Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 22, 2010 at 12:44 PM

Let’s get it on:
Chad Ford from ESPN this morning on Mike/Mike:
1. John Wall
2. Evan Turner
3. Derrick Favors
4. Wesley Johnson
5. Demarcus Cousins

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 22, 2010 at 12:48 PM

Consensis is that Cousins is the ultimate gamble:
1. You will get a Great C/PF or
2. You will get Chris Washburn (3rd pick in the draft that was homeless in about 2 years)
Roll the dice.

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 22, 2010 at 12:50 PM

Evan Turner not only refused to work out for the Wizards but also refused to work out for #3 New Jersey.
I hope Philly takes Favors or Johnson so Turner can end up in Minnesota. That would be justice.

Comment from millie mill
Time June 22, 2010 at 1:40 PM

I still believe the Wizards can make the playoffs next season. They won’t be a high seed but they can get in. Remember we play in the east (all we have to do is stay above .500).

To me last year the Bucks looked pretty bad on paper. Basically no Michael Redd, they traded Richard Jefferson, they had a rookie point guard, they had two grandparents or their team in Jerry Stackhouse and Kurt Thomas and they didn’t pick up John Salmons until the middle of the season and no one on their team average 20 points a game. Bottom line the won 46 games.
Houston Rockets look like they didn’t have a chance to make the playoffs. They didn’t but if they were in the east they would have. No Tracy McGrady, no Yao Ming, no Ron Artest. Their big three was Brooks, Ariza, and Scola. They won 42 games.

So to say the Wizards won’t win 30 games next season is harsh. I think we would have won more than 26 games with the roster we had at the end of the season then the roster we began the season. The players have to buy into the system. The players have to play with some heart. The old squad just didn’t do either. I think with some fresh rookies, some bench players that now have a chance and the players really listening to the coach, we can make the playoffs.

Remember our own coach said this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEJSGwQkRIk&feature=PlayList&p=A3FA4833E048726A&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=13

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 22, 2010 at 1:51 PM

The only way the Wizards make the playoffs next year, in my opinion, is if they sign one of the big free agents this year and do not trade Gilbert or Wall.
If they go the route most people believe they will go by going young and do not sign a top caliber free agent then they are just going to have to wait a while and hope whoever they draft develops.

Comment from JWALL
Time June 22, 2010 at 2:00 PM

I am not as much concerned about being in the playoffs as I am in us rebuilding a team that will consistently be in the playoffs in the years to come.
Of course a lot of things could happen in the course of a season. But I like our situation to what Tom M. has been sharing, it will take some time to bring this together.
Like the OKC Thunder a team is not rebuilt in one year.
What we are about to do is about down the road.
Now of course with the team we place on the court should be competitive and hungry to win. Winning is a habit. Our team is going to grow to experience that new habit. That takes time
Most of all it is exciting to see all of what has gone on with this franchise that sooner than u think Charles Barkley is going to have say that the Washington Wizards are the most improved team in the NBA.
It is time for us to do do a REPOH
Repetition- Change old habits and make new ones
Easy- The more we do it the easier it gets
Pleasure- It will feel good to share about our rebuilding team
Often- Winning and being in the playoffs will be often
Habit- It will become a new habit to have a winning team challenging for NBA championships.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 22, 2010 at 2:02 PM

I would love to see the Wizards roll the dice for Beasley, and Miami’s pick if both sides were willing. Beasley needs a change of scenery, and HE IS NOT A BUST.

I remember another forward on our team that was immature at times, got an opportunity and it worked out for him……HMMMMMMMM

I repeat Beasley is no Kwame Brown, could you imagine the Wizards with a young core of Beasley, McGee, Wall, Blatche and Arenas….As a fan I love that

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 22, 2010 at 2:15 PM

jeffmalone, what are you going to give up for Beasely? It’s going to take more than the #30 and #35. I would love to see the local boy back in DC.
The Wiz will hate to give up Blatche or McGee to make this happen.
Are you willing to give up either one of them for Beasely?

Comment from maggicman11
Time June 22, 2010 at 2:19 PM

just wondering if this would be possible: we take Beasley’s Contract to get 18th pick, Pay half the contract off then trade Beasley and Thorton with trade exception for 4th pick. maybe throw in cash consideration to make the deal look more appealing. we end up with 1st, 4th, 18th and 30th in 1st round. would that be possible?

what about that same deal but we keep Beasley and trade Thorton, 18th pick, Exception and cash for 4th pick? i might be reaching a little here.. but id REALLY like to have Cousins. What about trading a top 10 protected draft pick in next years draft?

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 22, 2010 at 2:20 PM

@jmpalomo-I actually think Miami wants to move Beasley…I really don’t think it would take Blatche or McGee…………

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 22, 2010 at 2:21 PM

Mario Chalmers to Pacers
Andre Blatche and #30 pick to Miami
Michael Beasely and #10 pick to the Wizards

Indianapolis is looking for a point guard and have told everyone that the #10 pick is up for trade.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 22, 2010 at 2:27 PM

@jmpalomo-I would not trade Blatche or McGee the Wiz can build around them…….

Comment from neal
Time June 22, 2010 at 2:31 PM

Boy, there are so many possibilities. About the only thing you can bet on is that the Wiz will not stand pat.

After watching Saunders’s interview after the Blatche incident my mind has changed some about Blatche. If some one is anxious to have him I say let him go.

Comment from millie mill
Time June 22, 2010 at 2:32 PM

I do believe it will take some time for the Wizards to contend for a championship, but making the playoffs in the east is well in reach. As bad a team we were last season, with injuries, trades, suspensions, and a 16 game losing streak. We were only 15 games out of the playoffs. We have six players under contract, three incoming rookies, cash, and roster spots. We need a starting SF and C. Who knows whom we will get but the door is still open.

Comment from neal
Time June 22, 2010 at 2:33 PM

Yes, Beasley at a low price is the kind of FA we should be looking for. Potential at a low price. We take a risk but the upside potential makes it well worth it.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 22, 2010 at 2:37 PM

@Neal and the board, could it be possible that the Wizards move Thornton to the Heat, for Beasley and the 18th pick? It’s worth a call to them you think?

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time June 22, 2010 at 2:54 PM

I think Miami would trade us Beasley and #18 for one of our trade exemptions. Miami is trying to move him to clear more room to sign a top tier free agent.

Comment from millie mill
Time June 22, 2010 at 3:03 PM

I don’t understand why everyone wants Michael Beasley. Isn’t he a power forward?

If he can play small forward than that would be great but I htink he is a PF. They have him listed as a 6-10 forward.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 22, 2010 at 3:05 PM

@Grif-I believe you are correct, I really hope the Wizards are pursuing this, if this has any truth to it…(I would hate to hear we had a proposed deal and turned it down)

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 22, 2010 at 3:06 PM

@Millie-Beasley is a SF and should only play PF if teams go with a smaller line up. He is not 6ft10 (the term listed is such an NBA term ,lol)

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time June 22, 2010 at 3:11 PM

Yes he is technically a 4, but he is very atheletic. It wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to imagine him at the 3 , Andray at 4, and “whoever” at 5

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time June 22, 2010 at 3:12 PM

I “think” Beasley is 6′ 10″ and 235lb

Comment from millie mill
Time June 22, 2010 at 3:23 PM

So what you guys are saying is Michael Beasley is like Lamar Odom.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time June 22, 2010 at 3:30 PM

He hasn’t shown much of anything so far in his career, but, Odom wouldn’t be the worst comparison if he blossoms at all

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 22, 2010 at 3:32 PM

Beasley is a Power Forward. He can play the 3 but I don’t think you want to rely on him to guard all the great small forwards out there.
There are alot better options for small forward. If we take him it will be to play the 4.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 22, 2010 at 3:37 PM

Guys he can play the 3 and 4, and jmpalomo who would be a better option? A former #2 pick in the draft, who has a jump shot, YOUNG (21 yrs old), and can rebound, dribble and pass, with a great contract?

I repeat he is not a BUST, he is 21 years old and way to early to pass on this talent, we would be nuts not to go after this guy!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 22, 2010 at 3:39 PM

And for the record Mr Beasley is closer to 6ft7, not 6ft10

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 22, 2010 at 3:42 PM

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Michael-Beasley-605/links/

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 22, 2010 at 3:49 PM

David Lee. That’s who I want.
He most likely wont be in the Wizards Plan but his stats are awesome:
20 points a game
12 rebounds a game
.812 free throw percentate
.545 field goal percentage

And he will cost us “zero” draft picks. It will probably take a $70 million 5 year contract.
He is on top of my Wizards wish list (besides getting Lebron).

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time June 22, 2010 at 3:50 PM

I guess you can get measurements all over the place Jeff. I went to Nba.com’s info page on him and the heat’s site. maybe he is 6’7″ though?

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 22, 2010 at 3:52 PM

@jmpalomo-(IMO) I don’t think the Heat are shopping Beasley for picks (I am sure they would take them in return) I think they want to go for experience and a FA splash. I really think if we proposed a trade with the Heat we could retain Beasley and the 18th pick………

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 22, 2010 at 3:52 PM

Being the second pick in the draft, Miami is not going to hand over Beasely.
Blatche or McGee: It will probably take one of these two guys.
Your not getting him for Thornton and a pick. I wouldn’t do it if I was Miami for Thornton.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time June 22, 2010 at 3:54 PM

I like David Lee, but, Ted has already said we aren’t signing any high dollar free agents.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 22, 2010 at 3:56 PM

@Grif-LOL…The internet is a beauty huh? I would love for him to come home and get his career moving in the “right” direction. With the 1\4 sets and occasional pick and roll action the Heat ran, it was some of the reasons for his numbers being down.

Now I also realize much has to go to Beasley as well, however no way that kind of talent will not develop and shine in the NBA. I remember when young Jermaine O’Neal did not produce early on, and people wanted to label him a bust, all he did is become a max player! A rose is still a rose, no matter when it blooms! So if we are in re-building mode, and crave young talent to develop, I say snatch him up fast!

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time June 22, 2010 at 3:56 PM

Miami doesn’t want him. He has done “nothing” to date. Miami is expected to try to sign a high dollar, top tier free agent. Beasley stands in the way. His salary would help buy that free agent

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 22, 2010 at 4:07 PM

@Grif-Again you are correct, and Wade really wants Amare Stoudemire. They wanted him at the trade deadline last year, now with the Suns more than likely out of the picture. It sets up nice for Wade and Amare to be together in South Beach. Which makes Beasley, expendable………

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 22, 2010 at 4:12 PM

Question for the board:

What do you think will take place with Nick Young? Well he be on the roster this year or will the Wizards look to move him?

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time June 22, 2010 at 4:16 PM

Jeff I think that’s why Miami might give us Beasley and #18 for one of our trade exemptions. That way they could clear Beasley’s salary without having to take a player back

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time June 22, 2010 at 4:17 PM

I think Nick is ours this season. He really hasn’t done enough to catch any other team’s eye yet.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 22, 2010 at 4:22 PM

@Grif-I would love if that scenario played out for us with Beasley in one of our trade exemptions

As far as Nick, I think the draft will give us an idea of what will take place. I like Nick a lot, and at the end of the year he played well. But I am not sold that Flip thinks that highly of him (IMO).

I would like to see him stay, but man if he got out on the west coast to the Suns, Warriors or Clippers or Knicks back east all teams with an up temp style he could really flourish.

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 22, 2010 at 4:31 PM

It will take a team that wants Nick Young and Javale McGee more than normal in order to trade for them because of the simple reason that these two guys are Ernie Grunfield and Washington Wizards first round draft picks.
Ernie alread screwed up with Pecherov. Trading either one of these guys, especially Nick Young, will be an admittance that he failed on another first round draft pick. With only 6 players on the roster don’t count your chickens before they hatch that Nick Young will get traded.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 22, 2010 at 4:33 PM

@jmpalomo-I am not advocating that we trade Young at all, I am asking the likely-hood of him being on the roster this year?

McGee=untouchable (IMO)

Comment from maggicman11
Time June 22, 2010 at 4:34 PM

I dont think EG is considering trading Nick, Blatche or Mcgee. I believe he wants that to be the core and believes in them. my beliefs arent as high for Mcgee, but hard work can turn Nick and Dray into great players. they both have the talent, they are only missing IQ which will come the longer they play and study the game, and hunger which can come after only winning 20 games. or multiple losing seasons. but nothing i have heard from Ernie would lead me to believe he has any interest in trading those 3 players. I think he would trade Gil b4 one of those guys.

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 22, 2010 at 4:35 PM

I would say 85% chance Nick Young stays.
If the Wizards have a scenario where they can move in the top 7 I think Nick would be included in such a trade. Other than that, no way Nick is moved.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2010 at 4:39 PM

jmpalomo — I think you don’t understand how eager Miami is to get rid of Beasley. They want his salary off the books in order to get a tier one FA to play w/ Wade (and therefore to be able to *keep* Wade).

I also don’t think you (or you, jeffmalone90) understand how little interest there is in Beasley around the league. Nobody doubts his talent, but he comports himself as an arrogant, lazy fool. He did dope at the NBA rookie orientation for crying out loud. And that’s the least of it.

Miami offered Beasley to NJ in return for Keyon Dooling — a non-entity! And NJ *refused* the deal. What does that tell you?

Miami would *love* to trade Beasley for our trade exception — that takes his salary right off the books for them. I want their #18 pick as well. No interest in Beasley himself. I wouldn’t be seeking him.

But he’s low risk — his salary is expiring. And, yes, he is only 21; there’s a chance he can straighten himself out once he sees that his career is about to go down the drain otherwise.

But, no, he is not a 3 — Miami tried him at the 3 and didn’t get results.

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 22, 2010 at 4:40 PM

My guess, and this is only a guess, is that Andray Blatche will no longer be a Washington Wizard on draft night. I think the Wizards will use him in a 3 way deal to move into the top 7.
Now that Wesley Johnson looks like he is going to New Jersey at #3 I think someone is going to get Minnesota’s #4 pick because the Wolves REALLY WANTED Wes Johnson.
My guess is that we will go after Cousins, Monroe or Favors in that order to Join John Wall.

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 22, 2010 at 4:42 PM

I don’t care for having Beasely. I just think looking at the Wizards roster that it’s going to take more than Thornton or Young to get him.

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 22, 2010 at 4:44 PM

Tom, welcome to the discussion

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2010 at 4:45 PM

I don’t think *anybody* is untouchable on our squad — no one we wouldn’t be willing to trade in some situation. But I don’t think there’s much interest in Nick Young around the league. jm90 says he “played well at the end of the year.” Not particularly. He had a golden opportunity to earn minutes after the big trades, and he couldn’t produce.

All you guys talking about making the playoffs — you’re dreaming. For one thing, *please* lower your expectations for John Wall. He’ll be a very young rookie.

It just *doesn’t matter* how many games we win this year. It only matters whether we like the young players we add to the squad. We’ll have another high pick next year and keep adding guys.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 22, 2010 at 4:48 PM

@Tom-I agree with you on Beasley, and that is why I want the Wizards to be pro-active not re-active to his situation. I love the high risk, high reward scenario with him with that contract and pick #18 (A NO BRAINIER)

I would be shocked if we traded any of these players

Young
Blatche
Arenas
McGee

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2010 at 4:50 PM

jmpalomo — I was out playing golf in the heat; what can I say?

I would *love* to get into the top 7 for another pick. Hope it happens. But I doubt we’d trade Andray for the privilege. The only guy I can imagine wanting enough is Cousins (not to say we *do* want him that much). I could be all wrong, of course.

Now, a lot of these trades are conditional — if the guy we want is available at the pick the trade gets made, if not it doesn’t get made.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2010 at 4:51 PM

Listening to Ernie say *over and over* that we have 3 draft picks and *never mention* looking for any more makes me think that we have some more picks coming in deals that are lined up.

You know Ernie — he gives away *nothing!*

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 22, 2010 at 4:51 PM

@Tom-I really don’t have a good read on Young anymore? I mean from the coaching staff, to his minutes not sure what we are trying to do with him honestly?

Now I do not expect the playoffs this year Tom, HOWEVER it is not out of the realm of possibility! We are way to early in the process without any moves being made, I still think with a couple of moves we can contend for a playoff spot.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2010 at 4:52 PM

Btw — what makes you think Wes is going to NJ?

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 22, 2010 at 4:52 PM

Looking at Keyon Doolings salary it shows that New Jersey has a team option this year which means Miami didn’t want Keyon Dooling they just wanted his team option salary which of course would be declined.
That’s why New Jersey didn’t want to give up Dooling. It had nothing to do with Beasley.
If New Jersey is able to sign Lebron they could possibly add David Lee also and then draft Wes Johnson to go along with Lopez and Harris.
Wow!

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 22, 2010 at 4:56 PM

Chad Ford tweeted on ESPN.com that Wes Johnson has moved ahead. He said Minnesota is freaking out because they thought he would be there at #4. He also said that 2 reliable sources said that Turner is definitely #2.
I love Wes Johnson. If I was Philly I would take him or Cousins (super high risk/ super high reward).

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2010 at 4:57 PM

Nick Young just turned 25. He’s not a young guy any more by NBA standards; he’s in his prime. What you see is what you get, and it isn’t very good. Sorry.

As to making the playoffs? Of course nothing is out of the realm of possibility! Maybe we’ll win 60 games, as Gotabig predicted for last season. But what makes *any* success likely right now? Nothing, obviously.

So the question is — will you still be a fan when we win 20 games? That’s what I think is likely. Will it bother you? I hope not.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2010 at 5:05 PM

jmpalomo — exactly. Miami was willing to trade Beasley for a salary they could fail to option. I.e. for nothing more than cap space. We have a trade exception equal to Beasley’s salary; that’s another way for them to clear his salary.

I’m sure they’d be *delighted* to do that deal. To agree to it straight up, we’d have to *want* Michael Beasley — in which case, we’d be the only team in the league that did want him.

I read Ford’s tweet about NJ and Johnson. Also read that Avery Johnson wants Cousins. Also read that NJ is *def* picking Favors! Lots of disinformation being passed around, as usual. Hey, I’m not 110% sure we’ll take Wall! I mean I think we will, sure. But who knows? Maybe we’ll trade our #1 and an exception to Minny for their #4, Kevin Love, and their # 16 and 23?

(We won’t — I’m just yanking your chain — but if it was possible I’d do that deal)

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 22, 2010 at 5:05 PM

Will Ted Accept 10,000 fans in the seats?
That’s the bigger question. 2 years in a row of eroding fan base.
I won’t bet on it.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 22, 2010 at 5:07 PM

@Tom-I will always be a “fan” HOWEVER it would bother me very much if we only won 20 games.

@jmpal-Doug Collins said that Johnson blew him away at the 76er’s workout (could be a smoke screen but who knows) I think that Faulk really has given Turner some bad advice…….

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 22, 2010 at 5:07 PM

Gotta play softball. Later.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2010 at 5:15 PM

Givony also tweets on NJ deciding to take Wes Johnson — because he is the most “ready” guy and they want to be competitive this year. In that case, Minnesota takes Favors and continues trying to move Jefferson (not as much interest in him as they expected — and for good reason).

Too much to juggle — and it doesn’t affect us. I just want 2 more picks; I really do.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2010 at 5:18 PM

I don’t think there’ll be any problem maintaining or increasing attendance. And I don’t understand why winning only 20 would bother anyone. We’re rebuilding.

We’re a horrible team. If you want to win a title, you have to put up w/ this instead of running out and signing some FAs who make us “competitive” — just about my least favorite word. I don’t want to be “competitive” or be “a quality product.” I want to win a title.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 22, 2010 at 5:26 PM

Tom-20-62 really does not sit well with me at all, rebuilding or not! We have talent without any moves to win more than 20 games!! We are not the Nets of last year, if healthy no way we win 20 games, and I am sure that Mr Ted would be seeing Red (and I am not talking Caps hockey) if we were, LOL..(IMO of course)

Comment from JWALL
Time June 22, 2010 at 5:42 PM

There was this website of basketball rumors where fans send in the rumors they have heard or read. Not necessarily true.
But there was one interesting one for the Wizards. They had us resigning Randy Foye, picking up Josh Howards contract and alongwith AB sent them to detroit for their 7th pick in the draft and we receive tayshaun prince and draft Greg Monroe.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time June 22, 2010 at 5:57 PM

LOL…JWALL, its still a rumor until it happens.

I’m not opposed to anyone coming or going. I don’t think any of us will approve on every player that will land on our roster, each and every season/reason. As long as a player plays their role, I could care a little less about their stats, their past, or their current “prognosis”. I just want a team that will come out, play their hindpots off, and do whatever the coach wants them to do, to win games. No matter who is on our team in the future, if they are on that bench when/if we win a championship, they all would have played their part. Here’s to new beginnings, and new dreams that will hopefully come true (not by saying that we are putting together a championship team, but by putting that type of product on the hardwood)

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2010 at 5:59 PM

jwall — I wouldn’t put much stock in any of that.

jeffmalone — “we have talent”…? We have 6 players. We’ll have a very young rookie point guard. We’ll have at least 2 other rookie draft picks and maybe an undrafted player.

I don’t know if we’re *as good* as last year’s Nets. You think McGee produces at the level of Brook Lopez? You’re sure Gil is the player of ’06-07 (his best year)? You’re counting on Nick? How’s that worked so far?

After the trade, we went 9-23. And that team had Mike Miller, James Singleton and Shaun Livingston.

Starting over is starting over — there isn’t a worse team in the NBA right now than the Washington Wizards.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time June 22, 2010 at 6:00 PM

John Wall’s athleticism, scientifically proven

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/wizardsinsider/2010/06/john-walls-athleticism-support.html?wpisrc=nl_buzz

Comment from dcbutler357
Time June 22, 2010 at 6:01 PM

The weirdest thing, or good mgmt? is that the lakers only have seven or so players under contract also. Now that’s scary….

Comment from JWALL
Time June 22, 2010 at 6:02 PM

Here is a espn link about the latest trade buzz. Even shares that Omar Samhan outplayed Grfeg Monroe at a recent workout at Golden St.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/blog?name=nba_draft&id=5310599

Comment from JWALL
Time June 22, 2010 at 6:05 PM

sorry for the typo on Greg’s first name.

This years Russell Westbrook prediction to jump in the top ten: Avery Bradley, Texas

Comment from gray16
Time June 22, 2010 at 6:15 PM

why do people want to trade blatche?

i wouldn’t trade him unless i was getting either a top 4 draft pick and a good role player.

why should we trade him when he finally starts showing signs of being a great player? and especially for michael beasley, who is just a waste of space on a team. he’s andray blatche’s immaturity X2 plus nick young’s learning ability plus kwame brown bust material – some. why would we trade blatche for him?

i don’t think, or at least i hope the wizards aren’t dumb enough to trade blatche for anything less than a steal at this point (like a top 4 pick and another great young player).

but just to go against myself, if the kings wanted to trade carl landry and their pick for andray blatche, i’d jump all over that.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 22, 2010 at 6:26 PM

The Milwaukee Bucks just agreed to send center Dan Gadzuric and Charlie Bell to the Warriors for Corey Maggette. The Warriors get rid of one of their biggest contracts (3 years, $31 million), which aids in their bid to add a difference maker this offseason.

Read more NBA news and insight: http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStories.asp?lc=NBA&c=1&TEAM_ID=&PLAYER_ID=&hd=20100622#STORY_26755#ixzz0rcid43ez

Comment from JWALL
Time June 22, 2010 at 6:27 PM

For me the jury is still out on AB. This week may be a opportunity when you are rebuilding a team that you just can’t pass up in considering trading any of the Wizards on the roster.
I have seen a lot of players who have scored more points and done a lot of exciting times when they get more minutes to play. Maybe AB time has arrived with AJ departure. But I am not sold on it. If AB was more of a defensive presence with his offensive game I would not consider trading him.
But he may have done the best thing this franchise needed him to do. he put on a decent talent show towards the end of the season. Enough to draw some interest as the Wiz try to improve this team. We are not going to just give him away but if the right deal comes along on draft night don’t be surprised.

There has been a recent trade of Cory Maggette to the Bucks reported by http://hoopshype.com

Comment from gray16
Time June 22, 2010 at 6:27 PM

as far as beasley goes, nba trade machine works for nick young and drew good trade exception for beasley (and 18th pick, can’t figure in picks but it doesn’t affect them either). i wouldn’t mind seeing that happen.

Comment from JWALL
Time June 22, 2010 at 6:31 PM

There was a rumor I read a couple of weeks somewhere that the Wizards may be interested in short term deals with John Salmons and Tyson Chandler.

Comment from gray16
Time June 22, 2010 at 6:31 PM

jwall, i’m definitely not against trading him in a reasonable trade. but for me a reasonable trade includes getting back quite a good talent, and if a draft pick, a very high one.

you are taking a risk on a draft pick just like on blatche, so no need to trade for a low draft pick. getting back a good young player works, but they would have to be a big man imo, because trading away blatche for a guard would be very dumb.

for a guy like carl landry and a pick, or kevin love and a pick, i wouldn’t mind it.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 22, 2010 at 6:31 PM

@gray16-I like that a lot , nothing against Nick I just think it helps both teams and players

Comment from JWALL
Time June 22, 2010 at 6:48 PM

Would any of you entertain trading Gil and AB to the Lakers for Andrew Bynum, Luke Walton and Vujavic?
Jerry Buss could then bring Derek Fisher off the bench until he retires.
Plus the thought of Gil in the triangle with Kobe and Lamar and Pau would be enough to make brother real happy.
It’s 2 days before the draft and I am having a ball.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time June 22, 2010 at 7:21 PM

The above rumor is supposed to be between LA and Toronto, on a sign and trade.

Comment from maggicman11
Time June 22, 2010 at 7:26 PM

Tom- we are not the *absolute* worst team in the league, 3 teams finished with a worse record than we did so untill proven otherwise, there are 3 teams worse than us. (not much of a comeback i know) lol..

Gray16- I agree about trading Blatche. BAD IDEA. we dont have ANY idea about the type of player we’d be getting with a draft pick but we DO know what we have in Blatche. he didnt just produce at the end of the season, he performed ALL season. he just didnt as much time in the beginning. does anyone remember the very 1st game of the season? Blatche put up 30 which was a sign of things to come when he returned to the starting lineup.

Blatche for Bynum on the other hand… i might do that one! lol.. Quality Centers are hard to come by. we’d have much more success finding a decent PF than another Center like Bynum. on the other hand, Bynum is fragile. we dont want another Gil out there do we?

Comment from dcbutler357
Time June 22, 2010 at 7:30 PM

Bynum is a pf, being played at center

Comment from maggicman11
Time June 22, 2010 at 7:46 PM

Now that i think about it, there have really only been about 6 franchise Centers over the last 10 years!! and i mean true centers, not PF’s that play Centers.
1. Shaq
2. David Robinson
3. Yao
4. Dwight
5. Alonzo
6. Bynum

The 3 teams with one of these Centers had the best records in the league.

Comment from gray16
Time June 22, 2010 at 7:46 PM

i completely disagree with the lakers trade. that would just be completely starting the team over from scratch and john wall, which isn’t a bad idea, but getting rid of andray in the process just seems dumb. andray doesn’t cost us anything, the only reason that trade seems remotely intriguing is due to getting rid of gil’s contract, but the blatche factor turns me away from it.

bynum is ok, but he gets injured every season. i’d take blatche over bynum at the moment, mainly due to injuries. i’d rather the wizards buy back haywood instead of going for bynum, but that’s just me.

Comment from maggicman11
Time June 22, 2010 at 7:47 PM

dcbutler- i dont think bynum is a PF. he’s 7ft and doesnt have the ball handling or post game to be considered a PF. but thats my opinion

Comment from gray16
Time June 22, 2010 at 7:49 PM

bynum isn’t a franchise center, he’s a role player. putting him in the same category as prime shaq is a no no imo.

but my definition of a franchise player may differ from yours. i just don’t consider a player one when he has two guys (kobe and gasol) to ride to championships.

Comment from maggicman11
Time June 22, 2010 at 7:56 PM

i agree he is not on Shaq’s level (no one other than Wilt and Kareem are) but he is the next best center over the last 10 years. he was a major contributer to the lakers, not just a role player. he is not as good as Pau, but Pau is a PF. he cant lead a team to a championship, but if you were a championship team, what Center not on my list would u rather have?

Comment from maggicman11
Time June 22, 2010 at 8:02 PM

Gray16- However, if we take Bynum off the list that leaves just 5 centers over the last 10 years. thats a one franchise center, in the entire NBA, once every 2 years. hmmmm… kinda makes you want Cousins that much more.

Comment from neal
Time June 22, 2010 at 8:06 PM

I hope the other GM’s didn’t see the clip of Saunders’s press conference after Blatche refused to play, and I hope some GM becomes enamored of him and offers us a lot for him, and I hope we take it.

Comment from gray16
Time June 22, 2010 at 8:19 PM

bynum has not been better than yao, robinson (unless you are talking about the old robinson), dwight, any of the others on that list.

as for others not on that list, big z, marcus camby, motumbo, chris kaman, nenad krstic, and eddy curry can all be put at the same level as bynum thus far.

Comment from gray16
Time June 22, 2010 at 8:24 PM

and i don’t agree with that logic as far as cousins goes. you could also twist that to say that the chances of him becoming a franchise player are slim…

don’t go off of that, grab who you feel will be the best player for your team in the long run when you are starting over. no need to pull a portland trailblazers and leave mj or durant on the table when there is no need to. i’m not saying picking cousins is a bad idea, but i’m saying going off of that logic is a bad idea. in the long run i still think wall is the better pick at the moment.

Comment from maggicman11
Time June 22, 2010 at 8:27 PM

Bynum is not as good as anyone on that list. thats why i ranked him 6th. but, i cant say id rather have Kristic especially after how Bynum dominated him in the playoffs. not Z or anyone else mentioned. I may consider Kaman. but i guess we’ll have to agree to disagree.

Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time June 22, 2010 at 8:29 PM

Andray Blatche is going to be a cornerstone for the Wizards franchise for years to come. He will be EG’s legacy as a GM.

2010-2011:
1 – Wall
2 – Arenas
3 – Gay/Slick
4 – Blatche
5 – McGee
= playoffs

Comment from maggicman11
Time June 22, 2010 at 8:33 PM

What im saying about Cousins is that he has the potential to be the next one on the list. If he is that one, there wont be another for another 2 years and there will be 29 other teams trying to get him. i guess its a risk vs. reward situation. does the risk of not getting him and he turn out to be the next great center outweigh the reward of getting him? its all opinion at this point

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2010 at 9:02 PM

Ok, we have Gotabig on record that we make the playoffs next year — or maybe only if we acquire Rudy Gay? (which we won’t)

And that Andray will be a Wizards “cornerstone” (may it come true!).

But… I would have thought Ernie’s Wizards legacy would have to revolve around his acquisition of Gilbert Arenas, no?

I say @20 wins; Gotabig says “playoffs” (whatever # of wins that turns out to require). Lets see who is closer to the truth at the end of next season. If I wanted to take everybody’s money, I’d suggest a bet on the subject!

Given there’s no bet, obviously I’d prefer Gotabig to be right and me wrong. But that’s not what’s going to happen.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2010 at 9:03 PM

magicman — are you saying you’d take Cousins over Wall?

Comment from gray16
Time June 22, 2010 at 9:05 PM

when i say krstic, i am referring to the krstic on the new jersey nets, just like i am reffering to big z in his prime. if we are just talking about right now you can say brook lopez, marc gasol, andrew bogut, kendrick perkins, and al horford are as good as or ever better than bynum.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2010 at 9:07 PM

gray16 — why do we have to give anything for Beasley? If we were willing to take him, Miami would happily give him to us free.

That is, they’d deal him to us for a trade exception, which they’d promptly renounce.

I’d have no interest in that deal, btw. No pick no deal, sez I.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2010 at 9:10 PM

Explicit confirmation that we’re trying to acquire at least one more draft pick:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/wizardsinsider/2010/06/wizards-attempting-to-move-up.html

Comment from gray16
Time June 22, 2010 at 9:11 PM

tom, the trade i said included miami’s pick, that’s the only reason i see trading for beasley being a reasonable decision imo.

Comment from maggicman11
Time June 22, 2010 at 9:33 PM

No i wouldnt take Cousins over Wall. but i wold trade gil or just about anyone else on the roster other than Blatche to move up and get him.

there is no Kristic on the Nets. Kristic i hope u dont mean Kris humphries.

some of those players have numbers as good as or better than Bynum, however, they dont have Kobe and Pau on there teams either. I wonder how much they’d shine on the lakers. Marc Gasol is probably the best out of them. but you have to look beyond the stats with Bynum. he is a good defender. Look at what happen to Dwight in the finals a year ago. he dominated Horford in the playoffs, but he cant do that against Bynum although Horfords numbers are better. he gives you a winning formula moreso than numbers on a team like the lakers. put him on one of those teams the other centers are on, with the exception of Marc gasol and Bogut (because he fits the system) and the team is better

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 22, 2010 at 9:37 PM

Michael Beasley is “in the discount bin”:

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/fl-hyde-miami-heat-0623-20100622,0,6517831.column

“Not that much,” a NBA front-office executive said when asked about Beasley’s value right now.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time June 22, 2010 at 10:21 PM

maggicman you are correct, Andrew Bargnani would be the pf.

oh and about that bynum thing….wilt had better numbers than russell, but russell has more rings. Shaq has rings, but it wasn’t because he was “the man”, it was because he was part of a TEAM. A TEAM, A TEAM. At some point we have to focus on more than a person and focus on THE TEAM, that’s the only way we can win a championship. Who is going to complement Wall. That is the question? Along with does Flip have a system to magnify his strong-points rather than put him in a box, that doesn’t utilize his skills. Right now, Wall is the face of the Wizards, and he hasn’t played one game yet. I am getting excited, but in reality, we do have a ways to go.

Comment from neal
Time June 22, 2010 at 10:26 PM

Thanks for the links, Tom, to the confirmation that the Wiz are working to get another 1st round pick and the reasons the Heat are done with Beasley.

Who’s the biggest jerk, Beasley or Blatche. Or are they both sorta normal for NBA players? Are the guys with their heads on straight the exceptions?

Comment from dcbutler357
Time June 22, 2010 at 10:27 PM

And for the record (thanks Tom), everyone except for Wall is on the table to be traded. So if you like AB, Gil, or whomever moreso than the wiz as a team…..I may be saying, “it was nice blogging with you”…lol…but the show must go on

Comment from dcbutler357
Time June 22, 2010 at 11:05 PM

This is how I see it, in regards to players getting bad raps. When a person communicates, they are trying to persuade you to see things their way most of the time. We see it on the Blog every day. If a GM or Coach says XYZ about a player, and the player sits on the bench, or doesn’t get to explain their side, we are quick to label the player.

We have AJ and Caron saying XYZ doesn’t step up, etc. But XYZ doesn’t get meaningful minutes or has to take a shot when they get the ball, BECAUSE they wont get it again. When the player actually gets a chance, they show that they can play(AB). In Beasley’s case, he got meaningful minutes, in the beginning. Did Miami play to his strengths or make him fit in where he could get in?

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time June 22, 2010 at 11:42 PM

Jeff Malone I must first apologize for leaving so abruptly this afternoon. Apparently a tree fell down in the neighborhood and took out power lines. One minute I’m blogging and the next I’m in a home with no power. Sorry Bud.

To Clarify… I did “not” come up with the idea for us to trade our trade exemption to Miami for Beasley and the #18 pick. Tom Mandel came up with that “brilliant” idea a few weeks ago. I’m just ON THAT BANDWAGON big time Gotta give credit where credit is due. From the moment I read Tom’s post I thought that was one of the best ideas I’ve heard to date. I want the pick and might want Beasley too.

Beasley didn’t work out for Miami at “any” position. That doesn’t mean he can’t “grow up” a little and be a good 3 or 4 here. For one “rebuilding” season I’d give him his chance. Anyone talented enough to go #2 should at least be given a chance. Talk about possible diamonds in the rough.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time June 22, 2010 at 11:49 PM

Speaking of Greg Oden (lol) what is his physical state now? I’m sure almost everyone has forgotten about him. He is supremely talented but can’t stay healthy. As least so far. Something to think about….. maybe?

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time June 22, 2010 at 11:55 PM

Thanks for the articles Tom. The Post and Sun articles almost elude to the trade exemption for Beasley and pick! I wonder if we are the front runners? Probably nobody wants Beasley but EVERYONE wants #18.

The “ONLY” way I trade Andray is if the 4th pick is involved…. period. And that may still be a mistake.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time June 23, 2010 at 12:04 AM

@Beasley….. I did not know about the drug use, him being lazy, or having an attitude. That does sour me on him a bit until I think he was 19 years old. At 19 I was pretty stupid too (don’t know that age has changed that much but that’s a different discussion ). He is 21 now and hopefully a little better adjusted. At 21 he is still worth taking a chance on. It took Andray a while to at least “look” like a basketball player. It may be the same for Michael too? No drugs…. good attitude.. develops a work ethic and we really might have something.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time June 23, 2010 at 12:18 AM

top headlines on nba.com…all relevant?

Bynum to have surgery on knee next month
Kahn says Timberwolves will keep No. 4 pick
Hornets new coach doesn’t want Paul traded
Durant hoping to ink extension with OKC soon
Bird ready to deal No. 10 pick for point guard
Blazers pay to move up in second round

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 23, 2010 at 7:06 AM

We’re all stupid at 19, grifonracing. And I was stupid at 21, Beasley’s age — hell, I was stupid at 24, Andray’s age! As to drugs, I’m a child of the ’60s. Enough said.

neal — it’s not fair to paint Andray and Beasley with a single brush. Andray is pretty much grown up, certainly way past where Michael Beasley is. It’s up in the air still how good a player he can make of himself, but he has certainly become an adult.

Beasley was quoted recently that he wished he’d stayed in college. It would have been a good idea. Here’s hoping something comes along that gives him some internal discipline. He has a world of talent.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time June 24, 2010 at 9:47 PM

We got Trevor Booker from Minny (rumor\proposed)