Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 23, 2010 at 2:09 PM

I just mentioned this in the previous thread.

He had a very short tenure as a Wizard.

Wish the very best for his recovery and his career — who knows, he may be in the mix for next season.

Comment from millie mill
Time February 23, 2010 at 2:16 PM

I wish him the best in his recovery as well. Maybe he should go to Gil’s school for recovering vets in Chicago.

D-Leauge call up please. Shooting Guard needed!!!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 23, 2010 at 2:26 PM

Good luck Josh! Get well soon, and I am sad that you will miss the rest of the year. Who knows about next year but thank you for the spark!

Comment from dlts20
Time February 23, 2010 at 2:46 PM

On a side note, it really sucks for him because he fit in our system well and there was still a slight chance that we would take the team option on him but there is no chance of that now, espically with his & our past with injuries. Now he’s probably going to get half of that somewhere next year. It still could be us but it very well may be over for him here

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 23, 2010 at 2:47 PM

What a class act this guy is, you will be missed in the community and on the floor , I am sure it may have posted here but thought I would re-visit it again.

Source: Washington Post

A Wizard says goodbye

Monday, February 22, 2010; A14

When you get traded, you don’t get time to say goodbye. More important, you don’t get the opportunity to say, “Thank you.”

Thank you, to some of the best fans in the world. Representing you and representing this city has been an honor I will always cherish.

During my 4 1/2 years as a Wizard, I learned many valuable lessons, especially how to give back to the community. The most rewarding part of my time in Washington was meeting the incredible people of this city, and I will miss you all. Thank you to the countless individuals who helped me with the annual Coats for Kids, the Bike Brigade and my basketball camp. The memories are many and will never be replaced.

When I came to Washington, I dreamed of winning a championship. I thought I would play the rest of my career in this city, retire a Wizard and one day see my number hanging from the rafters at Verizon Center. I have learned that in basketball, as in life, nothing is guaranteed.

Thank you for the memories. My family and I will treasure them forever. Washington will always hold a special place in my heart.

Caron Butler, Dallas

The Washington Wizards traded Caron Butler to the Dallas Mavericks on Feb. 13.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time February 23, 2010 at 2:48 PM

Look for Al Thorton and Nick Young to log a lot of minutes, ok Slick the spotlight is on!

Comment from amr
Time February 23, 2010 at 2:58 PM

Personally, I think adding Ricky Davis could revive our team. He can be explosive when giving many minutes. Please sign Ricky. What do you think guys?

Comment from millie mill
Time February 23, 2010 at 3:00 PM

Very last chance for Nick. If he don’t play well I don’t think he will be a Wizard next season.

Comment from Jaba
Time February 23, 2010 at 3:17 PM

This is such a crying shame! It’s amazing how these things hit us everytime we see some light at the end of the tunnel! You really have to feel sorry for Josh Howard. The guy came to Washington energized, trying to bounce back from recent injuries and really wanting to prove he can play (which he did in these four games)….and now he’s out for the rest of the season! IMO this injury will have a huge effect on our remaining games. I really can’t say how much this ticks me off!

Comment from AUNDRA
Time February 23, 2010 at 4:08 PM

Josh I wish you the best man and hope when ready you can get up to Chicago with Gil and Tim Grover. I see a exciting guard combo of Gil and Howard with the Blood Thirsty Group of Blatche,Mcgee and Thorton. I can see a exciting bench of Foye, Ross, Miller, Singleton, IIgauskas next season. We have some good draft picks to pick up some more seasoned veterans again so lets use them! Bloggers what do you feel about my line up!

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 23, 2010 at 4:28 PM

Injured, traded, injured again — what bad breaks to have in your contract year!

Ross will get more minutes, obviously, and we’ll have to give Nick minutes too. We need a couple more bodies; we just don’t have enough guys to log the minutes we need.

This affects our potential deal with Z. We get no salary relief from the injury, and we are no doubt only *barely* under the luxury tax ceiling. In other words, if we bring in a couple of guys (whom we have to pay, obviously), does that put us back over the luxury tax ceiling?

I guess it depends on the deal we strike w/ Z. Unless it’s a good deal, we may have to keep him and play him. I can’t quite compute whether this situation favors him or us in the negotiations to tell the truth.

Word is Cleveland will ditch Darnell Jackson if Z comes back; he is a solid journeyman 4 who might work for us — if he fits under the ceiling that is.

Comment from gray16
Time February 23, 2010 at 5:14 PM

the wiz should definitely look for a pickup at the 3 for spot minutes. i think ross will get more minutes from this than nick, unless nick is hitting his shots on a certain night.

farewell to josh, in his short time here he did a lot. he was on his way to gaining a lot of fans in this city, sorry to him go down like this.

Comment from Jaba
Time February 23, 2010 at 5:20 PM

We’re not going to be able to find a replacement for Josh Howard just like that. A vital part of our team is missing. We won’t be able to evaluate what the man might do for the team next season. (I wasn’t as sure as others that Howard would be gone after this summer). The whole thing stinks and I’m extremely frustrated.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 23, 2010 at 6:25 PM

Definitely too bad — but much worse for Josh Howard than for the Wizards!

Comment from dlts20
Time February 23, 2010 at 6:25 PM

Sources close to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers have reported that the Washington Wizards will call-up former Houston Rocket Mike Harris, presumably to fill the void left by Josh Howard, who is out for the season with a torn ACL.
Harris, a 6-foot-6, 235 pound combo-forward out of Rice, is averaging 26.3 points and 9.8 rebounds while shooting 58% from the field for the Vipers.

Comment from maggicman11
Time February 23, 2010 at 6:27 PM

so the wizards curse continues… shame. i was never one to go out my way to atch out for cracks on the ground as i walk down the block. but now ill be more careful

Comment from dlts20
Time February 23, 2010 at 6:27 PM

Howard was the perfect fit because unlike Caron, he coud put the ball on the floor with speed & slash. Thats why he was also the perfect compliment to Thorton. We havent had a player like that in a long time. Harris may can do that but from the vid I just saw him dunking and shooting a J. We already have Thorton for that. He cant hurt but I wanted someone who can dribble & slash. Impressive numbers thought and he’s always very efficient. Word is that we are looking at Morris Almond also

Comment from dlts20
Time February 23, 2010 at 6:37 PM

http://dcprosportsreport.com/articles/washington-wizards/report-wizards-to-sign-mike-harris.html

From this vid he looks more like a 6’6 PF but lets just hope it works out

Comment from gray16
Time February 23, 2010 at 6:37 PM

mike harris? i remember that guy being a pretty good hustler for the rockets back in the day, and those numbers look good.

that sounds like a great pickup

Comment from dlts20
Time February 23, 2010 at 6:40 PM

I think part of it is that EG & Flip have established a tone of what kind of players they want and thats guys who are tough, athletic, & physical so I think those are the kind of guys they are going to sign even more than a guy they may really need. The probably figure if he plays hard & hustles then it will workout for us just like the others have

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time February 23, 2010 at 6:58 PM

josh howard hurt himself because the fans didn’t cheer and big tigger was terrible announcing the starting lineups.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 23, 2010 at 6:59 PM

Mike Harris was a very productive NCAA player, and when he had minutes w/ the Rockets in ’07-08 he produced as well. I think he is a terrific player for us to bring in right now.

Here is the Draftexpress profile:
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Mike-Harris-95/

and comprehensive stats (all this year’s D league stats on draftexpress are messed up for all players, btw):
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Mike-Harris-95/stats/

Excellent choice. Look forward to him contributing pretty well on the court.

Comment from Jaba
Time February 23, 2010 at 7:12 PM

If Mike Harris is THAT good, why is he playing in the D-League?? I’m not as enthusiastic as some of you guys….I mean losing Josh Howard but getting Mike Harris doesn’t sound all that great to me. I don’t want to sound negative, but I’m sceptical.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time February 23, 2010 at 7:25 PM

Before the Wiz get anyone else to close out the season, we have to ask this important question

WHAT IS THE CURRENT GOAL OF THE WIZARDS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS SEASON?

We’ve all been complimenting how this team is now playing for each other instead of for himself. We’ve also noticed how this team’s energy level has increased tenfold. We’ve also seen this team unbelievably win 3 out of 4 (could have been 4 of 4) after the all-star break.

With everything said, I have no idea where the Wizards are going. Without goals, we can’t accurate assess what the Wizards need and what they don’t need. Now that Grunfeld has completed his goal of going below the luxury tax for the Pollins, what is next? He hasn’t said anything.

I love the winning (who doesn’t), but I’m concerned. With Howard down, are the new Wizards still trying to “prove to the world wrong” by winning as many as possible? By doing so, they hurt themselves of getting a blue-chip prospect. But maybe they don’t care for a John Wall or D. Cousins. Maybe Blatche is warning the league that he’s a force to be reckoned with now.

I’m confused until I know what the team’s goals are.

Comment from Jaba
Time February 23, 2010 at 7:33 PM

Well, it’s past midnight here in Germany. No Wizard’s Game tonight, so I’ll finally be able to catch some sleep! Maybe things will look a bit brighter tomorrow……maybe Mike Harris will be another pleasant surprise, just like all the other newcomers. Maybe we’ll get a glimpse of things to come tomorrow. I’m hoping for a great game against Memphis! Go Wizards!

Comment from weswalk
Time February 23, 2010 at 7:59 PM

Agree 100 percent Wiz_Fusion. It almost feels like our recent successes is nothing more than fool’s gold. None of the recent acquisitions are youngsters. The youngest and the only one that I really like is Thornton and he will turn 28 in December.

By the time we are ready to contend only Blatche, Javale and Nick (who probably will be gone) will be in their prime.

Comment from ChenierFan
Time February 23, 2010 at 8:42 PM

With Josh’s injury the franchise suffers another terrible blow. I really enjoyed watching Josh play.

Time to put pressure on Stern to reinstate Agent Scapegoat. This franchise and their noble fans have suffered enough.

Comment from tyrone2000
Time February 23, 2010 at 9:17 PM

I agree ChenierFan, take the cuffs off of Arenas and forgive and forget, NOW

Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 23, 2010 at 9:19 PM

Gil goes for sentencing in a few weeks, no need in touching that right now….

Comment from dlts20
Time February 23, 2010 at 9:37 PM

Anyone Want Hughes? He was just released by the Kings. I hope to GOD we dont pick him up and he probably is hoping to go to a playoff team that will play him which will probably be super hard to find for him. He also may think he can come here, pad stats, and get a good contract next year. I made this thread because some on here always seem to wanted him back every time we tallked about making a move. Man I hope we dont fall in that trap

Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time February 23, 2010 at 9:39 PM

Very tough break for Josh.

Don’t give up on Slick. He has all the tools.

When we initially got Josh, I was vocal in saying that I didn’t want anyone playing in DC who would “bad mouth” the National Anthem. Apparently, Josh has had a change of attitude because there are pictures of him with his hand over his heart apparently singing along with the instrumentalist during the National Anthem prior to last night’s game.

http://www.nba.com/wizards/photogallery/photos_100219_8.html

Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time February 23, 2010 at 9:43 PM

Actually, the National Anthem photo was prior to the Nuggets game.

Comment from dmac
Time February 23, 2010 at 9:56 PM

If we are not use to dealing with the injury bug now we never will be.
Tough break for Josh. Hard to say whether or not he has a future with us because like Wiz_Fusion stated we don’t really know what the future holds for us. We still need to find out who will own the team. I believe for now EG and Flip have jobs till the end of the season.
Mike Harris is not a bad pickup. I would have preferred picking up Morris Almond because he iis a natural SG who can score. mike harris basically plys the same role James Singleton is playing for us now . But a hustle type player won’t hurt us.
I really believe that mike miller has to step up offensively and be more assertive. We need his scoring to support AB and Al Thornton.

Comment from dmac
Time February 23, 2010 at 10:04 PM

I really like to see the Wiz build the team in the draft alongwith taking advantage of free agency. I like what has happened in Oklahoma and they are nowhere near being as good as they can be. Yet they have already have won i believe 34 games. MY MVP vote goes to Kevin Durant not Lebron or Kobe. In fact I think that Melo has had a better year than Kobe and LBJ. But right now because Melo was recently hurt I am going with KD as MVP. 28 straight games over 25 points and his team is winning.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 23, 2010 at 11:07 PM

It’s amazing how okc got eric maynor off of Utah’s bench, and he’s pretty good (out of VCU). I would bet there’s a point guard at a small school that is better than wall, but wall gets all the ink. Other than that

OKC Baby

Taking it to the suns, let’s see if they can come back from this deficit and hold on. Phoenix should have traded Stoudemire somewhere, they look like they are about through and need to start rebuilding themselves….

Comment from neal
Time February 23, 2010 at 11:34 PM

Weswalk, Thornton and Foye are 26, Ross and Singleton are 28. Only Miller (who is 30), and of course Oberto and Boykins, look to be to old to be with us when we peak.

Mike Harris sounds good. How old is he? Isn’t he another PF? We need help in the back court.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 23, 2010 at 11:35 PM

Suns got lucky tonight…..

Comment from gray16
Time February 24, 2010 at 12:06 AM

grizzlies lost a heart breaker to the lakers tonight

that could help the wiz tomorrow, rudy played 41 min, oj 38, randolph 38, gasol 36, and conley 33

wiz need to take advantage and try and get a win tomorrow, although i don’t think they match up well with the grizzlies.

we’ll have to see how dray does against randolph, that will be a challege on both ends, mcgee will have a challenge in gasol, thornton and rudy will be a great battle, miller will have his hands full with oj, and foye is going to need to have a good shooting night

Comment from dcbutler357
Time February 24, 2010 at 12:25 AM

Miller better not have his hands full with O.J., He better not even dream about trying to check OJ. NY or Foye need to check OJ. Miami lost to Minn(dwade is hurting)….Playoffs may not be far-fetched if we can keep a run going…..

Comment from gray16
Time February 24, 2010 at 12:33 AM

i don’t like it either dc butler, i think mike will get burned bad against him

but if you put nick and thornton in at the same time, the ball is not going to move as well, it’s going to stick, so then you are relying on if nick and thornton are on and hitting their shots, or making the most of their one on one attacks.

mabye quinton ross would be a good guy to start over miller. he won’t hurt the ball movement much, but his defense will be there better than mike for sure.

Comment from weswalk
Time February 24, 2010 at 1:32 AM

I should have been a bit more specific w/ages. Since this season is a wash, my calculations were based on the 2010/2011 season. Foye 9/24/83 and Thornton 12/7/83. Both will be 27. Thanks, I was a year off on Thornton.

The point I was driving at that for most players when they reach the 25-30 range, its pretty clear what the level of skills they will bring to the table. While, I really enjoy the energy these new Wizards had displayed, this group has few players (Blatche, Thronton and possibly McGee) to get us to the promised land.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time February 24, 2010 at 9:02 AM

Most players in the NBA reach their performance plateau by their third season and maintain it through their late 20s. Obviously, this is not a *rule* but rather a statistical curve.

I don’t think, either, that anyone has studied players who come in at 18/19 years old as a separate group. It wouldn’t be surprising for them to take longer, as most of them don’t really understand the game from extensive coaching. Not to mention that they are more likely to be *kids* — “me” oriented, etc.

Still, except for JaVale, the guys on our team seem unlikely to change much; they are the players they are. Andray has certainly demonstrated — for 4 games — that he can be a high-level PF in this league. If he sustains it over the rest of the season, then he is a guy who got much better in his 5th season — an exception to the rule.

As to Nick, in whom Gotabig continues to believe, he is a completely ineffective player in this league. Listen carefully to what Flip says about him, and you’ll understand that he can’t remember his defensive assignments for example. Nick is an exceptionally sweet guy and a very gifted one-on-one baller and athlete. Not enough for him to succeed at this level.