#3 for Ilyasova being discussed

[hands11]

I've always been a fan of the Birdman. Guy is obviously a moron, but he really frustrates the hell out of the opposing team and is always active.

That's all the Heat have really been missing, an active/physical presence on the boards the past few years.

Against Duncan/Splitter/Diaw etc? Doubt he'll have the same impact.

Seems like there is always that type of playing deep in the playoffs.

Rodman did it years ago. MWP was it for a little bit. Birdman is that type now.

Touch guys with great motors and how do you say, mentally unconventional.

[hands11]

man the hate for this guy is crazy! nene and okefor are old time to get younger we will need about 5 more years to consider maybe a championship I rather have a young expensive player than a old injury prone players.

It's hilarious. A lot of people liked his game last year for his ability to shoot and rebound decently. Next thing, Ernie gets involved and he's worse than Vesely. EG could trade Singleton, Vesely and and both 2nds for Durant and people would find fault with it.

On the other hand, while I believe that there might be some validity because I think every GM talks to other GMs about all sorts of trade scenarios before the draft, I doubt he gives up a pro's pro like Okafor (who people were killing this year as well but now he's Wes Unseld in his prime).

Lots of people on the board raved about him before.

I also agree I would be shocked if he gives up Okafor.

No reason to think Okafor can't keep his level of productivity for another 3 years. 3 years is a long time in the NBA. Players seem to be lasting longer then they did before. Lots of players over 35 that are still productive now a days.

[WashWiz54]

Serious question: WTF is this Birdman debate and why are we even having it!? The guy is an awesome energy guy and played superb (within his role) for the Heat this playoff stretch. HOWEVER (in my best Stephen A. Smith voice), we're talking about Chris Birdman Andersen (Stanslav Medvedenko, anyone?). And more importantly, what does he have to do with Ersan and trading the pick? I was coming to our board to complain about the General Board's opinion on our team but I see our board is just as loopy but in a different way

Anyway, I'm against #3 for Ersan. I get that he's a quality player but we build through the draft. We're just building our airplane and learning how to fly. Otto or whomever we draft would be a good wing (see what I did there?) for us. Ersan is a player better suited for a team looking to get in the space-race. Unfortunately, we're not there and still need to keep building. No sense in getting a part that won't pay dividends like one that fell in our lap (#3 pick.

[Dat2U]

No reason to think Okafor can't keep his level of productivity for another 3 years. 3 years is a long time in the NBA. Players seem to be lasting longer then they did before. Lots of players over 35 that are still productive now a days.

You may not notice it, but Okafor is in a steady decline, at least offensively. Last year was the worst of his career since his 2nd injury plagued season with Charlotte. His TS% dipped from .584 in '10-'11 to .539 in '11-'12 to just .496 last year. Any big with a TS% in .500 range is going to be a big net negative to a team's offense. I don't know how we project him playing at a high level 2 or 3 years from now when he's already no longer the player he was just 2 or 3 seasons ago. Okafor is a below average NBA starter at age 30. We've got a 22 yr old star PG and potentially two 19 yr old wing players, why in the world are we focusing on maintaining a declining center so far past his prime?

[Dat2U]

If Porter is available, I would draft Porter and not trade the pick unless I was completely blown away.

If Noel is available, I would draft Noel and listen to trade offers, but there's a 95% chance I'd keep Noel unless my Docs red flagged him.

If Porter & Noel are gone, I would actively pursue trade scenarios involving moving down slightly. If I'm unable to move down, I'd draft Victor Oladipo to either keep or potentially move later.

If a trade scenario is successful my targets are Len, Zeller & Olynyk depending on how far we trade down. I would not trade down beyond where I could get one of the above players. So #15 is probably a no go.

I would need more in an Illyasova deal. He alone is not enough, neither is the 15th pick. It would take Sanders or the unprotected pick in '14. Two things Milwaukee would not likely give up. I'd consider Henson but may ultimately pass on that type of deal unless Porter & Noel are gone.

Derrick Williams & the 9th isn't enough to make me bite. Derrick Williams has not played well enough to even be considered as a trade option for the 3rd pick.

I'd be willing to look at trading for either Derrick Williams or Ersan Ilyasova for anything not involving the 3rd pick or Wall & Beal.

[Dark Faze]

We're in complete agreement Dat.

[Higga]

Trading the #3 overall pick for a role player is something Ernie Grunfeld would do, which is why I fully expect it to happen.

I wouldn't even consider it unless the Bucks offered their 1st as well and even then, I'd probably say no. I really like Porter and even if he's gone, there should be other players at least as good if not better. Of course with Ernie drafting we might be better off just taking the role player...

[fishercob]

I admit to being amused by this thread and the one on the trade board. People are going insane, truly, about nothing.

We don't have a single published report saying the Wiz are exploring trading the pick, pursuing Ilyasova, anything like that. Nary a tweet from main guys on the NBA beat -- woj, Aldridge, Marc stein, mannix, etc. Nothing from Mike Lee or anyone local.

We've had a couple of tweeted (but not written -- I.e passing no editorial snuff) reports acknowledging a "rumor" of a potential trade from fringe personalities/writers in Milwaukee and Cleveland. And then we have an anonymous board mod (who I'm sure is a lovely fellow) saying "oh, there's something to this. I have sources on the inside."

So really, we have nothing. This seems to be a classic Internet-age rumor that has grown off of itself, but has little substance. Don't get me wrong. It's fun. But there is nothing I have read here or elsewhere that leads me to believe a trade is or ever was close.

Back to your regularly scheduled freakout!

[verbal8]

Trading the #3 overall pick for a role player is something Ernie Grunfeld would do, which is why I fully expect it to happen.

I wouldn't even consider it unless the Bucks offered their 1st as well and even then, I'd probably say no. I really like Porter and even if he's gone, there should be other players at least as good if not better. Of course with Ernie drafting we might be better off just taking the role player...

If Porter is there is no need get fancy, just draft him and be done with it.

If Noel is there, I think the value of the pick goes up a lot. I think Ilyasova, the 15 and their 2014 pick would be a minimum. I might accept Henson rather than the 15th.

[Dat2U]

I admit to being amused by this thread and the one on the trade board. People are going insane, truly, about nothing.

We don't have a single published report saying the Wiz are exploring trading the pick, pursuing Ilyasova, anything like that. Nary a tweet from main guys on the NBA beat -- woj, Aldridge, Marc stein, mannix, etc. Nothing from Mike Lee or anyone local.

We've had a couple of tweeted (but not written -- I.e passing no editorial snuff) reports acknowledging a "rumor" of a potential trade from fringe personalities/writers in Milwaukee and Cleveland. And then we have an anonymous board mod (who I'm sure is a lovely fellow) saying "oh, there's something to this. I have sources on the inside."

So really, we have nothing. This seems to be a classic Internet-age rumor that has grown off of itself, but has little substance. Don't get me wrong. It's fun. But there is nothing I have read here or elsewhere that leads me to believe a trade is or ever was close.

Back to your regularly scheduled freakout!

I hear you, but why wouldn't this board freakout? The rumors are so Grunfeldian. It's scared the sh*t out me. I keep thinking, please just keep it simple stupid! You got lucky with the 3rd pick, lets not blow this! So when the rumors hit, I keep wondering how the Wizards are going to outsmart themselves this time around?

I'm worried that this is the offseason where **** hits the fan. Where Ernie makes his biggest f*ck up in the Leonsis era and instead of being a team on the rise, we again fail to live up to expectations and flop again. My worst fear is he'll trade the pick for vets who disappoint, we fall flat next year and were once again a team of Wall, Beal without much hope of improvement outside a late lottery choice next year.

[Higga]

I hear you, but why wouldn't this board freakout? The rumors are so Grunfeldian. It's scared the sh*t out me. I keep thinking, please just keep it simple stupid! You got lucky with the 3rd pick, lets not blow this! So when the rumors hit, I keep wondering how the Wizards are going to outsmart themselves this time around?

+1

This is the exact type of trade Grunfeld would make. Remember 09, passing up on Steph Curry for Mike Miller and Randy Foye? This would more or less be a repeat of that(I guess Ilyasova is better than those guys though).

I fully expect Grunfeld to screw up. History suggests he's more likely to screw it up then do the right thing.

[fishercob]

I admit to being amused by this thread and the one on the trade board. People are going insane, truly, about nothing.

We don't have a single published report saying the Wiz are exploring trading the pick, pursuing Ilyasova, anything like that. Nary a tweet from main guys on the NBA beat -- woj, Aldridge, Marc stein, mannix, etc. Nothing from Mike Lee or anyone local.

We've had a couple of tweeted (but not written -- I.e passing no editorial snuff) reports acknowledging a "rumor" of a potential trade from fringe personalities/writers in Milwaukee and Cleveland. And then we have an anonymous board mod (who I'm sure is a lovely fellow) saying "oh, there's something to this. I have sources on the inside."

So really, we have nothing. This seems to be a classic Internet-age rumor that has grown off of itself, but has little substance. Don't get me wrong. It's fun. But there is nothing I have read here or elsewhere that leads me to believe a trade is or ever was close.

Back to your regularly scheduled freakout!

I hear you, but why wouldn't this board freakout? The rumors are so Grunfeldian. It's scared the sh*t out me. I keep thinking, please just keep it simple stupid! You got lucky with the 3rd pick, lets not blow this! So when the rumors hit, I keep wondering how the Wizards are going to outsmart themselves this time around?

I'm worried that this is the offseason where **** hits the fan. Where Ernie makes his biggest f*ck up in the Leonsis era and instead of being a team on the rise, we again fail to live up to expectations and flop again. My worst fear is he'll trade the pick for vets who disappoint, we fall flat next year and were once again a team of Wall, Beal without much hope of improvement outside a late lottery choice next year.

HA, you must chill!

Ted has said publicly on multiple occasions that the Miller/Foye trade never would have happened on his watch. He has repeatedly espoused his firm belief in building through the draft. I'm plenty disillusioned with Ted for a variety of things, but I haven't seen anything to indicate that he has reversed his course on this.

Post-lotto Randy said moving up said "the phone would ring a lot more" and they would take every call, indicating they'll listen to and explore all scenarios including trades.

I'd be shocked if they traded the pick for anything less than a really big return. I suppose Ilyasova and 15 is possible, but I consider it unlikely. I'd be completely and utterly shocked if it was for anything less.

This is one area where I really do feel comfortable with Ted at the helm.

[Dat2U]

HA, you must chill!

Ted has said publicly on multiple occasions that the Miller/Foye trade never would have happened on his watch. He has repeatedly espoused his firm belief in building through the draft. I'm plenty disillusioned with Ted for a variety of things, but I haven't seen anything to indicate that he has reversed his course on this.

Post-lotto Randy said moving up said "the phone would ring a lot more" and they would take every call, indicating they'll listen to and explore all scenarios including trades.

I'd be shocked if they traded the pick for anything less than a really big return. I suppose Ilyasova and 15 is possible, but I consider it unlikely. I'd be completely and utterly shocked if it was for anything less.

This is one area where I really do feel comfortable with Ted at the helm.

Ted has said many things publicly that hasn't quite jived with reality. I take everything that comes out of his mouth with a grain of salt nowadays. Ny nontrust of Teddy wasn't assumed, he earned it. He disappointments me nearly every time he opens his mouth or writes a column on his blog.

Whatever Ted had initially planned when he took over has turned into the Ernie Grunfeld show. I think Ernie is firmly running this ship, probably stroking the neck of his captian along the way, reassuring him that were headed in the right direction and that the injuries are nothing more than troubled waters we must navigate through. The love of expensive non-all star vets, foreign high flyers who can't dribble or shoot a ball & believing internal development is Vesely & Singleton taking 2 hours game to complete a game of horse during practice. Ok, I made that last one up, possibly.

[DANNYLANDOVER]

No im actually disqualifying some of your centers

explain how dwight is the best center with no sort of shot
He dominates the paint, his presence is felt
Alot of your centers listed dont do tht

I don't think I'm being too presumptuous in speaking for the other 7 billion people on the planet when I say that no one has the slightest idea what you are talking about.

Which six centers would need to die tonight in tragic yet unrelated kitchen accidents in order to make Chris Andersen the unquestioned best center in the NBA, like it or not?

Jus remember who had the biggest impact on the bulls and pacers...and who point short of having a better per tham lebronn in these playpffs

Dude, you're not making any sense...just give it up. Chris Andersen is not even a starting Center, never mind top 7.

Also, it seems like you and your alter-ego Deivy only show up when there is a trade rumor. You know, like, trade Beal for Rudy Gay

[nate33]

HA, you must chill!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfX_oDzOxsc[/youtube]

[Deivy202]

I don't think I'm being too presumptuous in speaking for the other 7 billion people on the planet when I say that no one has the slightest idea what you are talking about.

Which six centers would need to die tonight in tragic yet unrelated kitchen accidents in belebronn in these playpffs

Dude, you're not making any sense...just give it up. Chris Andersen is not even a starting Center, never mind top 7.

Also, it seems like you and your alter-ego Deivy only show up when there is a trade rumor. You know, like, trade Beal for Rudy Gay

dude i dont even know you and what am i saying in here that horrible. Andersons not top 7 but he is a big reason why the heat are better .

[DANNYLANDOVER]

man the hate for this guy is crazy! nene and okefor are old time to get younger we will need about 5 more years to consider maybe a championchip I rather have a young expensive player than a old injury prone players.

It's hilarious. A lot of people liked his game last year for his ability to shoot and rebound decently. Next thing, Ernie gets involved and he's worse than Vesely. EG could trade Singleton, Vesely and and both 2nds for Durant and people would find fault with it.

On the other hand, while I believe that there might be some validity because I think every GM talks to other GMs about all sorts of trade scenarios before the draft, I doubt he gives up a pro's pro like Okafor (who people were killing this year as well but now he's Wes Unseld in his prime).

Ersan is a good player and would look good on this team, but not for the 3rd pick in the draft.

[Dat2U]

So Ernie trades the Rashard Lewis expiring (and eating up all our potential cap room last season in the process) for Okafor & Ariza.

Meantime, we pass on Harden because were afraid to pay him, partly due to the $42 million in contracts we took on in the Okafor/Ariza deal.

And because we took the Okafor/Ariza deal, we took ourselves out of the running for either Ilyasova or Anderson when they were unrestricted free agents.

Now, we get lucky enough to get the 3rd pick in the draft following a bust of a season where we won 29 games, and were now hearing rumors of Grunfeld willing to trade the 3rd & Okafor for Illyasova, the guy we could have simply signed last year had we not traded for Okafor in the first place.

And people wonder why I always freak out about Ernie.

[deneem4]

Wizards can't develop players....porter wont be anything more than iman shumpert or jimmy butler at best...extremely wishful thinking is a luol if he get some handles, but look whos coaching these guys?....i project him at being the lakers ariza, analysis say sefolosha, ince again wishful thinking is shooting kawhi leonard....but once again look at these guys coaches...

Beal can very well be eric gordon with defense, but going thru the same injuries because he was tasked with putting a team on his back...

We cant develop players...you want porter to play defense and shoot the 3 and midrange....sound like martell webster...

Ersan is (already)an elite shooting pf with great rebounding...
Porter is (hopefully) an elite shooting sf with great defense...

What do the wizards need the most??

Were overating a weak draft, and not remembering how good our developing team is...

We have our big 2, let the 3rd be whoeva steps up for the season...

[dobrojim]

If Porter is available, I would draft Porter and not trade the pick unless I was completely blown away.

If Noel is available, I would draft Noel and listen to trade offers, but there's a 95% chance I'd keep Noel unless my Docs red flagged him.

If Porter & Noel are gone, I would actively pursue trade scenarios involving moving down slightly. If I'm unable to move down, I'd draft Victor Oladipo to either keep or potentially move later.

If a trade scenario is successful my targets are Len, Zeller & Olynyk depending on how far we trade down. I would not trade down beyond where I could get one of the above players. So #15 is probably a no go.

I would need more in an Illyasova deal. He alone is not enough, neither is the 15th pick. It would take Sanders or the unprotected pick in '14. Two things Milwaukee would not likely give up. I'd consider Henson but may ultimately pass on that type of deal unless Porter & Noel are gone.

Derrick Williams & the 9th isn't enough to make me bite. Derrick Williams has not played well enough to even be considered as a trade option for the 3rd pick.

I'd be willing to look at trading for either Derrick Williams or Ersan Ilyasova for anything not involving the 3rd pick or Wall & Beal.