Saunders Recaps Summer League
Posted: July 20th, 2010 under Flip Saunders, Wizards.
Comments
Comment from millie mill
Time July 20, 2010 at 3:05 PM
If Javale makes the team I hope he learns a lot more. That way me can bring his knowledge to the Wizards next season.
Comment from neal
Time July 20, 2010 at 3:08 PM
Amen millie. Both the knowledge and the experience in big-time games would be terrific for him.
Comment from weswalk
Time July 20, 2010 at 3:39 PM
JaVale on NBATV now working out with USA team. I agree, if he focuses he has an opportunity to really grow.
Comment from wizards_fusion
Time July 20, 2010 at 4:00 PM
@ neal
how about arenas sabotaging his team’s fans by doing stupid non-basketball related stuff that ultimately hurt everyone? how’s that for “unfair criticism”?
he’s the star player on the team – and like it or not, he has to uphold certain unalienable truths of being a star player.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 20, 2010 at 4:33 PM
Kirk Heinrich will wear #12
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 20, 2010 at 4:38 PM
LOL…ON TWITTER:
If JaVale McGee averages more than 10 ppg or 25 mpg, I’ll only listen 2 Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift & Trey Songz 4 the full summer of 2011
28 minutes ago via TweetDeck
Retweeted by MrMichaelLee and 4 others
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 20, 2010 at 4:57 PM
This will settle all the talk:
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 20, 2010 at 5:59 PM
All what talk, dcbutler? You mean about trading Gil? Or whether we’ll have a good back court?
I’m sure we all wish Training Camp would start tomorrow, followed by real games. That’s what will tell us the truth! 
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 20, 2010 at 6:04 PM
basically no trading gil right now, how he felt about the fifth pick being traded, etc etc etc
Comment from gray16
Time July 20, 2010 at 6:22 PM
man i’m having mixed emotions…
i want to hear about gil in the media to know what’s going on with him, i want to hear his opinions, how his summer is going, what he feels going into this season…
at the same time, i’m scared because it seems like the only time he is in the media it’s for something bad…
and then at the same time i’m happy because gil isn’t trying to get the media off of wall, he’s just doing his thing, trying to rehab, get into shape, and get ready for this year…
man i’m confused lol. guess i’ll just have to wait. i’m hoping for an interview with him though with chris miller or michael lee or someone close to the wizards who would do the story right.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 20, 2010 at 6:57 PM
Well, at the very least, we do know everyone will be going all out. Regardless of who’s on the court.
Comment from neal
Time July 20, 2010 at 8:08 PM
wizards_fusion, I’m not disputing criticism of Arenas’s off-court behavior. I just think he, and some other high-scoring players, have had their shooting percentage criticized a bit much.
Arenas, like a lot of elite athletes, get a little cavalier/arrogant about the rules that we all have to live by, ESPECIALLY (as you point out), people that are looked up to by our youth.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 21, 2010 at 1:31 AM
I wish JaVale the very best in supporting all of us on Team USA 
We have a team tailor made for Flip. He is a coach that loves to teach. With the exception of Gilbert everyone is young, coachable (by all reports), and very talented at multiple positions. this may not be a throw away season at all
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 21, 2010 at 1:41 AM
If Flip can bring guys like Yi and Armstrong “back to life” … Make them mix positively with the 2nd team… Bring JW along with as little pressure as is humanly possible… Teach the “Bangers” we drafted how to fit in… and teach an obviously raw but supremely talented multi lingual center positiion.
I’m getting excited… not for wins, but, to see this “whole thing” evolve.
It’s going to be great blog fodder no matter how it plays out
Comment from datonypony
Time July 21, 2010 at 2:50 AM
But now we have to wait for 3 months. 
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 6:33 AM
Good Morning Bloggers,
Okay Grif, I feel your energy
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 6:45 AM
New Orleans Hire Spurs Exec as GM
Comment from JWALL
Time July 21, 2010 at 6:54 AM
Ever since Ted L. took ownership of the team and we attained the number one pick (John Wall). I have looked at the Wizards rebuild in stages. Stage 1 was to make sure we did draft John Wall. Stage 2 was improving the roster by attaining extra picks, players through trades and FA. Stage 3 was SL which turned out to be very successful. Stage 4 is preparing for training camp and assembling the best team we can have to start the season with. Key players like Gil, AB, Seraphin and their health play a big part. I believe in training camp there is going to be a positive and magical effect effect that John Wall is going to have on the rest of the roster.
Our key is staying healthy. Even though McGee has a chance to make the USA team we want back to training camp healthy. That way he can continue to bond with John Wall and the rest of the starting lineup. I believe players we are suspect with like AT, NY, Yi and HA will surprise many of you who may think things are not going to work out. As Ted L. said the proof is in the pudding. Right now i don’t want to be judgemental about my team. I just want to keep hope alive for us to do better than we have the last two seasons. Whether we will make the playoffs I can not predict that at this time. But I have season tickets and will be able to gauge along with the rest of you what type of future we may have after the first 20 games of the season.
I have my focus so nothing anyone on this blog can say will change how I feel about our team. I look at this as a new beginning for all of us involved. Gray16 don’t worry about Gil he will be getting enough interviews and questions and stories written about him once the season starts. I await the haters. I believe whether you know it or not we have something special happening in this sports city with the Caps, Redskins, Mystics, Wizards and Nationals.
Pretty soon I will shift into my Redskins blogging as I await their training camp. I believe between Haynesworth, Portis and Gil their is going to be plenty to write about in the very near future.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 7:09 AM
Great Analysis JWall,
I don’t think that we are out of stage 2 yet.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 7:14 AM
Cmon JWall,
Please keep an open mind with us, blogging is about sharing opinions/thoughts. If someone says something different than you, it’s not hating etc, its communicating. Accept it, open yourself to it, expand your mindset…..Happy Blogging
Comment from JWALL
Time July 21, 2010 at 7:16 AM
IMO even though MJ, CB, Magic and other icons of the B-Ball game have everyright to voice their opinions concerning LBJ, DWADE and CBosh that’s all it is their opinions.
Simply what anyone say’s about the big 3 in Miami is meaningless.
They have chose to do something unique and not be like Mike or CB (never won a championship) or Magic.
This is their time and a human being ought to be able to do the things they desire to do.
How many human beings in life have ever left their hometown to go somewhere else and become successful.
I believe even though LBJ could have done without the reality tv thing is just concerned a bout winning. He made a decision to be a part of a team. Writers have this thing wrong this is no longer DWADE’s team. It is a team with some very talented ball players on the same squad. Will they win the championship like Boston did we will see.
What I like about the deal is so many people in life love putting people up on a pedestal so they they can worship that person. When you do something wrong or no longer want be a part of that city or team then people flip the script.
I believe something that none of us will really ever know caused LBJ to leave Cleveland. I believe Cleveland was his first choice but it was going to take more than a cartoon to make him stay.
Folks just need to get over it.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 7:27 AM
Applause Applause Applause
I agree 100% (anything more than 100 is simply bull…lol…)
That situation was all about control. Owners didn’t like it because it took the control from them and gave it to the players to make their own choices,,,and at the end of the day, their salaries this season are lower than boston and the lakers big three
Comment from draftazoid
Time July 21, 2010 at 7:30 AM
One of the analysist last night on NBA TV pointed out that Javale is the only shot blocker out of the 22 trying out.
This being the 2nd year in a row that Coach K and Jerry Colangelo have invited Javale to their camp/tryout is a great sign that Javale may actually have a shot to play for Team USA.
I hated that most of the camera work was on shorty Mike Fratello and his two buddies gabbing away instead of the action on the court.
Comment from JWALL
Time July 21, 2010 at 7:30 AM
dcbutler357 in my latest blog I was not referring to any of my fellow bloggers per say. I was referring to the sportscasters and ariters who have nothing negative things to say about Gil being still a part of the Wizards.
i dont want to debate with you. that would be meaningless. Do I have the right to agree to disagree with you? I certainly do and you do to. As I said on my blog post please don’t take what I write personally. I am exercising the same freedom you have.
In fact I like to meet you publicly once the season starts. Your interpretaition of blogging may be different than my approach. Do your thing because I am going to most certainly do mines. Peace.
Comment from JWALL
Time July 21, 2010 at 7:34 AM
I meant the writers and sportscasters are the haters.
One minute they praise and worship u the next they crucify u.
The fickleminded!
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 7:36 AM
its cool, i wasn’t taking it personally. Peace.
BTW-The last two seasons, we (bloggers) have met once(last home game of 2009) and planned to meet the last year at the end of season (i think we were too devastated)..lol…. Since we have JWall, we may want to move that blogger night up a few games….lol…..
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 21, 2010 at 8:34 AM
“Blogger night” — it’s a fun idea!
My so far summation, ala JWALL:
Other than that I wanted 6 rookies rather than 4, I’m happy with how we handled the draft. Trading up to #23 was fine — if you think there won’t be a guy you want as much at 30, that’s what you do. I probably would have drafted Damion James at 23 rather than Booker, but I might have been wrong to do that and I do like Trevor.
I love the trade that got us Hinrich & Seraphin. Kirk will help, and he’s short term. KS is young and raw, but from what one can see in video, and from all accounts by basketball people, he has really rare basketball athleticism and potential — it was a swing for the fences, and I believe that is the right thing to do in the middle of round 1.
I’m happy w/ the pick of N’Diaye too — who knows whether he’ll develop significant basketball skills, but he has the size, athleticism and smarts. Hard to get that at #56. Still, I might have picked Zoubek, slow though he is.
I *understood* the trade for Yi, but I don’t see it helping us. No reason to think he’ll improve. Obviously, I didn’t like signing Hilton Armstrong. I’d like every move to be made w/ the goal of developing the new Wizards. Still, it’s a minor issue, a veteran minimum end of the bench player. I just hope we don’t sign Morrison!!
Ok… so far so good. If we make another trade, either to move Gil’s long-term salary (even though I like him!) or somehow to prune the dead wood on the roster and get picks in return, I’ll be that much happier.
Comment from draftazoid
Time July 21, 2010 at 9:34 AM
The most significant contribution Yi will make this year is that Wizards games may be televised in China, especially with Yao recuperating, and thus the Wiz will sell alot of Jerseys and John Wall will have a chance to Start in the All Star game, ala TMac. (sorry Rondo, the Celtics need to get their own Chinese player for votes this year).
As ridiculous as that may sound of John Wall starting over Rondo (DWade will still end up being one of the two starting guards) the Chinese love watching basketball and voting on NBA.com.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 21, 2010 at 9:49 AM
DCB… how are you feeling Bud? I trust everything went well with the surgery. How long before you are cleared to practice?
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 21, 2010 at 9:51 AM
Oh and stop pinching the nurses LOL
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 21, 2010 at 10:17 AM
Right… I forgot — how are you doing, dcbutler? I see that your typing fingers are fully recovered!
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 10:28 AM
Thanks for asking Grif and Tom (and everyone else)
It went well, no pain before or afterwards. Big shoutout to Anne Arundel Medical Center. Their customer service is OUTSTANDING!! I have a soft caste for a month then another caste for about 8 weeks, then P/T.
LOL…The Mrs was with me, no pinching was allowed, but I did wear my mirrored sun glasses…lol…
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 10:42 AM
NBA-Where amazing happens….
Lon Babby, from an agent to Suns Prez of operations….okay, who’s dream is next?
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 11:52 AM
Montae Ellis, 11 mill over the next four years and he isn’t even 25 yet is a good snag.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time July 21, 2010 at 12:29 PM
I am happy for McGee two times he has been selected for the US Select team, and now has a legitimate shot at a roster spot. Or as Colangelo put it, “he has built up equity in the program”.
With all of this focus on him, and the NBA recognizing his potential and talent, I hope we are a organization will see it and use it, and more importantly lock him up with a contract!
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time July 21, 2010 at 12:31 PM
IMO Ellis in the odd man out now for Golden State, management has made it clear it is Curry’s team. Monte is one heck of a talent, it is a shame that they essentially are the same size and they may have to move him.
Comment from wizards_fusion
Time July 21, 2010 at 12:35 PM
doesn’t help that monte ellis soured relationships with management when he lied about his motorcycle incident that injured him
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 12:36 PM
catching mystics game
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 12:59 PM
man, if we could get ellis, our two spot is secure for years.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time July 21, 2010 at 1:12 PM
Look who is also on the block (rumor)
With the Sixers drafting Evan Turner and Andre Iguodala already on the roster, ESPN’s Marc Stein reports on Tuesday that the team is open to moving Jason Kapono because of their surplus of swingmen.
Read more NBA news and insight: http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStories.asp?lc=NBA&c=1&TEAM_ID=&PLAYER_ID=&hd=20100721#STORY_27313#ixzz0uL0eSssO
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time July 21, 2010 at 1:13 PM
I have to say the Mystics have been quite a story this year
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 1:30 PM
They just fell out of 1st place. If they win today (up 12 about a minute left) they would be in second…..
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 1:30 PM
kapono is a 2 isn’t he?
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time July 21, 2010 at 1:31 PM
Blatche at the Mystics game!
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 1:32 PM
yep, they win another one….they keep winning
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time July 21, 2010 at 1:33 PM
I think Kapono is more of a 2 and with a smaller line up maybe he can play the 3. Would he a good fit? I mean if he had a specialist spotting up on the wing with Wall getting into the lane, who knows right?
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 1:40 PM
Wall can have the whole team going to the all-star game….that’s when you know you have a special player….when everyone else looks better…
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 1:41 PM
for run and gun, i may want ellis a lil more, but kapono is probably the better set shooter?
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time July 21, 2010 at 1:44 PM
Ellis is watching a movie in HD, and Kapono is analog but a step up from the black and white set, lol……..But would love to have them both, and I believe that Jason may be the first one to be moved then Monte by the trade deadline or next off-season.
IMO I think we are really going to need at least one 3 pt specialist on the roster…..just to float to the corners
Comment from JWALL
Time July 21, 2010 at 1:48 PM
That’s the kind of magical effect i believe John Wall will have on his team in the next few years.
jeffmalone1990 spoke of Jason Kapono being available. I wander if EG is aware of that? (Ha Ha)
Monta is a nice young ball player. Jermey Lin the PG from Harvard is about to sign on with GS.
Us bloggers should meet before the end of the season at a game. Is that possible?
Also wanted to let you know you are on my personal prayer list dcbutler357. I pray God makes your achilles heel whole and well in Jesus name!
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 1:59 PM
Thanks JWall
LOL@JeffM……modern technology players….lol…
hmmm, is heinrich a 3 point specialist?
we can def make some moves and get both ( dec 1st is wait pd correct?)
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 21, 2010 at 2:17 PM
Monta Ellis? Jason Kapono? Noooo, no thank you.
Ellis is a *chucker*, full stop. Shoots a lot, scores well — for the losing team.
Kapono is a pretty efficient scorer (adj. FG% @48%), but that is *all* he does. He hurts you in every other way. Never gets to the line, plays no D, etc.
Don’t confuse Kapono with Kyle Korver, another “shooting specialist”, but one who holds up his end in every other category. Better shooter too.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 2:24 PM
understood, but how many “perfect” players are in the nba?
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 21, 2010 at 2:32 PM
What teams do you think will have the most improved records next year?
My bets are on Sacramento, Golden State and Miami (of course).
And who’s going to be worse? Cleveland (of course)… who else?
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 2:37 PM
Hmmmmmm, Dallas may be getting over the hill…run on em.
Also Denver didn’t get better did they?…maybe San Antonio (getting older, looking to move ginobli and parker)
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 2:39 PM
Golden State and the Clippers should just combine teams….lol….they both seem one in the same.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 21, 2010 at 2:48 PM
Instead of “perfect” lets focus on *average* and maybe *above average.* Ellis and Kapono are well below average in *helping you win games.*
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 21, 2010 at 2:50 PM
Golden State picked up one of the most productive players in the league — David Lee. They’ve got Curry in his 2d year, and Biedrins healthy again. They aren’t a real good team, don’t get me wrong, but their record should improve quite a bit.
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time July 21, 2010 at 2:53 PM
My pick is Chicago they really have a deep roster…..good mix of vets and young players……
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time July 21, 2010 at 2:54 PM
Tom Mandel-Instead of “perfect” lets focus on *average* and maybe *above average.* Ellis and Kapono are well below average in *helping you win games
So Tom what do you call the signing of Hilton Armstrong in helping you win games? LOL
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 3:15 PM
Didn’t ellis go to the playoffs a few seasons ago (as a rookie)? then hurt one year and returned last year?
How can he be defined as bad, because his team is bad (i think they lost baron davis and jackson)….i’m not buying that about him. I would rather have him as a 2, than lee as a four.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 3:16 PM
Besides, if that’s the measure, Lee is worthless…LOL
Comment from SportzWiz
Time July 21, 2010 at 3:17 PM
just checked out Dave Berri’s blog and read some stuff on John Wall’s SL performance. Once again, I just can’t take that formula 100% seriously. Just too many missing holes that it doesnt fill in.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 3:19 PM
another factor is the system that you are in. I can’t see not going after someone because their team is bad. All players are not made for all systems. Only special players can fit in any system. At the most, a team has three special players. anything more is a dream team.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 3:23 PM
Ok, why are they showing yesterday’s practice on nbatv (at least put it on the screen or something, that it’s a rerun)…plus they blacked out the Mystics game….i mean really…lol….wheres their customer service email at….lol…
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 3:25 PM
does anyone have the link for dave berri?
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 3:26 PM
i found it, thanks
Comment from draftazoid
Time July 21, 2010 at 3:33 PM
From Ted Leonsis on the Jim Rome show via Dan Steinberg of the post reported on True Hoop:
“Obviously our franchise player is Gilbert Arenas: he’s been injured for a couple of years, and he was suspended last year. I’ve reached out to Gilbert and I find Gilbert to be a very authentic, warm, nice guy. And he’s certainly a very talented player, and we’re gonna be in it together. I have his back, and he’s been working out really really hard over the summer. We will have a good professional relationship. He knows what we’re trying to build and he wants to be a part of it. It’s a great city, it’s a great ban base, and I think we’re gonna build a very very competitive team very quickly.’ Then Rome asked whether Gilbert’s role will need to change, and Leonsis repeated his contention that the Wizards will have one of the best backcourts in the NBA. He also said Gilbert’s role will change for the better. ‘I think John Wall will add years to Gilbert’s career,’ he said. ‘He’ll lug the ball up, he’ll run. Gilbert is a great shooter, Gilbert goes hard to the rim.’ ” ”
Bottom line: Gilbert is not being traded
#2: “I think we’re gonna build a very very competitive team very quickly”- Ted Leonsis
Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time July 21, 2010 at 3:34 PM
Tom-I know you are a fan of Dave Berri and I have to agree with Sportzwiz I have to see it on the floor and some stats and or metrics I feel can be deceiving.
So tell me why you put much stock into this formula?
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 21, 2010 at 3:42 PM
Sportswiz — Wall shot 37%. I don’t think either of us considers that *good*, do we? And he did that taking 69 shots in 4 games. A lot of shots and a low %. Not a good combination, right? He went 1-8 on 3point attempts as well.
And he had 21 TOs in 4 games. Not good either, right?
It’s not about what metric you use, or what blog you read it on — *no one* thinks that’s good shooting or taking care of the ball effectively.
Lets say it was someone else — Rodrigue Beaubois of the Mavs, for example — who did those things. Would you call a spade a spade in that case?
On the other hand, John had an excellent game 4. He didn’t shoot great, but better than his average to that point. And he did everything else *extremely* well.
And it’s also true that we won all 4 games he started. Now, you have to give the lion’s share of the credit for our record to JaVale, who absolutely dominated. And the fact that we almost won game 5 w/o either JW or JM tells you that guys like Hudson, Palmer and Booker were pretty effective all week.
Still, Wall got better as the week went along. He won all his games. And he demonstrated incredible athletic ability and good basketball IQ. He is only 19; he has *plenty* of room to improve, and he has all the tools he needs to make those improvements.
(But… I do worry about his TOs — as he was a TO machine at Kentucky as well)
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 3:52 PM
wow, the beauty of art definitely depends on the eyes of the beholder…..Wall only committed 5 turnovers in the last two games. Wall’s penetration created McGee’s opportunities….
throwing everything in one lump and coming up with a summary doesn’t fit the picture this time….sounds familiar….we’ve been saying that after just about every basketball game…lol…but it does make for good conversation.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 21, 2010 at 3:52 PM
The question about a “formula” is this — is it better than a different formula? That’s all. A formula doesn’t replace the real world.
What the WoW authors have come up with is the best statistical formula to understand a player’s productivity. That is, it is better than any other formula. Again, that’s all it is.
What makes it better? It has a strong link with actual team wins and losses. That’s it. That’s the only measure that really counts isn’t it? The correlation is @94%. If you use John Hollinger’s PER metric for how good a player is, the correlation of a team’s players and its win/loss record goes down to 80%. Use the NBA’s EFF formula, and the correlation drops to 60%.
But I don’t “put stock” in the formula in the sense that it’s some kind of magic way to judge how good a player is from a few games! Wall played 129 minutes last week. It was his first competitive basketball in months, and it wasn’t intended as a demonstration of “how good I am.” He looked up and down, a lot of *really* good stuff and really bad stuff, he is obviously very young and still raw. But he definitely showed how gifted he is.
Comment from SportzWiz
Time July 21, 2010 at 3:56 PM
I can tell you that not all of his turnovers were his fault (although yes a good portion were), yet as the pg very few of his teammates turnovers involved him at all.
Also he was asked to shoot the ball pretty much at the end of every possession where the shot clock was close to expiring.
JaVale looked very good this summer league, I would say that was in large part due to Wall as well as JaVale hustling, running and playing with energy.
To say he had a below average summer league with a negative score is well just beyond me.
The amount of times he got to the line was incredible, and this is without a penalty situation, which woulda been truly astronomical in terms of how many ft’s he woulda shot (4 fouls on beaubois in 5 minutes!)
again just cant take it seriously…
Not trying to be argumentative. I just cant imagine mcgee averaging close to what he did with any other pg in summer league. The amount of points he had on putbacks and alley oop dunks and the reason he had such a high % shooting was directly related on SOOOO many occassions to Wall.
Comment from SportzWiz
Time July 21, 2010 at 3:57 PM
How about we look at a formula at times as a piece but dont count it as the end all be all.
I think my eyes over those four games are better than Dave’s formula and the 4-0 record with the best player on the team getting a negative score would point to my eyes being better in my opinion.
Comment from SportzWiz
Time July 21, 2010 at 4:00 PM
in other news about to post a new topic, we will have kirk hinrich answering your questions next week. You can submit them in the widget and next week you can see his video response.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 21, 2010 at 4:01 PM
Yes, Wall’s penetration created opportunities for JaVale, and John usually got an assist off those opportunities. And when he turned it over, he created an opportunity for the opposing team. You want the good? You gotta look at the bad too.
All the “number” or “formula” does is sum up those assists, turnovers, made shots, steals, etc. And again — you only compare a formula to *another formula*; it doesn’t replace reality.
Above all, you don’t use it to “judge” a rookie in his first games. And you don’t have confidence in it when it’s applied to a small number of minutes. If you have a few seasons of data to work with, you can understand how effective a player like David Lee or Monta Ellis is, and even how likely they are to become better or worse.
At the same time, don’t make excuses for shooting 37%. It’s not good. Or for turning the ball over every 4 minutes in game 2. That’s not good. It isn’t better just because the player’s name is John Wall either.
See what I wrote in my previous comment — he showed a lot of good and bad. He looks like he can be terrific. But… he’s 19. He ain’t done it yet.
Comment from SportzWiz
Time July 21, 2010 at 4:05 PM
Tom i cant say he shot the ball well, and i can say he had turnovers, i can also say that defensively he’s a great player, he’s an unreal creator that made his entire team better in so many ways.
Was it the best performance in the history of summer league, of course not. Was he the best player at summer league over the four games, I would say yes despite those #’s.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 21, 2010 at 4:06 PM
Sportswiz — 4th time in just a few posts: a formula is good or bad *compared to another formula* not compared to your eyes.
Wall looked terrific, no doubt. There were times as well when he looked terrible. You can’t have 16 turnovers in 61 minutes (first 2 games) and not have some times when you look terrible.
I tell you what; the *last thing* I’m worrying about is John Wall.
Comment from SportzWiz
Time July 21, 2010 at 4:09 PM
Tom, if that is the best formula, I will choose to not base my belief on a players peformance based on a formula.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 21, 2010 at 4:10 PM
Sportswiz — we agree. Although I have to say that I think JaVale was the best player last week. Still John Wall looked terrific, no doubt. He was the right pick, and he looked like a #1 pick. Add his maturity, desire to improve, basketball intelligence, young age. He is a great, great package.
Comment from SportzWiz
Time July 21, 2010 at 4:10 PM
Completely agree on things im not worried about
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 21, 2010 at 4:15 PM
Sportswiz — *no one* would have *any confidence* in the ability to decide on a 19 year old player’s quality based on his 1st 130 minutes — using *any* formula, or even using one’s eyes for that matter!
But if I asked you: who’s the better wing player, Cory Maggette or Gerald Wallace? Are you telling me that *numbers* wouldn’t help you decide? You’d just thing “hmmm…. who looked better to my eyes?”
(Wallace, btw — by a lot!)
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 21, 2010 at 4:16 PM
Yes — debates are fun. Tho it’s more fun to watch basketball. Can’t you make the season arrive a little sooner, Sportswiz!!!
Comment from draftazoid
Time July 21, 2010 at 4:18 PM
Flip said that on game #1, 4 of Wall’s Turnovers were not his fault. The receiving player on Wall’s passes were not paying attention because they never played with a point guard as good as Wall. They didn’t know him yet.
I think Wall’s Turnovers is way, way over exaggerated, especially if you consider Flip’s comments on it.
But there is no stat on turnovers due to players not good enough to receive such great passes.
Comment from SportzWiz
Time July 21, 2010 at 4:26 PM
i’ll do my best to keep the summer moving Tom, at least try to provide lots of fun stuff throughout the summer to keep you interested .
I’d agree on Gerald Wallace .
Obviously stats tell a story i just dont think they tell the whole story.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 21, 2010 at 4:27 PM
Just read one of your posts I missed in the back and forth, Sportswiz.
You make a great point about how often he’d have gotten to the line if there’d been a penalty. He also went 41-47 from the line.
And not just how often *he* would have gone to the line — how many times would the fouls he constantly caused have put the opposing team in the penalty and caused *other* Wizards to go the line!
Comment from draftazoid
Time July 21, 2010 at 4:40 PM
Check out this article on McGee vs. Samhan. Great read!
Also look at the second picture.
McGee looks like he is flying up on his shot and Samhan has about a 2″ vertical leap.
But the most interesting part of the picture is on Javale’s shot, the second Wizard is running in for the rebound while the Mavericks player is caught “watching” the shot. That is hustle. Who is that 2nd Wizard?
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 5:25 PM
The best thing that I can get from everyone’s post is that there is movement on the offensive end. The days of standing around watching one person or waiting on one person are over.
Comment from JWALL
Time July 21, 2010 at 7:13 PM
I am not that concerned about JWall’s outside shot because it will get better as his career. Even MJ, Kobe, JKidd and others were not great shooters when they came into the league.
It is evident that JWall has put a lot of time in learning the point guard postion. If you notice he was fouled a lot in the SL and made the majority of his free throws.
So his transition to the starting lineup should be not the 3 point right now but that pull up jumper he has around the free throw line.
IMO once he get’s stronger in his legs and upperbody he will have a better lift and distance on his perimeter shooting. I noticed a lot of his 3 point shots were falling way short of the rim. He has good shooting mechanics. It is just a part of his game he has not put as much value as in his running a team. that’s a good thing because the majority of the guards who shoot well from the outside don’t necessarily pass first.
If JWall can improve on his shot the way JKidd and JStockton did he will be ok down the road.
i see Gill leading the team in scoring followed by AB and then JWall because of drives and free throws.
For us to be successfull on the floor JWall does not have average no more than 12-16 points a game and 8-10 assists a game.
In fact I think we will see alot of double digit assist games from JWall.
Comment from JWALL
Time July 21, 2010 at 7:17 PM
It would awesome to have the comeback player of the year in Gil, the most improved player in the league in Javale and the rookie of the year in JWall.
Sure will be nice to see this unfold at the Phone Booth.
For you beer drinkers you won’t have to hold your beers in your mouths while you go the men’s room.
At fan’s concerns Ted is having metal shelves installed above the men’s urinals. Talking about customer service.
Comment from JWALL
Time July 21, 2010 at 7:30 PM
Jason Kapono is listed at 6 ft. 8 in. on Hoopshype
So if he is around 6 ft. 7 in. he is actually a SF and not a SG.
He is known strictly as a 3 point artist who can handle the ball pretty weel. don’t expect anything else.
What about Rasual Butler another SF candidate who can stretch the floor with his outside shooting?
Anybody like him?
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 7:37 PM
Hilarious & efficient @ metal shelves to hold beer…that sold me, im going to go get my season tickets today…lol….
As far as small forwards go, we could go get calbert cheaney, getabig, glenn consor, chamika holdsclaw, etc and I would be happy, as long as he/she produced……lol…let’s jump ball!!!!…lol
Comment from gray16
Time July 21, 2010 at 8:26 PM
jwall, i will have to disagree with you a bit. michael jordan was a much better shooter than wall coming into the league, the shots jordan had trouble with were long range shots. mid range he was money even early in his career, especially with that elevation.
kobe was also a much better shooter coming into the league. he’s been a shooter throughout his career.
j kidd has never been much of a shooter, at least off the dribble i think. his shots are off of spot ups. i think we will need wall to be able to hit shots off the dribble in flip’s offense where he will be handling the ball so much, so that will take more improvement.
but this is not to say wall won’t do it, and i think he will. his work ethic will overcome his shooting in the long run imo, i just wish he would get more elevation on his jumpshot.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 21, 2010 at 8:42 PM
Rasual Butler — too old, one-dimensional. But he will be cheap, so I’m sure he’s on our one-year list.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 8:53 PM
Hawks about to sign Josh Powell(previously w/ lakers)for 992k/vet minimum 1 yr deal.
Comment from neal
Time July 21, 2010 at 9:21 PM
SportzWiz, speaking of Wall’s shooting % in summer league:
“Also he was asked to shoot the ball pretty much at the end of every possession where the shot clock was close to expiring.”
That’s the same point I was making about Arenas’s FG%. Shooting percentages of ball handlers are often going to be lower because of that effect.
Hinrich is a 38% career 3 pt shooter, which is the equivalent of 57% from 2 pt range. I hope he shoots a million of them this year.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 9:43 PM
i’m not worried about wall. the young man understands his shortcomings and will work on making himself a better over-all ball player as well as person. This will continue throughout his whole career…..jump-ball!!
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 21, 2010 at 9:47 PM
IMO, more than any other sport, basketball is both art and science. The science is having the physical attributes and fine-tuning those attributes to able to execute those skills required to be a good basketball player. The more fine-tuned the physical attributes, the higher the level in which the player can compete. The artistry is in the ability of a player to determine (at high speeds) which of the his scientific skills to use when faced with a wide variety of options. I believe that basketball is 40% science and 60% art. Almost every player who makes it to the NBA has the science (some more than others; and some emphasizing certain aspects of the science more than others (jump higher, run faster, etc.). What make a good basketball player into an NBA great player is the application of the correct science at the correct time…that’s the art. The science can be charted, the art can not. Berri’s formulae appear to be very good at measuring the science, but provide no insight into the art, which is the true beauty of basketball. This is probably the reason why basketball purists are constantly challenging Berri’s rules…those rules simply don’t address the part of the game that the basketball purists treasure…the art of the game.
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 21, 2010 at 9:50 PM
@dcbutler357 – who told you that I was a great shooter?
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 21, 2010 at 9:51 PM
But then, I never met a b-baller who didn’t think he could shoot.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 9:52 PM
lol….i can tell by the way you type
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 21, 2010 at 9:54 PM
My typing gets me ZEROs in the box score. 
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 9:56 PM
seriously, at this point, i am so confident in wall, that it really doesn’t matter who we get, as long as they have some sort of iq, they will be ok, until we can/have the resources to upgrade (if necessary).
A few more months huh?….patience is a virtue…..
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 21, 2010 at 10:01 PM
We have little choice except to “hang in there”. I too like the options provided by having Wall on the court. Even without Gil, had we had Wall last year we would have won several of those games we lost after the All-Star break. With the addition of Wall and Gil, and the emergence of McGee and AB, we should be in good shape. I can’t wait until we play the three stooges.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 21, 2010 at 10:28 PM
John Wall is a 19 year old rookie. I hope that when he plays like a 19 year old rookie those of you who have already anointed him savior of the franchise won’t be too hard on him.
He is very gifted. 40 games ago, however, he was playing in high school. I hope he’ll have a good rookie year, but I’m much more confident that he’ll have a terrific nba career. That’s also what I care about.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 21, 2010 at 10:31 PM
@ Draftazoid …. ” The most significant contribution Yi will make is the Wizards may be televised in China”
LOL
DCB your list of small forwards is questionable at best
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 21, 2010 at 10:33 PM
Tom he is already playing like 19 year old. Turnovers… shooting percentage. That’s the point. He is sooooo good in the “all around game” that almost doesn’t matter. Once he “matures” a little and cuts down on the turnovers and works on his mid range shot.. Katie bar the door.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 21, 2010 at 10:35 PM
As to all the art/science stuff, that’s as it may be. I remind you that the end of the game they look at *a stat* and use it to say who won the game. When you go to the ballet, you see tremendous athleticism, but there isn’t a winner and a loser. In basketball, there is.
As to analytical tools, you compare them *to each other* not to the experience of watching basketball. If you want to understand a guy’s game over time, you look at his numbers. Most fans just look at how many points he scores — that’s all. That’s a metric, an analytic tool, like any other. It just isn’t a very good one.
Whether you are interested in using EFF, or PER, or WP48 — the only measure of the tool is how well does it correlate with team wins and losses. If you look at how well or badly everyone on a team plays, and you add it all up, does it line up with how many games that team won and lost. If it doesn’t then it really isn’t telling you anything very valuable, is it? If it does, then you are learning something about how players help their teams win.
It turns out that what is key is *efficient* shooting and high net possessions (i.e. rebounds plus steals minus turnovers). Players who do both those things well dominate — Wilt would be the ultimate example of course. Teams that do those things well win lots of games and lots of titles.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 21, 2010 at 10:37 PM
Grif — I love his game; he has every gift you could want. But he’s being described by fans here in a way that exceeds what the greatest players in the history of the game accomplished *in their careers.*
That’s fine. Enthusiasm is a good thing. When we win 20+ games this season, I hope those same fans aren’t overly disappointed.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 21, 2010 at 10:37 PM
I loved watching him work. After the 1st game and a few “embarassing” turnovers because his teamates weren’t ready for the pass…. he gets everyone involved. Everyone better run because he is going to. Those that keep up get the big reward. It’s great that he has that special ability to make the players around him better.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 21, 2010 at 10:38 PM
Hey after 30 years of Wes we deserve a little to cheer about LOL
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 21, 2010 at 10:41 PM
I’m betting in those 20 wins we are going to see some “Great” basketball plays from a number of developing players. This season is going to be a lot of fun just watching the guys grow together
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 10:42 PM
Hey Grif,
The best 3 would actually be Turasi…lol…
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 21, 2010 at 10:42 PM
Tom M., you are correct. Wall is a 19 year-old rookie. He is also the number 1 pick in the NBA draft and the most outstanding player in the summer league. Do I expect that he will perform as a polished veteran at one of the most demanding positions in the NBA, No, I don’t. Do I think that he will improve game-by-game. Yep! Do I expect that the Wiz will be better with him at the point and Gil at the 2? You bet your laptop I do. Do I expect that Gil will be better at the 2 spot than Miller? I’ll bet my favorite Blatche collectible that that will be the case. Do I think that the Wiz are playoff bound? What do you think? Bring on the three stooges!!!!
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 10:44 PM
Tom,
That’s what fans do….cheer for the good, and boo for the bad….what do you want us to do, hold it all in and get an ulcer????????
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 21, 2010 at 10:46 PM
DCB… Never thought of THAT
Talk about making NEWS…. Miami would look like yesterdays news LOL…
BRING ON DIANA
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 21, 2010 at 10:47 PM
Geees Tom… who was that??? LOL
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 21, 2010 at 10:51 PM
Hmmm actually….. Look at all the hype Danica Patrick brought to Nascar. Why not Turasi to the NBA?
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 21, 2010 at 10:53 PM
Ulcers? NO….. But stop getting upset while watching a Wizards game and throwing your foot at the tv set and hurting your achilles
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 21, 2010 at 10:55 PM
Use a brick like all the rest of us
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 21, 2010 at 10:56 PM
Oh just a heads up DCB. At the AAMC the P/T folks all went to the Marquis De Sade school of P/T. Best of luck to you LOL. AAMC is about 7 miles from my house
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 10:58 PM
lol….i’m sure there’s a path from your house to ER…LOL…
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 21, 2010 at 10:59 PM
Not since I stopped racing
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 21, 2010 at 11:06 PM
Ohhhhh, that was your picture…..
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 21, 2010 at 11:11 PM
“As to all the art/science stuff, that’s as it may be. I remind you that the end of the game they look at *a stat* and use it to say who won the game.” Tom M.
@Tom M. – Agreed. The final score is, in the final analysis, the determining factor regarding which team won the game, but it is not the determining factor regarding who was responsible for deciding which team won the game. And that is the issue that many folks have with Berri rules. On-the-run decisions by individual players determine the outcome of games. I enjoy looking at box scores to see who did what, but I really enjoy watching the games to see who did what, AND WHY they did it and how their action influenced the outcome of the game.
It is impossible to argue statistics. They are what they are. Berri does a good job of cataloging the stats. Anyone can read the stats and apply Berri’s rules and reach a measured conclusions about players’ performance. The problem with that approach is it does not take into consideration the flow of the game. Why did a play get a turnover? Did the intended recipient of the pass turn his head? Why was a player not credited with a rebound? Was it because he tipped the ball to a teammate? Did a player get charged for a shot when he received the ball with a second on the shot clock and fired the ball just to get a shot off before the clock expired?
I suppose that you’re the science man and I’m the art man and forever the twain shall not meet.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 21, 2010 at 11:25 PM
Just two different ways of looking at things. It took me a few years to see Tom’s side because I guess I fit more into the “art” catagory myself. I never even cared to look up a “stat” until he contaminated my brain Now I’m going to Hoopshype for salaries… etc lol. It grows on you but not to the point where I like the numbers more than the actual competition of the game.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 21, 2010 at 11:31 PM
At the moment… we have a starting 1, 2, 4, and 5. Who do you guys think steps up and gets the starting 3? Thornton? Booker? Martin???
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 21, 2010 at 11:39 PM
You guys must have gone to bed
In a couple hours they will no doubt turn every light on in DCB’s room… wake him up…. give him some pills… then tell him to go back to sleep LOL. God I Hate That
Comment from neal
Time July 21, 2010 at 11:42 PM
Sorry I forgot to mention it before dcbutler. Congrats on getting properly stitched up. Good to have you back.
I’m not as patient as EG. Wish he’d go ahead and do his thing. I want to know who else we’re getting.
Comment from draftazoid
Time July 22, 2010 at 7:05 AM
CHRIS PAUL WANTS OUT OF NEW ORLEANS:
Paul, in fact, has put into motion an aggressive exit strategy that will accelerate in the coming weeks, and his clear intention is to be traded before the start of the 2010-11 season, a person with direct knowledge of his plans told CBSSports.com Wednesday
Paul’s list of preferred destinations consists of the Knicks, Magic and Lakers, and members of his inner circle already have sent word to the Hornets of his desire to be traded to one of those teams, sources say
Teaming Paul with Howard would be very, very interesting.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 22, 2010 at 8:00 AM
Gotabig — like you I’m really enthusiastic about the team and looking forward to the season. And like you, I’m expecting John Wall to develop into an *outstanding* NBA player — and I’d be delighted if he was even more than that, a real star. I look for him to be dedicated to improving his game and for that to bear fruit.
I don’t want to argue about whether Gil is going to be the player he once was or what he’ll be otherwise — how could I (or you) know? Hence, what’s to argue about? Above all, I don’t want to spend our time debating Mike Miller — he plays for the other guys now. He’s a likable fellow, and I wish him success (except in games against us), but that’s it.
As to the playoffs — and this may sound weird — I’m actually not in a hurry to scrape into the bottom of the playoffs. Teams that do so don’t get very good draft picks and often don’t get much better. That was the story of our previous squad.
I want to contend for, and eventually to win, a title. Unless you have unlimited $$ to spend, you have to acquire your core when they are very young in order to achieve that goal. You can’t buy enough stars in their prime (and lets just Call Miami a once-in-a-generation exception that proves the rule, as they are almost certain to contend). That means picking high for a few years, trading what older assets you have for access to younger talent, and getting lucky along the way.
Of course, the above could be *totally wrong.* But it’s how I see it. And that’s why I have no interest in people repeating “Melo, he’s a beast” and so forth. Got no interest in that way of building a team; it won’t get us a title.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 22, 2010 at 8:11 AM
Good Morning Bloggers
ROFL…@Grif, you are too funny…ROFL
Thanks to Neal also
I’m pretty much ready to see some bball, and I’ll see how the Mystics and team USA roll until the men start playing.
Other than that, i will be glad when we get more “aggressive” in our talent dept. I can’t debate whether EG is good or bad, I just want a proven “mind” in that position…lol….and using Michael Redd as his claim to draft fame is a bit outdated…LOL…He’s about to retire….LOL
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 22, 2010 at 8:12 AM
Oh, in regards to Chris Paul,
Should he have made that PR move, PRIOR to the draft, FA, etc?
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 22, 2010 at 8:33 AM
Gotabig — you write: “The final score is… the determining factor regarding which team won the game, but …not …regarding who was responsible” for the win.
That’s correct — and that’s *exactly* the problem Dave Berri and his fellow sports economists were trying to tackle. How best to determine how much players contribute to team wins. Not so much in an *individual* game, but across multiple games.
They started with the team’s record; then the question is “how do you use the facts you have to apportion contributions to that record to the play of the guys on the team?”
I’ve already gone into the ways they came up with, and how they were able to check that they were correct, and won’t repeat myself here. But i do recommend reading Dave’s recent book “Stumbling on Wins” — it’s fun, interesting and quick; you’ll enjoy it. From there you can decide if you want to read “The Wages of Wins” his first book; it’s longer but also a very fun read.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 22, 2010 at 8:42 AM
The sixers just signed Tony Battie to a 1-year vet minimum contract. He’s a better player than Hilton Armstrong, and I’m surprised we didn’t consider him. On the other hand, he’s a lot older than HA — if that makes any difference for a 1-year, 12 minute a game guy.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 22, 2010 at 8:46 AM
GS just signed undrafted point guard Jeremy Lin — he played well against John Wall last week. A great kid, played for Harvard(!). I thought he might get drafted.
I’m wondering, is he the first Asian-American in the NBA? Obviously, we have Chinese players — but did Lin break the A-A barrier?
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 22, 2010 at 8:50 AM
Team USA: “Colangelo said at least one of the three centers in camp — Chandler, New Jersey’s 7-foot Brook Lopez and Washington’s 7-foot JaVale McGee — is assured of making the team. It’s not out of the question two will.”
You always worry that your guy will make the team, then get injured . On the other hand, JM would get some great coaching. You’d expect him to develop well out of the experience.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 22, 2010 at 8:56 AM
We’re still looking for a veteran wing, a “shooter” especially.
Anyone remember what number Jarvis Hayes wore as a Wizard? Was it #10? Anyone sporting that number at present?
Wall and H are becoming friends — nice story:
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 22, 2010 at 9:04 AM
LOL…TomM,
Does Dave have a short vocabulary (Win is in all of his book titles)…lol…lend him a few words.
Just like I wonder if Getabig is Dray; i’m starting to wonder if you’re Dave Berri….anyone seen a picture of dave, we already have Tom on film?
If we are only signing people to one year contracts, does age really matter? I’m not focused on HA, JUST how we did it. That type of signing should be done at the end, correct? Or are all of our roster spots taken?
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 22, 2010 at 9:29 AM
Tom M. – I have a photo of Jarvis wearing #24.
Thanks for the suggestion about Berri’s books. I’ll check it out.
dc – I’m glad that your procedure was successful. Heal quickly.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 22, 2010 at 9:29 AM
Actually, I’m regarded as a skeptic in my comments on Dave’s blog. Moreover, he is a Detroit native and lifelong fan — Tigers, Lions, Pistons — poor guy! Don’t saddle me with that please.
Age matters less in a 1-year contract than in a longer one, obviously, but it still matters. Battie is *at least* 35, maybe older.
The fact that HA was signed so early did make me think that Ernie was done making moves that actually impact the future of the club, and that was part of why I didn’t like the signing. I hope that’s not true.
Comment from SportzWiz
Time July 22, 2010 at 9:37 AM
The pistons haven’t been so bad, tigers have been pretty good of late too. Lions…Ok you win.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 22, 2010 at 1:24 PM
Pistons are pretty bad right now — and they’ll be just as bad if not worse this year. And the Lions are bad enough to drag the whole city down!
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 24, 2010 at 3:59 PM
BTW-Watching McGee on USA team. He’s being taught the basics and playing with players that are the best at every position will help him elevate his game. He is also being taught his role as a big man, and when/where to set screens. One thing I would like out of him is to stay SET when screening. He is so ready to run towards the basket, that he doesn’t stay set long enough….hopefully someone will enlighten him.
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Comment from draftazoid
Time July 20, 2010 at 2:47 PM
With Amare Stoudemire about to drop out of the Team USA tryouts the 4 Centers left are:
Javale McGee
Brook Lopez
Robin Lopez’
Tyson Chandler
IMO Brook Lopez is a shoo in. That could leave Javale battling Robin and Tyson for the 2nd Center spot.
Javale has a heck of shot. I hope his fast break, open court style will give him an edge over the other two.