa19
Time February 11, 2009 at 6:42 PM
I am glad to see Javale making big strides. Hope to see a W for the Wiz tonight when I come back from class!!
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 11, 2009 at 6:44 PM
thats pretty far fetched… you can only sign a player to a maximum of 3- 10 day contracts b4 u have to sign him for the remainder of the season…
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 11, 2009 at 6:45 PM
and you cant jus cut players liek that… you still have to pay them cuz they are under contract.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 11, 2009 at 6:46 PM
6:37 PM….Dave Johnson checking in from Time Warner Cable Arena…starters are in…Raymond Felton, DJ Augustin, Emeka Okafor, Boris Diaw and Valdimir Radmonovic…..Wizards Mike James Caron Butler Darius Songaila, Antawn Jamison, Dominic McGuire
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 11, 2009 at 6:52 PM
songaila will go despite a bruised left elbow
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 11, 2009 at 6:54 PM
radio starts with ed tapscott talking about mcgee….his positives and his challenges defending the pick and roll…which just takes experience….it is not a simple follow these three steps….it is about being able to recognize certain situations
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 11, 2009 at 6:56 PM
tapscott also talked about the ability to use mcgee at four when haywood comes back
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 11, 2009 at 6:56 PM
i want to see javael and okafor go at at…. i want mcgee to end up w more rebounds tho… that would be impressive…
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:06 PM
jgarcia welcome….
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:10 PM
thanks Dave and Glen =). whos playin oakafor? dsong or jamison? i think i’d rather have have jamison… only cuz ramanovich is more mobile and agile and i think songila would play him better and keep him off the boards…
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:13 PM
have toa avoid second chance points
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:13 PM
AJ is hott!!!
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:14 PM
wow hes fast…
Comment from slwiz
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:14 PM
Good to see Darius is okay, any more news about Andray!! Come on Wiz, stop the Bobcats!!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:15 PM
jmaison back in is hometown
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:15 PM
andray wont be back till after the allstar break. he tested it out the indiana game but he said it was still bothering him and hes just going to stay home and rehad during he break so will be ready
Comment from slwiz
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:18 PM
thanks jgarcia!! James with 3 assists to jamison hope the others can get some ball movement;
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:19 PM
we need to slow it down…. or put in a faster unit of critten/young and mgee
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:20 PM
put butler on ramanavic….or darius
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:20 PM
we can’t stop anything from getting into the paint
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:22 PM
TO!!! the tempo is too fast…. i think you said it last game dave… teams that like to run hate to get run on… we cant run on them unless we get stops! on the other hand poor ball movement is leading to them getting easy layups… i think 8/10 of their shots have come in the paint…
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:24 PM
Thanks for the shoutout!!!
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:25 PM
thank you for putting butler on ramanavic =)
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:26 PM
Mike James – hopefully he will be hot 2nite
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:27 PM
clawed back in it
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:27 PM
YES!!!
Offense is not too shabby right now! Let’s get that defense going!
Comment from slwiz
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:27 PM
jamison is hitting early, hope his legs hold up for the night
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:28 PM
wizards 9 assist in 9 field goals
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:28 PM
wow i love that we are hott but we need to keep the ball moving… the last 3 shots have been one pass and shoot… fools gold… we’ve been bailed out w the shot goign in… but we’ve been down this road before…
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:28 PM
we can also post up these small guards
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:28 PM
lets get the ball in post
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:30 PM
LOL…did he say twila at first
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:31 PM
he only took two steps?
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:32 PM
i like the ball movement tho.. nick gave up that 2nd open 3 pt atmp and we got a better shot out of it.. but we traveled lol
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:32 PM
LOL! I added just comcast to my direct tv package just to see the games… 2nite it is on comcast alt – so I am out of luck! gotta love those home games!
Comment from Jgarcia104
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:33 PM
aww lol at least u have us and dave =)
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:33 PM
Young is a traveler… gets so happy that he forget to dribble… Gotta love the energy!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:34 PM
2stepsaway great to have you back and thanks for calling the postr game show the other night
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:34 PM
In the replay, it looked like Javalle only took two steps and covered a lot of ground, but I could be wrong.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:36 PM
5 tunrovers too many
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:38 PM
folks the defense is just not there
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:39 PM
Sounds like the defense does not work past the 1st five min…… McGuire is on the bench….
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:40 PM
wizards not communicating on defense on screen and roll
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:41 PM
We need JCritts speed
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:41 PM
mcgee runs the floor well
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:41 PM
What a difference a lil speed makes
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:42 PM
ok. more than 3 scorers….
Crit – McGee – 4 scorers… ok – now we are making a move…. perhaps…
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:43 PM
LOL…I was nervous, but McGee made it all the way…lol
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:43 PM
mcgee thinks he is a point guard
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:43 PM
Designed or not, it sounds great to me!!! We need to hustle! WE need to run!
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:44 PM
OMG-Is this a breakout game….okay tell him it’s not a charge INSIDE of the circle….LOL
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:45 PM
JCritt’s speed is causing problems…YES!!
Comment from Bridge
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:45 PM
Just coming in to show some love for the team (as was promised yesterday)…
GO WIZARDS!!!!!!!!!!
Comment from slwiz
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:46 PM
McGee with 3 rebounds I think
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:46 PM
UGGGGGHHHHHHH,
Unforced turnovers
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:49 PM
yeah just a lot olf turnovers wizards 8 bobcats 7 tos
Comment from slwiz
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:52 PM
we need some stops on Defense
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:53 PM
Okay, turnovers and jumpers are killing us
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 7:53 PM
JCritt has to get it together
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 8:00 PM
they are beating us in all facets of the game..
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time February 11, 2009 at 8:01 PM
Is McGuire being told to take more shots? 1 for 3…
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time February 11, 2009 at 8:04 PM
I left Sunday’s game with a sore throat & prob a layer less on the soles of my boots… It was an AWESOME display!
The defense made the difference then…
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 8:04 PM
Only down 11…seems like 20. Still in it, if we want it
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time February 11, 2009 at 8:05 PM
We have come back from much more…. But yes, we must want it!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 11, 2009 at 8:06 PM
yeah mcguire is being told to be more aggressive..hge is workibng on his shot so he can be more of a threat…he has done so mnay good things defensively this year
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 11, 2009 at 8:13 PM
that is the key have to show the energy
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 11, 2009 at 8:24 PM
still a lot of turnovers
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 8:26 PM
DJ/Glen,
Thanks for giving all the bloggers a shout-out..
LOL…The hard-hat is a symbol for the wizards to get and stay tough….work in progress?
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 8:28 PM
McGuire with a three?!?!?
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 8:28 PM
wow, defense and a run comes hand in hand!!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 11, 2009 at 8:29 PM
great stuff and we appreciate you and everyone being here
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time February 11, 2009 at 8:32 PM
McGuire is not seen as an offensive threat… defensively they are watching him…
Comment from Bridge
Time February 11, 2009 at 8:36 PM
I LOVE me some D-Mac!
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time February 11, 2009 at 8:36 PM
Is it me or do we begin to “rest” when we get close enough to make a run at it?
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 8:37 PM
Dj and Glen said at the top it was going to be a game of runs….
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 11, 2009 at 8:38 PM
seem to get careless when we get close….and yes it has been a game of runs
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 8:50 PM
dj/glen
why nc is queen city:
Nicknamed the Queen City, Charlotte (as well as the county containing it) is named in honor of the German Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg, who had become queen consort of British King George III the year before the city’s founding. A second nickname derives from later in the 18th century. During the American Revolutionary War, British commander General Cornwallis occupied the city but was driven out soon afterwards by hostile residents, prompting him to write that Charlotte was “a hornet’s nest of rebellion,” leading to another city nickname: The Hornet’s Nest.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 11, 2009 at 8:54 PM
crittenton playing hard
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time February 11, 2009 at 8:55 PM
Crit usually plays with a lot of energy… I wonder if it will rub off on the rest of them…
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 8:55 PM
Caron is trying to get them to run a set on offense
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time February 11, 2009 at 8:59 PM
I usually do not like to see one person take on the load, but perhaps Butler has to put the team on his back – his performance should motivate the rest –
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 11, 2009 at 9:02 PM
thank you dcbutler 357
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 9:03 PM
No problem. Thank you and teh Wiz for giving us the BLOG
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 11, 2009 at 9:04 PM
some real strong d
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time February 11, 2009 at 9:06 PM
*crossing my fingers for Crit to stay on his defensive game*
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 9:10 PM
AHHHHHHHH
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 9:10 PM
Lot of time left, but have to buckle down
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time February 11, 2009 at 9:10 PM
why we gotta get fancy with it???? we were w/in SIX pts….
Comment from tyrone20000
Time February 11, 2009 at 9:13 PM
Bobcats in control of entire game but Wizards have better talent. Why?
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 11, 2009 at 9:13 PM
this was winable and may still be but these careless moments give us heartburn
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time February 11, 2009 at 9:16 PM
We need to make the shots & if we miss, GET THE REBOUND.
And the 3’s will set you free….
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time February 11, 2009 at 9:16 PM
here is where we throw up threes & hope they land…
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 9:19 PM
Well, JCritt and Javalle are steadily growing….one day/game at a time….gotta get the positives out of these games.
Everyone have a nice All-star break!!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time February 11, 2009 at 9:19 PM
301-230-0980 for pst game… thanks gane for your support
Comment from 2stepsaway
Time February 11, 2009 at 9:19 PM
we do not even need to talk about what went wrong…. Let’s just roll the tape…
*sighing. tears leave stains on the cheeks…*
Comment from tyrone20000
Time February 11, 2009 at 9:28 PM
Nick
young is not playing well…
Comment from tyrone20000
Time February 11, 2009 at 9:30 PM
several games now…
Comment from tyrone20000
Time February 11, 2009 at 9:35 PM
I hate when the Wiz are bringing the ball up court and make that very close to back court pass (especially when Young is in there). It is a meaningless pass to the person across the floor at the half court line. I guess they are trying to reverse the floor or something but it just eats up the time clock from so far out!
Comment from tyrone20000
Time February 11, 2009 at 9:37 PM
I hope we turn it around this season because losing is contagious…
Comment from tyrone20000
Time February 11, 2009 at 9:49 PM
It could spill into next year too…
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 9:57 PM
we basically haven’t had a TRUE point guard all year, and that makes a difference.
This particular game, when JCritt was focusing and naturally doing his thing, the wiz made a run. We only have about 30 sum-odd games left. If we get a win and the team is growing i’m happy. If we get a loss, but JCritt and Javalle have a good game, I’m happy that they are developing, and wish we could have won the game.
NY, there is something that I don’t like about his game. He dribbles too long and everyone ends up standing around watching him and will take a team out of a rythm. I’m not saying that I don’t like him, I just think his style isn’t good for a team that needs to pass the ball around.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 11, 2009 at 10:03 PM
tyrone2000 asks why Charlotte dominated us when “we have better talent.”
Maybe we *don’t* have better talent, huh?
We dress 2 guys who are proven NBA starters — that’s all. Next most productive guy is Dominic McGuire, who is still growing.
Everyone else is either a raw, young player or a retread. I love JaVale, but he is still a kid. Javaris was completely outplayed tonight by DJ Augustin. Nick is no help at all.
Sad — but hopefully temporary.
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 11, 2009 at 10:04 PM
My ambivalence about #3 and #4 is going to cause me to start scheduling regular sessions with some shrink. To the most impartial observer, there is no doubt that their behavior on the court is totally selfish. The question is, is it because they are being instructed (by “coach” Tap) to fire away, or because they are doing it on their own. If instructed by the “pretender”, they should tell him that they want to play team ball and they want to run some other type of offense other than “Now that I’ve got the ball, I’ll take a shot”. If they are doing it on their own, I’m very disappointed.
Before EVERY GAME AJ says, we have to run the offense. We can’t take the first shot. After EVERY GAME AJ says, we didn’t run the offense. We took the first shot. Tonight he shot just about EVERY time he touched the damn ball on the offensive end of the court. Maybe his definition of running the offense means to move the ball until he gets it.
Same with CB. He used to have a genuine humility about him that made you understand that he was going to do whatever was necessary for the team to win a game. We all loved that. Now he looks as though he is going to whatever is necessary for him to score.
Neither #3 nor # 4 looks to get the ball to anyone except each other…unless, of course, they are satisfied that it will come immediately back to them.
I want both of these guys on the Wizards, but I want a coach that can limit their minutes so that they have some “legs” under them at the end of the game, and who will bench their butts when the selfishness is so obvious. I also want someone who can truly lead this team. I don’t think that CB or AJ will listen to anyone on our current playing or coaching staff. I do believe that they would listen to ZO or to Waldo. Let’s hire ZO and find Waldo.
Neither AJ nor CB is a true leader. They both mouth-off about teamwork, but don’t exhibit it. Neither walks the walk. AJ is especially critical about everyone else and commits more of the mistakes that he is critical of than anyone else. I suggested once before that he should take a look at some replays of the game and then look in the mirror.
Neither of them can play a lick of defense. Caron is a bit better at playing the passing lanes; consequently, he gets more steals. They are both matadors on “D”. Sometimes AJ doesn’t even pretend to try. In an attempt to be generous to a player I really like, I ascribe that to the crazy minutes that Tap has him playing.
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 11, 2009 at 10:07 PM
dcbutler357, Good evening.
Slick Nick is a pure scorer. One-on-one he can score on anyone. It’s just too bad that our current coaching staff doesn’t know enough about offensive sets to enable him to get isolated one-on-one. With the right coaching, Nick is 20+ every game.
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 11, 2009 at 10:15 PM
Tom M.,
We have the horses; we don’t have a jockey. While he might be a good guy, Tap is the worst coach in the history of basketball.
I love Dominic McGuire’s hustle and potential, but you have got to get over that stastical nonsence about Dominic being a productive player. He might be the most non-productive player on the team. We start every game in the hole because we are playing 4 vs. on offense because DM contributes NOTHING on the offensive end. Last night he was 0-1 from the floor and had 2 rebounds in 24:38. Most “D” league players would be more productive. He is also NOT a great defensive player. He is simply the best defensive player on the Wizards…BFD.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 11, 2009 at 10:27 PM
LOL…The best thing for me to do is take one game at a time the rest of the season and see who is growing. It ain’t even about a system anymore, it’s about who is going out and using their skill to take advantage of the opposition, and playing ball on both ends of the court, because everyone is basically “winging” it on the floor.
Both JCritt and Javalle are starting to break loose, which is a good thing.Dom is starting to look for his and is looking pretty good in doing so.
I don’t have the energy to go into the wrongs, but I think a lot of the hesitation came from “the ball goes through our two all-stars”. If that would not have been said, I think we would have seen a lot more by now. Let’s face it, these guys have 1-3 years of exp and are looking for direction. I think we may see an explosion once that happens. These guys are not on the team because they’ve known EG for twenty years. These guys can play or will play for another team. It’s time to keep our home-grown and let them show why we placed them on our team in the first place.
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 11, 2009 at 10:29 PM
dcbutler357 100% word
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 11, 2009 at 10:37 PM
Tomorrow is another day of hope and promise. Maybe Abe will fire both EG and Tap over the all-star break.
Comment from Bridge
Time February 11, 2009 at 11:07 PM
Yeah, don’t really know what to say about the game. I’m to the point where I don’t even pay Tap or the rest of the coaching staff any attention anymore. It’s just horrible; I find myself tuning into other games, constantly flipping thru the channels. Don’t get me wrong – - hard-core fan here, but even now, some of the players are even starting to look different (in other words, worse 
)
Comment from Bridge
Time February 11, 2009 at 11:10 PM
Just wanna wish everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day and a great All-Star break experience.
*Un-‘Lovie-Dovie’ Quote (for all of the “non-romantics”):
“I don’t understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine’s Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon.” ~Author Unknown
*‘Lovie-Dovie’ Quote (for all of the “romantics”):
“True love combines compassion and sacrifice. It prevails with forgiveness because it knows no selfishness.” ~Author Unknown
-Make LOVE, not war everyone lol…
Comment from tyrone20000
Time February 11, 2009 at 11:19 PM
Bridge———-yep…
Comment from tyrone20000
Time February 11, 2009 at 11:25 PM
13 games beind in the lose column for the final playoffs spot…Lets make a RUN!
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 12, 2009 at 8:14 AM
Getabig — those are some squirrely stats you have for Dominic. He played 27 minutes, went 3-8 (incl. one 3 pointer), had 7 rebounds and 2 steals. He has turned into a well above average NBA player. You can’t see that, I guess, because, like most NBA fans all you look at is scoring.
A team scores some percentage of the time it has the ball. If you only get the ball after the other team scores, obviously you lose every single game. Rebounds (and steals, which are the equivalent of rebounds in value) are enormously important (and turnovers, obviously, important in the negative sense). That’s where the “net possessions” stat comes from (rebounds plus steals minus turnovers).
Last night, the Wizards had 29 net possessions in their 240 minutes of play. In 26:53 of those minutes, Dominic had 9 of those net possessions.
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 12, 2009 at 8:39 AM
“Getabog – those are some squirrely stats you have for Dominic.” – Tom Mandel.
“Last night he was 0-1 from the floor and had 2 rebounds in 24:38. ” – Getabig
Tom M, If they are squirrely stats, the Washington Post is wrong. I believe that the operative words in what I wrote was LAST night and I posted 10:15, February 11.
Furthermore, I don’t think that 7 points with 7 rebounds and 2 steals for a starting NBA forward from the February 12th game is anything to write home about either.
My point is NOT to be critical of Dominic. As I’ve said frequently, I like his energy, desire and potential. I just don’t like the way he is utilized. He is not starting forward caliber on an NBA team. When he is in the game, especially in the first quarter, the opposition forgets about him and double-teams our scorers. Could this be a reason why we start every game in the hole?
Comment from neal
Time February 12, 2009 at 9:37 AM
getabigboy, in the case of Jamison, he is the only player that Tapscott (like Jordan) runs isolation plays for. “Because he does it so well”, he said in an interview. Even so, I basically agree with you. He gets very few assists.
Butler, however, gets more assists per 48 minutes than anyone except Dixon and James. In his case I think the problem is that the coaching staff has not gotten the individuals to play as a team – Butler or anyone else.
I imagine that next year Young will start and Butler will be back to playing SF and McGuire will be back to a backup roll.
Comment from neal
Time February 12, 2009 at 9:46 AM
My last comment was a positive reflection on Young, rather than a negative one on McGuire, who I like a lot.
I think the trade deadline is Monday. I presume EG is talking to several teams. We may be projecting next year differently come Tuesday.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 12, 2009 at 2:16 PM
Getabig — an average SF gets his team 3.7 rebounds in 27 minutes. Dominic got us 7 in that time. Is that average, worse than average, or better than average?
An average SF gets .8 steals in 27 minutes; Dominic got us 2 steals. Would you call that average, worse than average or better than average?
An average SF turns it over 1.5 times in 27 minutes. Dominic didn’t turn it over at all. Bad? Average? Better than average?
Last night, Dominic even shot a better adjusted FG % than an average SF!!
What this amounts to is that the only thing missing is scoring. Unless someone is scoring it doesn’t seem to matter to you whether he is rebounding, stealing, etc. I guess that is why Bill Russell was such a mediocre player — or would be looked at the way you are looking at Dominic.
But the other things a guy does *do* matter. They contribute to basketball success; they help teams amass the numbers that make the final number — holding the other team to fewer points than you score, getting a win.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 12, 2009 at 2:21 PM
neal — can you point to something in Nick’s performance that would make you want to start him?
Obviously, he can be great from time to time — but overall what is there about his play over this season that would lead you to predict that, again overall, he’d be a productive starter?
Nick has played in all 52 games so far this season. In how many of those games has he been productive? Off the top of my head, the number is 8 — maybe 9. One out of every 6 games. You are going to start him?
Comment from neal
Time February 13, 2009 at 9:08 AM
The paper said the trade deadline is Thursday. I had heard the 16th. Anybody know for sure? I hope we do something – if for no other reason than to keep our interest up.
I think Young is the best 2 we have, given my presumptions: (1) he has improved his D, (2) Butler is not driving against opposing 2’s and opposing 2’s are able to get around him, and (3) Stevenson won’t improve on last year, and may not get back to that level. Those of you who have been watching all the games may disagree with these presumptions. I’d like to hear whether you do. I think Young is a real offensive talent. His FG, 3pt and FT percentages are 46, 34, & 86. He seems to be able to create his shot whenever he wants and it seemed to me, in the little I’ve seen of him this year, that he’s looking for his teammates a little more. However, if he hasn’t improved his D, and won’t, we have a real problem. Can any coach create an adequate defense when four of our starters (Young and the big 3) don’t work at it much? Opinions anyone?
Comment from neal
Time February 13, 2009 at 9:14 AM
One other presumption: the trade of Thomas and James for Hughes won’t happen.
Comment from FLOYDBT
Time February 15, 2009 at 1:21 PM
I would like to see the wizards pick up blake griffin in the draft that would be my dream come true… also i would like this trade to go down with the bulls.. send deshawn and etan and maybe a future draft pick or Pech for larry.
PG-GIL,crit,mike james
SG-caron,nick or larry
SF-Antawn,dom,2nd round draftee best SF available
PF Blake griffin,Blatche,songaila
C-Brendan,javalle,blatch and songaila can also play here
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Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time February 11, 2009 at 8:29 AM
Look out B’cats…Go Wiz!!!