Washington Wizards Blog

Comment from nickman
Time July 1, 2009 at 10:13 PM

I like our summer league roster and here are the notable names:
Josh Heyvelt
Diamon Simpson
Alex Ruoff
Tyrese Rice

Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time July 1, 2009 at 10:14 PM

Crit, JaVale, Dom and Nick together on the same summer league team. Damn, there were times last year when I wanted to see them on the court together in a NBA game. I’ve got to see some of this action, We’ll see how the new guys play and maybe sign one of them.
Tom M. What do you know about Josh Heytvelt (6′11″ 260 lbs)? Did you write that you liked Alade Aminu (6′10″ 225 lbs)? Who was Jon Edwards with last year. He is listed as starting his 3rd NBA season? or James Lang (6′10″ 286 lbs) starting his 2nd NBA season?

I recognize some of the names from posts that the bloggers have made over the past few weeks. This looks like a great summer league team…is it?

Comment from nickman
Time July 1, 2009 at 10:19 PM

Simpson is a beast and can be a 10-10 guy at the next level

Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time July 1, 2009 at 10:21 PM

SportzWiz, do you see ‘Dray around the Center?

Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time July 1, 2009 at 10:24 PM

nickman – where/how does Simpson fit in with the Wiz? Is he quick enough to backup CB?, or strong enough to backup AJ? Can he score?, rebound?, play defense?

Comment from SportzWiz
Time July 1, 2009 at 10:26 PM

i didnt see him today, but he couldve been working out at a different time. The only news i have from today was on foye and mcgee that i posted earlier.

I’ll also have videos tomorrow of afew of the invites from our pre-draft workouts
(aminu, heytvelt, rice, ayers, spain, mckie)

I saw a lot of Heytvelt when he went up against Taj Gibson (a first round pick) and he did very well against him.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time July 1, 2009 at 10:28 PM

Here are some highlights from Simpson. Personally I’ve never seen him play

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 1, 2009 at 10:40 PM

Hey, that is a *very* interesting roster!

Heytvelt, Aminu, Diamon Simpson (had a great Portsmouth Tournament) — those are guys who interest me.

Ayers is the son of Randy Ayers, our ex-coach.

James Lang was actually with the Wizards for part of a season 2-3 years ago.

Jon Edwards is 28; hasn’t been in the league for a while and I don’t remember where he played.

Hard to imagine any of the guards making the team. We could have a yard sale on guards! Spain and Ruoff are the best of the bunch on the Summer League roster.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 1, 2009 at 10:48 PM

Here’s DraftExpress on Simpson:
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Diamon-Simpson-5271/

He put up very good numbers in college. He may have a chance to stick in the league as a hustle player. He is a very good rebounder — which seems to be the one skill that translates most directly from NCAA to NBA.

The two youngest guys on the roster are Javaris and JaVale.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 1, 2009 at 10:50 PM

Note that whatever Summer League team a guy is on, if he’s undrafted he is still eligible to be signed for training camp by any team. We aren’t restricted to our SL guys — nor are they restricted to us!

In other words, if you are scouring for talent — better check out *all* the SL rosters!

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 1, 2009 at 10:57 PM

James Gist — ex of UMD and undrafted in ‘08 — is on the Spurs SL team. There was some sentiment for him on this blog last year, if I remember rightly.

Minnesota has Paul Harris out of Syracuse (I think he’ll wind up in someone’s camp) and Rob Kurz, whom Golden State liked a lot last year but didn’t have room to keep. They’ll have Pech on their Summer League team too.

Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time July 1, 2009 at 11:04 PM

Thanks for the info on the summer league Tom M. I didn’t realize it was a free-for all for undrafteds, but it makes sense.

Love to see Pech in the summer league vs. McGee.

Comment from jmpalomo
Time July 1, 2009 at 11:04 PM

If you are a big guard or small forward the Wiz is the hardest team to make a roster. Just way too many already guaranteed.
Conversely, if your a PF or a Center this is the team to play on the summer league. You will get plenty of chances to prove yourself and more importantly “to stick.”
I hope a biggy stands out in the SL.
We desperately need a Rick Mahorn type.
Still hoping we can get one of those top Restricted Power Forwards somehow.

Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time July 1, 2009 at 11:07 PM

Thanks SportzWiz. Please let us know whenever you see any of the young guys doing what they are supposed to be doing. We’re counting on them to do the right things this year.

Comment from AUNDRA
Time July 1, 2009 at 11:33 PM

SPORTZWIZ
I WILL BE THERE THIS SUMMER ONCE AGAIN.
I HOPE NICK YOUNG SHOWS UP READY TO THRILL AND KILL! I WOULD LIKE A SCHEDULE IF POSSIBLE BECAUSE I’M ONLY CHECKING OUT MY WIZARDS FOR THE WIN!

Comment from GlingGling
Time July 1, 2009 at 11:49 PM

AUNDRA, of course Nick Young is gonna destroy summer league. Though he ought to try to get some other players involved instead of shooting all day. And he can practice his defense on these guys too.

Comment from doclinkin
Time July 2, 2009 at 2:03 AM

Don’t bank on Nick showing much, unless he’s threatened by the Miller/Foye additions and trying to make a case for his job.

In past years it seemed like he was just playing not to get injured. Lazy at both ends of the court. Terrible shooting percentages. Only rarely showing effort or going to the hole.

I’m most excited to see if Alade Aminu can bring consistent energy, he’s a remarkable raw talent. This year I liked him better than his brother Al-Farouk Aminu. He’s not trying to be a perimeter player, has athleticism and length and strength, just needs polish to learn how to use it.

I like little Tyrese Rice, though he’ll be hard pressed to make the team as a back-up PG behind Gil, possibly Foye, Critt. I’d happily take him over Mike James though, just for chemistry purposes and occasional passing alone…

Josh Heytvelt is a potential cheap Songaila replacement as a face-up Big who can shoot a jumper. The skill is useful in Flip’s offense, though it would work best if he could set solid picks as well. Miss ya Songaila…

I’m curious if Flip will take the coaching seat. Or Randy Wittman. Or Sammy. Now that would be fun.

I’m glad for once we were able to land some of the better undrafteds. I still wish we caught Aaron Jackson (Pacers invite) and yeah Paul Harris will likely make an nba roster. But still, should be fun.

Mostly I just want to see if either Dom or Critt have discovered a jumper, and if JaVale has put on a bit of muscle.

Comment from dmac
Time July 2, 2009 at 6:42 AM

This should be a nice starting lineup. Hopefully they can jell as role players that Flip can use this season. I like Josh Heyfelt chances of being the one to make our team.
I believe that Dray will have his breakout season this year. As doclinkin stated he would be our number one pick. With Drays improvement it makes our team even more dangerous especially can be a consistent rebounder and shot blocker on the defensive side without getting into early foul trouble.

Comment from neal
Time July 2, 2009 at 7:27 AM

Interesting prospects. There is SO much talent at this level.

Comment from neal
Time July 2, 2009 at 7:28 AM

It would be neat to see James Lang come back and make the team. He was drafted pretty high out of HS as I remember.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 2, 2009 at 7:37 AM

Alade Aminu is my favorite too, doc — he’s also smart, community-oriented and serious about becoming a player. Guys like that, especially if they’re also blessed with athleticism and raw talent, can definitely develop. I have a good feeling, call it a hunch, about that kid.

Paul Harris and Aaron Jackson — other guys I’ve got my eye on. No room on our roster as currently constituted, however — as jmpalomo points out.

dmac — Andray is still the third youngest guy on our team. Only the 2Js are younger. Be nice if he had a breakout year, yes; lets just say “showed continued improvement.”

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 2, 2009 at 7:53 AM

Here’s a name — don’t know what to think about it — Mike Sweetney.

He’s on the Celtics Summer League roster, trying to work his way back into the league.

This is a guy who put up *great* numbers in college, was picked 9th in ‘03, and, I guess, ate himself out of the league. Obviously, he has local ties. His rookie productivity w/ the Knicks was pretty good.

Just a thought…

Comment from dmac
Time July 2, 2009 at 8:09 AM

Tom I am aware that Dray is not playing Summer league.
I also want a breakout season from him. Not just continued improvement. Continued improvement means he will only get marginally better. I want this kid to bust out this year. The big 3 have said publicly that if this kid every realized his potential and put the work in alongwith the right attitude. Tom I understand your analogy. It is just that I am believing some good fortune has to start coming the Wiz way. I am like Caron (Tough Juice) I believe we have the talent to run the table. I am not going to settle for middle of the pack production.
I am believing a completely healed Gilbert can have the same kind of results that DWade had in his recovery from surgery.
I also like Aminu. I have watched Heyfelt play a lot and I feel he would be a good fit for the Wiz.

Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time July 2, 2009 at 11:39 AM

Tom M. – regarding one of my posts…”As far as the judging talent… well, you think we have the most talented roster in the NBA!! I don’t think you’ll find a lot of people to agree with that one!”

Caron is one; Ernie is another; Coach Saunders is another…good company.

Bloggers who think we can do it include dmac (see above), and I know that I have seen others.

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time July 2, 2009 at 12:45 PM

Too bad Gilbert can’t participate in the summer league because he’s too old……he could really use some practice

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time July 2, 2009 at 12:46 PM

Brandon Wallace sounds like a familiar name…..wasn’t he on the Celtics roster last year?

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time July 2, 2009 at 1:02 PM

I’ve been hearing Ron Artest’s name lately and how he wants to sign with a contender….so far I’ve only heard Cleveland and the Lakers in that mix…..which is surprising, because the Spurs, Mavericks (assuming they cant get Kidd back), and the Magic all sound like contending teams as well……sadly I don’t think the Wizards are in his mind right now, even though I think with him starting and Jamison coming off the bench or vice versa, we would have a contending team

Comment from jmpalomo
Time July 2, 2009 at 1:10 PM

The problem we have with players not reaching their potential (no break out year) is because they are all financially set for LIFE.
They do not need to work another day in their life.
Andray Blatch is guaranteed $15 million dollars. Chris Wilcox is guaranteed $60 million.
Kwame Brown was guaranteed about $12 million with the Wiz out of High School. He got really good at Playstation.
Just the Interest alone is bringing them at least $1 million dollars a year. (with the principle balance in the bank).
Even the 30th pick in this draft will have received 2.65 million dollars over his 3 guaranteed years. Do the math and after paying taxes, buying a house for $500,000 and spending $200,000 for the 3 years he will still have $1,000,000 in the bank getting about $100,000 in interest a year for the rest of his life. That is only for the 30th pick in this years draft.
Marvin Williams, taken 2nd before Chris Paul or Deron Williams, has already collected over $17 million dollars over 4 years. Take out his taxes and $1 million dollars spending money a year for the past 4 years and he probably has $7 million dollars in the bank collecting interest.

So when we look at free agents we have to find out what kind of drive do they have to be the very best.
Are they closer to Kevin Garnett or to Kwame Brown?

Comment from Wizfan4life
Time July 2, 2009 at 1:33 PM

jmpalomo: I agree with you on that, but some of that isn’t necessarily the player’s faults…..it’s also the GMs who are willing to sell their soul just to get a good player on their roster

Comment from neal
Time July 2, 2009 at 2:17 PM

jmpalomo, I totally agree. Drive should be a big part of the evaluation, and the hardest part, I guess.

Yes, it’s the Wizards’s turn to have some good luck. We need one of our kids to develop into an all-star. That’s what we need to put us over the top.

Even w/o that if Arenas comes back 100% and decides to be just one of the team, we could be very very good. He needs to get it through his head that everyone on the team except for Foye, Stevenson and James shoot for a higher percentage than Arenas and play accordingly. Now that Songaila is gone, Miller and Haywood are our highest percentage shooters. Arenas should concentrate on getting them (and the others) the ball.

Comment from Rick
Time July 2, 2009 at 3:09 PM

JMPalomo, I’m not sure where those guys are banking, but I’d love to see that kind of interest in my savings account!

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 2, 2009 at 3:26 PM

It is pretty amazing — no doubt — how much a kid makes to play basketball, huh? Yet, there are guys making $20m/year who play with tremendous intensity night in night out.

Getabig — please do point me to where Flip, Ernie and Caron say “we have the most talented roster in the NBA.” Oh, and while you’re at it, point me to any person *not* part of the Wizards organization or a dedicated fan who would say that.

Or, rather, don’t — there’s no point in debating this, and I was just reacting to your having questioned my talent assessments — *moi*!! It’s great that you are an intense fan, and you are a great part of this blog.

If the kids go through the roof, the veterans play to the absolute top of their abilities, everyone stays healthy, we win 60 games and we go on to win (or even play for) a championship, *no one* will be happier than I.

Comment from Babakism
Time July 2, 2009 at 3:40 PM

I don’t know if Sweetney has enough D to make our team. I think most likely we will put aminu or one of these undrafted players to fill our last hole. I feel like if we are not going to get chris anderson then an undrafted is the best way to go. I think we are set with the roster we have going into the regular season. We might be overloaded on guards and thin in the middle but as long as no one gets injured we are fine at big man. Should there be an injury then you can go ahead and trade mike james or whoever to get a back up big man. Mike James could sit on our bench and nt play a single minute all season andthat would be ok because we need his 6. whatever mil to extend long term ofers to our talented core as they become free agents in the future.

There is a difference between Talent and Potential Talent. I think when everyone says we have one of the most talented teams in the league they realy mean “potentially most talented” Don’t get me wrong we do have more talent than most with Gil Caron and Jamison. Hell Haywood has alot of underated talent. Miller is a talented “ROLE PLAYER” But to truly be the most talented team it requires consistancy and breakout perfomances from Mcgee Blatche Young Mcguire and Foye.

With this team in place we absoloutely have the “potential” to go deep in the playoffs and if we can play some freakin D an NBA Championship.

It’s funny how 2 years without Gil leaves your memory faded about how he can single handedly take over a game.

I think they should play that Dr. Dre song before every game this year…………………

Cause it seems to me like they forgot about Gil

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 2, 2009 at 3:47 PM

I know we have a lot of Steve Blake fans on the blog:

http://blog.oregonlive.com/john_canzano_impact/2009/07/Makingitbetter-SteveBlake.pdf

Comment from jsuh0
Time July 2, 2009 at 4:00 PM

are any of the summer league games gonna be on tv (CSN) sportswiz?

Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time July 2, 2009 at 4:34 PM

Amen, Babakism

I have said, if healthy, I think the Wizards can win it all. And I have also said I believe that we’ve got more talent than any other NBA team . That doesn’t mean that every one of our players has more talent that any other player in the NBA. It means that as a team, from top-to-bottom, I believe that we are better than the other teams from top-to-bottom.

Ernie and Coach Saunders have both stated that they like our team just as it is, which, to my way of thinking means that they believe we can win it with what we have. If not, they would be wheeling and dealing…and they are not. EG is quick to say also, that nothing is ever ruled out, and if the right deal came along, he would consider it. What GM would not say that? Could we improve the roster? Of course we could. Maybe the Lakers would trade Kobe for Mike James; or the Magic would take DeShawn and give us Dwight; or any one of many other possibilities.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time July 2, 2009 at 5:57 PM

i hear the nba is offering some kind of internet package that will have every game available (when i know more ill post it). I dont know about csn.