fishercob wrote:
Dat, I feel your frustration and I agree with a lot of what you said. But I'd like to point a couple of things out.
You say that Gil and Brendan are the most important parts of this team, but then say that even in their absence this record is unacceptable. Compare this squad to last year: first we had a healthy Brendan. Second, in Gil's absence, we had AD -- whose game had yet to completely fall apart -- who knew what he was doing, knew his limitations and didn't turn the ball over.
So now we have nothing resembling Brendan's consistency and "coach on the floor" at the center spot. And we have Mike James, who may just be the worst basketball player in the history of the universe instead of Gil/AD. Not only that, but instead of healthy/modestly productive Deshawn (who I admit, I'm tired of) we have N1on5 (TM hands11 2009) and Dom McGuire who is showing great progress, but isn't going to be any kind of primary option on offense.
Yes, the Wizards suck. It's mostly a talent thing. There is an added level of frustration because Tapscott plays James and Songaila too much, but they're still not much of a better team this year if McGee and Crit are getting all their minutes. It would be better to get them experience for the long run, but that's beside the point for the moment.
So yeah, BUtler's probably out third best player. But for his salary, that's OK. I think he can thrive in that role. Mike James is a complete CFP. That's OK. He likely won't play next year.
I would be much more concerned overall if Ernie had hired Thibs when we were 1-10 and this was our record, or if Ernie had given any indication that Tap was his guy moving forward. But instead, Ernie went to his loyal lieutenant and asked him to take one for the team -- deal with the frustration of a terrible season, do the press conferences, teach the kids what you can -- so that Ernie could get the long-term coach he wanted
when he wanted.
The roster is going to get a talent infusion and or/major overhaul this summer, plus a new voice to lead it. I think the Wizards will have a better year next year than any season under EJ -- likely in the upper half of the East. [/quote]
I think the upper half of the east next year an optimistic goal. This core has never been anything better than the 5th seed. And that was when the East was at its weakest! As Jamison & Caron have experienced unnecessary wear & tear this season, it may be a stretch to believe they'll last 40 minutes for 82 games next year as they get older. I love Gil but his health is a best a questionable proposition. If we want to view this roster in a perfect situation, then yes, being a 4 seed is possible.
But when has this roster ever had a perfect situation? That's why I'm totally against keeping this core together. It's like asking for that miracle that will never happen. Gil could play 75 games next year and be healthy and close to his old self...but we'd lose Caron for half the season or Jamison gets another bulky knee which limits his contributions which would put back squarely in the 2nd tier of the East.
I just think we have a bad mix. Too many offensive minded players, not enough size at key positions. Too many one-dimensional guys. A terrible medical staff. Were also poorly coached team no doubt. Even before the great Eddie Jordan got canned.
I don't understand the desire to maintain status quo. At 14-49, we've got two supposed all-stars, five guys that many on here have gotten excited about and believe are big part of our future and two veteran role players that many believe can be part of a winning team. Yet were on pace to having the worst record in franchise history and becoming the first team in forever to not win a single game against a division opponent.
We lack talent, yes, but were not supposed to be this bad. I didn't mind the tanking at first but this is the worst type of tanking. Tanking with veterans and outside of a potential future role player in Dom McGuire, the development of our young talent has been an abject failure. Vets & coaches throwing the kids under the bus yet EG is supposedly worried about McGee's mindset regarding "extended failure"? Are you kidding me? This whole season has been one big extended failure!
As far as I'm concerned this team has a bunch of players with an over-inflated opinion of themselves (AJ, CB, DS, N1), a fanbase with an over-inflated opinion of the roster and its talent and a franchise ran by a bunch of idiots in the front office.
Maybe if the reward for sucking was Blake Griffin, that would soften my tone abit but at this point I wouldn't be surprised if we mess that up somehow with Blake either getting 10 minutes a game behind our "great leader of men", or playing out of position at C with Wood getting traded so we can have more offense on the floor. I just don't trust this front office to get it right anymore.
Magnumt
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