Kirk Hinrich Press Conference
Wizards guard Kirk Hinrich and President Ernie Grunfeld will be available to the media on Monday, July 26th at 12:00 pm at Verizon Center.
Posted: July 26th, 2010 under Kirk Hinrich, Wizards.
Comments
Comment from Arthritic
Time July 26, 2010 at 11:02 AM
i agree.
draftazoid and some others tend to hate on people who give a realistic approach to evaluating the players on our team… but this is my firm belief.
mcgee has all the talent in the world…
but i dont think he is ready yet.
if he can take advantage of his talents and improves… hell be one of the scariest centers in the league.
if he cant, hell be like tyson chandler… who had a ton of potential coming into the league… never developed much post skill and relies on dunking alone to score… but is still a better rebounder than mcgee is right now.
mcgee needs to learn footwork, post moves, patience, decision making (please dont shoot those jumpers from 15ft) and rebounding… and id also prefer him to bulk up a little.
it is, however, amazing how he now stands 7ft 1 1/4 inches. wow.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 26, 2010 at 11:29 AM
hilarious comments in this article:
Doc Rivers called the Clippers’ new head coach “kerosene” when both balled in San Antonio because the reserve often entered the game to slow the opposing role player, who was torching Del Negro. It makes sense then, that Del Negro struggled to get consistent defensive efforts from his Bulls’ squads.
FLIP SAUNDERS (Washington Wizards)- He will probably stay home the next time a traveling gun show heads to D.C. His work in Detroit suggests he belongs on the B list. The nerve-wracking embarrassment of a freak show he chaperoned in our nation’s capitol last year says otherwise.
John Wall, a top-flight athlete and potential franchise changer, gives the Wizards and Saunders a much-needed chance at redemption.
Comment from JWALL
Time July 26, 2010 at 11:34 AM
I believe the Wiz have a responsibility for having a big man coach who can make a difference in not just Javale’s career but alson in AB, Seraphin, Yi, HA and possibly Ndiaye’s career.
Does anbody feel Gene Banks is the man for the job?
Comment from JWALL
Time July 26, 2010 at 11:45 AM
Man I wish there were a way we could trade for Xavier Henry who is unsigned by Memphis. Locked in a stalemate of not wanting to pay this player 2 million dollars per season.
I figure everything will work out though. Just a fantasy of mine. A perfect wing player for the Wiz.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 26, 2010 at 11:45 AM
Tom,
I don’t think that the article was very specific, it seemed to just generalize his skillset….lol….very good un-biased article.
in regards to gene banks, i think that he’s been given the credit for AB’s recent success. I don’t know Banks’ portfolio. I will say this…..for McGee not to have the basics down, and he’s been here for three years says a lot. Either he’s a lil slow, or Banks needs a better approach, or something, but three years is a long time, whereas Jabbar took one summer to hone Bynum? Am I wrong in this assessment?
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 26, 2010 at 12:00 PM
jwall — I’m not in a position to know how good a coach Gene Banks is. But these guys are *professionals*. Millions of dollars are at stake in their careers. They need to take responsibility for themselves. Of course they need good coaching, but a coach can’t *force* a player to improve.
Heck, JaVale grew up in a basketball family. If he continues to rely almost exclusively on his athleticism and doesn’t apply himself to learn positioning, footwork, moves in both directions, rebounding with 2 hands, and so forth, it’s not on Gene Banks.
Arthritic — JaVale McGee isn’t in a class with Tyson Chandler. Until he was injured, TC was one of the best Centers in the game, and at JaVale’s age he ran rings around him. No, he isn’t a scorer. So what? Bill Russell wasn’t a scorer. Ben Wallace isn’t a scorer. Marcus Canby isn’t a scorer. All dominating Centers.
Right now, JM is taking the 2d most shots per minute of anyone on team usa — more than durant! — do you really think that’s what they brought him in for?
Comment from JWALL
Time July 26, 2010 at 12:05 PM
You are so right dcbutler357. What bothers me with Flip’s staff outside of Sam is that the one of the most essentials parts of rebuilding a team is having mentors and teachers to nurture the talent we have.
Comment from JWALL
Time July 26, 2010 at 12:15 PM
I understand what you are saying Tom but I want the coaching staff to do their very best in preparing our young squad for the future.
I am still trying to see if Flip is the type of coach that players respond to want to be better. To carry out the vision both offensively and defensively.
Is it fair to say that KG, Chauncey, Stephon, Hamilton and others were well coached by Flip or was he fortunate to have nice talent to work with.
What were the reasons he was let go on his other coaching jobs.?
Comment from JWALL
Time July 26, 2010 at 12:20 PM
One example I want to bring out is that Mike Miller was under utilized offensively. Yes he has a well rounded game and all of that. But he never fulfilled offensive need we needed from his talent.
Especially when Gil was gone and AB got hurt at the end of the season.
I felt Flip should have got Mike Miller to be more assertive offfensively from the perimeter.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 26, 2010 at 12:40 PM
Hmmm,
I wish all of this was in our past…..no one did what they were supposed to do, for the most part last year. Not the players, not flip, not EG, NO ONE.
We are hoping that the page has been turned and everyone has the skills to make this team better and accountable.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 26, 2010 at 1:16 PM
LOL….This is my problem(i thought we were past this, but oh well). We are not supposed to be waiting five years for a player to develop. The avg nba career is how many years? If a player is developing, they shouldn’t be starting every year or even thought of as a starter. There is something terribly wrong with our scouting team if our team has gone backward each year(yeah yeah injuries). YES, EG has a pass if he was advised to sell draft picks each year, but for pete’s sake, bring some legit people on this team, and have some accountability, no matter who isn’t performing (coach, player, gm, whoever).
We have a new owner, so none of this should be a topic anymore. But we also should see different/smarter results (HA is a blast from EG’s past actions…he shouldn’t be on the team right now, if ever).
Our cap is what 70 mil this year and we are at 50 mil. We knew what kind of player jwall was when we drafted him, we should know the caliber of players needed around him, we don’t need to wait for the draft each year to put players around him that fit. If we can’t figure that out, we need new minds on the job….excuses only last for so long.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 26, 2010 at 1:19 PM
Hudson has been invited to training camp…..YAY 
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 26, 2010 at 2:23 PM
That’s great news about Hudson — I really like that kid and hope he sticks. If Gil is with us all year, as seems most likely now, there won’t be many minutes for Lester. Still, he can contribute.
As to the issue of “developing players” — there was a time when guys came into the league after 4 years of college at 22 or 23, having been coached thoroughly in an organized setting. But that’s a long time ago. Someone like John, in the league after 1 year of college, will take some time to develop. There’s nothing to be done about that. For one thing, he hasn’t had the coaching that a senior has had; for another he is a much younger human being, typically much less mature (although in the particular case of John Wall that may not be an issue).
JaVale has to shoulder the responsibility for his own future. Do you really think the Wizards’ coaches don’t walk in the door in the morning and try to do their very best for their players? As I said previously, you can’t force a guy to take coaching and learn.
Comment from neal
Time July 26, 2010 at 2:30 PM
From the CBA:
….restricted free agency is also allowed for all veteran free agents who have been in the league three or fewer seasons. In order to make their free agent a restricted free agent, a team must submit a qualifying offer to the player by June 30. …..The qualifying offer for all other players must be for 124% of the player’s previous salary, or the player’s minimum salary plus $175,000, whichever is greater.
So it looks fairly certain that Cartier Martin will be with us next year.
Comment from neal
Time July 26, 2010 at 2:35 PM
I hadn’t thought of Martin as our veteran FA, but that’s what he’s considered.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 26, 2010 at 2:46 PM
neal — that doesn’t make it certain that Martin will be with us unless the qualifying offer has to be guaranteed. Hard to believe that b4 6/30 (and SL) we’d have guaranteed him for next year. In fact, i don’t believe it.
dcbutler — the salary cap is $58m not $70m. Cap holds don’t change the salary cap. And there is a luxury tax ceiling out there as well. *No* this Summer — of all Summers! — was/is not the time to be shelling out $$ for what’s left on the FA market. And I can’t see how John Wall is likely to be a “game changer” in his rookie year either, for that matter.
This is like the summer of hysteria or something — everything is over the top. John Wall is a 19 year old rookie. He has terrific athleticism, surprising maturity, and a ton of *potential.* He did some great things in SL, and he did just about as many *awful* things. I expect his rookie year to be more or less along those same lines.
We are in year 1 of a multi-year rebuilding process. We’re going to win 20+ games this year. You want to live in your dreams, go ahead. But when reality hits please don’t be too disappointed and look for someone to blame.
Comment from JWALL
Time July 26, 2010 at 2:56 PM
Tom I see at least 30 to 35 wins. If we are only in the 20’s both Flip and EG are gone next year.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 26, 2010 at 3:03 PM
For me, I want to *enjoy* the rebuilding process. To be happy that we have a new owner, a lot of great things happening at the arena, a bunch of new players to watch, learn about, and cheer for — and all like that.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 26, 2010 at 3:04 PM
The midlevel exception is $5.8 million and the tax level is $70.3 million. Any team that exceeds that will have to pay a $1 tax for every $1 it is over.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 26, 2010 at 3:13 PM
jwall — I can’t imagine why you think that. We don’t have a good enough roster of players to win that many games. Simple. We don’t even have a starting 5 we can count on.
* The guy we have penciled in to start at Center is RAW — by all accounts.
* The guy who will start at point guard is a 19 year old rookie.
* The guy at the 2 is coming back from multiple knee injuries and 3 years of essentially not playing
* The guy penciled in to start at the 3 is a well below average NBA forward who couldn’t earn the starting job w/ the Los Angeles Clippers.
* Our starting 4 is a talented but certainly unpredictable Andray Blatche.
Off the bench we have a very reliable 3d guard, a rookie forward who looks like he’ll develop into a player (but give him some time please), some known non-entities (Yi, Young, Armstrong), an utterly raw rookie (Hamady), and… what? So far one or 2 D-League players.
How many teams do you think are worse than we are, jwall? Which ones?
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 26, 2010 at 3:16 PM
We are not saying they aren’t trying their best (coaches). We are saying go get better coaches…lol….and this “slow” process is a choice that they have taken. Formidable players around Wall is also a choice…..and the bank does not have to be “broken” to get them. All i’m hearing is excuses as to why we are not doing certain things. Try something then say it doesn’t work, but to do nothing and make excuses is not acceptable. There is no reason to actually “wait” to have a competitive team on the floor, AFTER having two years of shambles. To promote Gil and Wall as a dynamic duo is wrong. It’s marketing, and nothing more. We aren’t spending money but we get heinrich that is going to “mold” jwall no more than i’m going to mold jello…lol…cut it out already and lets get the party rolling on the court…lol….amazing. So we are getting him as a favor to chitown and because ernie would have picked him up in 2003??????
Other than that we spent how much on a backup guard? The amount of money that we barely want to play a starter….LOL…Yeah okay.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 26, 2010 at 3:24 PM
BTW-I didn’t mention cap holds in the equation of the salary cap.
in other news: i didn’t know Marbury played in CBA last year (chinese basketball assoc)….lol…heck i didn’t even know they had one
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 26, 2010 at 3:39 PM
dcbutler — when you said “our cap is $70m this year” I thought you were somehow including cap holds. As I say, the cap is $58m.
If you think we can put “formidable players around Wall” w/o breaking the bank, I’d love to know whom you’re thinking of and how we get them w/o over spending. Just to take one example, what better guard than Hinrich can we get for the same price? (Remember — Chicago is paying $6m of the $17m his salary costs for 2 years)
We traded Butler, Jamison & Haywood in a hurry to get under the luxury tax because the team was going nowhere. We took *whatever we could get* that we could get rid of as soon as possible. The trades were fine. Thornton had 1 extra year, and everyone else was expiring except Ross who added only $1m beyond last year.
That’s what happens when you have to break up a team.
Everyone we *didn’t* trade was either a non-entity, expiring, or named Blatche, McGee or Arenas — and those 3 are question marks, each in a different way. Adding John Wall, a couple of other rookies, and hilton armstrong really doesn’t change the picture.
Comment from tyrone2000
Time July 26, 2010 at 4:13 PM
Question for the salary cap folks…Is the $58m a soft cap and the $70m is when you have to pay the luxary tax?
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 26, 2010 at 4:17 PM
This is an interesting analysis. Maybe we’ll see Presti trying to pick our pockets?
“The signing of Royal Ivey last week put the Thunder at 16 contract players, one more than NBA rules permit teams to carry into the regular season. That means someone must go. Mo Peterson … Don’t expect Peterson to be waived. Daequan Cook… figures to be on the opening-night roster as well. …that leaves Byron Mullens, D.J. White and Kyle Weaver as the most likely candidates to be on the outside looking in.”
We have a tpe to trade for one of those guys — you like any of them?
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 26, 2010 at 4:18 PM
$58m is a “soft cap” but that doesn’t mean you can exceed it at will. $70m is luxury tax, yes.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 26, 2010 at 4:21 PM
If you are at or over the cap ($58m), and you have fewer than the required 12 guys, you can sign veteran minimum players (only) to get to 12 (don’t know if you can go beyond).
Anyway, given we sign Seraphin (obviously) and assuming we sign N’Diaye, we’re at @ $51m w/ 12 guys. I am sure we’ll be at 13 and maybe 14 coming out of training camp.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 26, 2010 at 4:42 PM
you have up to 70 mil before you pay a penalty, so between 58 and 70 is fair game (to me)..lol…
from what i’m seeing, anything over five mil is above avg…..if i had all day to look for players (make that all year), I would definitely find players to put around wall for a successful/competitive team.
Email Ted and ask him why do we need to wait and be patient…..we have used the draft for our player, now what????? and the CBA is not an adequate excuse.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 26, 2010 at 4:56 PM
and boy did we get robbed for haywood. the salary he received and we included him as I sidekick….did we get any draft picks for that? should we have?
Is our GM a yes man, moreso than a gm? does have the skills to put a championship team together?
BTw-chris paul is doing no more than what Kobe did a few years ago.
last note: jwall has less question marks around him than rondo had on him when he was put around his current trio. Wall is only one player. It is not too early to put MORE competitive personnel around him. we should not accept losing for a few years, that’s absurd.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 26, 2010 at 5:02 PM
Sigh… not worth having this kind of discussion, so I’ll let it go; just don’t get over-excited and reinjure your knee! 
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 26, 2010 at 5:41 PM
“Does anbody feel Gene Banks is the man for the job?” -JWALL.
IMO Gene Banks did a great job last year. He helped Brendan during the first half of the year and was a tremendous help to both AB and McGee during the second half of the year when he worked with them.
I campaigned for a big-man coach for a few years. I believe we have what we need now.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 26, 2010 at 5:41 PM
lol…because it’s all opinions, going via the draft is not a proven science, and others have proven that our expectations are valid…lol…
and don’t think formulas…i.e. javales shooting rates per time on the floor, in the team usa scrimmage, is indicative of anything…lol…
In other news…Ted is the hardest working owner in entertainment….http://bit.ly/c7nJeA
Comment from gray16
Time July 26, 2010 at 5:44 PM
tom, i don’t expect this team to win too much, but 30 wins isn’t out of the question imo.
i think the difference will have to be flip. no one likes the guy, but i have confidence in him to take this team to 30 wins. that along with wall coming in, and then the if factors of arenas and blatche being healthy, and this team can win 30 games imo.
that said, i think 20-25 games is a much safer bet, as i can’t see the team winning less than that without some major injuries again.
as for mcgee, my new nick name for him is funstrating. 1/2 fun, 1/2 frustrating.
as for signing people this season, i think it was a good idea to just use this year as a development year. we are no where near doing anything yet, so why spend big bucks on someone to do nothing? we’d be better off giving young guys as many minutes as possible and hoping for some more luck in the lottery imo.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 26, 2010 at 6:45 PM
I wouldn’t have too much of a problem with it, but right now, the actions are all over the place….you have a team that is going young, but you go get a backup guard that is at the least 5.5 million a year, for what???? Sam Cassell can teach jwall how to be a point guard, BETTER than Heinrich(three rings makes him better), then you spend less than a million for a free agent that didn’t even make the free agent listings??? Because you aren’t spending money???, when there are better YOUNG players out there.
so, depending on the situation its okay to spend and others it isn’t, or we ignore the spending for some things. Bottom line is very few FAs this year cost more than 3-4 million and we are paying heinrich over 5, for whatever reasons….not good.
Comment from gray16
Time July 26, 2010 at 6:57 PM
three rings doesn’t make sam cassell a better player than hinrich any more than seven rings makes horry better than al jefferson…
look at the teams sam won with then look at what kirk hinrich was playing with… i don’t think the rings argument pans out.
now at the same time i do believe sam was a better player than hinrich. does that mean he can teach better? not necessarily, but he may. but i don’t believe hinrich was brought in to teach as much as he was to help instill a playing style this team is trying to beat into it’s players. hard nosed, hard playing, and defensive are what the staff wants this team to be. hinrich exemplifies that to a tee.
and as far as teaching, sam can only do so much on the sidelines, playing with someone can teach you just as much if not more. you can only learn so much on the sidelines, you have to learn in game situations, and playing with someone who you can learn from playing with helps.
plus, he’s a good backup point guard to have for the time being. he’s expensive yes, but the money isn’t going to waste. he should accomplish what this team wants from.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 26, 2010 at 7:00 PM
Ummmm being in a winning environment is a lot better than being in an environment that couldn’t get over the hump…it’s priceless and it’s not on the individual level.
If spending is warranted for heinrich it’s warranted for anything else, no excuses. Set a plan across the board and stick with it.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 26, 2010 at 7:02 PM
and if you want to throw the pick into the mix…look at our other picks in that area (NY and Javale). Are they worth what we gave up this year, to get them. Neither one of them are starting material yet…I rest my case.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 26, 2010 at 7:04 PM
Did JWall have heinrich at summer league, Nope, and he got better with each game.
Why, because of Sam Cassell…..I really rest my case now
Comment from gray16
Time July 26, 2010 at 7:37 PM
sam playing on good teams in his playing career does what for the wizards?… if it were that big of a difference, why couldn’t sam win with the wolves…
and since you seem to want to have spent some money, who do you feel the wizards should’ve paid for and why?
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 26, 2010 at 8:29 PM
I’d like to get a look at McGee’s shot chart before I’d pass judgement on the number of shots he has taken. He isn’t someone who plays with his back-to-the-basket, so he’s usually facing the basket, or cutting toward it when he receives a pass. IMO a 7′1+” player who receives the ball within 12′ of the basket is supposed to shoot. However, any shot that he has taken beyond 12′ is a shot too many.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 26, 2010 at 8:31 PM
Gray16, if you can’t seem to see the relevance of sam playing on three championship teams, i’m not the one to show you, I’ll let you figure it out….i’ll just say, when Boston won their ONE, they went and got sam, not heinrich
In regards to your second question, as I have stated before, it isn’t my job to sit around all day and look for players, it’s EGs job, and since he’s getting paid to do it, he isn’t so he needs to go. Furthermore, as I have stated before, it’s not about them going and just spending money, it’s about them going and getting legit talent around JWall, not pieces just to say that we have a team, and players that need “development”. That’s a way of saying we don’t plan on actually competing right now. If that’s the case, we as fans can say, Ok, we’ll buy tickets and come to games when we feel that you have a top notch team on the floor. And players that will start on any team in the NBA. So since you don’t feel its necessary to do that right now, send me requests to buy tickets when you do so….Now that would be wrong, wouldn’t it?
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 26, 2010 at 8:44 PM
Sam played twice as many years as Kirk and the comparision numbers just about reflect that, on average, they are pretty even.
I enjoyed watching both of them play. Their games are comparable. Sam has the rings because Sam played on teams that were better than those on which Kirk played.
Sam is a high energy guy who motivates players. He knows the game. He is a good teacher. He is a valuable asset to the Wizards.
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 26, 2010 at 8:57 PM
When the Wizards make the playoffs, I’d like to be the announcer who would say before the opening game…prior to the season the feeling among some of the Wizards fans was…
“* The guy we have penciled in to start at Center is RAW — by all accounts.
* The guy who will start at point guard is a 19 year old rookie.
* The guy at the 2 is coming back from multiple knee injuries and 3 years of essentially not playing
* The guy penciled in to start at the 3 is a well below average NBA forward who couldn’t earn the starting job w/ the Los Angeles Clippers.
* Our starting 4 is a talented but certainly unpredictable Andray Blatche.”
BUT HERE THEY ARE in the opening round of the playoffs!
because:
The center led the league in blocked shots and forcing changed shots;
the 19 year-old at the point guard is Rookie of the Year;
the 2-guard was in the top five in scoring and was comeback player of the year;
the 3-spot played solid double/double all year;
the starting 4 averaged 20/10 and was the team’s MVP.
You’ve got to believe!!!!!!
Comment from JWALL
Time July 26, 2010 at 9:23 PM
Put it this way Tom I am listing teams that I feel we can be better than next year:
Cleveland, NJ, LAC, GS, Philly, NY and Minny.
Comment from neal
Time July 26, 2010 at 9:23 PM
Wall, Arenas, Thornton, Blatche, McGee
Depending on how you look at it, we have a very strong starting 5, or every one of our starting 5 is questionable.
I think they’ll play pretty well. I think we’ll win 33 and will be in a lot more until the final minutes.
Comment from gray16
Time July 26, 2010 at 9:30 PM
boston went and got sam because he was a free agent, hinrich wasn’t. to think that boston wouldn’t have snagged hinrich if given the chance is crazy. heck, they were even rumored to be looking into trading for him this past season…
in the end, sams championships on the back of hakeem and drexler, and the big three in boston (both teams he came off the bench….) don’t make him a winner, they show he was on winning teams. but like i said, this doesn’t take away from him coaching abilities, i think he could be a great coach with some more experience.
now as far as winning now, of course the wizards are trying to win, but they aren’t trying to get more wins now than later. they are trying to build winners through development, which obviously takes more time than through trades and free agency, but in the long run usually has longer lasting effects.
if you don’t want to go to games because the team isn’t blowing all it’s money to win right now, that’s your prerogative, i expect a lot of people to think that way, others will be die hards, others will enjoy watching the young guys grow. but this is a sacrifice the team is going to take, take time to develop the young guys possibly at the expense of wins, instead of just trying to win right now and probably going nowhere.
Comment from Rick
Time July 26, 2010 at 9:46 PM
gotabig, you should consider changing your moniker to GotabigImagination
but it is nice to just dream sometimes, isn’t it!
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 26, 2010 at 9:50 PM
Gotabig — sounds good to me!
You do remember, however, that at this time last year you were maintaining against all opposition that the Wizards had “the most talented roster in the NBA,” and that when I picked my jaw up off the ground and asked “more talented than the Lakers?” you replied, “yes more talented than the Lakers.”
Comment from ChenierFan
Time July 26, 2010 at 10:02 PM
I’m with Gotabig in the optimism department. I think this team will be as impressive this year as last year’s team was disappointing.
This team has more size, more speed, more hunger than last year’s team. All those loose balls that the team coudn’t come up with last year, that would roll between Jamison’s legs, are going to be snapped up and turned into highlight reel fast break plays.
Ernie, who I think is one of the very best GMs in the league, got the players he wanted out of the draft. He has the coach he wants and the team he wants.
This is going to be a very exciting year.
Here’s a story hot off the wire… Dave Bing announced he wants to play for the Heat. Good to see he hasn’t given up on getting a ring.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 26, 2010 at 10:09 PM
Rick — ROFLOL !!
Love Sam Cassell — what exactly does this have to do with who we acquire now? Sam is retired, and he coaches for us. I don’t get it??
As to how much we spend or pay guys, the CBA says you *have to* have a minimum payroll figure of… I don’t remember what but something in the mid $40millions. We’re not overspending, and we have other teams paying for part of a couple of our players. No problem.
If you didn’t like the February trades, you’re really not thinking but instead just reacting. We were going to have to *rebuild* because the team wasn’t succeeding. I was impressed that Ernie was able to do the deals he did. I was worried that we were *stuck* with Jamison’s ridiculous contract (mandated I’m sure by ownership) along with Caron for another unproductive year. Not to mention Gil’s outlandish deal, which we *still* are suffering with.
Brendan was expiring anyway; he was done as a Wizard at season’s end; we didn’t need to get rid of him and wouldn’t have traded him except Dallas *insisted* no trade for Caron w/o Brendan, and we *had to* get rid of Caron.
Obviously, there was no better deal available, duh, or we’d have done it. We did get a big expiring salary in return (howard). That is *exactly* what you want if you are planning to rebuild.
When you trade away your problems, you usually get someone else’s problems in return. You can’t easily trade a problem for a solution (tho it happens once in a while). Josh Howard was Dallas’s *problem*. If you really think we acquired him because we liked him, that’s pretty naive. We took him *because we had to* in order to dump salaries.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 26, 2010 at 10:10 PM
Ok, let’s do some research. How many championship teams have players on their starting five that were DRAFTED by them? If there were more Drafted, I will cease, if not then we shouldn’t be waiting for the #1 pick again….
There are five players on a team, sam had a part to play and he played it…you can’t replace that experience….everything else is minutiae
EGs latest words (today)
“The direction we are trying to go – obviously we are building – but when you build you also need some veterans, some leaders, players that have been through the wars before,” Wizards GM Ernie Grunfeld said. “Kirk is definitely one of those players. He’s been a winner his whole career in college and in the pros. … We expect him to provide a lot of leadership on our team.”
HA fits neither role….
Rick that was hilarious
Gotabig, love the enthusiasm
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 26, 2010 at 10:15 PM
Tom,
Sometimes you respond just to respond….Portland was asking for Brendan, and I think a couple of other teams…..
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 26, 2010 at 10:18 PM
Chenierfan says “this is going to be a very exciting year” and I agree. But we won’t win a lot of games. Instead, we’ll have fun watching our guys play hard, our rookies struggle and improve, our young Center show whether he can or can’t discipline himself as a basketball player, our enigmatic AB finally become the player he has the potential to become (or finally *not* become that), and so forth.
Good enough for me. Better, in fact, than signing overpriced players in this crazy Summer.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 26, 2010 at 10:21 PM
Bottom line, if we look at the stats for our NBA Basketball Team, we have been going downhill…whether it’s injuries, coaches, gm, players, whatever.
At the end of the day we have more losses than wins. We suck, we are terrible, we need more than just a new owner, a number one pick, and potential. we have had potential for the last five years, and we see where that has gotten us.
And can we get some bloggers that have a better sales pitch than saying people are not fans because we don’t see eye to eye…lol…it’s so high-schoolish.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 26, 2010 at 10:25 PM
dcbutler — ?? you really think Ernie comes into the office and chooses less good deals? I responded because, essentially, that’s what you said.
Sorry. We did *very well* to dump the terrible contracts we got rid of and not have to take on any terrible contracts. Good work by Ernie.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 26, 2010 at 10:37 PM
So, what are you saying, dcbutler….? You’re unhappy? It’s not good enough to have new ownership, to have a #1 pick, to have 2 more round 1 rookies, to have a reliable veteran guard come in, to have dumped all our bad contracts (w/ the exception of Gil’s), to have been able to position ourselves to start over? To have some hope and something to look forward to?
Instead you want… what? Really, what? Chill, amigo. It’s going to be a very fun season — wild and fun!
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 26, 2010 at 10:38 PM
Sorry Tom,
You arent the deciding factor, and neither am I. But the record since 2003 is what it is and guess who the GM is/was?
Our talent level reached it’s peak and didn’t do anything else after reaching it’s peak, what four years ago, and guess who the GM was/is?
I know it’s all just a coincidence, and the stats don’t mean anything right?
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 26, 2010 at 10:53 PM
Minny trades Ramon Sessions, Ryan Hollins and a 2013 round 2 choice to Cleveland for Delonte West and Sebastian Telfair. They’ll waive West, who only has $500K guaranteed on his contract.
Sessions is an ok player; Hollins is nothing. Cleveland dumped a problem (West — but they too could just have waived him for $500K) and a terrible player (Telfair). David Kahn is an idiot but this trade is only semi-idiotic.
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 26, 2010 at 10:54 PM
Last year’s team had great potential. It was a shame that CB3 couldn’t understand that he really wasn’t the franchise guy that he thought he was. Our season was over before the non-shoot-out-at-the-Verizon Center happened. It was over when Gil and Caron understood that they couldn’t coexist. EG should have traded CB3 after the first 10 games. However, it will turn out that for the good of the franchise, it was best that CB, AJ, BH and DS are gone and that Gil got slapped up the side of the head. This is a nice looking team that we are starting to build. It is young and it is athletic. It needs good, mature, insightful, forward-looking coaching that nurtures and teaches rather than criticizes and belittles. IMO, Flip is a good coach but he really dropped the ball a few times during a very frustrating 2009-2010 season. I don’t want to hear him throw any player under the bus this year. This is not about Flip. This is about the Wizards.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 26, 2010 at 10:55 PM
We don’t disagree about the past dcbutler — it’s now that we disagree about. Anyway, I’m gonna hit the sack!
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 26, 2010 at 11:00 PM
Tom M. – I believe you’ve got the D. West thing right. One way or the other he’s cooked and Telfair is one of the most over-rated hot dogs to hit the NBA.
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 26, 2010 at 11:01 PM
dcb – Good night. You’ve got the helm.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 26, 2010 at 11:03 PM
Thanks DCB ….. Hudson has been invited to training camp. For me anyway… very good news.
DCB.. we didn’t just Heinrich… we also got Seraphin in the same deal with money back from Chicago. I don’t mind it at all depending on how Seraphin does.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 26, 2010 at 11:18 PM
Ok I read the Truthaboutit article….. It seems to me that they are trying to lambaste JaVale because Odom and Granger were sleeping…lazy… let me see what else??? Odom and Grainger weren’t being tired or lazy… they were getting “beaten”. Who is this Mahoney character anyway? If you are going to pick on somebody at least make it the “right” somebody LOL.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 26, 2010 at 11:23 PM
I noticed in SL, and mentioned it at the time, how I wondered who had been working with JaVale on his positioning as it seemed to me to be leaps and bounds better than in the past. He is young and it “seems to me at least” he is learning pretty well. We will see.
On Team USA they are obviously telling JaVale to set up at the elbow as he goes there almost every time. Why I have no idea, but, he wouldn’t do it so consistently without direction.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 26, 2010 at 11:29 PM
Delonte is probably going to be breaking the bigger rocks into smaller ones. All those guns and driving around the beltway? Makes me wonder where in the world he was going and who may have been his target? You don’t carry that many weapons unless you are in Afghanistan
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 26, 2010 at 11:37 PM
Only time will tell, but Seraphin is a #17 pick (ny and Javale were like 17 or 18 themselves right)….so he better be all that or we wasted a lot to get him. so i’m not even going to factor him in (just yet).
Sweet dreams Tom and Getabig.
This is how i’m looking at the FA thingy. Pay them now or pay them later, but you’re going to have to pay to get them. Of course I’m not saying pay 85 mil and all that silly stuff. If JWall has to tell McGee and NY where to go, or any other player on this team, that has already been in the league, I’m done….lol….
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 26, 2010 at 11:37 PM
Delonte was already handed his sentence…home detention and leave for games.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 26, 2010 at 11:45 PM
This is the deal about Javale, he’s been using his length and abilities to the point that he doesn’t necessarily know how to be physical. Love, Chandler,and the other players use their physical to play big, javale uses his finesse. Once he puts it together, he can be a beast. He doesn’t even let players run into him on picks…rofl….
HOWEVER, I don’t see him as a starter until he GETS IT. So why sacrifice the team for mediocre play. If he doesn’t get it yet, don’t give him the important minutes. Get a Center or get a Big man coach that will MAKE him get it.
Comment from gray16
Time July 27, 2010 at 6:00 AM
dc, there are 12 players on the team, and sam wasn’t one of the starting 5 on neither team. he was the back up point guard. that said he did play a role, but what does that do for the wizards? help teach people how to be 6th men? but i digress on that.
man, this season just needs to start, i’m ready to see the young guys behind the wheel. also want to see the backcourt of gil and wall, that should be exciting. should be fun. like tom, i don’t expect a lot of wins, but if they play hard i will be satisfied. even in the end of the season last year, in losing games, the team was still fun to watch. the difference this year should be that we will be seeing brighter days ahead.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 27, 2010 at 7:28 AM
Marqus Blakely, an undersized undrafted forward who put up great numbers for Vermont and about whom I wrote here several times, has signed a 2 year, non-guaranteed contract with the Clips. He’s an outstanding hustle player. Wish him well!
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 27, 2010 at 11:34 AM
Hello everyone,
Here’s to a better day
Oh wait, we woke up on the same topic that we went to bed with, I thought we were done. All I can say is define it as you must, but the show must go on…lol…
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 27, 2010 at 3:12 PM
Lets talk about something new…
dcbutler, you come up with something, ok?
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 27, 2010 at 3:46 PM
we can all take a break today, nothing new is really going on. except they are still trying to trade CP3, He just can’t openly say it or he’ll be fined.
Comment from maggicman11
Time July 27, 2010 at 4:22 PM
seems like cp3’s PR ppl are telling him to chill out with the trade talk after seeing what happen with LeBron. They dont want the entire league’s fan base to turn on him too.
The thing that made the end of last year fun to watch was you didnt really expect them to win. if they couldnt win with Caron, Twaan, Haywood.. how could they beat Boston or denver without them? that was exciting to watch. I think the same can be said this year. We have a completely different team and the truthaboutit is none of us know how they will play together. none of us know if they will “only win 20+ games” or “go to the playoffs”. we have NEVER seen this team play. this is a very different McGee coming into this season from what we can tell from SL and USA bball. we have a new PG, a whole new bench which includes a french guy no one knows anything about. we have Gil which none of us has ever seen play the 2spot in the NBA. we have Yi and Kirk.
How can we so easily judge what a team we have never seen b4 will do this season? i am officially taking the wait and see approach. not going to agree with the 20+ notion or the playoff notion. who knows how this team will bond and play together, we COULD make it to the 2nd round for all we know. if we bring back the same team from last season then i agree with tom, 20+.. But this is not the same team. yes we are young, so is OKC. and outside of durant, i believe we have a more “talented” team than they have. (granted, Durant makes up ALOT of ground for them)
Comment from JWALL
Time July 27, 2010 at 8:02 PM
OK while I am waiting on the Skins camp to open on Thursday. I will throw this out there. Since some are skeptical about Javale being ready to start and despise the HA signing. Then why not sign Shaq so he can tutor Javale and push him around in practice and teach him how to play center . Let’s get physical. Well if T.O> can find a home then……… I’m just joking yall!
Comment from JWALL
Time July 27, 2010 at 8:16 PM
This is for you who believe that we may can finally turn this thing around in spite of what other scholars may think.. May hope and faith embrace each other this season in the phone booth. Maybe our miracle is getting the 8th seed.
Kirk you alright with me:
http://www.hoopsworld.com/story.asp?_id=16933
Comment from JWALL
Time July 27, 2010 at 8:23 PM
Here is the correct link to the Kirk article:
http://www.hoopsworld.com/story.asp?story_id=16933
Comment from gray16
Time July 27, 2010 at 8:28 PM
shaq would never sign with the wiz, he wants to win, not rebuild. and i don’t see shaq as much of a mentor, more like a jamison type guy, getting his and wanting you to help him do it, just being much more dominant in doing it obviously.
man, i’m really anxious to hear about gil, this is getting nerve racking for me. he’s still a part of the team, and he’s still one of my favorite players (if not my favorite), so i would like to hear how he’s doing this season. somebody get on it now! lol.
Comment from JWALL
Time July 27, 2010 at 8:45 PM
gray16 I am on Gil’s side as well. I believe in second and third chances. I certainly did not go and burn his 2 jersey’s I own. Cost too much money.
Comment from JWALL
Time July 27, 2010 at 8:52 PM
gray16 I know it would make our day on the first home game with 12 seconds left JWall speeds up the court and kicks the ball on the wing to Gil he goes up for the shot 2 defenders pull on him and he passes to Kirk who hits the gamewinner. The phone booth erupts!!!!!!!!!
Comment from JWALL
Time July 27, 2010 at 8:55 PM
gray16 Shaq’s ego is to big to fit in our phone booth.
I’m content with Javale getting OJT.
Comment from tyrone2000
Time July 27, 2010 at 9:03 PM
Shaq would fit well in the Wizards lineup this coming year. Kirk, Gil, & Wall make up what sholud be an excellent back court.
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 27, 2010 at 9:26 PM
“Shaq would fit well in the Wizards lineup this coming year. ” – tyrone2000
Shaq is cooked. If there is any one team in the NBA that does not need the Mistake-by-the-Lake, it is the Wiz. JWALL is on target – “…Shaq’s ego is to big to fit in our phone booth. I’m content with Javale getting OJT.”
Comment from draftazoid
Time July 27, 2010 at 9:30 PM
On Team USA:
I think it is ridiculous reading all these basketball commentators saying Brook Lopez is going to make the team. They keep saying he has not played very good and his skills are not needed. BUT they want him to backup Tyson Chandler.
Why have a center on the team that you cannot rely on to play well? Ridiculous. (they also keep saying they want a shotblocker which Javale is the only shotblocker trying out).
Even though Javale has played tremendous in the week of tryouts and the Blue/White scrimmage they, so called experts, just cannot fathom Javale McGee making the team.
They must remember that it is the American way that if there is a “tryout” that you should take the best players who performed while trying out. Taking a player based on reputation only guarantees you will not have the best team. Javale clearly, and it is not even close, outperformed Brook Lopez during the entire tryout and scrimmage.
Go Javale! Go Wizards!
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 27, 2010 at 9:34 PM
Saw ‘Dray tonight. He looks great. He said that he would be ready for training camp. I really like our projected starting 5:
Wall
Arenas
Thornton
Blatche
McGee
Hinrich was a great sign. Hopefully, Slick can be the backup for Gil. Yi, AB and McGee along with the rookies should provide a strong front court. I wish we had another option at the 3-spot. I just don’t think that Slick has the size or the strength to compete there…However, we might use him there to force the opposition to try to match up with us…what a novel idea.
Comment from neal
Time July 27, 2010 at 9:35 PM
Tom, or anyone else, what was our record after the exit of Caron, Jamison and Haywood?
Comment from gray16
Time July 27, 2010 at 9:37 PM
brooke has mono, so he’s sick. his poor performances are not as worried about when considering that he is playing while being sick, you can’t ignore how good of a player he is, especially when javale is still showing himself to be very raw. it’s safer to go with brooke, that’s why reporters are picking lopez. when healthy, lopez will start over chandler.
as for shaq, i don’t think he would fit in with the team. this team will strive in the fast break, something shaq takes away from. he also demands the ball a lot, but why would the wiz want him to get it? he would do nothing for the team, the only thing he could do is teach young guys, but he’s not that type of person. that’s like relying on gil to teach wall.
Comment from gray16
Time July 27, 2010 at 9:41 PM
neal, we were 9-23 after the caron and tawn etc. were traded way
Comment from datonypony
Time July 27, 2010 at 11:22 PM
Cant believe it, Nba.com’s team ratings for the offseason had a sentence calling Andrew Bogut “…and there may not be a better passing big man in the game.”
Seriously? Even with Garnett being really old, really?
Comment from HardCoreFan
Time July 27, 2010 at 11:37 PM
Gotabigboyoffense – I guess you were at the baseball game tonight. I also talked with Blatch at the National’s game this evening. (The Wizards provided tickets for season ticket holders.) It was good to see him and he said he is looking forward to the start of the season. He also said his foot was doing well. Me and my sister took pictures with him and he was very friendly and accommodating. I am too excited about the upcoming season and October seems so far away.
Anyway, it was nice to see Blatch, get free tickets, and get a win.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 28, 2010 at 8:07 AM
I’m with you magicman — we’ve never seen this team play; lets enjoy their energy, the process of jelling, whatever good happens, and not worry about our record.
Shaq makes no sense here. For one thing, he is *not* a starter any more; he can’t play the minutes. For another, he will be more expensive than any value he can bring. And finally, as has been noted, he is interested in playing somewhere where he has a chance to collect one more ring.
Gotabig — Nick is 6′6″, very long, and looks like he’s put a few pounds on. I think he’s big enough to play the 3. If he doesn’t get minutes there, I don’t know how much he’ll play, as (barring injuries!! 
) I imagine Flip plans for almost all the 96 guard minutes to go to his 3-man rotation.
With Nick it’s not about position. He just has to play better. I haven’t seen anything makes me think he can do that, alas.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 28, 2010 at 8:14 AM
If we’re looking for a wing man, I wonder whether we might wind up signing Keith Bogans. He’s a strong competitor, good defender, available cheap, can shoot the 3. He’d be a good value player.
Comment from millie mill
Time July 28, 2010 at 9:17 AM
Keith Bogans would be nice but I rather pick up Roger Mason Jr.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 28, 2010 at 10:45 AM
Those two have played with and against each other since junior high school or before I believe!
Mason may be a better offensive player and Bogans a better defensive player. On balance, I think Keith Bogans is a better player than Roger Mason.
Comment from JWALL
Time July 28, 2010 at 11:49 AM
I still prefer resigning Josh Howard whether he is healthy or not right now.
See this article by bleacher report:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/425323-it-aint-over-yet-10-biggest-free-agents-yet-to-sign
Josh Howard #4
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 28, 2010 at 12:18 PM
@HardCoreFan – Is that you in photo #18 with ‘Dray at the game last night?
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 28, 2010 at 12:31 PM
JWALL – How can we place any faith in bleacherreport.com when it ranks Earl Boykins as #8 in available FAs?
But, I do agree with you that Josh Howard could be an asset. I really liked the way he contributed during the brief time he played with the Wizards before his injury. I’m just not sure that TL and EG want to make the investment in an injured player who will turn 31 during the coming season…certainly not for $11.84 million.
Comment from tyrone2000
Time July 28, 2010 at 12:38 PM
Love the article JWALL…Shaq would fit perfectly with J Howard, Gil, Kirk, Wall, Yi, McGee, Young and Blatche. McGee might even learn how to use his lack of strength and it should not retard any potential growth.
Comment from neal
Time July 28, 2010 at 1:06 PM
SportzWiz, Cartier Martin was given a qualifying offer, right? And that means a guaranteed contract, right?
We won 28% of our games after Jamison, Butler and Haywood left. 28% would equate to 23 wins over a full season. That’s essentially what Tom is predicting and it’s depressing.
Of the people that matter from the post-breakup team we’ve lost Livingston, Singleton and Foye and gained Wall, Arenas, Hinrich, Booker and Yi . It’s reasonable to think Young, Thornton, Blatche and McGee will have improved a bit with another year of experience.
Maybe I’m being too much of a homer in predicting 33 wins.
Comment from Jaba
Time July 28, 2010 at 1:42 PM
Has anybody signed Singleton yet? I must’ve missed something. His picture is still included on the Wiz roster page.
Comment from millie mill
Time July 28, 2010 at 1:42 PM
I’m with you Neal in predicting wins in the mid-thirties. Don’t forget that after the trades.
1) we still didn’t have Arenas
2) Lost Josh Howard
3) Lost Al Thornton
4) Lost 16 games in a row in March (I don’t see that happening again.
I have a real good feeling that next season the Wizards will win three games in a row. The Wizards haven’t done that since 04/09/08
http://www.nba.com/games/20080409/BOSWAS/boxscore.html
The Wizards had Roger Mason and Sam Cassell was on Boston’s roster.
Comment from millie mill
Time July 28, 2010 at 1:46 PM
And Eddie Jordan was the coach the last time the Wizards won three games in a row. THAT’S A LONG TIME!!!!
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 28, 2010 at 2:23 PM
neal — you left out the best player on the Wizards roster last year; Mike Miller is gone too. Or maybe you think he got a mid-level exception deal because Pat Riley isn’t as good an evaluator of NBA players as a couple of bloggers here?
You can *hope* that Young, Thornton, Blatche and McGee will have improved, but it’s only Blatche and McGee where there’s any real chance. Guys in their mid and late 20s (Nick and Al) don’t usually improve.
23 games would be a pretty good result.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 28, 2010 at 2:34 PM
The bleacherreport list of “top” (?) free agents still left is one of the more ridiculous things I’ve read in a long time.
Gotabig is right that listing Earl Boykins on any “best” list is incredible. But that’s the least of it. The writer has Kwame Brown and Allen Iverson (who hasn’t been able to play with any effectiveness for several years) on there. He’s probably right that the best is Shaq, even at 38, but there isn’t another player on that list I’d want — and yes that includes Josh Howard.
As I’ve said previously, I doubt Josh Howard will get an offer from *anyone* this Summer. Teams will wait until he’s healthy, and he’ll get a rest-of-the-year deal. If he *stays* healthy and performs like the JH of a few years ago, he might get a mid-level kind of deal next Summer — if there is a mid-level exception in the next CBA, that is.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 28, 2010 at 2:40 PM
Pistons just re-signed Bynum — he was on that dumb bleacherreport list. $10.5m for 3 years, which is more than he’s worth.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 28, 2010 at 3:17 PM
Javale didn’t make the cut, but I hope he grasped the mentality along with the experience.
Comment from millie mill
Time July 28, 2010 at 3:23 PM
Yeah, I still think he (McGee) got cheated!! I didn’t want him to go over there and get hurt anyway.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 28, 2010 at 3:29 PM
Colangelo referred to McGee as still being very raw and very young and still a baby…lol….and we regard him as a starting center…lol….and i’ll leave it at that
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 28, 2010 at 3:33 PM
Javale’s response:
Now I get to get back to my summer workouts …and getting my game right for the Wiz and the fans…back to the grind
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 28, 2010 at 3:40 PM
“We won 28% of our games after Jamison, Butler and Haywood left. 28% would equate to 23 wins over a full season. That’s essentially what Tom is predicting and it’s depressing.”
That was without a point guard and without a scorer like Gil who will negate the double/triple teams that ‘Dray saw last year. Our young guys are a year older and hopefully a year smarter and better. We’ll see.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 28, 2010 at 3:57 PM
ROFL….Some things you may not want to see….lol…
As long as we are competitive and getting better as the season goes along, can’t ask for much else….well I could, but you’ve already heard what I want….LOL
Comment from HardCoreFan
Time July 28, 2010 at 4:26 PM
Gotabigboyoffense – Where are the pictures that you are referring to at the game last night? I did take a picture with him before the game but I don’t know if it is posted and where it would be if it was posted. Let me know where it is please. Thanks
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 28, 2010 at 4:33 PM
The big difference between what I think and what neal is saying, and what Gotabig is saying too I think, is that I *don’t* find it depressing to think about having only 20 something wins next year (or less, for that matter).
We need to rebuild, and I’m ready to rebuild. Not going to make me less interested in the team or in this blog or in being a fan.
Enjoy it for what it is. We get to see how good John Wall can be how fast — or slow, or maybe even not such a great superstar player. We get to see Trevor Booker develop into a solid NBA player. We get to see our new giant Kevin Seraphin display rawness and talent alike. We get to *hope* Hamady is actually a player and if not we can watch him become an international banker or diplomat or something (kid’s def. going somewhere!).
And that’s just the draft choices. We can also watch the enigmatic AB and read the tea leaves on him. Get sky high and no doubt sometimes crash over JaVale. And so forth.
And even get to see whether Lester Hudson scraps his way into an NBA rotation player.
All that — and just this year! Next year… keep rebuilding. It’s all good!
Comment from neal
Time July 28, 2010 at 4:58 PM
I think Seraphin and N’Diaye need to play every day against good opposition. I hope we sign a full 15 players so that we can afford to leave those two in the D League most of the year.
If we want to save money we could sign a couple of players to non-guaranteed contracts, then cut them before their contracts become guaranteed in January and bring up Seraphin and N’Diaye.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 28, 2010 at 5:31 PM
I’ve noticed that teams don’t usually go into the season w/ 15 players. I imagine that’s to maintain the possibility of a 2-1 trade.
We’ll see! But not for a loooooong time, unfortunately!
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 28, 2010 at 5:32 PM
This’ll make some people happy if it’s true (not me especially):
“Marc J Spears: Josh Howard will be re-signing with Washington Wizards, a source told Yahoo! Sports. Twitter”
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 28, 2010 at 5:42 PM
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/wizardsinsider/2010/07/is-it-al-thornton-time.html?wprss=wizardsinsider — about Al Thornton and the 3 position on the Wiz in general.
Also this:
The Wizards ’still have a qualifying offer out for Cartier Martin, who played well at summer league and is expected to get a training camp invitation. Lester Hudson is also likely going to audition for a spot when the team convenes in late September. The team rescinded a qualifying offer for Cedric Jackson last week, making him an unrestricted free agency. It is also still undecided about signing second-round pick Hamady N’Diaye.
We come out of the deepest draft in years w/ no round 2 guy on the roster, Ernie has shown his inability to draft. The Nets, who are now a better team than we are and certainly stronger at the 5, picked up Zoubek undrafted *and have signed him.*
Comment from gray16
Time July 28, 2010 at 5:52 PM
yep, real gm is reporting it, looks like it’s going to happen
http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/68418/20100728/josh_howard_will_re_sign_with_wizards/
i just hope howard doesn’t ruin the chemistry of the team. he can do some stupid things like getting drunk when there is a game to be played… if he does anything to ruin the locker room i will be pissed.
that said, i’ve always liked josh on the court. that’s not something i will be worried about, other than flip giving him all the minutes if he is doing better than the rookies, stunting their growth.
Comment from gray16
Time July 28, 2010 at 5:54 PM
as for h, if we don’t sign him, what was the point in drafting him… why wouldn’t we sign him? what is there to lose?
Comment from gray16
Time July 28, 2010 at 5:58 PM
i’m confused on this one… are they not wanting to sign H because they want to sign hudson and martin?
granted both are better players, but hudson might not get any burn behind the three guards.
martin i also don’t mind signing, but why then sign howard?
just confusing to me.
Comment from Babakism
Time July 28, 2010 at 5:58 PM
Isn’t Seraphin supposed to stay overseas for at least another year?
No one talks about James Singleton………….he was such a beast off the bench last year. His energy at times was unmatched. The combination of size speed strength and athletic ability made him so versitle on D. He always filled up the box score with blocks rebounds and steals. I think he even had a 20 rebound game…………why did we sign Hilton Armstrong instead of him????
Haywoods contract makes me so happy because for the last 2 years I’ve been trying to tell people that at this point in his career he is better than shaq is right now and his contract proves it.
I don’t know why people are always sleeping on al thorton saying how he is below average and how he didn’t start every game for the clippers. He didn’t start all of them but he started alot of them and played alot of minutes. He is a good defender and is capable of lighting up the box score on any night. He will probobly be a career 15 point a game guy but he can shoot the 3 and will drop 30 or 40 points from time to time.
Comment from neal
Time July 28, 2010 at 6:04 PM
To accomplish my prediction of 33 wins the Wiz have to play at a 40% rate, rather than the 28% rate they did after the blowup.
Here’s my opinion of whether we have improved over the starting lineup most often used in that period:
Wall:Livingston =
Arenas:Young +
Miller:Thornton -
Blatche2009:Blatche2010 +
McGee2009:McGee2010 +
So I think we have a little better starting lineup.
Now the backups:
Hinrich:Foye ++
Martin2010:Martin2009 =
Booker:Blatche -
Yi:Singleton =
Armstrong:Oberto +
I think Yi will have improved enough to equal Singleton’s play, and I think our backups will overall be superior to last year’s.
So….I think we have a better roster and I think we will do better than 28%. As good as 40%, I don’t know.
Comment from neal
Time July 28, 2010 at 6:09 PM
I understand better now about the status of Martin. We have extended a “qualifying offer”, but he hasn’t signed it. We could withdraw it at any time, but the fact that we extended it means that he can’t sign with any other team w/o giving us a chance to match their offer.
I think the odds are good that it’s a minimum offer and that he will eventually sign it and be a Wizard in 2010.
Comment from tyrone2000
Time July 28, 2010 at 6:32 PM
Now, if we can get Singleton and Shaq signed I’ll be satisfied that we would be able to compete with any team in the NBA. This does not retard the rebuilding process but to me fielding a team that can win is more important than losing to find a winning young team anyday.
Comment from HardCoreFan
Time July 28, 2010 at 7:06 PM
Gotabigboyoffense – I found the pics from the Nats game. I am on pic #19 with my sister. I am on the right with the Nats t-shirt. Are you in any of the pics?
Comment from Arthritic
Time July 28, 2010 at 7:39 PM
draftazoid.
i think your opinion is too biased.
ill take brook lopez over javale any day.
brook lopez is a much better player than javale is right now. no one should question that.
Comment from Arthritic
Time July 28, 2010 at 7:40 PM
and
i like the josh howard signing.
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 28, 2010 at 8:28 PM
@HardCoreFan – I found the photo. Looks like you were both having a great time. Nice to put a face with a blogging ID.
No, gratefully, I am not in any of the photos.
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 28, 2010 at 8:47 PM
@Babakism – I agree with you opinion of Al Thornton. I think the guy can play and given the chance will be a good contributor.
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 28, 2010 at 8:52 PM
@tyrone2000 – “The Mistake by the Lake” will not become another “Mistake at the Capitol”. There is no way that TL will allow $ spent on that washed-up, overweight, former great player.
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 28, 2010 at 8:55 PM
@Arthritic – “ill take brook lopez over javale any day.” Maybe today, but not any day. I’d bet a penny that most GMs would take McGee over Lopez. JM has unlimited potential; Lopez might be at his max.
Comment from ChenierFan
Time July 28, 2010 at 8:59 PM
A few random thoughts…
Kudos to Ernie for signing Josh. He must be making a strong recovery from the ACL. Josh is a tough, talented player who gives no quarter. He also wanted to play for the Wiz and that is a big plus. Joshs’s style of play would fit in beautifully with this team.
Enough of this talk about Kirk being a mentor to John. What is this..Big Brothers? If you’re in the NBA the mentoring is over… its time to produce. No one mentored me when I got on this blog. I just put all the distractions (the parties, the girls, the hangers-on) aside and produced.
This just in…. Artis Gilmore called a press conference and says he wants to play for the Heat.
I rather like pairing John with Kirk then bringing in Gil with Nick. It’s hard to see Gil sharing the ball so much.
Comment from neal
Time July 28, 2010 at 9:26 PM
Is the signing of Howard anything more than a rumor? I think he’s talented at both ends of the court but I’ll be very surprised if he got an offer from this Wiz this early. I would think the Wiz would be signing guys to non-guaranteed contracts, then deciding on Howard when he’s ready to play. But maybe the Wiz got a chance to tie him up with a low contract and didn’t see much of a risk.
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 28, 2010 at 9:42 PM
@ChenierFan – You’ve got to stop tip-toeing around and tell-it-like-it-is.
Loved your comment about Kirk mentoring Wall.
Still-On-The-Floor with the Artis Gilmore quip. You are one funny dude.
Can’t agree about Gil coming off the bench. Wall/Gil/AB could be a formidable combination.
Comment from wbott23
Time July 28, 2010 at 9:48 PM
Howard is official on nba.com. I think it’s worth it the guy is working hard and maybe back on the court by October. He can fill it up and defend. It’s an incentive laided deal so I think if he doesn’t meet certain incentives he won’t get the full 4 million and with his health issues I think Ernie did the right thing. Man were going to be very athletic and fast if he can come back and play like he did last year for those 4 games. Go wiz!!!!!!!!!!
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 28, 2010 at 10:02 PM
“Most GMs would take McGee over Lopez,” Gotabig? Man you are really a homer; I can’t believe you think that.
Lopez was a lottery pick; he went #10 and McGee went #18 in the same draft. Lopez had played on a major college force team, where he was a much more productive player than JaVale. He produced right away in the league and played 82 games both as a rookie and in his 2d year, playing 31 minutes as a rookie, and in year two 37 minutes, per game.
So those GMs picked him way before JaVale, and he succeeded immediately. People point to him as a very successful draft pick.
JaVale McGee has done comparatively little in the league. He played 15 minutes and 16 minutes per game his first 2 years. *No one* would say that he has developed much.
McGee isn’t in a class with Lopez. That’s why *even though Lopez is recovering from mono* coach K and his staff kept him over JM.
Is JaVale a outstanding athlete? Yes, he is. So is Joe Alexander, who was picked 8th the year Lopez went 10th and who has basically worked himself out of the league in two years. Is JaVale a skilled Center who knows how to play his position and how to defend his position. No.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 28, 2010 at 10:15 PM
I will be very bummed if we do sign Howard, and I will once and for all give up on Ernie Grunfield as a GM. I said that if Ernie signed Adam Morrison, I’d start a “fire Ernie Grunfield” website; I’ll be tempted to do the same if he signs Howard.
The rumor is that this would be a one-year deal for $4m. Howard won’t be ready suit up until the season is 1/2 over. *Why* would you pay him $4m for at most 1/2 a season? And why would you be so confident that he’ll play *at all* this year? Or that he’ll play the way he did 5 years ago when he was young, had never been injured and was quite good.
Howard’s numbers started going down in ‘07-08, got worse in ‘08-09, and were well below average in ‘09-10. Every year since ‘-6-07, his rebounds have gone down, his FG% has gone down, his 3pt % has gone down, his FT% has gone down, and his assists have gone down. The only thing that’s gone up is how often he puts up shots. So he shoots worse and shoots more — that’s great; just what we need.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 28, 2010 at 10:38 PM
I really liked how Josh Howard played for us in the few minutes he actually got to play before the acl. I’m really surprised that we are signing him, however. We aren’t going to get 1/2 of a season from him. He isn’t even expected to be cleared to practice until the all star break. That doesn’t mean full contact. That usually comes a little later. After full contact he has to play himselft into condition. 1/2 a season is very optomistic.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 28, 2010 at 10:40 PM
If we gave him 4 mil and he was ready to go at training camp I’d say Heck Yes.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 28, 2010 at 10:47 PM
Maybe that’s where Tom’s magic number 23 comes from? Josh Howard is cleared to play for us with 23 games left in the season. He plays so well we win every game.
No that wouldn’t work (lol) we would have had to go 0 and 59 before he came back to make that work
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 28, 2010 at 10:50 PM
MrMichaelLee Josh Howard is returning to the Wiz for close to $4 mil, hopes to be back from torn ACL by October: http://wapo.st/dpNO0L
I have very little to say about this franchise any more. Actions speak louder than words work for the fan just like it works for mgmt.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 28, 2010 at 10:57 PM
The Wizards now have about $5 million left to fill out their roster, which now stands at 11 — it could be 12 as soon as Seraphin negotiates a buyout with his French team, Cholet — after already making moves for Hinrich, forward Yi Jianlian and veteran center Hilton Armstrong. The Wizards don’t anticipate that Howard will be ready before the start of the regular season and the only other natural small forward on the roster is Al Thornton, who was acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers at the trade deadline
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 28, 2010 at 11:02 PM
Tom you are an absolute HOOT. “We get to see John Wall .. how fast, or slow he can be… or maybe not such a great superstar player”. We didn’t draft Cousins… GET OVER IT LOL. I love how the guys you like are going to be anywhere from good solid NBA players to potential superstars…. And the guys you don’t like (John obviously being one given more than a few…..”left handed” comments) are going to be lucky to be playing european ball
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 28, 2010 at 11:03 PM
October? That would be a plus
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 28, 2010 at 11:05 PM
What did he *actually do* in his 90 minutes in a Wizards uniform that you liked, Grifonracing?
When you say you “liked how he played”, do you mean you liked his 43% FG%? Or his 27% 3point FG%? Or his 3 rebounds per game? Was it his total of 4 assists in 90 minutes?
Josh played 3 games for us. What you like is that we won 2 of those 3 games. (He also played 7 minutes of a fourth game before being injured)
The first was against Minnesota. We won because Miller, McGee and especially Andray had terrific games — the 3 of them went 26 for 40, scored 64 points and pulled down 30 rebounds in a combined 100 minutes. Josh went 5-14 that night, and 3-6 from the line. He had 1 rebound and no assists. He didn’t help us win that game.
A few nights later we lost by 5 points to Toronto, and Josh *definitely* helped us lose that game, going 5-17 from the floor in 33 minutes.
In between those 2 games, we beat Denver, and Josh *did* help us win that game. He shot 8-11 from the floor and 3-3 from the line. Al Thornton played even better — his best game as a Wizard. And Andray shot and rebounded very well too.
So… Josh Howard helped us win one game. On a night when Al Thornton played his best game as a Wizard.
I repeat: what exactly about *how Josh Howard played* did you like? He had one good game? That’s it?
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 28, 2010 at 11:07 PM
Grifonracing — I would have picked Wall #1 in this draft, and I think he’s going to be a terrific player. All I meant was that we don’t know *for sure* — that makes it even more fun to watch him.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 28, 2010 at 11:08 PM
No sir… what I liked was that he gave 110% every single minute he was on the floor. He is a scrappy.. go for it… kinda player. The reason I like him is also the reason he gets hurt so much. fine line there I guess.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 28, 2010 at 11:09 PM
I understand that…. However comma slight vocal hesitation… IF we had taken Cousins… me thinks the banter would be just a wee bit more positive
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 28, 2010 at 11:14 PM
You can’t compare stats and wins on the “try out” team we had last year! C’mon lets be a little more realistic. Teams win games players don’t. What difference does it make what any Wizard had last year for “stats”? Without teamates around you your stats will probably suffer a bit. Ya think?
Comment from neal
Time July 28, 2010 at 11:17 PM
$4M for half a season is generous for a 30-year old for a rebuilding team, never mind his penchant for getting hurt and for not contributing to team chemistry. I don’t get it.
I’d rather see Martin or Young or Hudson at SF, I think. Maybe EG wants to make sure we win a few games so we don’t get too discouraged.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 28, 2010 at 11:17 PM
This move makes signing Hilton Armstrong look good. I can’t imagine a more stupid decision than re-signing Howard.
I tried — I really did — to “get with the program.” To believe that Ernie managed the draft reasonably well, that a pointless trade for a non-entity like Yi really didn’t matter, that Hilton Armstrong what the heck was just going to sit at the end of the bench so who cares.
But this move makes me understand that we have a GM who doesn’t live in the 21st century. He has done one no-brainer thing, namely pick John Wall #1, as every NbA GM would have done. He has made a reasonable draft day trade to get Hinrich and the #17 pick. He traded up to get a guy most people thought would be there at #30 (at least TB looks like a good player) giving up #35 in the deepest draft in many years. He drafted a guy in round 2 whom he doesn’t know whether he wants to sign — when *several* teams have picked up talented players either after N’Diaye in the draft or after the draft (e.g. the Lakers *are* planning to sign Derrick Caracter, taken 2 picks *after* H). And now he’s signed an injured 30 year old free agent who has been going downhill for several years and is considered a troublesome influence around the league.
Great work Ernie — way to rebuild the Washington Wizards.
Comment from wbott23
Time July 28, 2010 at 11:20 PM
He may not be the best player and be at the end of his career but we need a 3 and for 4 million and prob less cause he won’t make all of the incentives its worth the risk. The guy defends can run the floor and doesn’t need to take a million shots. He also wants to play for the Wizards and is one of only a few free agents that you can sign for a 1 yr deal due to his past injuries. He may help he sure as hell isn’t going to hurt the team and feels he owes the team for not being productive last season. I like the fact that Ernie is at least trying to improve the team whether or not it works we will wait and see. I’m sure if booker, thornton, yi, or young are playing out of their mind Josh will not be playing but if not he could be useful if the Wizards need a 3 down the stretch when they’re playing for the 8th seed. We may also use him as trade bait if he can show something before the trade deadline for future draft picks or young players.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 28, 2010 at 11:24 PM
Wall and Arenas need to seek each other out and this isn’t advice coming from just me this also comes from the King of Georgetown, Coach John Thompson Sr. too.
Have a look at this excerpt that came from an interview Wall did on the John Thompson show the day he was introduced to the fans in DC – courtesy of Dan Steinberg:
Thompson: Have you had a chance as of yet to meet Gilbert Arenas and to sit down and talk with him?
Wall: No sir, I talked to him through BlackBerry Messenger, that’s the only time I talk to him.
Thompson: What the hell is that?
Wall: BlackBerry Messenger. BBM. It’s like a chat
Thompson: Y’all sit down and like them little text things?
Doc Walker: It’s like Facebook.
Thompson: C’mon, man. C’mon, John.
Wall: No no no no, it’s on your phone, it’s on your phone, it’s on your phone.
Thompson: John is a brother from the hood. Go talk to the man, man. Go ahead, John, go sit down with that man and talk with him.
Wall: Yeah, he’s supposed to come to D.C. soon, so hopefully I can sit down and talk to him face to face and see how we can try to work this out for next season.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 28, 2010 at 11:30 PM
Please understand: my above posts were all in considering the Josh Howard deal is a “done” deal. I’m trying to look at any positive I can find in it. Coming back by October is one plus. His tenacity is another. Past that.. I personally wouldn’t have resigned him. First I’m surprised he is supposed to be ready to play so much earlier than initially reported. If his signing costs Cartier a spot I won’t like the signing One Bit!
I’m starting to climb up the wheel spokes onto your “Bad Ernie” band wagon Tom. The Hilton Armstrong pretty much was my “personal” last straw.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 28, 2010 at 11:34 PM
I’m making no judgements on Seraphin until I see him play. He showed up on draft night and looks like one Big Dude. Let’s see if he can play.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 28, 2010 at 11:38 PM
He, at least, looks like he may have been someone worth trading up for? Got is Heinrich and money back too? Not Ernies worst draft I don’t think. The moves after…. except for the Yi trade… well…….
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 28, 2010 at 11:40 PM
Good BOYD opportunity for Wiz RT @PDCavsInsider Lakers are trying to trade Sasha Vujacic wfirst round pick to get his salary off books.
5Million salary for a 1st rounder, don’t let OKC beat you too this, it’s only 5k…….
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 28, 2010 at 11:40 PM
Ernie obviously considers the 2nd round of the draft a “throw away” or “sell” pick or picks. Somebody has to school that man on how to draft past your initial pick. ALL those promising undrafted Centers………
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 28, 2010 at 11:43 PM
“it’s only 5k…….”
S/B it’s only 5 million.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 28, 2010 at 11:43 PM
The Laker’s 1st rounder will be a low one, BUT, you have to go for that. Especially since Vujacic’s contract expires at the end of the season!!!
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 28, 2010 at 11:45 PM
5.5 but I won’t split hairs if you dont LOL
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 28, 2010 at 11:55 PM
that’s what they were supposed to be doing when they got heinrich’s contract, but of course ernie didn’t know what the heck he was doing…..you do this with players that have one year left on their contract….what a great GM….
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 29, 2010 at 12:05 AM
When Ernie first got here… brought Gilbert and Caron here (Kwame for Caron will be his legacy)… asked them who do they want…Antawn… so he got Antawn. I thought he was going to be the best thing since sliced bread. Unfortunately… since getting Antawn he has taken the team slowly but steadily downward.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 29, 2010 at 12:08 AM
We have the best PR staff, they take any situation and make it seem like we are on the cusp of greatness….very entertaining
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 29, 2010 at 12:11 AM
I agree Let’s take the PR staff and switch them out for the scouting team. I’m betting the Pr staff does better at scouting than the scouting team ever has lol.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 29, 2010 at 12:15 AM
Thanks DCB et al. DCB hope you are recovering quickly and will be at 100% by training camp
Nite all
Comment from dlts20
Time July 29, 2010 at 1:22 AM
I said in the other thread that this is the only big signing I would make to our roster. I love it. I think it makes us a completely different team. It makes us so athletic, tough, & dangerous. He can start if he’s healthy and if he’s just getting back, he can give us a boost off the bench for instant offense. I said before that if Dray never got hurt, then I would guarantee the playoffs. With him being hurt, it could go either way. Now I think this puts us back over the top.
Still alot of questions health wise with Gil, Josh, & Dray but if they get healthy then we can be very exciting at the least. My only fear with Josh is that he seemed to try to be the man too much last year and wanted to pad stats on a bad team but if he plays with that same intensity while sharing the rock, then we will be scary and wont back down from anyone. I love it. You also could tell that he really wanted to be here the whole time. He’s from NC and has alot of family in DC. He loved it here and has been rehabbing here. A great deal on the cheap
Comment from datonypony
Time July 29, 2010 at 1:31 AM
I cannot believe that we signed Josh Howard. I cannot believe that EG doesn’t know whether to sign Hamady or not.
I am speechless.
Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 29, 2010 at 2:52 AM
The ONLY reason Josh Howard’s numbers have gone down in the last few seasons is due to multiple injuries. That’s a big Only… by the way. He ain’t getting any younger for the way he “attacks” the game. Time to think about such things. If he IS on our roster next year… I Hope he…First.. allows himself to fully heal…. then tempers his aggession so as not to get hurt again… still be effective.. and help the team.
Comment from Babakism
Time July 29, 2010 at 4:37 AM
@grifon racing
Antwan came before caron. He was part of the trade to get rid of Stackhouse.
Larry Hughes was let go cause we didn’t wanna pay and then we brought in Caron
Comment from Babakism
Time July 29, 2010 at 4:44 AM
@Tom
Howard didn’t put up great stats in those 3 games but he did hustle like I’ve never seen him hustle before. He looked like a Defensive Hustle Expert which was crazy cause I’ve never heard of him as a good defender
He also fits well into the style of Flips offense
Sources who cover the Wizards closely told me that he brought a spark with him last year. He had a winning attitude that rubbed off on the young guys those first couple games.
When first being interviewed about the teams record he said, “it looks like we are still mathmetically in the playoff hunt and I don’t know what its like to not get my playoff checks” lol
4 Mil isn’t to hefty of a price tag. If he comes back and plays well he could also be trade bait for a late first round pick
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 29, 2010 at 7:30 AM
Pros/cons and the overall effects of signings
http://www.bulletsforever.com/2010/7/29/1593747/quick-thoughts-on-keeping-josh#storyjump
Comment from JWALL
Time July 29, 2010 at 8:00 AM
Some of you guys must have never played the game of basketball be it recreation or organized to make the negative comments you have made about Josh Howard. Josh Howard can play this game. i predict that when he is fully recovered he will have you all eat your blogging words. Enough of the sideline analysis on Josh, HA, Yi and etc. We have a new team and I am excited this morning about resigning Josh Howard. Next to John Wall and the rembracing of Gilbert Arenas. Josh Howard resigning was my biggest hope. The addition of Kirk, Yi, HA, TB, KS has made me very happy with the moves EG has made. Now the pressure is on the coaching staff and players to put together a competitive team. like I said some of those good teams that come to the phone booth this season will be in for a real treat (some upsets). So you guy’s continue to give your sideline analysis and I will be continue to be optimistic and hopeful for a fun-filled and great season! I am so happy about this move.
Doclinkin what is your take on the Josh Howard move?
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 29, 2010 at 8:05 AM
JWall,
That’s what the blog is for….LOL…Do you.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 29, 2010 at 8:06 AM
Guys like Howard, who rely on athleticism, quickness and hops, are almost always on the downhill by the time they hit 30. Of course injuries have something to do with it — and injuries are not a problem for just a few guys. This is a hard game; there are minor injuries over and over, and your body takes a toll.
Josh Howard isn’t going to come back to the guy he was in ‘05-06. I’d love to have him. He’s going to get worse. He’s going to continue downhill, the way players like him always do.
This is a *terrible* move by a GM who has no plan whatever. Ernie needs to be fired — today.
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 29, 2010 at 8:09 AM
The reality of it all is that if any of us were a GM or anything else, we wouldn’t have time to be on this blog….lol…so all of us are blind to the facts, except for those that are given to us via the media, OR we personally know a player, mgmt etc.
ANYBODY that continuously takes the side of mgmt, a player, a blogger, whoever is not giving an un-biased opinion. Everyone on this blog, in the wiz org, etc has made a mistake in some form or fashion and deserves constructive criticism, so anyone on here that doesn’t want to hear any, needs to man-up/grow-up and keep it moving.
Comment from JWALL
Time July 29, 2010 at 8:13 AM
This is also a bittersweet morning for me when I found out about the tragic death of Lorenzen Wright.
Found shot 12 times in Memphis. What a tragedy for his family the community of Memphis and the NBA.
I definitely will keep his family in prayer.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 29, 2010 at 8:17 AM
Mike Prada of Bulletsforever concludes his article on the signing of Josh by writing:
“At the end of the day, there isn’t much risk in keeping Josh Howard, and the reward could be nice. He’s here only for one year, with a contract that probably has a lot of incentives, and he’s probably motivated to remind people why he was once one of the better small forwards in basketball.”
I couldn’t disagree more. I’m not interested in Josh’s motivation. I’m interested in building the future of the Washington Wizards — full stop. Neither the Hilton Armstrong signing, nor the Yi trade, nor signing Josh contributes to that future.
It’s not a problem if this signing keeps Cartier Martin off the team. Martin isn’t such a good player that I worry whether we have him or not. And he isn’t a kid either — he’s not part of that future team I’m thinking of. Ditto Lester Hudson — love the guy, and he is a great story. But that’s just sentiment, pulling for an underdog. He’s not a strut of the future either.
It’s the failure to get a good round 2 guy out of the deepest draft in many years, and it’s the failure to pick up any *young* talent post-draft. These are the things that concern me.
You want to roll the dice? Why do it on a 30 year old coming off multiple injuries? Roll the dice on someone who if he makes it can help you build your team’s future.
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 29, 2010 at 8:24 AM
@dcbutler357 – Thanks for the link to the bulletsforever article. IMO, Prada did a good job of putting things in perspective. That’s the first time that I have seen anyone stating that Josh would definitely be ready by October. If there is any truth to that statement, the signing is very positive. Josh Howard can play the game and it would be great to see him on the court with Wall, Arenas, Blatche and McGee. Come to think about it, he had the surgery in March 2010 and it was projected that the recovery would be 6-8 months so October would be 7 months. Maybe he’s a quick healer.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 29, 2010 at 8:24 AM
JWALL — I understand your enthusiasm. I was voicing the same sentiment only yesterday. I am happy to watch a new team come into being whatever the results this year. It’s like planting a garden and watching beautiful things emerge, or having kids and watching them grow. It’s a good thing.
But criticizing the signing of Josh Howard isn’t being “negative.” It’s looking at how players’ careers usually go — guys like him don’t usually go backwards to be as productive as they were in their mid-20s. If you disagree, I’d like to know *one* counter-example.
And it’s *definitely not* a criticism of Josh Howard himself! What reason would I or any blogger or anyone who doesn’t know him have to be critical of *him?*
I don’t care whether he smoked or smokes pot, that’s for sure! I’m a child of the 60s. I *guarantee* I’ve smoked more pot than he ever will! (forget that I said that, ok — and that I just erased a sentence about my experiences w/ psychedelics, etc. )
Comment from JWALL
Time July 29, 2010 at 8:28 AM
I am who I am. I blog like you do because we have the access and privilege as fans of the NBA and the Wizards to voice our opinions whether agreed upon or not.
I am just voicing IMO just like you all are.
Let’s GO WIZARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You may not feel the way I feel. That is ok with me.
Now I am getting ready to root on my Skins as they open training camp.
Clinton Portis is my favorite Redskin and believe me the stuff I have blogged back to me for supporting CP26 is way more opposing than anything you send back to my personal comments. They are little pebbles compared to
some of the bricks thrown on the Redskin websites I participate on.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 29, 2010 at 8:29 AM
Gotabig, if Josh Howard can start the season in game-shape and be ready to play 82 games, then sure he’s perfectly fine for $4m.
But, haven’t you heard this kind of thing said many times before? Optimistic claims about when a guy will be back from a serious knee injury that turn out to be false (especially when he was already coming off of a previous one when he suffered the new one)?
I’ve never *actually seen* one of these ahead of schedule recoveries. Again, if someone can point to an example I’d be glad to know about it.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 29, 2010 at 8:31 AM
JWALL — I agree totally. And unanimity is not very entertaining anyway!!
I’d love to see Portis have a good season. Good luck to him!
Comment from doclinkin
Time July 29, 2010 at 8:33 AM
I’m pretty well pleased with this. Reports suggest this is maybe 4 million after incentives are met, incentives like minutes played, on court performance, never know it could have possible off-court clauses as well. Incentive-laden contracts are rare in the NBA but would be a positive trend if we can lead the way. You pay for performance, not for potential. In a profit making business that makes sense.
A motivated Josh Howard, in another contract year, with incentives for good play, can be a high-intensity player as we saw in that brief glimpse last year. And with players like Gil, John Wall, Howard, McGee, Nick Young, Dray, Seraphin we’ll have the league-wide ‘all-wingspan’ team, longest arms in the league.
Defensively while that may not add the thumping and bruising in the rugby scrum under the basket (well, except KSera Sera) at least that’s a positive in Flip’s Hyperbolic Parabaloid Transitional Floating Zone scheme. Hyperborean Polarized Tetradecahedron Flexible Zone, whatever it is.
Team-wise, I always hate the idea of tanking for picks, it’s a queer feeling to root for your team to lose. On the other hand, going into an unknown year (Iffy CBA negotiations, possible lockout) it makes no sense to commit to long term dollars. Here we add an undervalued talent, who played well with some of our youngsters. We get a placeholder on him with Bird rights to resign if it turns out we caught lightning in a bottle and he shows good chemistry with John Wall. We add a veteran with some success in the league, a chance to win a little bit more than merely adding a scrub. First you win, then you get good. If we can make a push with the young athletic, long uptempo team, I think we can have a little fun. Something positive to remember going into a possible lockout and time without ball.
The league rules require the team to have 13 players, if we’re not on the market to add longterm salary, you have to make do with a few compromises, but it does no good longterm to merely load up on youth and D-league players. At Ted’s direction Ernie has added a few young veterans with possible upside (more than actual production, as yet) in players like Yi and Hilton. Hard working good character players, by most reports.
He adds a few quality veterans or tier-B talents like Josh Howard and Kirk the Vulcan.
And leaves a few roster spots open for D-League call-ups, hustle spots, energy players, and injury fill-ins.
As a placeholder year, able to fight for a late-playoff spot while ensuring minutes for developing youngsters, I got no problem with the roster assembled. We’ll still play a fun brand of basketball. Uptempo, feisty, tough to handle in transition even off a made basket.
We still need to rebound better underneath, but never know, I’m hoping Kevin Seraphin proves a revelation on that front. Early looks suggest he’s got the muscle, huge hands, wingspan, and desire. Nice raw tools. And should have good chemistry with John Wall (he’s the only DeMarcus Cousins-esque player on the roster: big hands, ground bound muscle game) and Dray (who plays the mid-post Four more than the frontcourt rassling). I think long term, he may prove the difference maker on this team’s success.
Should be an interesting year one way or the other.
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 29, 2010 at 8:35 AM
You can’t build a winning team by playing a group of players who have little to no experience. Hinrich, Arenas and, now Howard will provide some of the experience that will help the younger players to develop. John Wall is the only new player who will have any impact on the future of the Wizards. Signing Booker,or Martin, of Hudson, or Seraphin, or even Armstrong just provides some bench players. This team will develop around Blatche, Wall and McGee with more veteran players showing the way until those three develop to full potential.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 29, 2010 at 8:37 AM
Very sad story about Lorenzon Wright covered all week. By all accounts a nice person who has had a sad and sudden end to life.
Comment from JWALL
Time July 29, 2010 at 8:45 AM
Tom I appreciate your last post. Have a great day.
To my fellow bloggers be yourself because I will continue to be unique in who I am. peace.
Comment from Jaba
Time July 29, 2010 at 8:52 AM
Love doclinkin’s comment! I’m also happy that the Wiz resigned Howard. I really think he’ll play his butt off trying to prove to everybody (not just Tom Mandel) that he still has game. Can’t wait to see the Wizards run!
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 29, 2010 at 8:54 AM
Gotabig — what you say is logical. You do need some veterans.
But if you’re saying that all Ernie could do this off-season to impact our future was to take the consensus #1 pick that any GM would have taken, how has he earned his salary?
In fact, he’s done better than that. I’d add Booker and Seraphin to the list of those who can “have any impact on the future of the Wizards”. We don’t know that they *will* (and we don’t *know* how good Wall will be either), but we should certainly *expect* them to be part of the future core.
And I like the acquisition of Hinrich as I’ve said a few times.
But no move since draft day has been to build our new core. Nor did we manage to add a good round 2 player in the best round 2 probably in a decade.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 29, 2010 at 8:59 AM
Ok, if Josh Howard’s deal is “incentive-laden” based on recovery schedule, games played, minutes played, and productivity — that’s different. The problem with the signing was the risk/reward ratio. If that’s been abated, fine.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 29, 2010 at 9:00 AM
Awright… put a hold on that Ernie-firing I called for!! ;>
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 29, 2010 at 9:42 AM
EG’s job is safe until the next time he crosses the bloggers.
You can never tell for certain who will have a positive impact, but physical tools can be evaluated to formulate a fair guess…after that it’s attitude and desire. As we’ve all stated a few times, the players in the NBA are the best basketball players in the world. There are no bad basketball players in the NBA. There certainly are some players that each of us has taken a shot at at various times for a variety of reasons, but, they can still play. My point was that there are three young players on the Wizards who have superior basketball tools. We shouldn’t decide to give extended minutes to try to develop rookie players who don’t have those exceptional tools; rather we should surround the three that we have with solid veterans who can both play the game and provide the experience that is required to win.
I believe (as do some of the other bloggers) that the Wizards have a very strong first 8 players…strong enough to make the playoffs if we don’t run into some crazy combination of injuries, personality clashes (me,me ballers), or mock shoot-outs like we did last year.
Comment from tyrone2000
Time July 29, 2010 at 10:11 AM
I am surprised that J Howard would resign with the Wizards. There was something special in the games that he played in. Stats did not pick it up completely. I think his +/- was well above everyone on the team last year. Wizards history is to throw their best players under the bus for political correctness. It never has worked but it usually sets the franchise back another 3 to 4 years.
Comment from Jaba
Time July 29, 2010 at 10:21 AM
What are the chances of seeing Singleton in a Wiz uniform again? I know we got Booker and Seraphin, but both have ways to go, so I wouldn’t mind having Singleton as a possible backup while they learn. I really liked the guy’s scrappy way of playing.
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 29, 2010 at 10:49 AM
Gotabig — you predict the playoffs; if we don’t make it will be because of injuries or selfishness or some other bad behavior.
That sounds like having your excuses ready in advance. Leaving aside injuries, I guess you would need someone to *blame* if we don’t make the playoffs? Am I right?
What if we don’t make them because Wall takes longer than in a dream to become an effective NBA player, Blatche is up but also down in the way he has been before, McGee is more or less the same McGee as last year, the rookies are raw, and we don’t really have any other good players? Isn’t that at least *possible*?
I’m asking whether it’s possible that if we don’t make the playoffs it’s just because we just aren’t good enough to make the playoffs? Do you admit the possibility of that?
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 29, 2010 at 11:06 AM
Tom, Sure, anything is possible. I wrote that we have an 8-man rotation that would get us to the playoffs. If that 8-man rotation changes significantly (for whatever reason) it would diminish the chance of making the playoffs. I didn’t offer excuses, I simply said that if we run into the same type of BS this year that we hit last year, we have less of a chance.
“I’m a child of the 60s. I *guarantee* I’ve smoked more pot than he ever will!” – Tom M.
Well that explains a lot
Just kidding. I don’t want to start a pot-good-or-bad discussion. It was just too easy. My bad.
@Jaba – I’d like to see Singleton on the Wizards, also. Does anyone know his status?
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 29, 2010 at 11:15 AM
LOL….ok, before we get the plug pulled on the blog…LOL…Some things we just don’t need to know.
so now we have 12 or 13 players signed?
Comment from doclinkin
Time July 29, 2010 at 11:26 AM
John Wall is the only new player who will have any impact on the future of the Wizards. Signing Booker,or Martin, of Hudson, or Seraphin, or even Armstrong just provides some bench players. This team will develop around Blatche, Wall and McGee with more veteran players showing the way until those three develop to full potential.
It says right here: Kevin Seraphin will prove to be key for the Wizards future.
Video of Seraphin for French League Champion team Cholet
See also here:
search for Seraphin.
Kid is big, strong, and when he bangs into players they fall down. Still likes to finesse a little bit around the bucket with a nifty baseline drive to weakside lay-up. But hasn’t even yet hit a big league weightroom. And he hasn’t yet had John Wall shouting at him to dunk that [mess]. In the Euro leagues finesse is admired, here he’ll get accolades for raw displays of force.
As far as dedication, he said he wouldn’t play for the French national team because he wants to get ready for his NBA year. And his primary NBA ready skillset is the low-post defense. In the highlight vids you can already see this former soccer player has good footwork and reads on the trap and recover outside, and boxing out.
I get the feeling (for this reason) he may end up battling McGee for the starter’s role before the year is out. McGee still likes to play a little too fancy, not sufficiently Bruiser-ball.
Comment from Rick
Time July 29, 2010 at 11:31 AM
@doclinkin – I agree. Seraphin the bruiser is a much better complement to Blatche than McGee. I think McGee will get minutes and be more effective this year thanks to Wall. But the Blatche/McGee combo has been exploited by other teams in the past.
Comment from doclinkin
Time July 29, 2010 at 11:36 AM
Yep. My strog read is that (long term) when the dust settles, Seraphin will be our Big Boy offense. Health providing of course.
Comment from Rick
Time July 29, 2010 at 11:47 AM
@Tom – Your sentiment that we should have taken a chance on some young player rather than resigning howard for a year doesn’t really add up.
are you suggesting that we should have signed some relatively unknown and risky round 2 (or undrafted) prospect to a multi-year deal?
if not, and it’s just a one year deal, wouldn’t they just be spending the year auditioning for every team in the league? and then go to the highest bidder/best situation next year, a-la Shaun Livingston?
how does that constitute building our future core?
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 29, 2010 at 11:50 AM
Kevin Seraphin signs with Washington Wizards, reaches buyout with French team
The Wizards roster will soon be at 12 players after first-round pick Kevin Seraphin’s contract is validated by the league office in the next few days. Seraphin recently reached a buyout agreement with his French club, Cholet, with the Wizards paying $500,000 to free him from his obligations, according to his agent, Bouna Ndiaye.
As the 17th overall pick, Seraphin can sign a two-year deal worth about $2.7 million, with the Wizards holding team options for the next two years. With Josh Howard expected to sign a one-year deal Thursday, the Wizards payroll now stands at roughing $53 million, which still gives them about $5 million to fill out the roster.
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 29, 2010 at 1:42 PM
I really hope that Seraphin will be a big contributor to the Wizards future, but at 6′9″ 265 lbs. I just don’t see him being able to compete with 7′+ NBA centers. Many Euro League players have looked good in that league where defense usually consists of pushing and shoving. However, we might have uncovered the rare gem from that league. We’ll see.
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 29, 2010 at 1:53 PM
Josh Howard’s agent (Derek) “Lafayette said Howard is “ahead of schedule” and doing “very well” with his rehablitation. Howard visited with doctors this week, is expecting to soon start running and is scheduled to be back going full speed by late October. “They are really satisfied with the way that he is healing,” Lafayette said of the doctors. “All the reports are coming back good and that he is ahead of schedule post-surgery.” ” – Michael Lee Wizards Insider
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 29, 2010 at 2:10 PM
Take your time and come back FULLY recovered….no use in going down this path again…..no need to rush back.
I didn’t see anything outstanding on the videos for Seraphin…lol…we really have a helluva PR staff, or either EG is one gullible so-….lol…..
Comment from dcbutler357
Time July 29, 2010 at 2:13 PM
6-9″??? what’s his wingspan?
Seraphin a center or PF?
lol…..this team really tests a person’s loyalty…LOL…
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 29, 2010 at 2:38 PM
Stephon is really into shoes:
‘Former Knicks guard Stephon Marbury has agreed to three more years with a Chinese basketball team, whose owners will set up a company to produce and sell his line of athletic apparel and shoes, the team said Thursday.
Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knicks/marbury_agrees_to_return_to_china_v75JDyIUVdjIFfL4blgG5L#ixzz0v687QyML” – NY Post
Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time July 29, 2010 at 2:40 PM
“Fan with LeBron’s Heat jersey chased out of Indians-Yankees game” – NY Post
http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/backpage/fan_with_lebron_heat_jersey_chased_dUCfixOzlK27N5RLcNBb4M
Can’t wait to see how the Cav’s fans treat LaBronze when he returns there!
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 29, 2010 at 5:12 PM
You didn’t see him do anything special, dcbutler? In one sequence, Seraphin blocks Cousins at one end, hustles out to the other end and dunks, then hustles back and blocks John Wall’s layup.
I don’t know if that qualifies as “special,” but I’m pretty sure I couldn’t do it!
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 29, 2010 at 5:18 PM
Doc says Seraphin is key to our future.
Given that I have liked Seraphin *a lot* and hoped we could get him ever since I first saw footage on the guy in the Spring, and given that I have mucho respect for doclinkin’s analyses — I am of the exact same counsel. This kid could be very big for us.
On Josh Howard: Now that I understand that his contract protects us from a late return and against an early departure due to a subsequent injury, I feel different about the signing. I’m fine with it. No, I don’t think Howard either did anything special for us in his 3 games plus 7 minutes, and no I don’t think he’ll do anything special this year either, but he is *certainly* better than the veteran minimum type guy I expected to sign.
And, Rick, you are right that for this role we needed a veteran not a rookie on the draft bubble.
So… my bad on the Josh Howard signing.
Comment from datonypony
Time July 30, 2010 at 5:07 PM
If Josh howard did sign one of *those* kinds of deals, then I am ok with it. And please, JWALL I play recreation and organised Ball, don’t generealise.
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Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 26, 2010 at 10:52 AM
truthaboutit has a very enlightening post on JaVale’s play in a blue/white scrimmage at the LV team usa camp. All of you who are sure of his “breakout year” should read the whole post and all pictures carefully:
http://www.truthaboutit.net/2010/07/javale-mcgee-and-united-lessons-with-team-usa.html#more-8696