Game Day Raptors
6:02 AM EDT Dave Johnson checking in…..Friday was just plain fun again….yes Caron Butler had the look in the second half complete with chewing the drink straw..he was not going to lose and it was a determined effort on defense that allowed the Wizards to shake off the fog that had been hanging around since the win over the Cavaliers at home..Brendan Haywood was again the defensive leader blocking shots and when he was not blocking shots he was altering shots and making the paint a no-go zone for the Raptors…and yes I know as you hit the BLOG today there are several reports indicating that Flip Saunders will be the team’s next head coach…there is nothing I can tell you on that front…What I can tell you is that interim head coach Ed Tapscott is simply first class….Maryland radio analyst Chris Knoche calls him the finest human being he has ever known and having worked with him more this year I understand that….so who knows what the long term future holds but a couple of wins to go into the summer with would be just the ticket……looking forward to the BLOG and Radio together….BLOGCAST—live radio and blogging together—starts tonight at 7:00….on the radio on ESPN 980 AM…94.3 FM in Warrenton and Northern Virginia…92.7 FM in Southern Maryland…1370 AM in Baltimore and great affiliates from Cumberland to Roanoke…..
6:45 PM…Dave and Glenn just checking in….just met jeffmalone1990 in person part of our BLOGGING family….real cool…he came all the way from LA……starters are in…Javaris Crittenton and Domenic McGuire in the back court…Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison the forwards and Brendan Haywood in the middle…Jose Calderon and Anthony Parker for the Raptors in the back court….Shawn Marion and Chris Bosh and Patrick O’Bruant in the front court….Andrea Bargnani is out with a sore left heel
Posted: April 13th, 2009 under Wizards.
Comments
Comment from neal
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:38 AM
From what the Post says Avery Johnson would have been a better fit – tough love kind of guy who insists on D. But Saunders is a “name” coach who comes with a lot of credibility. Maybe the big 3 will give full attention to him where it seemed to me they only half listened to Jordan and Tapscott. At a minimum, I’ll bet we won’t have many possessions where somebody shoots from the perimeter after only a couple of passes.
Was Cassells known for defense as well as offense? I wonder if Randy Ayers and Dave Hopla will be retained. I think they were sorta imposed on Jordan by Grunfeld.
Comment from Bridge
Time April 13, 2009 at 8:10 AM
I was SO excited to hear the news about Flip Saunders, although before getting too excited, it’s always best to wait till it’s completely confirmed. Actually Avery wouldn’t be such a good choice like people are saying – he’s actually mostly offensive instead of defensive, and screams too much lol (sometimes I’m convinced that people just want drama for this team). Flip IS defensive minded; the Pistons’ defense was actually A LOT BETTER under him – - I used to call the Pistons “the stalkers” because of how great their defense was…I actually thought that Ben Wallace had his little issues with Larry Brown, not Flip…Or at least, that’s where it all started – with Larry Brown. I missed seeing Flip on the sidelines; I used to make fun of him all the time because every time he’d get agitated with a call, he’d kinda fix his suit and cross his arms 
– I’d be like “dude is just too cool!” LMAO…Ultra professional looking guy…(His firing was unfair btw, so I don’t even consider that)…I don’t care what people say – GO FLIP; this IS the RIGHT guy!!
GO WIZ!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment from neal
Time April 13, 2009 at 8:16 AM
VERY encouraging to hear your comments Bridge.
Coming soon to a computer near you: year-end stats on the Wiz.
Tom, is there a place where team stats are compared against each other (shooting %, points against, etc.)?
Comment from Aj
Time April 13, 2009 at 8:51 AM
It would be cool to have Alonzo Mourning to be our Big man coach. He was a defensive minded player it could help Javale. I don’t know if I am the only one who heard but when we last played on tnt, Reggie Miller was talking about how he used to have a crush on Javale’s mom because she was always around his house. lmao.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time April 13, 2009 at 9:11 AM
looking forward to our final home game, so if anybody else will be at the game, just let me know 
, SportzWiz, Dave and Glenn I am looking forward to catching up with you as well. To all my fellow bloggers I will look forward to your comments (about our win tonight of course)!
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time April 13, 2009 at 10:57 AM
neal — http://www.basketballreference.com has team links if I remember right….
Comment from Rick
Time April 13, 2009 at 11:04 AM
i think Saunders is the best choice. if he could handle Rasheed then he can handle Gilbert.
speaking of Gilbert, anyone know if he plans to play tonight?
Comment from neal
Time April 13, 2009 at 1:26 PM
Tom, it’s now databasebasketball.com. It does give all the stats by team. I was hoping there was some place where the teams would be compared on one page, so I wouldn’t have to pull up 30 teams to make a comparison.
Comment from chelbela
Time April 13, 2009 at 1:39 PM
Michael Lee from the Wizards Insider, said Gilbert told him that he’s not playing tonight. I wonder what’s up with that.. Maybe, Gilbert’s mad again… Now that there’s talk of Flip Saunders coming here… MAYBE.. Just a guess!!!
Comment from SportzWiz
Time April 13, 2009 at 2:21 PM
neal try this
http://www.nba.com/statistics/sortable_team_statistics/sortable1.html
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time April 13, 2009 at 3:27 PM
Seems obvious to me that Gilbert’s playing did the job it was intended to do — re-excite the fan base. Why would he need to play again this season? He is not in game shape, and wins/losses don’t really matter at this point. That’s why he’s not playing.
Of course, it’d be great if he were.
Comment from CB3
Time April 13, 2009 at 3:29 PM
Cant wait for the game tonight. Ill be heading to the verizon center in a few hours. Let get a victory!!
Comment from Jaba
Time April 13, 2009 at 3:35 PM
Love the idea of Flip possibly coming to D.C.! Hope Gil will be professional enough to put all negative sentiments (if there ever existed any) aside and
be coachable! Looking forward to next season, but let’s enjoy these last two games! Go Wizards!!!!
Comment from Rick
Time April 13, 2009 at 4:00 PM
i guess i am just worried that Gilbert has not played because his knee is bothering him.
Comment from Jaba
Time April 13, 2009 at 4:20 PM
Yes Rick, but I think Tom’ s explanation sound’s pretty logical. Let’s think positive!!
Comment from Aj
Time April 13, 2009 at 4:56 PM
I am with Rick. If gil has already reinjured his knee why would he want to prove his doubters right by telling everybody. We’ll I hope tom is right but gil should really should play in the home finale to go out with a bang.
Comment from AUNDRA
Time April 13, 2009 at 5:17 PM
I AM ALL FOR WINNING IF THERE WAS SOMETHING MEANINGFUL TO ACHIEVE,HOWEVER SINCE THERE ISN’T WHY RISK OUR FRANCHISE PLAYER NOW!LET THE AGENT REHAB WITH THE BEST TRAINERS IN THE WORLD AND COME OUT NEXT YEAR WITH A NEW FRESH MINDSET/BEGINNING!IF HE HAS A SETBACK THEN BIG MOUTH CHARLES BARKLEY WILL BE LAUGHING HIS ASS OFF!
THE DECISION SHOULD BE ON ARENAS RIGHT NOW AND NOT THE MEDIA OR ANYONE ELSE!
Comment from AUNDRA
Time April 13, 2009 at 5:23 PM
TOM
YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY CORRECTTTTTTTT!!!
Comment from AUNDRA
Time April 13, 2009 at 5:50 PM
I LIKE THE FLIP SAUNDERS DECISION . WHAT DO YOU BLOGGERS THINK ABOUT IT! HE IS A PROVEN WINNER WITH A NICHE IN CONNECTING WITH HIS TEAM AND SHOWS A TEMPERMENT THAT IS NOT OVER THE TOP! IF WE GET THE #1 PICK IN THE DRAFT IT WILL DEFINITELY HELP THE CAUSE! HOWEVER IF WE DON’T THEN THERE SHOULD DEFINITELY NEED SOME SHUFFLING OF PLAYERS TO FIT OUR NEEDS. #1 NEED MORE CONSISTENT THREE-POINT SHOOTERS AND SOME MORE BIG NASTY GUYS IN THE MIDDLE!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:05 PM
6:45 PM…Dave and Glenn just checking in….just met jeffmalone1990 in person part of our BLOGGING family….real cool…he came all the way from LA……starters are in…Javaris Crittenton and Domenic McGuire in the back court…Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison the forwards and Brendan Haywood in the middle…Jose Calderon and Anthony Parker for the Raptors in the back court….Shawn Marion and Chris Bosh and Patrick O’Bruant in the front court….Andrea Bargnani is out with a sore left heel
Comment from gbkdc
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:14 PM
Say hi to JeffMalone, et al! I wish I could be there tonight.
I’m really excited about Flip Saunders! I think it’s a good choice. I’m really looking forward to next season!
Go Wiz!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:18 PM
and we are LOOKING forward to have you back gbkdc…if we se hime again we will say hi
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:27 PM
have to close out shooters
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:31 PM
just sloppy
Comment from gilbertarenas101
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:35 PM
is gilbert playing or not?
and the wiz are playing sloppy and not very focused
Comment from gilbertarenas101
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:36 PM
WE NEED TO REBOUND!!!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:36 PM
ggil not playing tonight
Comment from gilbertarenas101
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:37 PM
the wiz aren’t playing as a team
Comment from gilbertarenas101
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:38 PM
really this could get ugly quick if the wizards don’t get focused and show some energy
Comment from gbkdc
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:39 PM
I think they are all thinking about Tahiti. Looks like it.
Comment from gilbertarenas101
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:39 PM
we need 2 move the ball around
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:40 PM
11-4 rebounding edge
Comment from Phemy
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:40 PM
What’s going on? put Mcgee in or something…someone who can get some rebounds. Antawn+Caron, go play with the team!
..give the GOLD some love..
Comment from gilbertarenas101
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:41 PM
CARON can’t do it all
even though he’s really the only wiz(except for AJ)
that’s playing with enegy
Comment from gbkdc
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:42 PM
After the last Wiz game, I will root against the Cavs for the remainder of the season.
Comment from gilbertarenas101
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:43 PM
what’s with the wizards most of the games i seen(Which is 81) they don’t play with energy and don’t hustle and get rebounds
Comment from Phemy
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:44 PM
Haha, you sure got my attention with that “gilbert arenas” checked in ;>
We need: EFFORT. REBOUNDS. BALL MOVEMENT.
C’mon, it’s a back2back for them..we gotta use that for our advantage!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:44 PM
had a good finsh friday…but you are right need more energy
Comment from gilbertarenas101
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:44 PM
i know we don’t have gilbert or whatever but we can still win
u don’t need hibachi to show some energy and hustle 4 some boards
Comment from gbkdc
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:45 PM
They came out really flat in the last game, too, but got better.
Comment from gilbertarenas101
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:46 PM
they can still win but its hard to get out of a big defecit but they are tired at the end of the game
Comment from gbkdc
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:47 PM
Songaila is so reliable.
Comment from gilbertarenas101
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:47 PM
Wizards should bring in Javale
Comment from gilbertarenas101
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:48 PM
Songaila seems the most consistant
Comment from GilbertArenasFan
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:49 PM
i wonder Why gilbert hasnt played i the last 4 games
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:49 PM
alright that is better good stop on the last play and an 8-2 run
Comment from Phemy
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:49 PM
We can work with that. Down to 8point lead by the canadians? Let’s go! Keep working hard on the boards!
GO ZARDS! GO GOLD!
Comment from gbkdc
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:50 PM
I hope they bring back those 70’s red white and blue unis with the bubble lettering. Go retro for a change.
Comment from gilbertarenas101
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:51 PM
the wizards always come out sloppy
its just so unprofessional
u get paid 2 play basketball
lots of people would love to have the chance
and there playing in the best city!!
Comment from GilbertArenasFan
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:51 PM
havinq the real gilbert arenas on the blog is a good exprience
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:52 PM
mcgee in
Comment from gbkdc
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:54 PM
Hopefully a new coach will help with that!
Comment from GilbertArenasFan
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:54 PM
tappscott is a good coach
i mean with arenas on the floor any coach looks good
Comment from gilbertarenas101
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:55 PM
yeah a new coach will give them something 2 play 4
because it seems the wizards are looking 4 something after them game instead of winning
Comment from gilbertarenas101
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:56 PM
Songalia is the most consistent out of our bench
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:56 PM
13-2 run wizards
Comment from GilbertArenasFan
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:57 PM
nick young is a great sixth man
he jus needs to mature
Comment from GilbertArenasFan
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:59 PM
the wizards are playinq with energy
down 1
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 6:59 PM
yes phemy !!! wizard son 17-4 run
Comment from gbkdc
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:00 PM
What did he do, I had to get up.
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:00 PM
yes gareas 101 singaul has been a solid rock…glenn talking about it
Comment from Phemy
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:01 PM
brought the ball all the way coast to coast for the layup through all(?!) the defenders @ gbkdc
GO for the lead! BAAAM
Comment from gbkdc
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:02 PM
AWESOME Mcgee!!!!
Comment from gbkdc
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:03 PM
Thanks Phemy!
Comment from GilbertArenasFan
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:03 PM
juan dixon always finds a way to put in work
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:03 PM
mcguire just hustle plays and he drove to the basket after a steal
Comment from gbkdc
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:05 PM
Haywood AND McGee???? Wow!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:05 PM
boith mcgee and haywood in
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:15 PM
22 turnovers between the teams
Comment from datonypony
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:15 PM
Awww hopefully Gilbert plays tomorrow!
Comment from GilbertArenasFan
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:16 PM
yea i want gilbert to play tomorrw
last game he should be in it
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:18 PM
great defensive energy
Comment from gbkdc
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:18 PM
Great play by Butler/Crit!!
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:18 PM
was not looking so good early but starting to get into it now
Comment from datonypony
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:19 PM
wow so much hustle
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:20 PM
jamison 19 in quarter 13 in quarter
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:20 PM
tell me u guys got Jeff to do the half time show 
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:34 PM
we should have had him on he came all the way from la
Comment from gbkdc
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:36 PM
Jamison has 19!!!
Comment from zbp18
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:39 PM
I rarely blog anymore but when I heard they weren’t going to wear the GOLD jerseys anymore, I had to chime in.
Let me start by saying I like the GOLD Unies. They give the Wiz & Wiz fans our own idenity, there’s nothing else like them in the league. We should have a FAN VOTE whether to keep or get rid of them .I actually think they should be our primary road jersey with the blue ones being our alternate. It’s a shame all I have to talk about this time of the year is jerseys.
Gooooo Wizards!!!!!
Comment from GilbertArenasFan
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:40 PM
the gold jerseys ROCK
Comment from Phemy
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:42 PM
Pretty nice D by the Wiz right now!
yeah zbp18, I’m with you on that one. Love the golden jerseys, they’re so unique in the league!
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:43 PM
the old Bullets uni was nice i would love to see a verison of that
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:43 PM
just terrific defenseiv energy like 2nd half of friday
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:44 PM
wiz trailed 25-11 since 52-30
Comment from Phemy
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:45 PM
wow what a shot by javaris. can’t believe he made that..so smooth ;>
Comment from gbkdc
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:45 PM
Wow @ Crit!
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:46 PM
thanks guys.. we are getting after the lose balls alot faster than the first Qt
Comment from GilbertArenasFan
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:46 PM
i cant belive this is the last nite we will see the wizards in that gold uni
Comment from GilbertArenasFan
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:47 PM
the wizars had good moments with the gold uni
they had that gold when gilbert scored 60 vs the lackers an 54 vs the suns
Comment from Phemy
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:51 PM
I really like Crittenton! Great player with great potential. We really needed someone like that… for now and the future!
Comment from tyrone20000
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:51 PM
Critt can ball
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:51 PM
J.Critt showing us what we got to look foward too and i still dont think he carried that ball
Comment from gbkdc
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:52 PM
He needs to settle down a tiny bit but he is going to be good.
Comment from tyrone20000
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:53 PM
He is a gem
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:54 PM
yes gbkdc we tried to force things
Comment from gbkdc
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:56 PM
Awww McGee
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:58 PM
ok its time to lock back in and start to out play them on D#
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time April 13, 2009 at 8:01 PM
McGee needs to hang out with the shooting coach in the off season make him much more of a threat if he can hit 75-80% from the line
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 8:04 PM
good point wizardws4life…that worked for haywood
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 8:07 PM
mcgee 9 points 5 rebounds
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time April 13, 2009 at 8:08 PM
oooo no AJ hurt that guys is tough as nails if he went off its something Bad
Comment from gbkdc
Time April 13, 2009 at 8:10 PM
Hope AJ is ok
Comment from Wizards4Life
Time April 13, 2009 at 8:11 PM
dave you see what casued him to go lame like that i did not see a thing that he done that could have hurt him
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 8:12 PM
well we noticed aj went off the floor limping in pre game…so hopefully somehting like a rolled ankle and nothing serious
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 8:16 PM
nick young better defense 2nd half of the year
Comment from gbkdc
Time April 13, 2009 at 8:18 PM
Antawn sprained ankle glad not worse
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 8:20 PM
yes we should have done the wave…
jamison right ankle will not returmn…..i think he rolled it in pre game so hopefully not serious
Comment from gbkdc
Time April 13, 2009 at 8:25 PM
Time to shape up!!!!
Comment from zbp18
Time April 13, 2009 at 8:25 PM
I think as fans we need to be encouraging but realistic, in my opinion Crittenton is a below average point guard. He can’t shoot and throws the ball away a lot. With D-mac, Dre Blatche, Nick Young & J. Magee on the roster we can’t afford to keep saying he’s going to be good, we need players who are good!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 8:27 PM
52 totaks oonts off turnovers for both teams
Comment from Phemy
Time April 13, 2009 at 8:30 PM
critical inbound. We screwed these up all season long.. let’s see!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 8:31 PM
great d by shanw marion
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 8:34 PM
haywood hiuge block
Comment from gbkdc
Time April 13, 2009 at 8:34 PM
Thanks Haywood
Comment from zbp18
Time April 13, 2009 at 8:35 PM
I think Haywoods arms grew from last year, nice block
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 8:35 PM
12 blockls second half by the wizards
Comment from gbkdc
Time April 13, 2009 at 8:38 PM
Figures.
Comment from zbp18
Time April 13, 2009 at 8:41 PM
I still like the gold unies!
Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time April 13, 2009 at 8:45 PM
301-230-0980….post game show
Comment from dopeboyfresh
Time April 13, 2009 at 9:53 PM
do you think the wiz could work in some new black unis with a blue and gold or blue trim?………
wiz played a good game tonight…..just was pulling for the W
i like us bringing in flip saunders……and i hope we can keep tap as part of the wiz brass………..
let pick up that W in boston!!!!!
DOPEBOY OUT…………………
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time April 13, 2009 at 10:16 PM
Just logged on to give a shout-out to JeffMalone1990…I saw you at the game getting your picture taken with Dave and Glenn. It looked as though they were really happy to see you. Did you meet up with dcbutler?
Comment from dcbutler357
Time April 13, 2009 at 10:26 PM
Hey Getabig,
I met with JeffM and his future Wiz/son. I also met Glen and Sportswiz. It was a great game
We didn’t pull it out, but it was a great atmosphere when we had the 13 point lead. The wave went around the building about three times. I know the manager of the DJ and I text them and told them to get the crowd into it, and he did better in the second half (i remember someone saying the DJ was subpar) We kind of knew you would be there(getabig)…..lol….
Thanks Sportswiz and Glen
Thanks JeffM and lil Jeff
AND MOST OF ALL, THANKS KAYJAY I have my gold jersey also.
Great night, gotta do this again sometime
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time April 14, 2009 at 6:57 AM
How great that you guys were there — wish we’d gotten you a win, but watching the game on the tube you could tell it was a great atmosphere, and really Ws and Ls don’t matter much at this point.
Obviously, there was an intention to take a long look at Juan; otherwise why would Crittenton only have played 17 minutes? Juan didn’t play well and won’t be back next season anyway. Time for him to become a coach?
Nick didn’t play well either, although he was effective on D, and that’s a good thing. I hope he works on his game this Summer, because he has the tools to be a very good player and, right now, he isn’t one.
JaVale McGee had a *great* 15 minutes, during which he scored 10 points, pulled down 7 boards, blocked 2 shots, and only committed 1 foul. Wow.
I’m sure you noticed that Tap had him on the floor with Haywood for a few minutes; the rotation looked a little rough, but that’s quite a thought for the future.
Hope Antawn is ok….
Comment from neal
Time April 14, 2009 at 8:13 AM
Dixon may be choking because he’s pressing because he’s scared his career is over after another game.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time April 14, 2009 at 8:19 AM
I don’t think he’s choking — do you mean because he threw the bad pass at the end of last night’s game? Anyone could have done that.
Juan just isn’t good enough. He doesn’t have the size or athleticism or range of skills to be successful in the league. He has a terrific understanding of the game, streaky shooting skills, and a tremendous competitive heart. If you could put his psyche into Nick Young’s body, you’d have an all star.
Comment from kayjay
Time April 14, 2009 at 8:22 AM
Hey dcbutler357,
Sorry we couldn’t pull that win out, but I’m pretty sure the atmosphere was incredible and that you got to enjoy it in person!…although this was a crappy season and some games were just painful to watch, I am really EXCITED about next season and the possibilities that await our Wizards…the possibility of landing Blake Griffin to add to the cast that we currently have (with a few tweeks, i.e., landing a GOOD coach, somehow releasing juan, etan, and stevenson) would make for a very competitive eastern conference…the off season should be pretty interesting!
Comment from neal
Time April 14, 2009 at 8:32 AM
Dixon had a couple of terrible passes at the end of the last game too.
Tapscott must be playing Dixon to give him a chance to show his skills to the other GM’s. That’s classy.
Interesting article by Wilbon in the Post this morning on why Avery Johnson would be a better fit than Saunders. He says Johnson would handle Arenas better. We’ll see. I hope Arenas will handle Arenas better. Let the situation control the game we play, rather than Arenas’s ego.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time April 14, 2009 at 8:36 AM
kayjay — there is no problem “releasing” Juan. His contract is up after the Boston game.
It would be easy this off-season to trade Etan as well. Finally. Why? Because he has an expiring contract. I’m sure GMs will want to unload some salary commitments longer term. But… do we really *want* to take on more salary? I don’t think so, hence I imagine Etan will be a Wizard next year then become a FA, unless he can be part of a trade where we get rid of multiple players for one guy. We do need roster room.
I don’t see any likelihood of anyone wanting to trade for DeShawn, however.
As to Blake Griffin — it’s a long shot, but if we do get him, then I think a lot will change in Ernie’s mind. He’s the real deal.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time April 14, 2009 at 8:41 AM
Good Morning Everyone,
I feel real good about next year (if JCritt produces we will be awesome). Juan isn’t a point guard, and that was his achilles (no pun intended) when he first joined the wizards out of college….Hold your head high,you have done what most dream to do, with a basketball career
There was some guy just heckling Shawn Marion all game long….LOL….
Comment from dcbutler357
Time April 14, 2009 at 8:44 AM
BTW-I think me and JeffM grew up around the same neighborhood/area…lol…We ran into someone also attending the game that both of us may know….small world.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time April 14, 2009 at 7:59 PM
Dave\Glenn\SportzWiz\DCButler357
I had a fantastic time at the game, and I cannot thank you guys enough! My son and I had so much fun, as much fun as you can have with a loss to the Raptors. Meeting you guys really made quite the experience and one that my son and I will always remember, Dave and Glenn thank you again I had a ball with you guys prior to the game, and SportzWiz during and of course meeting dcbutler to pick up a jersey . Without question the live blog cast and the Wizards family and organization are first class, and hopefully in next year I will see more of you at the home games!
THANK YOU!!!
GABBO I would have loved to have met you at the game, dcbutler and I talked about that, we knew you were at the game
Comment from dcbutler357
Time April 15, 2009 at 12:42 AM
Hello Kayjay!!
Yes, this will be one interesting summer. I have confidence in Ernie to make the right decisions. I’m just sitting back reading my daily blog everyday and waiting for the next season to begin….
I haven’t told her yet, but I’m giving the wifey my Gold Jersey, since I haven’t picked up a redskin jersey for her yet (it’s not fun going to a redskin event and I have on something and she’s looking at me like were’s my paraphernalia….lol….) After the other night, and having a chance to meet some of the “blog family”, I’m sure she will be right beside me for future events…
Next agenda: any bloggers in Florida? That would be a good spot to have a Blog meeting…i’m sure we’ll be battling Orlando and Miami next year for Conf champs
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Comment from Tom Mandel
Time April 13, 2009 at 7:25 AM
Go Wiz!!! Lets get to 20 tonight and end w/ 21 !!!