Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:25 AM

Bucks in the phone booth tonight.

Big THUMBS up for ‘Dray.

Go Wiz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:34 AM

@GrifonRacing – The Wizards started last season with three captains (AJ, CAron, and Gil).

IMO – A player doesn’t become a leader because he is appointed as a captain by the coach. I think that Hinrich has demonstrated that he can lead. I don’t think that a young guy who is two years removed frm high school should be appointed as a captain of an NBA team simply because he’s the point guard and tells players where to go on the court. One doesn’t have to be appointed captain to be a leader, and one doesn’t become a leader because he is appointed captain.

Comment from draftazoid
Time October 14, 2010 at 9:26 AM

Thank God we have another game to change the discussions.

I am looking to see which Small Forward will be playing the most.
Will Yi start again?

Flip stressed that he wants Javale to play the same way as he did the last game. Im hoping.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time October 14, 2010 at 9:28 AM

Hey guys just as a REMINDER!!!!!!!!!!

There is no swearing on this blog and that includes using similar looking characters/symbols in the place of letters.

Lets try to keep this a FAMILY FRIENDLY BLOG!

Ok back to your previously scheduled program.

Comment from draftazoid
Time October 14, 2010 at 9:32 AM

Sportzwiz,

Anyone ruled out tonight?

Comment from SportzWiz
Time October 14, 2010 at 9:36 AM

draftazoid might find out more at around 10:15 when Flip speaks prior to shootaround.

Otherwise won’t know until around 5:45.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time October 14, 2010 at 10:39 AM

No Thornton tonight. video interviews from Hinrich and Saunders coming up.

Comment from Rick
Time October 14, 2010 at 10:53 AM

The Wiz are still carrying 18 players. Let’s assume that they will start the season with 14. Which 2 of the following players will be on the squad?

Adam Morrison
Cartier Martin
Lester Hudson
Hamady Ndiaye
Sean Marks
Kevin Palmer

If we were to keep 15 for some reason, who would be your last man on the bench?

For me, I keep Hudson and Martin. My 15th is Ndiaye.

Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time October 14, 2010 at 11:24 AM

@rick – I agree with your choices.

Comment from millie mill
Time October 14, 2010 at 12:16 PM

I too agree with your choices rick.

@Gotabigboyoffense, I understand your concern with John Wall being named co-captain. Look at the other choices coach had to choose from.

Gilbert Arenas- not a good choice. Never has been a leader.

Hilton Armstrong-Not

Andray Blatche- Maybe but he has had problems with the coach.

Trevor Booker-Not

Kirk Hinrich- best man for the job, hands down.

Josh Howard- Maybe, but he has had problems with the media, drugs, and he is still hurt.

Lester Hudson- not on the team

Sean Marks- Not on the team

Cartier Martin- not on the team

JaVale McGee- I don’t think so!!

Adam Morrison – not on the team

Hamady Ndiaye- not on the team

Kevin Palmer- not on the team

Kevin Seraphin – barley can speak English

Al Thornton- Don’t think so!!

John Wall- young, still a little raw, born leader, #1 overall draft pick, face of the team.

Yi Jianlian- I don’t think so but maybe later.

Nick Young-Not!!!

I don’t have a problem with a young player being named the captain of a team. I know this is different but I was promoted to Sergeant in the Marines at the age of 20. Some people can lead some can’t. Some are born that way; some develop it along the way.

Comment from crozby
Time October 14, 2010 at 12:25 PM

First, I agree with 1. Hudson, 2. Martin, & 3. Ndiaye.

As far as the captain issue goes, (in Hinrich’s case) do teams usually have captains who are not starters? I know Hinrich may start at times, but when Howard comes back, what then? I think Blatche should have gotten the job. He seems to have matured and has been playing super, starting back in the spring.

Comment from crozby
Time October 14, 2010 at 12:31 PM

Plus, Hinrich is new to the team and Blatche has been here for a while now. He has even committed to an extended contract with the team. His commitment and play should have gotten him the captain’s slot. Every player is going to have disagreements with the coach at some point, and that is what you need from a captain (someone who is going to be upfront and tell you when things are not right). Blatche has matured. And, I have not heard one thing negative coming from Flip about Blatche this year so far. Only good things.

Comment from tyrone2000
Time October 14, 2010 at 1:21 PM

millie mill very good break down of the choices for captains…

Comment from dubv1980
Time October 14, 2010 at 1:48 PM

As far as our keepers for the end of the bench. Having only listened to our radio guys this year they seem high on Lester Hudson. So- Hudson, Morrison (shooters not a bad thing to have), and for a third martin. Just looking at the +/- from the games those look like your best choices.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 14, 2010 at 2:08 PM

I’d keep Hudson and N’Diaye. Martin would be my #15 guy.

@millie mill — good breakdown on the captaincy issue.

Given that 3 captains seems to be fine, I’m actually *surprised* Dray isn’t one of them. The organization just expressed their faith in him big time w/ an extension over several years.

Now, I suppose it’s possible there was discussion about it, and Dray demurred. But he seems to want to see himself as a veteran and a leader — he’s talked about feeling he was well taught by previous veterans Jamison and Haywood and wants to turn around and do the same. It doesn’t make sense to me that he’d turn it down.

So I’ve come to agree w/ Gotabig that it’s a little odd for Dray not to be a captain.

At the same time, I have no big problem w/ Wall being one of the captains, although I have to agree that this too is a little odd. And a little quick. I don’t want to take away from him that he must have done a ton in camp to get the nod — and his preseason play has been strong if sometimes erratic. But I think it might have been better to hold that back for maybe 20 games into the season to let him earn in games that *matter.*

I guess actually I agree w/ Gotabig altogether on this one, now that I think it through.

Comment from neal
Time October 14, 2010 at 2:21 PM

I agree, tyrone2000, Sloane is one of the two best coaches in the league. Unfortunately, neither is looking for a job.

I agree millie with your breakdown of captain possibilities. It’s hard to argue with Saunder’s choices, but I still think it would have contributed to chemistry to let the team choose.

I think we can all agree that Hudson should be the 13th player, and that N’Diaye and Martin are the contenders for the 14th spot. I have seen about 2 minutes of N’Diaye play, hope to see more tonight. Then I’ll opine on who should get the 14th spot. It’s also quite possible that EG will wait to see who gets cut from other clubs before deciding.

In my mind the best news of camp and the preseason is the play of Yi. He’s still young and looks to me like our #3 big for years to come.

Comment from millie mill
Time October 14, 2010 at 2:21 PM

After reading what other have wrote, I’m thinking Blatche should have gotten the nod for captain, but I don’t disagree with Wall getting that position.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 14, 2010 at 2:23 PM

About whom we keep:

The thing is guys like Martin are marginal players at the NBA level. You can pick up players like him any time. He doesn’t contribute to the rebuilding effort.

A guy like N’Diaye on the other hand, while he may be raw right now, has legitimate size of a kind you can’t find nearly as easily. And he is young, so he projects to improve — possibly a lot, given the little history he has in basketball and his obvious desire, smarts and discipline.

If you keep N’Diaye, you have the chance to improve your basketball team over the next couple of years at low cost. If he doesn’t work out, a guy like Cartier will be available should that be what you need.

So, if what we are *really* doing is what Ernie says — “rebuilding with young players and the draft” — then N’Diaye is the right choice. Even if that leaves us a little short on the wing until Josh Howard returns.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 14, 2010 at 2:26 PM

Obviously, Hudson falls into roughly the same category as Martin, but he has a history of success as a big time scorer that propels him up a level in my mind. We’ve seen him win two games on last minute shots in the last 3 months. How do you let a guy go who does that?

That’s why my 2 guys are N’Diaye and Hudson.

Comment from Rick
Time October 14, 2010 at 2:26 PM

hmm, dray as a captain… i think maybe. but, i am on the fence. i think he needs to demonstrate, for at least a season, that his new found maturity and professionalism is for real.

from a talent and productivity level, he is one of the leaders of the team, no doubt.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 14, 2010 at 2:34 PM

Two other guys I’d put in the mix, btw:

Josh Boone — he’s about to sign in China, but he has been a very productive big off the bench in the league. Proven and young. He’d be a pleasant surprise; I wish he was on our squad.

Tiny Gallon — a round 2 pick of the Bucks, he was just cut from camp. More or less a victim of the numbers game. He is only 19 and had awfully good numbers for a college freshman. Ok, he does weigh 320 lbs (hence the nickname!), but he can play and you can give him a contract based around weight-loss incentives.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 2:34 PM

Gottabig-I agree w\ you as far as the team captains go and on Flip thus far as our coach to date. I really want to see what the identity of the team will be this year (last year we did not have one) and please don’t say because we had injuries and the trade.

I just cannot recall why Flip would come out and hand the keys to the luxury car, to kids that just got a license? Again nothing on this team should be given, it should all be earned and camp and the pre-season would determine who would be what, and the locker room ultimately decides IMO.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 2:39 PM

I do not think N’Diaye will make the roster this year, and I really like Martin and Hudson so far with Morrison on the outside looking in….But best case Hudson, Martin and Morrison make the team. Of course if we go w\ 15

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 2:39 PM

And lastly, I do think Dray deserved to be one of the captains….

Comment from millie mill
Time October 14, 2010 at 2:42 PM

It maybe down to a three man race as to whom makes the roster.

IMO it looks like this.

13. Cartier Martin (we need his size and position)
14. Lester Hudson (100% heart, no backing down really don’t need another PG)
15. Hamady Ndiaye (potential and you can’t teach 7 feet)

#13 and #14 maybe non-guaranteed.

Comment from jaywiz1
Time October 14, 2010 at 2:43 PM

The Wiz are taking a page from the Caps when it comes to team captain. I don’t have a problem with Wall having a “C” on his jersey. All I want from the team is to come out each game and ball.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 2:45 PM

@Millie-Hamady Ndiaye (potential and you can’t teach 7 feet)

No you cannot, but he is too raw at this stage, and the other players are NBA ready and if needed can contribute this year to this team. So if he can play in the D League or overseas for a year great. Give me Hudson, Martin and Morrison today.

Comment from millie mill
Time October 14, 2010 at 2:52 PM

Only reason I even put Hamady Ndiaye on the list is his size and potential. Hoping the team will send him to the D-leauge or something. If we don’t sign him we lose him. Any other team can pick him up. Blacthe said the D-league is not for big men. So I don’t know if that’s a good idea either. Then again the Birdman came out of the D-League.

Comment from jaywiz1
Time October 14, 2010 at 2:58 PM

I would lean more towards size because they are Guard heavy and some of the current bigs (Yi & Dray) can play the three at times.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 14, 2010 at 3:05 PM

Lets get a win tonight — big thumbs up for Major Dray !!

(@ Gotabig — isn’t “Major” the rank for guys are in line to be captain next? )

Comment from millie mill
Time October 14, 2010 at 3:18 PM

No Tom, Major is a higher rank than Captain. Lieutenant Blacthe is more like it.

Comment from WE WANT A WINNER
Time October 14, 2010 at 3:21 PM

Go wizards! John Wall is going to fry tonight. I hope Nick Young can show his other skills tonight and I hope Javale can continue his strong play.

Comment from Rick
Time October 14, 2010 at 3:43 PM

Lieutenant Blatche, i kinda like that

Comment from millie mill
Time October 14, 2010 at 4:11 PM

John Wall vs. Brandon Jennings. Should be a good one.

Comment from Reuben
Time October 14, 2010 at 4:42 PM

i have tickets for tonight, is it worth going at all?

Comment from bullets_fusion
Time October 14, 2010 at 4:49 PM

Yes @ Reuben

Go see defense tonight.

Comment from bullets_fusion
Time October 14, 2010 at 4:52 PM

Comment from millie mill
Time October 14, 2010 at 4:11 PM

John Wall vs. Brandon Jennings. Should be a good one.

- – -
Gilbert Arenas vs. The Media. Should also be a good one.

I read today’s USA Today and they’ve made a huge mistake with Gilbert story.

It said “Arenas says he fakedinjury to get rookie playing time” (by Jeff Zillgitt and Rachel Shuster; page 2C)

Really, Nick Young is a rookie?

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 6:00 PM

5:59 PM…Dave and Glenn checking in tonight…and yes Gilbert Arenas will play.

Comment from CarolinaWizFan
Time October 14, 2010 at 6:46 PM

Last preseason home game…let’s make it a good one.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 6:48 PM

Game on NBATV tonight, so I will mute the TV and listen to two of the best in the business Dave and Glenn! Hello blogger family!

Comment from CarolinaWizFan
Time October 14, 2010 at 6:49 PM

ready for some good blogging

Comment from gray16
Time October 14, 2010 at 6:54 PM

game on nba tv? that means guaranteed internet feed, nice. can’t wait to see gil’s return to the verizon.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:00 PM

Buck and Phil on the call on NBA TV, so I will keep it low (LOL)……

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:01 PM

here we go gang gang BLOGCAST underway

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:02 PM

If Arenas plays a bulk of minutes tonight, expect him to have a big game to close out the last pre-season game at home

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:02 PM

same starting lineup as last game……gilbert will come off the bench

Comment from Phemy
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:06 PM

game time baby, go wizards!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:06 PM

Good interview w\ Phil and Dray in the pre-game…Dray looks really focused, as a fan gotta love it………

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:06 PM

I really think Arenas will make a statement (on the court) tonight……..

Comment from dlts20
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:09 PM

IDK if he will have a big game. I think if he’s aggressive then he will but Im worried about how well the team played last game without him, coupled with the media/fan backlash may make him play passive and just try to fit in. In some ways I think its great for him to come off the bench this game because I almost think he will be more aggressive in that role. The sucky part is if we look great again then alot of fools will start saying that Gil should come off the bench

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:10 PM

good call jefff

Comment from ChenierFan
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:11 PM

Some random thoughts…

Truth be told, I have been faking a pinky injury to give some other bloggers a chance the past few days.

Tonight will tell us how much Javalle has improved. He has to guard Bogut 1 on 1 and let’s see if his straight up defense has improved.

I don’t understand the great romance these coaches have with “small ball”. They are just outsmarting themselves.

I don’t see why Yi can’t be considered for the small forward position. Galinari of the Knicks is 6’10″ and he plays that position. Yi is a better athlete than Galinari is, but not by much.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:12 PM

great shot to open from Dray

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:14 PM

Yi (IMO) is more of a SF than a PF and he is showing some toughness to even get some minutes at C, so Cheinerfan I am w\ you

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:15 PM

Got to get the ball to Yi on offense, at least feed the middle and move without the ball

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:15 PM

interesting to see match between wall and jennings

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:16 PM

slow start for the home team, let’s pick it up on both ends

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:17 PM

Jennings will look to send a message to Wall, I am sure Wall will answer him tonight

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:20 PM

Russell Simmons is in the house tonight!

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:20 PM

Glenn Here: Keys tonight…screen and roll D, Bucks high volume P+R team

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:22 PM

If the Wizards can play the draw and kick game this year, we will win a lot of games this year! Especially w\ Wall, Arenas and Kirk

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:22 PM

fans claping for arenas

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:22 PM

I liked w\ Arenas did!! Great job

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:23 PM

arenas in nice e recpetion

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:24 PM

gotta feed the post!!!

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:25 PM

nice block by Gil

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:25 PM

Need to pick up the pace………..

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:25 PM

good d on arenas

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:26 PM

also love how McGee steped out to turn the gard back on that pick and roll

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:26 PM

I like his body language (Arenas)

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:27 PM

wow thats pretty

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:27 PM

again arenas active on d

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:27 PM

Wiz, gotta feed the middle…work the inside out and dribble penetration….Great pass Arenas to Wall

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:28 PM

looks like arenas has a cramp or something

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:28 PM

Arenas on the bench? Did he get injured?

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:29 PM

We are not playing smart on offense…..defense is better….offensive sets are stagnant…….

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:29 PM

arenas going to locker room

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:30 PM

i do belive its just a cramp he was trying to strech it out at the line about 2 plays b4 he came out

Comment from dlts20
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:30 PM

lol, I swear before the game when I heard Gil was coming off the bench, I was thinking that I hope he doesnt have some bad karma like when EJ benched him that one game and he tore his knee up. Sure enough he gets hurt

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:31 PM

groin maybe? I hope he will be okay………Wiz missing too many wide open looks

Comment from gray16
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:32 PM

we need some more posting up, too many three point shots being taken. it’s just drive and kick. that’s ok when the jumpers are falling, but when they aren’t you have to go inside. need some isolations, post ups, etc.

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:33 PM

@gray16-I think we see it the same way

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:35 PM

Wall steal and the slam

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:36 PM

wall so exciting

Comment from gray16
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:37 PM

lol earl boykins, time for a point swing

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:37 PM

boykins in the game for bucks

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:38 PM

Earl Boykins sighting……

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:39 PM

The Bucks have a very deep team

Comment from dcbutler357
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:39 PM

Thanks Gray, I was wondering if we were doing anything “structured”.

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:39 PM

if the foul don’t fit the freethrow won’t hit

Comment from dlts20
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:40 PM

seriously though, I hate to see Gil get hurt this close to the season when he was really starting to find his rythm(everywhere except the FT line aleast). It didnt look serious enough to keep him out the opener but it might keep him out the rest of the preseason and make him loose some conditioning & timing which sucks

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:40 PM

Would really like to see the Wizards pick up the ENERGY on both ends, see if we can get some transition points

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:43 PM

could be slightly strained goring for arenas need to confirm though

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:44 PM

like to see that pump fake to draw the foul w\ Yi…..Gotta improve from the F\T line

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:44 PM

What an athletic play by McGee………

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:45 PM

Martin, man when he sets his feet and steps into his shot, it is a thing of beauty!

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:46 PM

Arenas will not return per Buck and Phil (mild groin strain)

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:46 PM

Arenas will not return with mild right groin strain

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:47 PM

or what Jeff said right b4 i did lol

Comment from gray16
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:47 PM

lol, gotta love that earl boykins +/-

keep him in the the whole game lol

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:47 PM

If hunger and desire were requirements to make the roster…Martin and Hudson would make this team

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:47 PM

YOUNG W\ THE BLOCK

Comment from gray16
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:48 PM

two rebounds for nick… is that a career high? someone check the records

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:49 PM

well hudson is deff going to get a spot everyone better get on the ball and start making a case

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:50 PM

lol @Gray thats just mean

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:51 PM

wow what a move by young hudson playing well

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:52 PM

young second foul young aggressive though

Comment from gray16
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:54 PM

oh my god these refs….

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:55 PM

Martin showing his shot off tonight as well

Comment from gray16
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:55 PM

be careful guys, these refs are calling some dumb stuff, and i saw kg get thrown out last night for nothing…

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:57 PM

wizards nice job on boards

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:58 PM

you guys and this twitter thing, FUNNY

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:59 PM

Wall w\ the flush….one hand slam

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:59 PM

nice D# by wall got to love his skills in passing lanes

Comment from gray16
Time October 14, 2010 at 7:59 PM

lol gotta love those quick techs… when they are for the other team

Comment from gray16
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:01 PM

these refs are calling some dumb stuff

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:01 PM

Armstrong had PERFECT position…HORRIBLE CALL, that was a charge

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:02 PM

KG is a cocky guy he just wanted the record for how fast a person ever got tossed

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:03 PM

Nick above the RIM slam…Armstrong cannot buy a break on defense

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:03 PM

great pass by wall to young

Comment from gray16
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:03 PM

i think this will be the first season we see a guy average 15+ fta per game

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:05 PM

@Gray16-I think so, look for Arenas and Wall to avg close to 10 att’s per game

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:05 PM

wall 7 assists

Comment from gray16
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:05 PM

can we get some real refs please…

i know i sound like a broken record but this is just getting rediculous

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:06 PM

Man the Wiz, are getting to the spots and establishing position and are not getting the calls…..

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:06 PM

blog is eating my post i guess! AB is so good the block shots still go in.. i wonder if they give gooden the block still?

Comment from gray16
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:07 PM

jeff, i don’t expect neither wall nor arenas to get that high, mabye 6 a piece for both

i’m talking about in the league.

i think kevin durant will average 15+ fta per game. factoring in techs and the soft calls (and superstar calls), i can see him doing it.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:07 PM

JWall has resurrected NY’s career. All he needed was a PG that cared

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:08 PM

great work on the block by Dray

Comment from gray16
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:09 PM

finally a charge lol

and wall making it look so easy

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:10 PM

@Gray16-I think they will both avg over 6, something we can look at as the year goes

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:12 PM

hilton armstrong strong move but he really has been a presence on defense

Comment from gray16
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:13 PM

hope to see more of booker in the second half

mabye flip is doing main rotations by half

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:15 PM

Wild game so far! Everyone having fun? I’m going to run out and get some ice cream at the half — what flavor do you want?

(actually I’m just getting vanilla!)

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:16 PM

we are now told mild right groin strain for arenas… he did no want to come back in but being held out for precautionary reasons

Comment from gray16
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:23 PM

bad karma for arenas, but doesn’t seem to be anything major, and that’s good.

and yes tom, i’m having a lot of fun. wizards playing fast paces, getting stops and fast break buckets in that second quarter, and it was fun to watch indeed.

now i want to see more of booker, seraphin, and h. they need some time playing with starters to show their true worth. or at least have them playing with hudson and hinrich.

but i’d really love to see a lineup of

wall
hinrich
booker
seraphin
h

then i want to see if the bucks could score 10 points on that lineup lol (it would probably all come from gooden)

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:23 PM

heath bar ice cream

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:28 PM

dirty deeds and ice cream in cold weather got to love it

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:29 PM

Dave and Glenn, thanks for the shout but the ice cream comment belongs to Tom Mandel

Comment from neal
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:29 PM

Martin is playing all aspects and Slick is scoring like an all-star. Thornton and Booker better look sharp; their minutes are in danger.

If N’Diaye is really in the race for making the team, why isn’t he playing?

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:29 PM

we kike it gray 16

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:30 PM

@Neal-Martin is playing a great all around game, and again (IMO) I do not see N’Diaye making the roster unless an injury takes place

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:31 PM

young 3 rebounds imporvement

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:32 PM

Nick Young, if you can improve your defense and rebound your position and an occasional assist, playing time will be NO PROBLEM

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:33 PM

bigs got to get out on gooden the guy can shoot it

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:35 PM

blatche under control

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:36 PM

good call wizards4life

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:38 PM

Okay, Dray please limit your 3 pt attempts this season…I do not think it is your range on a consistent basis

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:39 PM

all in all this has been a good game i don’t see alot of problems out there that needs to be tweeted i do see some things that we could work on but thats all in due time

Comment from dcbutler357
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:41 PM

Can we get a big man that breaks to the basket, rather than the three point line, please? If JWall is drawing help, someone could have an open layup, just like they are getting open jumpers. Where is Javale?

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:41 PM

yi and mcgee in together

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:42 PM

i don’t like that call its not enuf contact to call anything at all

Comment from gray16
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:43 PM

i think it’s safe to give up all hope on these refs. if you breathe on someone it’s a foul

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:43 PM

I think we could be better feeding the post and attacking the rim, the Bucks really do not have shot blockers in the game. We are bailing them out by shooting jumpers

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:44 PM

Thank you Yi, great attack of the RIM

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:45 PM

Man what a drive and finish by Wall

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:46 PM

wow wall

Comment from gray16
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:48 PM

the only guys that might be faster with the ball than wall are aaron brooks and rose. but wall seems like a better finisher at the rim than both. (on the fast break at least)

Comment from gray16
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:48 PM

trevor booker sighting

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:50 PM

important time for morrision

mcgee very agressive

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:52 PM

nice play on the ball by AM

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:53 PM

OMG WHAT A BLOCK BY MCGEE

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:53 PM

wow thats just Crazy a 2 hand Block by McGee

Comment from gray16
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:56 PM

yeah i was speechless after that block by mcgee, sometimes i even forget how high he can jump lol

14 points, 10 assists, 2 tos for wall. great night.

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:57 PM

its a close one this is the time for the young guys to learn how to play

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:57 PM

only 2 turnovers wall

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time October 14, 2010 at 8:59 PM

Man booker was all over the guy and some how he got that shot off

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 9:00 PM

Morrison too passive, really needs to make a STATEMEMT

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time October 14, 2010 at 9:02 PM

@Jeff looks like mike miller out there doing every thing but at the same time nothing

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 9:02 PM

Can we run some p\r with Morrison? He needs to get in this game

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 9:04 PM

I mean he is playing with no confidence thus far, I think he can be a good fit on the roster but he has to show much better in the next 7 minutes……..C’mon Adam

Comment from gray16
Time October 14, 2010 at 9:05 PM

man booker is a great defender, if he gets a go to shot, he should get good minutes

but it seems like flip is just using him for picks (he does a good job of hiding moving picks but got caught on that last one)

i say let booker do some posting up, give him a chance to do something with the ball

and morrison needs to be more selfish, he looks like he’s playing hot potato out there lol

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 9:05 PM

opportunity time for some players

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 9:08 PM

Morrison I watched him, he is just standing at the 3 pt line and NO MOVEMENT at all……man……..

Comment from gray16
Time October 14, 2010 at 9:09 PM

jeff, no one was moving lol

only wall and blatche in a pick and roll, then blatche just ran to the three point line and stood still, leaving wall on an island

need some more ball movement out there, seems like a two person game at times too often

Comment from gray16
Time October 14, 2010 at 9:13 PM

wow, you can’t even jump straight up in this game without getting a foul

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 9:13 PM

armstrong biig block

Comment from jeffmalone1990
Time October 14, 2010 at 9:14 PM

@gray16-that was funny, yet true……..Morrison for 3

Comment from gray16
Time October 14, 2010 at 9:19 PM

dang hilton got tackled. he better learn to stop hitting the ground like that, he obviously fouled the heck out of the floor, giving him his 6th

Comment from DJ-WizardsRadio
Time October 14, 2010 at 9:29 PM

thanks gang!!!!! see you sunday in new york

Comment from gray16
Time October 14, 2010 at 9:32 PM

saw some great things tonight

but that was one of the most poorly officiated games i have ever seen

if this continues in the regular season, i’m afraid this will be purely a college basketball year for me. i’d probably still watch wiz games, but i won’t be able to watch all these other games with this type of officiating. the refs are killing the league with these soft calls and now even worse, quick techs. let’s hope this is just a short experiment that gets wiped away quickly, or basketball really won’t much fun to watch anymore.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time October 14, 2010 at 9:33 PM

I haven’t seen a disciplined attack to the low post. This team seems to be made to rely on sheer athletic ability (and shooting jumpers). Why in the world are our big men shooting on the perimeter, instead of cutting to the basket (only javale cut to basket)?

Great to see NY making a 180

BEGIN AS YOU PLAN TO PROCEED (if that is the case, we really aren’t appreciating our low post presence)

Comment from dcbutler357
Time October 14, 2010 at 9:34 PM

if you let the officiating get to you that much, you’re focusing on the wrong thing.

Comment from gray16
Time October 14, 2010 at 9:38 PM

dc, i’m not saying this as a wizards fan, i’m saying this as a basketball fan.

i was a basketball fan before i was ever a wizards fan. i want the nba to continue to be entertaining to me.

so sorry if i’m focusing on the wrong thing, but i’m gonna be selfish here for a moment. ticky tack fouls and quick techs will make me hate the game of basketball, and i won’t enjoy it that way. so hopefully this doesn’t continue into the regular season.

and i’m not saying the wizards lost because of poor officiating, i’m saying that game was just poorly officiated all the way around. the techs called on the bucks made me mad, and i was rooting for the wiz lol.

Comment from neal
Time October 14, 2010 at 9:39 PM

The Wiz quit moving on offense in the 4th qtr. Everyone standing around waiting. Reminds me of the Wiz of “The Big Three”.

I watched Blatche on defense some tonight. He’s no ball of fire. With his athleticism he could be a terror on D if he really went at it.

Palmer waived. No surprise. Further cuts will be more difficult.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time October 14, 2010 at 9:49 PM

I hear ya gray. it’s the league trying to prove a point. It’s preseason so it is what it is. I was looking at execution tonight. I’m just not seeing a whole lot different, execution-wise than what we did last year. I see a better point guard making things happen. If AB and Yi has post abilities, USE THEM, GET SOMETHING GOING, besides watching jwall break people down and have a curl shooter.

OH NO, GLEN ISN’T SAYING FLIP HAS SEVEN YEARS OF 50+ win seasons?!?!?!?!? t

Comment from dcbutler357
Time October 14, 2010 at 9:50 PM

the years with detroit shouldn’t count, cmon Glen, that should be said with a disclaimer

Comment from dcbutler357
Time October 14, 2010 at 9:51 PM

I’m with the caller, Flip isn’t the type of coach that is going to get players to go over and beyond. In other words, he isn’t the coach that can get the most out of his players….

Comment from dcbutler357
Time October 14, 2010 at 10:10 PM

I’m really not feeling Glen tonight. How can you say the PF is changing, because Gooden (of all people), Nowitzki, and Stoudemire shoot on the perimeter(he said dray also, but we see he can’t do it consistently)….DOES ANY OF THESE PEOPLE HAVE A RING ON THEIR FINGERS FROM WINNING A CHAMPIONSHIP.

why do we keep trying to re-define basketball to make this team seem like it has some sort of chance…..without athletic ability, we are kind of short (that’s being nice)

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 14, 2010 at 10:10 PM

@ dcbutler — plain and simple, that’s not true. Overall, Flip gets more out of his players than they have given to other coaches.

A lot of undisciplined basketball tonight, ad you *hate* to be outscored by ten in the 4th quarter!

Gil got a heck of a lot done in his 3:01 tonight — he had a rebound, an assist, three steals and a block!! In 3 minutes!

Wall played really well in stretches and really badly in other stretches.

Big props to Nick Young; in the end it wasn’t a good night for him really, but he had 7 rebounds. I’m going to guess that’s a career high! He was a plus 4 on the right side of the box score. I’m thinking that’s a career high as well. He needs to see the floor well enough tgo get himself some dimes, but these last 2 games show him improving. Keep it up, Nick.

Good night guys.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time October 14, 2010 at 10:16 PM

LOL….Did seraphin go back to france??? What happened to he’s going to knock people around….i can’t take much more of this…#17, no burn WHATSOEVER!!!!

Are you kidding me. He may as well grab a computer and join the blog, cuz he’s just taking a roster spot….wow!!!!!!!!!! incredible.

Yep, ima ride that topic until he comes around. I’m starting to think they just wanted Heinrich, and took the draft pick to make it seem legit….BWAHHHAHAHAHAH….EG is such a joke

Comment from dcbutler357
Time October 14, 2010 at 10:20 PM

they haven’t played for anyone else, plain and simple. They were new to the team when Jordan left and tap doesn’t count, he’s not an nba coach.

Flip isn’t the answer. What are we doing to get ready for the season, which leads to……

BEGIN AS YOU PLAN TO PROCEED…..this is going to be my motto until i see NBA team/disciplined basketball. I do not see a foundation, except that JWall has speed and exceptional athletic abilities.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 14, 2010 at 11:08 PM

We didn’t have any flow to the offense tonight. Too many plays with guys just standing around. At times I was sure Morrison’s shoes were nailed to the floor behind the 3 point line. Let’s not get back into that business of standing around watching what the guy with the ball is doing.

On the other side the defense is starting to look better and better. I think defense will be our real asset this year.

Who was that guy wearing Nick Young’s uniform? Ok that’s one very good shooting night then he comes back with a 7 rebound night and gets an assist and a block. They apparently didn’t give him credit, but, I saw him get two steals too. Is it that Nick is in a contract year or is it Flip working with him personally? I rather think the latter but it may be a combination of the two. Who cares.. Nick is playing better basketball than I’ve ever seen him play.

Comment from dlts20
Time October 14, 2010 at 11:09 PM

I give Blatche a bit of a pass right now. Remember, he basically did nothing for 3 months. Before that everyone was talking about how great of shape he was in and he wouldve only gotten better with 3 months of training & working on his game. Now he’s basically starting from scratch and you can tell he doesnt have his wind for long moments just yet.

Besides that I want to hear how long Gil is out. Thats all I really care about right now

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 14, 2010 at 11:11 PM

Oh… Nick’s on the ball defense tonight was great. He stayed right in front of his man even when he was at the 3. Very encouraging for us.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 14, 2010 at 11:12 PM

I hear ya Dlts.. especially after what he was able to get done in only 3 minutes

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 14, 2010 at 11:14 PM

His numbers aren’t great, but, it was very nice to see Armstrong be so aggressive on the defensive end and around the rim.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 14, 2010 at 11:21 PM

DCB.. gotta think of it in a little different light. Our 23rd pick plays a position where we are thin… at least until Howard returns. Our 17 pick plays positions where guys are having, if not break out years, very good years… so far. It’s going to be hard for Seraphin to get quality minutes with JaVale, Andray, and Yi playing so well. He, and we, will just have to bide our time until he can get some quality minutes to see if he is the “real deal” or a McDonalds burger flipper.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time October 14, 2010 at 11:30 PM

@Gabbo…. from an earlier thought. I understand your reservations about Wall being made a Team Captain. My thought is that age means very little in such matters. How said player, or players, inspires and leads the team should be the criteria. Kirk has been a vocal leader his entire career. John is young, but he inspires (his teamates And Us ) and leads with the very best of them. Andray, I think, is the second longest tenured Wizard behind Gilbert. At the begining of last season I would have said no to Andray being a Captain as the maturity wasn’t there. Once the “me-ball” guys were sent packing Andray seemed to turn the corner maturity wise. The second half of last season, the off season, and right before training camp to now Andray has shown maturity in spades. I think for those reasons… all three should be Team Captains.

Millie Mill….. loved the Captain break down. Very entertaining

Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time October 14, 2010 at 11:31 PM

I’ll say it again, I believe that John Wall will be a very good NBA point guard. However, he has a way to go to get there. When pressured in the backcourt, he puts his head down and tries to beat double-teams with the dribble. Truthfully, he handles the ball well enough to be successful at beating the double-team most of the time. The problem is he can’t see the open man when he has his head down, so once he is stopped, the advantage has been lost. He also seems to sometimes just make up his mind to attack the basket off the dribble regardless of what else is happening. When he does that, he is not aware of where anyone else is on the court unless they are under the basket. John is great in the open court, but lacking in the halfcourt game. Hopefully, he’ll learn. He is super quick, but he needs to be able to make the mid-range jumper with consistency.

The best part of the Wizards offense after the All-star game was ‘Dray in the low post. I thought that adding Gil as a shooter when ‘Dray would be double-teamed and John as a cutter would provide a lot of offense. And it still might. However, that part of the Wizards offense seems to have been shelved in favor of more of the Rip Hamilton type guard play…screens and spot-shooting. That is not Gil’s strong suit, nor is it Hinrich’s, nor is it Slick’s. Perhaps when Josh returns, he’ll fill that role, but I doubt it. Just because the current offense is Flip’s favorite does not mean that it is taking advantage of the players’s strengths.

This season will be a true test of Flip’s ability to coach. As I’ve stated before, this can be a good team. It is young, fast, tall, and can shoot the ball. It is, without question, a better defensive team that we’ve had in awhile. There is a lot of depth to this group as evidenced in varied opinions about who might be the last couple of players to make the team. In prior years, we would be lobbying to jettison at least 5 players in the hope of totally replacing them with someone who could actually play.

As many of the bloggers have observed, this will be an interesting year. It could be a winning year if Flip does his job correctly.

Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time October 14, 2010 at 11:34 PM

@dcbutler357 – didn’t see your post about the lack of low post offense before I posted, but I obviously agree with you 100%.

Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time October 14, 2010 at 11:36 PM

BTW, I REALLY liked what I saw from Armstrong. That young man has some serious b-ball moves. He got hosed on about 3 of hsi 6 fouls, but he was battling every minute. The guy can leap out-of-the-building.

Comment from Gotabigboyoffense
Time October 14, 2010 at 11:41 PM

@gray16 – David Stern’s decision to protect his officials from any type of criticism will change the complexion of officiating this year. If you thought that the officials migth have been bad in previous years, just wait, now you can’t even express displeasure with a call no matter how bad it might be with getting hit with a “T”. Officials miss way too many calls. The game is simply too fast for three officials. Put six out there.

Comment from whiteyrules
Time October 15, 2010 at 5:01 AM

I don’t know why you guys knock Morrison so much…..he is supposed to be at the 3 point line someone needs to spread out the offense…..he’s the best pure shooter probably on the team…..If they don’t call any plays for him what can he do…..he was awsome in the pick in roll but not really getting much opportuinity….I do agree he’s too passive but at least he is playing team ball, not forcing shots and making good passes…..maybe there is some value to that….it’s sad to see but AMMO could be one of the best shooters in the league…..just not giving a real chance IMHO…. and how many times can you shoot the ball when you don’t touch it that much…Lol

Comment from dcbutler357
Time October 15, 2010 at 6:44 AM

grif- this is the preseason, not game 7 of the world championships….everyone that is new to the game, should be out there getting experience.

BTW-@ShamSports: Michael Ruffin signs in Spain, which I guess spells the (temporary) end of his very very short coaching career.

NOW IF RUFFIN CAN STILL GET SIGNED, OUR LIL 7 FOOT ROOKIE MUST BE AWFUL!!

Comment from ericw
Time October 15, 2010 at 7:58 AM

Nick Young’s defense looked acceptable and he had 7 boards… I thought the effort was definately there tonight on his part (although his shooting was off).

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 15, 2010 at 8:06 AM

We are a very young team; we are looking like a better defensive team. Perhaps we are “tall”, but actually “tall”-er doesn’t really correlate particularly w/ success in the league — unless you have really good players who are also tall. Miki Moore is tall, Olawakandi is tall, Kwame is tall — you get my point.

But, no we aren’t all that talented up and down the roster. We have a bunch of guys who haven’t been particularly successful in the league. Of the 11 under contract and not injured, that includes Yi, Nick, Armstrong, Thornton and one should probably include JaVale. 5 of 11. Three others of the 11 are rookies. Now, in fact all those guys are “talented” in any real sense of the word — how could they be in the NBA if not? But we don’t have a history of productivity there from which to project success this season.

So, as I’ve been saying since June: we’ll compete hard, we’ll be fun to watch, we’ll have lots of stories to follow among the players as they develop. But there is no reason to think we’ll be particularly good this year, and it has nothing to do with the coach. It has to do with the fact that we broke up our team and are rebuilding.

Truly, it’s hard for me to understand why fans aren’t interested in *that* process and instead want to dream about instant success. Just as it’s hard for me to understand why if a player like Nick does well one night, it’s because he’s terrific; but if he does badly, it’s because the coach can’t motivate him.

Forget about wins and losses this year; watch the process. Lets see whether JaVale can be consistently doing the meat and potatoes stuff of his position, whether Dray can build on the responsibility he has, whether Nick can actually figure out how to play all parts of the game, whether John Wall develops quickly into a star, whether Yi has genuinely improved or simply has had a streak, whether Booker connects up all the solid parts of his game to become a 20-minute a game rookie, whether Seraphin adapts to a new country, team, league, etc. — and so forth. “Winning seasons” will come later.

Comment from millie mill
Time October 15, 2010 at 8:07 AM

Point from last night’s game

Things that looked good.
*Nick Young got 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and a block.
*McGee really makes other players change there shot
* Armstrong doesn’t put up points but still does his job
*Gil did a lot in 3 minutes
*Wall still looking good with his first double-double
*Martin and Hudson will make the team
*Hinrich will be in the running for 6-man of the year

Things that looked bad.
*What happen to the free throws??? (50% from the line) that lost us the game
*19 assist , 22 turnovers. Come on!! Every one that played last night had a turnover except Hilton Armstrong.

Comment from gray16
Time October 15, 2010 at 8:11 AM

gabbo, i’d rather the game just go back to being more physical and the refs being more tough like the old days.

back in the day you either had to do something pretty bad, or just continuously go at the refs to get a tech. most of the time the refs would just tell you to shut up and play. now the refs just get to be more whistle happy and stern protects them at all costs.

it was bad when complaining about refs after the games would get coaches and players fined last season, now it’s even worse. the nbpa will probably not put up with this past this season, they won’t play under these stipulations if they can get out of it (striking).

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 15, 2010 at 8:22 AM

As to last night’s loss, it was caused by two things only: turnovers and fouls. We had 22 turnovers. And we put them on the line 43 times — that’s a big big number! They outscored us by 26 from the charity stripe! How are you going to overcome that?

We shot a higher percentage, and we outrebounded them. Those are good things. And we also played Adam Morrison almost all of the 4th quarter. We were looking at guys; getting a win was secondary — as it should be in preseason.

Both Hudson and Martin (him in particular) played well — and I had an unbelievable moment of watching Adam Morrison *almost* make a defensive play and steal a pass!! I might have fainted, but he only managed to knock it out of bounds. And give Morrison some love; in 16:49 he had a couple of assists, 3 boards, and went 2-3 including a 3-pointer. He even blocked a shot!!

Adam Morrison has a shot to crack the Wizards roster — surely that fact alone ought to tell you that we aren’t all that good a team yet.

Comment from neal
Time October 15, 2010 at 8:26 AM

They beat us with Bogut, Redd and Jamal Crawford on the bench. They beat us with Jordan Crawford, good D and good FT shooting.

A big let-down after our last game. Maybe we aren’t as good as I was beginning to hope.

The SF competition continues to heat up.

Comment from crozby
Time October 15, 2010 at 8:54 AM

Guys, one thing about this team I see is that we really have no one “takeover guy”, like say Kobe or Lebron, that most players would often defer to. On this team, no one is scared to shoot and everyone has the potential to be the “man of the night”. That can work well for our team this year. It already shows in the number of assists we are dishing out in preseason. This is going to be an unselfish team, and that can do wonders for us and create havoc for defenses. It also constantly keeps our players confident when walking onto the floor. Each player knows that they have the potential to be the “player of the game”. Some nights it will be either Gil, Wall, McGee, Blatche, or Josh, and some nights it could be either Hinrich, Nick, Yi, Thornton, or even Hudson. All have the potential.

As far as the refs are concerned, I’m kinda on the fence about the petty techs the refs were calling last night. On one hand, I understand (and see) that so many players complain about every call and are up in the refs’ face constantly, like Kobe and Lebron. I agree that the refs should not have to put up with that night-in and night-out. On the other hand, if the guy is just throwing his hands in the air, and maybe just expressing his anger towards himself (or about himself), no tech should be called. I think every player should be allowed to express anger at himself, unless they are banging their head against the table or something.

Comment from Dunked
Time October 15, 2010 at 9:23 AM

We had less FT’s because our soft-playing bigs avoided the paint as Flip pointed-out. Is Kevin Seraphin in the witness protection program btw?

Comment from draftazoid
Time October 15, 2010 at 9:48 AM

Flip said last nights game was the last game he would use to look at players.

The rest of the preseason is to get the team ready for the regular season.

I would say that Hudson is the only lock.
My breakdown on who will make the team:

Lester Hudson- 100%
Cartier Martin- 50%
Sean Marks- 50% (injured. The only experienced BIG)
Adam Morrison- 25%
Hamady Ndaye- 25%
Kevin Palmer- 1%

My prediction is that the Wizards will sign Hudson and Sean Marks.
Cartier Martin will be on an NBA roster on opening day somewhere in the NBA.

Comment from dlts20
Time October 15, 2010 at 10:16 AM

Neal, what do you mean? The Crawfords play on Atlanta

Comment from dlts20
Time October 15, 2010 at 10:18 AM

also, the Bucks are always better without Redd for some reason and also dont forget that we didnt have Gil or Howard and Dray is still not all the way there yet as he gets tired quick and then sucks…lol

Comment from neal
Time October 15, 2010 at 11:27 AM

Pls. pardon my senior moment dlts20.

Comment from dlts20
Time October 15, 2010 at 12:09 PM

Thats ok buddy, we are all sadly getting a little older. Definitely wasnt as sharp. So far if you have bad D then we look good but against the top defenses in Chicago & the Bucks, we look good for a little while then easily get shut down. Have to get better in the halfcourt

Comment from dcbutler357
Time October 15, 2010 at 1:09 PM

Tom,

No one on here has to think like you, to be a blogger. That does not put you on a higher or lower level, we are all individuals. Agree to disagree and accept that your opinion doesn’t have to be followed. Yes, some of the success belong to the coach, as well as some of the failures.

If he has AB standing on the three point line shooting jumpers, Flip can’t sit up there complaining that we don’t get rebounds. If he has a three guard lineup and we end up getting outrebounded or our big men foul out because the guards are getting beat, then he has to look at the whole picture, not just point a finger. Flip was the coach and didn’t play AB with Gil, Curan, and AJ properly, to even see if they would/could co-exist, and i’m starting to see the same traits now. He only plays wall because of the situation, everything else is primarily vets. Booker barely gets on the floor.

With the privledges come the responsibility and begin as you plan to proceed…..put a foundation down, so players will know their roles…

Comment from dcbutler357
Time October 15, 2010 at 1:20 PM

Great Coach? How long do you watch your big men sit on the outside shooting jumpers before you put someone else in that is going to cut towards the basket, regardless if they are a rookie or 5 year vet?

Squash all this mess about the big men are migrating to shooting jumpers around the league. Tell that to Gasol, Bynum….better yet tell that to phil and see if you’ll help him coach the lakers…..

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time October 15, 2010 at 1:33 PM

Ummm… dcb — where did I say you should think like me? In fact, do yourself a favor and avoid that fate!!!

And why do you bring up Dray’s rebounding? In fact he has rebounded a bit better this preseason I think — and we outrebounded the Bucks last night. I think we’re actually doing a pretty good job on the boards.

Still… Dray’s rebounding didn’t change +/- significantly from when Eddie Jordan was coach.

Or from when Tap was coach.

So I don’t think it’s Flip. Anyway, how does shooting jumpers stop a player from getting defensive rebounds?

Dray rebounds how he rebounds, because *he* is doing it not the coach. It’s not his strength, but what is gained by trying to explain it away?

All that said, I think “Begin as you plan to proceed” is an excellent principle, but it doesn’t mean you fail to look at players in preseason games — every coach does; I guess it’s one of those “responsibilities” you mention above.

Comment from dcbutler357
Time October 15, 2010 at 1:34 PM

Your implications…lol….

Comment from dcbutler357
Time October 15, 2010 at 1:35 PM

I used dray as an example….

Comment from neal
Time October 16, 2010 at 12:57 PM

SportzWiz, does everyone in training camp have a non-guaranteed contract, or do only those who eventually make the team get a contract?