Washington Wizards Blog

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 23, 2009 at 12:05 PM

Let’s get it on!
Bring on the rumours.

Comment from the site admin guy
Time June 23, 2009 at 12:17 PM

Hi Bloggers… We’re currently switching to a new DNS server. Below are the comments posted on the old server earlier this morning…

Comment from dmac | [e]
Time June 23, 2009 at 8:31 AM
I just read the rumors on hoopshype.com that Phoenix wants to swap picks with us. Our 5th for their 14th and in return we get Stoudemire for Nick Young or Javaris Crtittendon and Caron Butler. O coursef EG said no way. Also Golden State and Portland have asked for Caron. EG has said no to both of them. But he has not ruled out that any one of the big 3 could be traded for the right deal. Caron is very cool and unaffected by all the rumors. We know that as of July 1st we can sign Caron to an extension.
I will be very upset if they trade Caron unless it is for one of the top players in the league like Carmelo or Chris Bosh.
Boston has offered the Pistons, Rondo and Ray Allen for Rip Hamilton, Rodney Stuckey and Tayshaun Prince. Of course Dumars turned it down.
This is going to be one roller coaster ride in the NBA this week and summer.

Comment from truthaboutit | [e]
Time June 23, 2009 at 9:06 AM
It’s absolutely baffling how all these teams think they can pry Butler away for their junk because they think the Wizards are desperate to cut salary.
Actually, it makes me kinda mad.

Comment from dmac | [e]
Time June 23, 2009 at 9:20 AM
There was a draft buzz comment this morning in regards to all the Caron inquiries. It was an alleged quote saying EG say’s that Caron is untouchable but Gil and Antawn are not for the right deal. Mind you EG still believes he can win many games with the Big 3 we have if they stay healthy.

Comment from dmac | [e]
Time June 23, 2009 at 9:22 AM
I forgot to say that draft buzz came from ESPN. I guess teams want Caron to be this years Pau Gasol steal.

Comment from Tom Mandel | [e]
Time June 23, 2009 at 9:42 AM
As Ernie pointed out, Kareem got traded, the big O got traded — anyone is available for the right deal.
I’m not sure what I think about Amare, but he isn’t anyone’s “junk.”

Comment from Rick | [e]
Time June 23, 2009 at 9:49 AM
Caron has become a legit 3-pt shooter, and has been the best Wizard over the last 2 years. AND, he has shown the ability to play alongside 2 other all-star caliber players without his ego suffering. It’s no surprise why so many teams are interested in him. And it’s no surprise why EG considers him untouchable.
It seems to be somewhat of a consensus that there is no obvious difference between the players from the 5th to the 15th pick. However, some teams seem really focused on one or 2 players nonetheless. I hope Eddie trades down to one of those teams who thinks they know something we dont know, dumps Etan’s salary and still gets a solid first and early second round pick.
If we do keep the pick, EG will “draft the best player available”, so it doesn’t matter as much who we want as fans, but rather who will be left on the board.

Comment from GrifonRacing | [e]
Time June 23, 2009 at 9:53 AM
Caron was already “our” Pau Gasol deal when Ernie traded Kwame for him

Comment from Tom Mandel | [e]
Time June 23, 2009 at 10:02 AM
Caron’s an extremely good player, yes. Getting him for Kwame Brown was a heck of a deal — tho maybe not quite as good as getting Pau Gasol for him! Poor Kwame; he’s been traded for some awfully good players!!
I’m sure Ernie will draft the bpa wherever the pick is. But, I don’t think it’s that there’s “no obvious difference” from 5-14, but that there is so very much difference of opinion! Definitely the weirdest draft I can remember.
If there were a way to trade down, create roster room, and wind up with Dejuan Blair and Ty Lawson in the first, then Marcus Thornton in the 2d, what a great result that would be!
I can’t figure out why Blair won’t be a stud — he averaged over 8 offensive rebounds per 40 minutes! By far the most in history. And he basically never turns the ball over.
I can’t understand why Lawson won’t succeed either — he has great numbers and is no smaller than e.g. Chris Paul.

Comment from SportzWiz | [e]
Time June 23, 2009 at 10:14 AM
As I posted above, we will have live video of Ernie Grunfeld’s press conference at 2pm on WashingtonWizards.com

Comment from GrifonRacing | [e]
Time June 23, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Two key guys Tom that are falling well under the radar. All the talk about Griffin, Thabeet, and Hill have put Blair under the radar and all the Curry, Harden, Jennings, Rubio talk have put Ty Lawson there as well. Those two are going to be “real sleepers”.
Thanks SportzWiz. That should be a good one! I hope he addresses some of the rumors and gives us some insight as to what he is really looking to accomplish in the draft. Tell him to “speak up” would ya? lol

Comment from chasehughes | [e]
Time June 23, 2009 at 10:47 AM
I’m warming up to the idea of a Gilbert Arenas and Tyreke Evans guard combo. That guy dismantled Maryland in the tournament. If he’s gone I’d go with Stephen Curry though. He would be a nice compliment with his shot and can really pass I’ve noticed. He could be a real playmaker off the bench. I can’t tell about Jordan Hill, all of his workouts they have him going up against small guys or with no defender.

Comment from wizards_fusion | [e]
Time June 23, 2009 at 11:04 AM
This kid is better than LeBron in trick shots
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2009/06/23/ac.shot.mon1.cnn
Can someone tell Gil not to try this at home? He can hurt something.
- -
I want to know where ESPN’s Chad Ford is getting the following trade rumors? I’m not making this up
Wiz trade #5, Etan, and Mike James for
– Hughes (Knicks)
– Miller (TWolves)
– Allen (Celtics)
– McGrady & Landry (Rockets)
– Jefferson (Bucks)
– Carter (Nets)
– Shaq or Stoudamire (Suns)
– Blake, Bayless, or Outlaw (TBlazers)

Comment from dcbutler357 | [e]
Time June 23, 2009 at 11:13 AM
I don’t want anyone for Caron, It has to be one all-star for another…..if I was ready for him to leave….
Anyhoot, here’s the bonehead play of the week by yours truly…….
I had box seats for the mystics, which included chalk-talk with the G.M….Sooooo, I see daughter/father day and somehow I thinks it’s for Sunday or someone told me the game was Sunday, either way, I thought the game was Sunday…..sooooo, I’m on the internet sunday afternoon, looking to see if the Mystics were still un-defeated and see a picture of Alena Beard scoring and it reading that the Mystics win one at home, and I’m thinking, are they playing back-back or what…..I go to the room and look at the tickets, and the rest is history….LOL…..Summer-time, so much to do and so little time to do it….Enjoy life

Comment from dcbutler357 | [e]
Time June 23, 2009 at 11:29 AM
btw-what time is the draft party?

Comment from JayP | [e]
Time June 23, 2009 at 12:14 PM
We trade Antawn, Etan,Mike James and the 5th to detroit for There 15th Hamilton,Stuckey and Tayshaun..can u say championship..
Gil,Stuckey,Crit
Hamilton,NY,Stevenson
Caron,Dom
Blatche,Tayshaun,Darius
Brendan,Javale,Pech

Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time June 23, 2009 at 12:27 PM

wizards_fusion wrote that ESPN’s Chad Ford is talking about:
Wiz trade #5, Etan, and Mike James for
– Hughes (Knicks)
– Miller (TWolves)
– Allen (Celtics)
– McGrady & Landry (Rockets)
– Jefferson (Bucks)
– Carter (Nets)
– Shaq or Stoudamire (Suns)
– Blake, Bayless, or Outlaw (TBlazers)

#5, Etan, and Mike James for any of the above would be wonderful just to get rid of the poet.

Comment from DA-Wiz
Time June 23, 2009 at 12:47 PM

I think they should trade down and get Blair. The NBA.com player profiles showed video of him schooling bigger guys in the post. He’ll also have help from Haywood, McGee, Blatche, etc. I know we have some good options at G/SG, but I think Blair gives us toughness and a physical presence down low we need.

Not sure why some are wanting Hughes back. He played well when he was here, but is injury prone and on the downside of his career, not worth the money he’s making. EG was smart to let him go. I wish he had been smart enough to let Eton go to Utah.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2009 at 1:13 PM

Not that I want to keep Etan or Mike, Getabig, but the problem w/ trading away our expiring contracts is that it’ll make re-signing Haywood, Dom and Caron very expensive.

Of course we could trade them for *other* expiring contracts. But, if we’re really only thinking of keeping a guy for a year, I hate giving away the 5th pick in the draft to do it!

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2009 at 1:29 PM

Another classic Ernie press conference! He tells you *absolutely nothing whatever* and you try to read the tea leaves.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2009 at 1:35 PM

SportsWiz — it’ll be interesting to compare how Jordan Hill does with how Dejuan Blair does. Blair put up absolutely stratospheric numbers in college, whereas Hill is pretty raw but a top-drawer athlete. Both seem to be really nice kids.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 23, 2009 at 1:41 PM

haha, I know you lvoe the press conferences tom .

Its definitely an interesting debate with Blair and Hill. Its why all the scouts/gms pour hundreds of hours into draft preparation.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 23, 2009 at 1:42 PM

We’ll have the complete press conference for those that missed it up later today.

Comment from neal
Time June 23, 2009 at 1:50 PM

The draft party is at ESPN Zone at 7PM on Thursday.

I guess we’re getting either Harden or Curry, whoever is there, barring someone making EG a deal he can’t resist. I’m still pulling for the latter to happen.

Ernie, it’s for you. It’s a Mr. Kupchak.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2009 at 2:07 PM

Actually, thinking back, Ernie did say one thing of substance — he pointed out that if the Wizards really needed to dump salary, as is rumored, we had plenty of opportunity to do it last year at the trading deadline when other teams were inquiring about our players.

While there is no doubt that Ernie (or any GM) will say just about anything to the press, true or false, that does ring true.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2009 at 2:09 PM

neal — harden and curry might both be gone by #5. Sacramento is where Curry went after leaving us last week and they are rumored to be disenchanted w/ Rubio.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 23, 2009 at 2:11 PM

Thank you Sportswiz for the presser, and yet another Ernie classic! In the words of Tom, he gave us everything we expected, which was nothing, lol. That man has a great poker face, with that being said I have a thought that we will indeed keep the 5th pick and deal away the 2nd round pick in this years draft.

Also a nice trade for the Spurs just took place, they acquired Jefferson from the Bucks for Bowen,Kurt Thomas and Oberto.

Comment from tyrone20000
Time June 23, 2009 at 3:01 PM

It is amazing how some teams stay on top by moving players in decline…

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2009 at 3:13 PM

…and acquiring others who are also in decline?

This is a good trade for the Bucks as well — Bowen and Oberto are not fully guaranteed, so they are cheap to buy out, and Thomas is expiring. They lower their salary obligations, making it possible to re-sign (hopefully, for their sake) both Villanueva and Sessions. Moreover, they create some more minutes for their young guys.

San Antonio shortens their roster, making some room to get younger. And they get a wing player who may still have a few miles in him. So… a good trade for them as well.

Comment from tyrone20000
Time June 23, 2009 at 3:51 PM

Richard Jefferson is still a stud.

Comment from gbkdc
Time June 23, 2009 at 4:12 PM

Sports Wiz, the prescription drug virus is still there. On a Blackberry if that helps. It’s very annoying. Thanks.

Comment from Rick
Time June 23, 2009 at 4:27 PM

The spurs moving to acquire jefferson makes me think they have reservations about ginobili’s health. So at this point, I say steer clear of manu.

We should be grateful to have a GM that lets nothing slip. What were you expecting Ernie to do? Tell us and the rest of the league exactly what his strategy is for the draft? Announcing your plans out loud is a good way to hear god laugh.

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 23, 2009 at 4:58 PM

The trade in which Richard Jefferson will be going to the Spurs is interesting to me, I’m curious to see how that turns out for the Spurs….anyways I am looking forward to Thursday night! My only hope is that EG does not get rid of Gil, Antawn, or Caron…..with one of them gone it nearly shatters the whole roster

Comment from kena0802
Time June 23, 2009 at 5:57 PM

wizard got gilbert-great player,deshaun- need to get traded,we need a better shooting guard and also a center brandon haywood improves or get traded.nick young is still 2 young and need a lot of improvement

Comment from tyrone20000
Time June 23, 2009 at 6:24 PM

NBA TV is saying Minnesota is looking for that 5 pick for Randy Foye and swapping picks.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2009 at 6:42 PM

Rick — no GM tells anyone anything true, of course! But some of them at least tell tall tales and otherwise give you something to entertain yourself with.

(I’m not really complaining — just having fun.)

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2009 at 6:51 PM

Minnesota has a new, first-time GM. Maybe Ernie can fleece him a little bit, I don’t know. He wants to package our 5 and their 6 and trade them for #2, so he can… I don’t know what — take Rubio, I guess.

The pick he’s offering along with Foye and who knows what else is their mid-round-1 pick — 18 I think? I can’t imagine wanting Foye, though I do like Miller.

I keep thinking Ernie is going to trade our pick, but you know… he has to find someone who will give him something he really wants. Don’t know what that would be….

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2009 at 7:02 PM

The Post reports that: “The Wizards have gotten at least 10 offers for the (#5) pick, but every team I spoke with still was in the dark about where it stood….”

That’s our Ernie!!

Comment from dmac
Time June 23, 2009 at 7:10 PM

It has been reported on ESPN that the Wizards and Timberwolves will make it official on Wednesday that the Wiz no. 5 pick, Etan Thomas, Oleskiy Pecherov and Darius Songalia will be traded for Mike Miller and Randy Foye. Can anyone verify this report?

Comment from Reuben
Time June 23, 2009 at 7:11 PM

The Washington Wizards have agreed in principle to acquire Minnesota Timberwolves guards Randy Foye(notes) and Mike Miller(notes) for Etan Thomas(notes), Oleksiy Pecherov(notes) and Darius Songaila and the fifth pick in Thursday’s NBA draft, a league executive with knowledge of the deal told Yahoo! Sports.

The teams are still working out details but the deal is expected to be consummated.

This is a report from yahoo sports

Comment from jg004
Time June 23, 2009 at 7:22 PM

Honestly, I’m not a fan. So this gives us Arenas, Crittenton, Young, Stevenson, James, now Foye and Miller as guards (fill me in if I have missed any) and we lose 3 “big” guys. (I say big in quotes becuase I understand why we got rid of them). I don’t know maybe I’m just being naive and don’t understand everything that goes in to making a deal work out, but to me I don’t truly see how hi helps us out other than log jam our backcourt with another “hopeful project” in Foye and a swingman who had his worst year last year. Maybe if the Wolves through in their 18th pick I would feel better, but as of now I don’t like it. Just me rambling though. Thoughts?

Comment from jg004
Time June 23, 2009 at 7:24 PM

Oh yes and I of course forgot to mention the fact that we have to give them our 5th pick in the draft as well. Not pleased with this.

Comment from jsuh0
Time June 23, 2009 at 7:39 PM

i like thissss

Comment from millie mill
Time June 23, 2009 at 8:44 PM

Two more days I can’t wait. I would like to see Curry in Washington but I do think the Wizards will trae the pick though.

Comment from jsuh0
Time June 23, 2009 at 8:45 PM

gives us a possible starting lineup of
1: GA
2: Miller
3: CB3
4: AJ
5: BTH

6th man: Andray/Nick/Foye.

Since flip runs with a 8-9 man lineup, itll be mainly these guys. I can see critt/mcgee/dmac getting garbage time minutes. I like this!!!!

However, I think we should trade nick young and our 2nd rounder for a mid first rounder and snatch up Hansborough or dejaun blair

Comment from stevensonbyebye
Time June 23, 2009 at 8:51 PM

WOW VERY NICE TRADE.
VERY VERY VERY NICE.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2009 at 8:55 PM

I don’t particularly like Randy Foye, and I *hate* losing a chance at a couple of guys that I think will be outstanding players.

But I *do* like Mike Miller — I suggested we trade for him a couple of weeks ago. He is one of the top 2s in the league by the numbers; check out this table of the top 15 at every position. Miller’s Wins Produced numbers are fantastic.

Had we been able to pry Kevin Love out of their hands, this would have been a steal; as it is, it’s a pretty good trade. The only thing we’re giving up is our pick. I had certainly hoped we’d get back their mid-first round pick, but I guess not.

We’re now very thin up front. I would look for another trade to happen before training camp. We might find someone serviceable with #32 as well.

Miller starts and Foye backs up Gil. Critt, James and Stevenson?

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 23, 2009 at 8:58 PM

I mean, this trade sounds ok, but isn’t what I was expecting…..I was expecting the Wizards to pull off some amazing 3 team trade and land an all-star player……we really just got Foye who appears to be improving as he is maturing, and Mike Miller, who could either be a really great asset to our team, or just another Deshawn Stevenson -the defense

Comment from kg
Time June 23, 2009 at 8:58 PM

i like it. Miller had a career low pts year last year but his FG percentage is not that bad plus he had playoff experiences. Foye is getting better each year

Comment from jsuh0
Time June 23, 2009 at 9:00 PM

you say we are thin up front, but the only guy whod get PT, barring crucial injuries of course, is Dsong. We had a plethora of PFs anyways with AJ, dray, dsong, pech, etan, mcgee.

Now we have a large number of guards. What to do with them?

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 23, 2009 at 9:01 PM

plus, this just adds 2 more guys who have contracts that expire in 2 years that we have to worry about

Comment from millie mill
Time June 23, 2009 at 9:01 PM

Is this a done deal? I just saw this on ESPN.com

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4282279

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 23, 2009 at 9:02 PM

and financially, it all comes down to the Wizards saving about $701,000…..or basically enough to sign our 2nd round pick

Comment from kg
Time June 23, 2009 at 9:02 PM

it’s done as soon as Etan signs…

Comment from millie mill
Time June 23, 2009 at 9:06 PM

Wow very good trade!!!! If everything goes well.

Comment from JayP
Time June 23, 2009 at 9:16 PM

yes im so excited about this trade we finally get rid of some useless players ex Darius…
This adds great depth at the backcourt and gives blatche and Javale more minutes..

Comment from JayP
Time June 23, 2009 at 9:28 PM

now lets make a staight up trade..send mike james to chicago for tim thomas

Comment from TAG FLIP
Time June 23, 2009 at 9:36 PM

hey guys, long time no see

hopefully that trade goes down well. we’re basically getting an even deal with the caliber of etan and pech basically combining into one, but unfortunately losing that tough presence from songaila. but i’m excited about the deal, hopefully it goes through!!

Comment from stevensonbyebye
Time June 23, 2009 at 9:38 PM

1. there was no way in hell we’d land an “allstar” player without giving up one of our big 3.
2. mike miller can do it all. shoot the 3, pass, rebound, drive to the hoop, etc
3. randy foye struggled last year because mchale made him play the point but his natural position is the 2 guard and once he started playing at the 2 his average went up drastically

this trade is a steal. we lost nothing.

Comment from dmac
Time June 23, 2009 at 9:57 PM

Far as the second round goes there maybe Josh Heyfelt or Jeff Pendergrast we can pick.
Also here is a list of possible midlevel exceptions if we can find a way to free up some more money to help sign someone:
Pops Mensah-Bonsu
Drew Gooden
Chris Wilcox
Melvin Ely
Rasheed Wallace
Brandon Bass
Joe Smith
ZaZa Pachulia

Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time June 23, 2009 at 10:12 PM

If that trade is official, my hat is off to EG…WELL DONE!!!

Comment from tyrone20000
Time June 23, 2009 at 10:15 PM

Are you guys serious? What a total screw up…

Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time June 23, 2009 at 10:18 PM

Pecherov will be back in Europe and Etan will be writing poetry somewhere in Vermont no later than next year at this time…small loss. However, I am sorry to lose our token tough guy in Darius, but maybe someone else will step up. We really need an enforcer!

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 23, 2009 at 10:20 PM

We also need to remember…..we have Mike James’ $6+mil contract to shop around as well, plus maybe crittendon/young….with all that, we could free up even more space and perhaps land a mid-level veteran…..personally I think we should trade Mike James in anyway we can, that way we could sign Rasheed Wallace in the free agency….because think about it….we have 6 guards under contract as it is (7 if we dont trade Mike James), and Flip Saunders is only going to use an 8-9 man rotation…..imagine this:

1. Gil
2. Randy Foye/Mike Miller
3. Butler
4. R. Wallace
5. Haywood

bench: Jamison (6th man), Young, Stevenson, Blatche, McGee, and McGuire…….that would truly be a championship team right there in my opinion!

Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time June 23, 2009 at 10:20 PM

tyrone20000, What is it about this deal that you don’t like?

Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time June 23, 2009 at 10:28 PM

Wizfan4life,
Wallace is cooked; turn him over. I have always liked him, but he is a spot player at best at this stage of his career…and we don’t yet have him. Also, I’m not sure that Flip would want him (too much of a head case).

IMO, Slick/DeShawn is a better combination than Foye/Miller.

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 23, 2009 at 10:31 PM

wow I just realized something…..now the T-Wolves will have the 5th, 6th, 18th, 28th, 45th, and 47th picks!!! I am really curious to know what is largest number of picks a team has ever had in a draft, and if there is a limit…..I mean, is it really technically possible for a team to trade players and somehow end up with the 1st 5 draft picks?? haha that would be quite a draft night

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 23, 2009 at 10:33 PM

I think Miller/Foye combo will work out, provided they are given enough minutes…..I am just afraid that their increase in production will come at the expense of guys like McGuire, Young, Blatche, and especially Stevenson

Comment from tyrone20000
Time June 23, 2009 at 10:33 PM

Losing a solid reliable player Songalia…What’s up with all the guards? To me, they are saying Gilbert may not be healthy next year…

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 23, 2009 at 10:36 PM

Tyrone……the real question is, when is Gilbert truly not injured? I mean, it now seems like re-signing Gilbert was just a waste…..he said he took less money and that he was basically giving $60 million back to the team to help us out financially….really it hasnt done much to us except have an extra assistant coach on the bench for the past 2 years lol

Comment from tyrone20000
Time June 23, 2009 at 10:36 PM

Miller/Foye I wonder why that combo was working in Minnesota

Comment from jsuh0
Time June 23, 2009 at 10:39 PM

gabbo, ill take foye/miller anyday over slick/deshawn. i get extremely frustrated with deshawn’s inability to finish inside the paint, nick young’s countless contested fadeaways. in foye, we get a guy whos better at shooting than nick young, and a better slasher, and mike miller, with a career average of 46.2% from downtown, and an above average passer/rebounder for this position.

ill take that over slick, and a guy who lost to a 1 handed gilbert arenas in a shooting contest

Comment from tyrone20000
Time June 23, 2009 at 10:42 PM

Miller/Foye I wonder why that combo did not work in Minnesota

Contrary to what others think, Gilbert was an excellent point guard. My favorite player.

Why is the #5 pick in that stupid deal…

Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time June 23, 2009 at 10:46 PM

jsuh0
It was DeShawn who lost the three-point contest to Gil…and ,of course, DeShawn felt that Gil cheated.

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 23, 2009 at 10:47 PM

Tyrone: yeah I agree with you….the 5th pick shouldn’t be in the deal…..maybe our 2nd round pick…..but really there is no point in the T-Wolves having the 5th AND the 6th pick……no matter what they are still going to be a mediocre team next year lol

Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time June 23, 2009 at 10:48 PM

jsuh0, IMO there a very few NBA players who are tougher to defend in a one-on-one situation than Slick. BTW, Coach Saunders agrees with me.

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time June 23, 2009 at 10:51 PM

if we were gonna give them the 5th pick, I say we keep Pech and make them take Stevenson instead…..if it works financially…..that way we save a couple mil in cap room

Comment from neal
Time June 23, 2009 at 10:58 PM

Wow! We really did trade three spare parts (guys who weren’t going to be in the rotation) for two guys who will. And one guy the Twolves took is Thomas. I have to eat my hat.

And a little bonus is we now have room for our second round pick.

WELL DONE MR. GRUNFELD

EG and Saunders apparently thought more of Blatche than Songaila, and more of McGee than Thomas.

We’ve gone from overstocked with bigs to short on them. Two ideas come to mind. Maybe our 2nd round pick will be a big “project” who will start in the development league. OR maybe Veremeenko has a future with the Wiz after all.

Yes, it does make one wonder if EG is wondering whether Arenas is 100%, and whether his knee will give out again.

I’m worried about our defense. We’ll have four starters who have never played good defense. I sure hope Saunders and staff can work wonders with them.

Miller will make $9.8M next year, then is a FA. That’s what Butler makes; only Arenas and Jamison make more. After next year EG will decide whether he’s worth that kind of money. As far as I’m concerned he’ll have to play D to merit it.

Are we still meeting Thursday night?

Comment from neal
Time June 23, 2009 at 11:00 PM

We did get an excellent 3 point shooter who we badly needed.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 23, 2009 at 11:04 PM

WOW, if this trade goes down, great job Erine , however I want to see this finalized.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 23, 2009 at 11:06 PM

Well I guess it we already had things set to meet at the ESPN Zone so are we still on? I guess all the excitement is out of the room,lol. I like Miller, however not sold on Foye, as I look at our roster I think we will make another move at the PG position, we will see……

Comment from jsuh0
Time June 23, 2009 at 11:07 PM

yes, gabbo, nick young is extremely athletic and can score. but i wonder what his mind is thinking when he chucks up ridiculous fadeaways when he could be driving in the lane and going to the line. I still think he has the potential to correct his mistakes and become a dangerous 20+ ppg scorer in the league, as AD called out once.

but, at the present, i would take foye over nick young, based on his scoring and passing ability. nick young doesnt do anything BUT score.

Comment from wizfan and the kid
Time June 23, 2009 at 11:08 PM

I know to all you it is inconsequential, but I know a very sad little girl. She cried upon hearing that this trade may be a done deal and Etan will be gone. We will still have the picture of the two of them on the cell phone…forever!

As to me, I like the trade a bunch, but as with others, losing Darius is sad. He isn’t a super star but he knows how to play. Mike Miller will do well with us, however.

Not sure the dealing is over with, though. Hard to say, but it seems like we we aren’t done here. I mean, Randy Foye, too? I remember he did really well as a rookie, was hurt in year 2, wasn’t he? Seems like we are really too stacked up guard. You kind of think that EG has another card up his sleeve on this one.

Hope so!!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 23, 2009 at 11:12 PM

Hold on guys, IMO you cannot believe that Foye at this point is better than Foye? Hold your horses on that one my blogging family, Nick improved his defense in the second half of the season, and he is lights out once he get’s it going. Young’s problem has not been physical, it has been the mental part of the game. I expect Coach Saunders to really put Slick in the correct positions to be effective on both ends of the floor as well as improve his post up game. Foye also has some great points and had been a streaky shooter, he is more of a 2. I would love for us to try and grab a pass first PG.

Comment from ChenierFan
Time June 23, 2009 at 11:12 PM

As Neal observes, one of our biggest weakneses was 3 pt shooting. With Miller that becomes a strength. Foye is just an all-around good player. He might be better than Hughes was.

The 5th pick would likely have been a bench warmer. The only contributor was Songailia, who is a very skilled but athletically limited player. Pesh will be back in the US, back in the US, back in the USSR after his contract runs out in the NBA and Etan is damaged goods. But good luck to all of them. Etan had a good run here for a while.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 23, 2009 at 11:18 PM

Here’s to a class act in both, Etan Thomas and D Song. Thank you for your contributions on and off the court

I am hopeful that Eric Maynor will somehow slip into the 2nd round and we can land him. I actually believe he is the PG that can help us this year.

Ok so in the second round, who do we take? Best player available????

Comment from jsuh0
Time June 23, 2009 at 11:20 PM

its just my personal opinion jeffmalone.
i will miss reading into mocks about the 5th pick though. i wonder who our second rounder will be. im liking dajaun summers, nick calathes, taj gibson if he falls to us

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 23, 2009 at 11:21 PM

Also guys I am excited for Pesh, I want to see him get extended minutes and play. And hopefully he can do that for the Timberwolves.

Comment from stevensonbyebye
Time June 23, 2009 at 11:45 PM

since were stacked with guards
i think we can afford to let go of
james and stevenson

arenas
miller
butler
jamison
haywood

foye, young, mcguire, blatche, and mcgee

we could let go of james, dixon, and stevenson
for a decent big man

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 23, 2009 at 11:55 PM

I think we need to keep Deshawn for his defense, I think he is safe. However James, JCritt or even Foye I would listen to any and all offers.

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 23, 2009 at 11:55 PM

Still look out for an Antwan Jamison trade. He is hot on the market. Phoenix and Cleveland (especially the Cavs) are dying for him.
Don’t be shocked at a
AMARE STOUDEMIRE FOR ANTWAN AND BRENDON TRADE!
You heard it here first.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 23, 2009 at 11:57 PM

F.Y.I. Oberto who was traded today, was just traded again from the Bucks to the Pistons for Amir Johnson.

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 24, 2009 at 12:00 AM

Quality players in the rotation:
Gilbert
Roy
Miller
Young
Butler
Jamison
Blatch (to a certain extent)
Javale
Brendan
That is a solid 9 player rotation. That is excellent.
I see Deshawn as being traded at sometime (great contract). No room for him. Jury is out on Crittendon.
I believe Magruire is a free agent.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 24, 2009 at 12:01 AM

jmpalomo-you think that we will see Amare for Twan and Haywood, really? If that were to take place, I do not like that trade for us at all.

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 24, 2009 at 12:12 AM

Haywood is a free agent after this year and is going to command alot more than the 5 mil he’s making now. Antwan could get old soon (no one knows when). If you could get a bonafide all star in Amare now then the Wiz will be on top of the ball game.
The key is that Brendan is only going to be here one year because Javale is going to be the starter next year.

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 24, 2009 at 12:14 AM

Cleveland needs an all star player really bad to play with LBJ or the King is going to bolt after this season. No questions asked.
Antwan is one of the few all stars on the market.

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 24, 2009 at 12:25 AM

My bad. Brendan has two more years.
I trade this trade on the trade machine and it works.

Comment from jsuh0
Time June 24, 2009 at 12:26 AM

nooo, no one wants to give up BTH AND AJ for amare. we would be the old suns of the east, but losing BTH, arguably our best defender, wont help us at all.

Comment from jsuh0
Time June 24, 2009 at 12:26 AM

however, antawn and james for amare, is a different story

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 24, 2009 at 12:36 AM

No way you get Amare for Antwan.
Amare is close to superstar status. Antwan could be on the decline any minute. We just don’t know. He could surprise us and still be the 20 and 9 game every game.
The big thing about trading Antwan is that he plays the same position as Caron, Small Forward. If we trade Antwan then Caron has that position all to himself. Amare would play his natural Power Forward and Javale would man the middle.
I, personally, would rather have Amare than Antwan and Brendan.

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 24, 2009 at 12:41 AM

David Aldridge says that with todays trade the Wiz become Easter Conference Contenders.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time June 24, 2009 at 12:45 AM

No way we trade Antawn and Brendan for Amare. That’s just nuts.

I’d be sorry to see Darius go, but, I like the trade. I’d like it much better if we got one of their first round picks along with it. We may have lost bigs. We need to acquire a low lottery pick to get Blair, or, maybe Hansborough. I don’t think, if this report is acurate, the trading is done just yet.

Comment from neal
Time June 24, 2009 at 12:47 AM

Actually, next year is Haywood’s last under contract. Ditto for McGuire, Miller, Young, McGee, and Crittenton. However, the Wiz have options on another year for Young, McGee and Crittenton.

Yes, we may see another trade. Seven guards are a lot. Four big men isn’t many.

Minnesota has such a shortage of experienced players, Pecherov may well break into their rotation. It will be interesting to see if he becomes an NBA player once he gets the minutes. In my opinion, he will have to reinvent his game to play with his back to the basket. He’s a good rebounder – he needs to stay close to the basket. He can shoot 3’s but not any better than smaller guys who can play on the perimeter better.

Comment from ta1ent
Time June 24, 2009 at 12:48 AM

Id hate to see Jamison go but this would be a good deal, Jamison and any one of these guards Stevenson/James/Crittenton and or 2nd rd pick for Amare.

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 24, 2009 at 12:51 AM

Poor Nick Young. He must be mad as heck.
Crittendon won’t even see the floor.
DeShawn is going to have to leave.
No room for these three guys.
3 man rotation of Gilbert, Foye and Miller. When a 4th is needed then Nick comes in.

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 24, 2009 at 12:55 AM

We need a Power Forward. We do not have one on the roster. Down the stretch other teams just beat us up because of this shortcoming.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time June 24, 2009 at 12:56 AM

isn’t done yet.. gees. the trading “isn’t” done just yet.

Comment from jsuh0
Time June 24, 2009 at 1:20 AM

haha grifon we think alike. im all for trading one of our guards for tyler or dejuan blair in the middle of the first round

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time June 24, 2009 at 2:44 AM

well i like the trade for 2 good reasons one we get rid of Etans payroll log jam and we send Pech to a team that might put him on the floor more than once a year..
on the other hand i hate to see D.Song go he gave 200% every game cant put a price on that.. but at least we got a guy who can shoot other than AJ and CB3 and with Gil on his way back we should be ok or at least on a stat sheet we look good

Comment from Jason C
Time June 24, 2009 at 3:23 AM

Whats up guys, been a while since i posted. I like this trade, if we are dealing 1 or 2 of our guards for a big man or a pick for a big man. Otherwise we have quite the logjam at the guard position. I’ve been talking to friends outside of our area and I’ve been wondering if we overrate our players? Its interesting to hear how unknown, or how bad we are viewed in the eyes of people who don’t live here. Obviously last season played a role in their opinions, but are we as good as we think we are or is it the opposite?

Comment from Babakism
Time June 24, 2009 at 5:08 AM

The Effect of this trade is run and gun. Not that we didn’t do that already but before when we had songalia in the game I feel like we kind of slowed things down. As much as I liked Songalias play and effort I feel we are better off with the younger more athletic Bigs coming off the bench. I still feel that if Deshawn comes back and looks good in Camp he will remain the starter. This trade is proof of the fact that Grunfeld wants to keep the chemistry intact.I feel that nick young and mike miller have to come off the bench no matter what because you need a scoring punch off the bench. I also feel that miller is more suited at the 3 and could actually play well with Young because Youngs ability to penatrate and slash and millers to spot up. The good thing about having foye, young, and miller off the bench is that it would be imposible for all 3 of them to have bad shooting nights so you are garunteed scoring off the bench. The one problem we face is that Blatche is the second biggest guy on the team. As much as people want Javale to be the backup center his body still has to beef up a bit. Javale makes up for his lack of strength with his athletic ability and length but he will get pushed around a little. Javale is unique in the fact he is 7 feet tall but has the quickness speed agility and athletic abilty of a 6-6 player. It makes you wonder if he improved his outside shot which seems to have a soft touch could he ever be a robert horry(the early years) type player who had the versitility to play all 3 front court positions. I wouldn’t be surprised if we made a deal to try to get an Antonio daniels replacement. Most likely would involve critendon mike james nick young(hopefully not nick) or possibly even randy foye. I don’t think Deshawn has any trade value. I don’t see us making any trades until draft day when teams will miss out on players and will be looking to adress needs thats when ernie will pounce.

We also have to be careful because if there is even 1 injury to our front line we wil be in worse shape then the redskins O-line last year.

The one thing I’m most sad about is I will never get to use any of the wonderful nicknames I created fo Olesky Pecherov while playing NBA live.

The “Pech Express”

and my fav the “Ukraine Train” Although Antonia Daniels told me until he puts on some muscle I’d have to call him the Ukraine Vespa lol

Comment from Babakism
Time June 24, 2009 at 5:09 AM

PS under NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO circumstance should we ever make any trade with Cleveland.

Comment from Babakism
Time June 24, 2009 at 5:13 AM

So I was doing some research to get more familiar with Randy Foye and Wikapedia has already updated that he currently plays for the Washington Wizards lol

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 24, 2009 at 7:19 AM

This is a very good trade on a number of fronts.

1. It makes us a much better team for ‘09-10. We should contend for home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs — assuming everyone stays healthy.

2. It costs us nothing. Darius is a great guy and a heady basketball player, but he is limited physically for his position and doesn’t really put up good enough numbers as a result. Obviously, Pech and Etan aren’t much of a loss to us.

3. Ernie gets rid of his mistakes — all the 3 guys we traded were GM mistakes. Ernie matched at too many $$ for Etan, drafted the wrong guy in Pech, and signed a guy who couldn’t deliver what he wanted from him in DSong.

4. You can think of this pick as ET/DS/OP for Foye (not much for not much — a wash) and Miller for pick 5. Foye is not a contributor; his numbers are way below average, but Miller sure is: he is one of the top wing players in the game and is quite under-rated.

Basketball is about the future and the present both — Mike is good right now. Maybe the guy we got at 5 would be good in the future, but who knows. If Curry is still on the board at 5, I’ll have a twinge of regret. Other than that, I’m happy with this trade.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 24, 2009 at 7:35 AM

BTW, this deal makes Ernie’s press conference even funnier!! Talk about letting *nothing* slip!

Comment from RDOT51
Time June 24, 2009 at 10:08 AM

Good trade! we got scoring punch off the bench, long range shooting, and added competition to our roster. Lets draft Taj Gibson in the 2nd round or an scrappy player like Jeff Adrien and look forward to seeing the maturation of Javale McGee in Summer League.

Comment from M2
Time June 24, 2009 at 12:48 PM

Enjoyed reading all of the comments thus far…
Although my stomach does hurt from laughing everytime someone said “good for Pech, maybe he’ll get a chance to contribute” or words similar.
Even on his way out the door, you guys are delusional.
Good luck Stewie, don’t the the door hit you…

Comment from M2
Time June 24, 2009 at 12:54 PM

The 5 pick is tough to give up because a future stud will be available…
Love Etan as a man…
Love Songs grit…
Bye Bye Pech…

Wish we coulda somehow had James in that mix!

Everyone knows I like Crits upside so I hope he competes in camp & doesn’t get lost on our guard heavy shuffle (that’s unfortunately been the problem everywhere he’s been)…

All that to say, nice to lose some dead weight & a little salary obligation.
Nice to add some backcourt pieces so that guys like Dee Brown, Mike James & Juan Dixon aren’t running our show from time to time this season.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 24, 2009 at 2:40 PM

M2 — you’re being a little hard on Pech!! Well… you did wish him “good luck”

Comment from pittsdavin
Time June 25, 2009 at 2:42 PM

I hate the trade and the answer to our dearth of big men won’t be found in tonights draft.

Seems to me, the trade ensures another season of watching these guys chunk up a three ball as the clock winds down. Moving Etan and Songalia cleared the space and the fifth overall pick guaranteed suiters. We should have made our pitch for a GOOD post weapon.

Stevenson and/or James won’t get us what we need. Wiz fans will hate this, but with Miller here we may have to consider something involving Jamison or ugghhh…choke..cough ..BBBBButler.

Comment from ta1ent
Time June 25, 2009 at 9:35 PM

after hearing the press conference and hearing what mike miller and foye had to say i feel so much better about this trade. miller is gonna take a lot of the attention of caron,antwan, and gil. plus miller will get more open looks for sure. now i hope we take a pf with our 2nd rd pick.