Grunfeld a Great GM. Proves Doubters Wrong

[hands11]

Wall is developing great.
Beal is developing as well. Next year he should look awesome
Booker has developed. He had no outside shot at all when he started here.
We will see about Otto. From the few chances we got to see him, he is developing.

I have long said, the best way to develop players is to put them on a winning team with quality profession vets. Even better if they have a good defensive coach that preaches team defense first.

SAS built Parker. And they are doing the same with Leonard.

Wall in SAC with knucklehead Cousins would not be the Wall you see on the Wizards.

And had he landed on a team already developed like SAS, he would have been better even sooner.

McGee, Nick and Dray... they were lead by Gil so all ended up never developing much professionalism.
All were talked. All got better. They just never got professional and they had there is no D in Eddie as their coach.

[dckingsfan]

Sure Ernie made some messes, not saying he didn't. Some were bad, some didn't work out well. Some didn't work out because of the player themselves. Some didn't work out because of poor positional coaching by the Wizards(big man coaching). Was all that on Ernie?

People blasted Abe in the past, Cheap Abe. How did Abe factor in the trade for Foye/Miller on 1 year contracts with an already high payroll?

You say he should have traded down instead of picking Otto. I agree. HINDSIGHT IS 20/20. The majority around here wanted Otto. I still did not. But Otto is from Ted's alma mater. That's fishy to me. Who made the decision. It's not as though Otto was not the "age-ol" best player available.

I'm not an Ernie fan, but I choose to look at a glass half full in that he made the best of a bad situation following gun-gate, not a glass half empty by him cleaning up his own poop.

I don't think I ever said that EG wasn't good at cleaning up messes - what I did say is that he is the worst drafter of his time, hasn't done a good job overall selecting draft picks. And then uses future assets to clean up the messes.

And that is why we have the record we have during the EG era and why he is appropriately ranked by his peers as a bottom 5 GM in the L.

So, terrific at cleaning up messes but still a turrible GM by any long-term evaluation.

.. not to mention Grunfeld's horrific player development management. Nuff-said on that front.

Otto Porter TBD
Bradley Beal Slowly
Tomas Satoransky TBD
Jan Vesely Poorly
Chris Singleton Poorly
Shelvin Mack Poorly
John Wall Fairly Well
JaVale McGee Poorly
Nick Young Poorly
Dominic McGuire Poorly
Oleksiy Pecherov Poorly
Andray Blatche Poorly

[Rafael122]

Blatche was a nice find as a 2nd round pick, and he gambled on him being a productive player. But the off court stuff just got in the way. I thought he did well with Andray.

BTW, this is from the Mike Wise article this morning:

May: Eastern Conference Semifinalist Ernie. After saving Ted Leonsis almost $100 million during a reputation-swallowing rebuild, the ErnDog showed he stills knows how to build a contender. No other GM observes Earth Day like Ernie, who is able to recycle trash into Trevor Ariza. Getting Marcin Gortat for Emeka Okafor before the season . . . brilliant. Andre Miller as a rent-a-vet? Solid. Oh, and who knew he had another year left on his deal after this season that no one knew about until now (That’s right, a little news for you.)

So he's got 1 year left on his deal, Ernie ain't going anywhere.

[Dat2U]

Blatche was a nice find as a 2nd round pick, and he gambled on him being a productive player. But the off court stuff just got in the way. I thought he did well with Andray.

BTW, this is from the Mike Wise article this morning:

May: Eastern Conference Semifinalist Ernie. After saving Ted Leonsis almost $100 million during a reputation-swallowing rebuild, the ErnDog showed he stills knows how to build a contender. No other GM observes Earth Day like Ernie, who is able to recycle trash into Trevor Ariza. Getting Marcin Gortat for Emeka Okafor before the season . . . brilliant. Andre Miller as a rent-a-vet? Solid. Oh, and who knew he had another year left on his deal after this season that no one knew about until now (That’s right, a little news for you.)

So he's got 1 year left on his deal, Ernie ain't going anywhere.

Not sure if he's saying Andre Miller has another year left on this deal instead of Ernie. Either way it's poorly written.

[Rafael122]

Blatche was a nice find as a 2nd round pick, and he gambled on him being a productive player. But the off court stuff just got in the way. I thought he did well with Andray.

BTW, this is from the Mike Wise article this morning:

May: Eastern Conference Semifinalist Ernie. After saving Ted Leonsis almost $100 million during a reputation-swallowing rebuild, the ErnDog showed he stills knows how to build a contender. No other GM observes Earth Day like Ernie, who is able to recycle trash into Trevor Ariza. Getting Marcin Gortat for Emeka Okafor before the season . . . brilliant. Andre Miller as a rent-a-vet? Solid. Oh, and who knew he had another year left on his deal after this season that no one knew about until now (That’s right, a little news for you.)

So he's got 1 year left on his deal, Ernie ain't going anywhere.

Not sure if he's saying Andre Miller has another year left on this deal instead of Ernie. Either way it's poorly written.

It is, but the entire paragraph is about Ernie...not Andre, but I can see the mix up.

[dckingsfan]

Blatche was a nice find as a 2nd round pick, and he gambled on him being a productive player. But the off court stuff just got in the way. I thought he did well with Andray.

BTW, this is from the Mike Wise article this morning:

May: Eastern Conference Semifinalist Ernie. After saving Ted Leonsis almost $100 million during a reputation-swallowing rebuild, the ErnDog showed he stills knows how to build a contender. No other GM observes Earth Day like Ernie, who is able to recycle trash into Trevor Ariza. Getting Marcin Gortat for Emeka Okafor before the season . . . brilliant. Andre Miller as a rent-a-vet? Solid. Oh, and who knew he had another year left on his deal after this season that no one knew about until now (That’s right, a little news for you.)

So he's got 1 year left on his deal, Ernie ain't going anywhere.

Agreed, Wittman and EG will get three year extensions, IMO.

[verbal8]

What is Erine's contract status? Does it end this NBA year or does he have another year?

One possibility is the third year is conditional(play-offs or 2nd round appearace) and that condition has been met. I don't see how Miller's contract would be news, but the column is unclear.

[pancakes3]

I have long said, the best way to develop players is to put them on a winning team with quality profession vets.

We made the playoffs and had the big 3 + Haywood when we drafted Party John, Jarvis Hayes, Blatche, and Nick so... is it really the "best" way?

[DCZards]

I have long said, the best way to develop players is to put them on a winning team with quality profession vets.

We made the playoffs and had the big 3 + Haywood when we drafted Party John, Jarvis Hayes, Blatche, and Nick so... is it really the "best" way?

You can't compare Party John, Blatche, etc. to Wall and Beal. Wall and Beal were #1 and #3 picks...they were drafted to be future cornerstones of the franchise. In addition, Wall and Beal have a much different mentality and approach to doing their jobs than at least three of the guys you mentioned.

BTW, imo, a player's development is much more on them and their work ethic than it is on the GM, the coaches or the players you surround them with.

[MikeTheKid]

Blatche was a nice find as a 2nd round pick, and he gambled on him being a productive player. But the off court stuff just got in the way. I thought he did well with Andray.

BTW, this is from the Mike Wise article this morning:

May: Eastern Conference Semifinalist Ernie. After saving Ted Leonsis almost $100 million during a reputation-swallowing rebuild, the ErnDog showed he stills knows how to build a contender. No other GM observes Earth Day like Ernie, who is able to recycle trash into Trevor Ariza. Getting Marcin Gortat for Emeka Okafor before the season . . . brilliant. Andre Miller as a rent-a-vet? Solid. Oh, and who knew he had another year left on his deal after this season that no one knew about until now (That’s right, a little news for you.)

So he's got 1 year left on his deal, Ernie ain't going anywhere.

Most of us knew Miller had a team option next year.

[pancakes3]

Pretty sure we're on the same page, 'Zards. I agree wholeheartedly that player development is mostly development is the burden of the player, not management. Yes, coaches can teach/help, management can provide better facilities, having a leader lead by example (MJ holding private workouts at his house where his personal chef cooked healthy breakfasts for his teammates) would all help but it still is insignificant compared to a guy putting hours in the gym on his own accord.

[Ruzious]

Blatche was a nice find as a 2nd round pick, and he gambled on him being a productive player. But the off court stuff just got in the way. I thought he did well with Andray.

BTW, this is from the Mike Wise article this morning:

May: Eastern Conference Semifinalist Ernie. After saving Ted Leonsis almost $100 million during a reputation-swallowing rebuild, the ErnDog showed he stills knows how to build a contender. No other GM observes Earth Day like Ernie, who is able to recycle trash into Trevor Ariza. Getting Marcin Gortat for Emeka Okafor before the season . . . brilliant. Andre Miller as a rent-a-vet? Solid. Oh, and who knew he had another year left on his deal after this season that no one knew about until now (That’s right, a little news for you.)

So he's got 1 year left on his deal, Ernie ain't going anywhere.

One of the worst parts about Wise's writing there is he's sort of implying that the rebuild wasn't needed because of Erndog's incompetence - it was really because his owner forced poor Erndog to cut costs through no fault of poor ol Erndog. Erndog is a martyr who turned chicken sh... scraps into chicken cordon blow.

And how is Andre Miller having another year on his contract news? Imagine when he finds out it's only partially guaranteed. Erndog's genius will shock the world. Shout it from the mountaintops!

[milellie111]

Grunfeld has created an environment conducive for winning. It's not just all about draft pick hits or misses. Lay the correct framework, and all other things will fall into place. The environment on this team is totally opposite of that in the Arenas years. It has allowed for players like Wall, Beal and Booker to flourish. Nene, Ariza and Gortat are veterans so they should produce no matter what environment they are in, however their production only increases with a better environment which we are seeing.

Many take for granted the importance of a GM creating a professional enviroment where players can thrive and choosing the right coach. Yes, Wall was the obvious pick, but that did not mean he was guaranteed to be become what he is today. There are many young top pick players who have failed based on the situation they are drafted into. Looking at the situation now, Wittman was the perfect coach for this young group of guys and he has their respect. What more could we ask for? The team is not only winning, they also mesh and get along, we don't hear of any reports of arguments/fights, trade requests, tension between players and coaches etc. No media garbage surrounds this team. However, look at other teams (Knicks,Lakers,Pacers, Kings etc) and there are reports that circulate about issues with players, coaches and environment.

I believe we can sign both Ariza AND Gortat based on the fact they seem to enjoy playing here, they are guaranteed starters and the team will be competivtive for the forseeable future.

[Nivek]

Blatche was a nice find as a 2nd round pick, and he gambled on him being a productive player. But the off court stuff just got in the way. I thought he did well with Andray.

BTW, this is from the Mike Wise article this morning:

May: Eastern Conference Semifinalist Ernie. After saving Ted Leonsis almost $100 million during a reputation-swallowing rebuild, the ErnDog showed he stills knows how to build a contender. No other GM observes Earth Day like Ernie, who is able to recycle trash into Trevor Ariza. Getting Marcin Gortat for Emeka Okafor before the season . . . brilliant. Andre Miller as a rent-a-vet? Solid. Oh, and who knew he had another year left on his deal after this season that no one knew about until now (That’s right, a little news for you.)

So he's got 1 year left on his deal, Ernie ain't going anywhere.

One of the worst parts about Wise's writing there is he's sort of implying that the rebuild wasn't needed because of Erndog's incompetence - it was really because his owner forced poor Erndog to cut costs through no fault of poor ol Erndog. Erndog is a martyr who turned chicken sh... scraps into chicken cordon blow.

And how is Andre Miller having another year on his contract news? Imagine when he finds out it's only partially guaranteed. Erndog's genius will shock the world. Shout it from the mountaintops!

I tweeted Wise asking him to show his math on that "Grunfeld saved Leonsis $100 million" claim. He first replied that he couldn't do it in 140 characters, and told me not to scoff until I factored in buyouts like the one for Mike Bibby and the longer-contract players they'd traded away.* Then he told me that I didn't get "gist" of the column, esp. the "satire" and "embellishment."

So, I (naturally) wondered whether the $100 million claim was "satire," "embellishment," or something he could show in more than 140 characters. (Still waiting for an answer on that one.)

* -- The Bibby buyout was $6.2 million of straight savings. Bibby agreed to give up his salary for the following season in exchange for being released so he could go play for the Heat. So, only $93.8 million to go. Not sure how to factor in the trades that apparently make up that remaining $93.8 million because the Wizards took back salaries in every one of those deals.

And, just a stylistic thing, but don''t name a specific number if you're embellishing. In other words, say, "Grunfeld saved Leonsis tens of millions..." instead of "$100 million."

[daSwami]

Blatche was a nice find as a 2nd round pick, and he gambled on him being a productive player. But the off court stuff just got in the way. I thought he did well with Andray.

BTW, this is from the Mike Wise article this morning:



So he's got 1 year left on his deal, Ernie ain't going anywhere.

One of the worst parts about Wise's writing there is he's sort of implying that the rebuild wasn't needed because of Erndog's incompetence - it was really because his owner forced poor Erndog to cut costs through no fault of poor ol Erndog. Erndog is a martyr who turned chicken sh... scraps into chicken cordon blow.

And how is Andre Miller having another year on his contract news? Imagine when he finds out it's only partially guaranteed. Erndog's genius will shock the world. Shout it from the mountaintops!

I tweeted Wise asking him to show his math on that "Grunfeld saved Leonsis $100 million" claim. He first replied that he couldn't do it in 140 characters, and told me not to scoff until I factored in buyouts like the one for Mike Bibby and the longer-contract players they'd traded away.* Then he told me that I didn't get "gist" of the column, esp. the "satire" and "embellishment."

So, I (naturally) wondered whether the $100 million claim was "satire," "embellishment," or something he could show in more than 140 characters. (Still waiting for an answer on that one.)

* -- The Bibby buyout was $6.2 million of straight savings. Bibby agreed to give up his salary for the following season in exchange for being released so he could go play for the Heat. So, only $93.8 million to go. Not sure how to factor in the trades that apparently make up that remaining $93.8 million because the Wizards took back salaries in every one of those deals.

And, just a stylistic thing, but don''t name a specific number if you're embellishing. In other words, say, "Grunfeld saved Leonsis tens of millions..." instead of "$100 million."

I questioned the $100 million claim, too. How much of that $100 million was from bad contracts that EG acquired/negotiated in the first place?

[Ruzious]

One of the worst parts about Wise's writing there is he's sort of implying that the rebuild wasn't needed because of Erndog's incompetence - it was really because his owner forced poor Erndog to cut costs through no fault of poor ol Erndog. Erndog is a martyr who turned chicken sh... scraps into chicken cordon blow.

And how is Andre Miller having another year on his contract news? Imagine when he finds out it's only partially guaranteed. Erndog's genius will shock the world. Shout it from the mountaintops!

I tweeted Wise asking him to show his math on that "Grunfeld saved Leonsis $100 million" claim. He first replied that he couldn't do it in 140 characters, and told me not to scoff until I factored in buyouts like the one for Mike Bibby and the longer-contract players they'd traded away.* Then he told me that I didn't get "gist" of the column, esp. the "satire" and "embellishment."

So, I (naturally) wondered whether the $100 million claim was "satire," "embellishment," or something he could show in more than 140 characters. (Still waiting for an answer on that one.)

* -- The Bibby buyout was $6.2 million of straight savings. Bibby agreed to give up his salary for the following season in exchange for being released so he could go play for the Heat. So, only $93.8 million to go. Not sure how to factor in the trades that apparently make up that remaining $93.8 million because the Wizards took back salaries in every one of those deals.

And, just a stylistic thing, but don''t name a specific number if you're embellishing. In other words, say, "Grunfeld saved Leonsis tens of millions..." instead of "$100 million."

I questioned the $100 million claim, too. How much of that $100 million was from bad contracts that EG acquired/negotiated in the first place?

I believe the $100 million claim comes under the journalistic category of making shyte up - very commonly used by the Washington Post.

[Nivek]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/MikeWiseguy/status/463379105266663425[/tweet]

So...we'll see.

Didn't think it would be very productive to suggest he might have considered doing the math before publishing the column.

[montestewart]

Any sad contract pee-Leonsis was Pollin fault. That have bone clearly establishment in another tread. I have mention this manly times. EG has a box.

[verbal8]

It is a huge strecth, but you can get there:

Bibby - $6 million
Arenas/Lewis deal - $43 million(only paid for one year of Lewis vs. 3 of Arenas)
$23 million Blatche Amnesty -> ~$40 million in luxury tax payments
Declined Vesley option - $4.3 million
Declined Chris Singleton option $2.5 million
Miller - $2.5 million unguarranteed next season
Webster - $5.8 million unguarranteed final season

Total $104.1 million

Since I have a self-imposed moratorium on EG bashing during the Wizards play-off run, I will leave it to others to dispute these numbers.

[miller31time]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/MikeWiseguy/status/463379105266663425[/tweet]

So...we'll see.

Didn't think it would be very productive to suggest he might have considered doing the math before publishing the column.

Just by the fact it's going to take a few days for him to crunch the numbers means he made the number up in the first place.

Pretty sad, in my opinion.