GT #12: Bullets @ Magic 7 PM (NBCSW/980 AM) [11/13/21]

[FAH1223]

Watch on YouTube

[Kanyewest]

I really enjoyed watching Franz Wagner play. I was wrong about him in the draft.

The thought that keeps popping into my head is, what if Golden State had drafted him instead of Kuminga? Wagner would be DEADLY on Golden State with his basketball IQ, passing ability, and defense. He could play the Draymond role when Draymond sits.

Wagner's start to the season has been impressive.

Speaking of Kuminga, he had a nice game against the Bulls - some are talking about his defense on DeRozan (although his defense is still a work in progress) https://youtu.be/F6CR-UZlqUo?t=30

[nate33]

I really enjoyed watching Franz Wagner play. I was wrong about him in the draft.

The thought that keeps popping into my head is, what if Golden State had drafted him instead of Kuminga? Wagner would be DEADLY on Golden State with his basketball IQ, passing ability, and defense. He could play the Draymond role when Draymond sits.

Wagner's start to the season has been impressive.

Speaking of Kuminga, he had a nice game against the Bulls - some are talking about his defense on DeRozan (although his defense is still a work in progress) https://youtu.be/F6CR-UZlqUo?t=30

A Kuminga for Wagner trade might make sense for both teams right now.

Orlando is too far from ready to benefit much from a glue guy like Wagner. They need high-upside shot creation that Kuminga can theoretically provide in time. Golden State is in the opposition situation. Wagner would be a perfect fit for them.

[payitforward]

As I mentioned earlier, this was a game I had to miss. It's on my DVR, & I hope to get a chance to watch it.

But, not having seen it yet, I'm a little surprised to read high praise for Franz Wagner, who went 2-11. What was he doing that looked good?

[Illuminaire]

As I mentioned earlier, this was a game I had to miss. It's on my DVR, & I hope to get a chance to watch it.

But, not having seen it yet, I'm a little surprised to read high praise for Franz Wagner, who went 2-11. What was he doing that looked good?

Defense and passing. He's a guy who is almost always in the right position, makes the right cuts, finds open teammates, boxes out, etc...

What he's not is a primary creator, and his long range shooting is a work in progress. He's the kind of guy who will have trash stats on a trash team. But put him on a good team, and he'll actually be able to play the role of efficient glue guy and have better stats - and impact.

[payitforward]

As I mentioned earlier, this was a game I had to miss. It's on my DVR, & I hope to get a chance to watch it.

But, not having seen it yet, I'm a little surprised to read high praise for Franz Wagner, who went 2-11. What was he doing that looked good?

Defense and passing. He's a guy who is almost always in the right position, makes the right cuts, finds open teammates, boxes out, etc...

What he's not is a primary creator, and his long range shooting is a work in progress. He's the kind of guy who will have trash stats on a trash team. But put him on a good team, and he'll actually be able to play the role of efficient glue guy and have better stats - and impact.

Thanks. Again, I'm not challenging anything -- just interested. Last night, in 35 minutes, he did have 3 defensive boards, 1 block, & a steal while committing 3 fouls. Overall, that's a little below his usual pace of production for those stats.

As to passing, usually you'd expect that to show up at least somewhat in assists. He had none, but then again if your team shoots 33% it's gonna be hard to accumulate assists!

[penbeast0]

...some freak injury (torn Panini?) ....

Gotta love autogarble.

[payitforward]

In 240 minutes on the floor last night, Magic players got a total of 44 boards. Bamba played 26 of those 240 minutes (11%) & grabbed 17 of the 44 (38.6%). Pretty good.

[payitforward]

...some freak injury (torn Panini?) ....

Gotta love autogarble.

Easy for you to say. I guess you've never torn your Panini.

Far as that goes, even autogarble can be painful -- take a long time to recover from it too!

[dlts20]

I was hoping Brad would be back but he's out tomorrow also

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

What did he say?

But Wagner is so more elite compared to Deni according to some.

Second-year player versus rookie but let's ignore that for now

The gap in experience may be closer because

- Deni was drafted in November of 2020 while Wagner was drafted in July of 2021 - an 8 month difference
- Deni was injured in April of 2021 and was only able to play in October - meaning he's missed 6 months at full strength
- Deni hasn't played in summer league while Wagner has
- Also Deni is only 6 months older

So Deni may have a little more experience but not as much as the typical sophomore NBA player.

Thanks, kw

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[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

CCJ line of thinking was precisely where I was at against the Raptors, that's why I have refused to verbalize it

This has #soWizards loss written all over it.

Even though it looks like my 50 win is very possible I'm thinking maybe they'll still **** up and come up at like 41 wins

Beal's best this year looks like his average last year. Hachimura, Bryant, and Bertans are not playing but will likely be available this season. Gafford and Avdija are still developing. There are a few reasons to think we haven't seen the best from everyone yet.

Or else they all come back fat and cantankerous, team gets COVID, some freak injury (torn Panini?) that is supposed to heal in two weeks but lasts to the end of the contract, etc.

With the Wizards, the latter is the obvious choice, but 9-3 is not well charted territory. Really hard to know how to play it.

BK aka monteS...

I'm fat..ter than when my Pops died. Actually both significantly heavier BUT FREAKISHLY more athletic IMO. Did 3 workouts today all low low moderate intensity but went HAM to point women r Checkin big SexEE Kenny ...(gays and even trannies...all God's chillun(

About your post Tomorrow I'll be less preoccupied...got bots bombing my FB messenger and need to kill that freaking beeping SOB

How to turn notifications off apps new phone..

Duh turn volume to silent

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[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

We went out last night, hence I missed the game.

We now have the 2d best record in the league. & only 3 teams (GS, Utah & Miami) have higher point differentials against the league.

Been out all day have not even had time to think about the football team that beat Tampa or anything today just distraction after distraction

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[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

What an ugly game. The Wizards lost the battle of possessions (-7 in offensive rebounds, -2 in turnovers). They yielded twice as many free throw attempts. And they fouled more. But it didn't matter because Orlando is just absolutely wretched on offense.

None of the Wizards looked particularly great on defense as individuals, but they are so well coached that they rarely make mistakes and usually manage to contest shots well enough that the Orlando shooters never looked comfortable. That said, the Wizards benefited from Orlando missing quite a few pretty good looks near the rim.

Offensively, the Wizards looked really out of sync. It just seemed like a lot of drive-and-kicks but the drives never really bended the Orlando defense so the kicks did not yield open looks. They ended up being forced into a ton of bailout shots at the end of the shot clock and had 15 turnovers. Thankfully, Kuzma had a 90-second stretch where he scored 11 points on 4 shots and that blew the game open. Orlando just didn't have enough scoring to come back from that. And the Wizards managed to dish out 29 assists, so at least there was virtually no iso-ball.

Dinwiddie had a pretty nice game, always looking under control and hitting the midrange shots that Orlando's defense was allowing. And as usual, Harrell was his steady self, finishing with efficiency and giving maximum effort. I thought Holiday was pretty solid as well.

It was also nice seeing Deni hit a couple of 3's. I'd like to see him develop a post game. There have been several times this season when he has gotten into a mismatch against a guard and backed him down toward the rim, only to pass out to the perimeter with no advantage gained. He needs a little jump hook or something so he can exploit those mismatches.

I second willbcocks remarks on Kispert. He needs to take those open looks from 3 when he gets them. He is too quick to dribble into a more difficult shot.

Overall, it's nice to see that the team can play lousy, but because they play hard, play smart, and avoid mistakes in defensive rotation, they can dispatch inferior opponents without difficulty. This is what it must feel like to be a fan of a team like Utah, or the Spurs.

Spencer's going to be really good the games bill is out

Beal

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[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I really enjoyed watching Franz Wagner play. I was wrong about him in the draft.

The thought that keeps popping into my head is, what if Golden State had drafted him instead of Kuminga? Wagner would be DEADLY on Golden State with his basketball IQ, passing ability, and defense. He could play the Draymond role when Draymond sits.

Yes it happens even to among the best of us

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[payitforward]

What an ugly game. The Wizards lost the battle of possessions (-7 in offensive rebounds, -2 in turnovers). They yielded twice as many free throw attempts. And they fouled more. But it didn't matter because Orlando is just absolutely wretched on offense.

None of the Wizards looked particularly great on defense as individuals, but they are so well coached that they rarely make mistakes and usually manage to contest shots well enough that the Orlando shooters never looked comfortable. That said, the Wizards benefited from Orlando missing quite a few pretty good looks near the rim.

Offensively, the Wizards looked really out of sync. It just seemed like a lot of drive-and-kicks but the drives never really bended...

make that "bent" (sorry, ex-English teacher; can't help myself)

...the Orlando defense so the kicks did not yield open looks. They ended up being forced into a ton of bailout shots at the end of the shot clock and had 15 turnovers. Thankfully, Kuzma had a 90-second stretch where he scored 11 points on 4 shots and that blew the game open. Orlando just didn't have enough scoring to come back from that. And the Wizards managed to dish out 29 assists, so at least there was virtually no iso-ball.

Dinwiddie had a pretty nice game, always looking under control and hitting the midrange shots that Orlando's defense was allowing. And as usual, Harrell was his steady self, finishing with efficiency and giving maximum effort. I thought Holiday was pretty solid as well.

It was also nice seeing Deni hit a couple of 3's. I'd like to see him develop a post game. There have been several times this season when he has gotten into a mismatch against a guard and backed him down toward the rim, only to pass out to the perimeter with no advantage gained. He needs a little jump hook or something so he can exploit those mismatches.

I second willbcocks remarks on Kispert. He needs to take those open looks from 3 when he gets them. He is too quick to dribble into a more difficult shot.

Overall, it's nice to see that the team can play lousy, but because they play hard, play smart, and avoid mistakes in defensive rotation, they can dispatch inferior opponents without difficulty. This is what it must feel like to be a fan of a team like Utah, or the Spurs.

Nodded & went "uh huh" at every sentiment in the above! Especially the last sentence -- be nice to get used to this!

[nate33]

Offensively, the Wizards looked really out of sync. It just seemed like a lot of drive-and-kicks but the drives never really bended...

make that "bent" (sorry, ex-English teacher; can't help myself)

Yeah, I struggled with which word to use. Surely "bent" is proper grammar, but it just sounded funny to me in that context.

[dobrojim]

As I watched the game after getting back from my adventures in running on Saturday night,
I accidentally saw the score before watching which allowed me to maybe be a little more
relaxed and analytical and it occurred to me that ORL, as constituted Sat night, is simply
not a very good team and in some ways all we needed to do was get out of their way and
they would lose the game themselves. Then I mentally compared that to what I learned
and what Wiz fans learned during the year of Russell. It's all about the OMG:WTF ratio.

WUJ has pushed that ratio for us much more strongly to the OMG side of the ratio.
We aren't necessarily a strong OMG team but we are a low WTF team perhaps more
on the mental than the physical aspects of a given play for WTF vs OMG characteristics.

Low WTF, that's us.

[Zonkerbl]

I think we have to get used to the Wizards winning ugly like this. I mean, they blew them out. This is who they are. This is a dominating, second in the NBA defense. It's not just "oh well everything else was ugly but their defense made Orlando uncomfortable enough to miss a bunch of easy shots" No! That's their identity right now, it's the only reason they win. No shot is comfortable.

I'm still stunned at how underappreciated good defense is in the NBA. It's not valued, you can totally moneyball it. I feel that's what the wizards have done. Collected a bunch of strong defensive players, some of whom are streaky shooters, all high energy "dig the puck out in the corners" type guys, generate a bunch of extra possessions each game through grit and defense so it doesn't matter how crappy their offense is. Any efficiency on offense is a bonus. Ride Kuz' streaky shooting to a win against Milwaukee one day, ride Harrell's abuse of weak interior defense another, ride Beal otherwise.

[montestewart]

Offensively, the Wizards looked really out of sync. It just seemed like a lot of drive-and-kicks but the drives never really bended...

make that "bent" (sorry, ex-English teacher; can't help myself)

Yeah, I struggled with which word to use. Surely "bent" is proper grammar, but it just sounded funny to me in that context.

Bended:
1) Went around the bend
2) Embarked on a bender