Official Randy Wittman Thread - It's Playoff Randy Time LOL

[hands11]

Its getting more sad with every passing game.

The more I watch, the more I see an NBA team with their assistant coach on the sidelines.

Its starting to get really embarrassing.

[hands11]

Before the game starts I would just like to say preemptively...

I can't believe Randy didn't call a time out.

And what was he thinking with his substitutions.
Why does he still have Beal shooting so many long twos

Man he sucks.

[mohammed10]

OK - I just watched the DVR of the game and I have a serious question - What is Randy's plan?

We were playing one of the worst teams in the league and held a comfortable lead throughout most the 2nd half. I was starting to wonder if maybe Seraphin was still hurt and the team wasn’t being transparent about his injury but then he started the last game.

With the Lakers game being a back-to-back, I thought even though Seraphin didnt play much yesterday, maybe they hold him out. He doesnt play so I assume the injury is still playing a part but Wittman put him in with 6 seconds left in the game.

Then Otto plays just the last 5-6 seconds as well even though he had plenty of opportunities with the Lakers, well, being the Lakers and also Martell playing like crap (again). Harrington, also some crap, then plays 25 minutes compared to Booker’s 14 (I think Booker T had a solid 1st half).

Can anyone tell me what is Witless' plan for developing any of his players???

[closg00]

OK - I just watched the DVR of the game and I have a serious question - What is Randy's plan?

We were playing one of the worst teams in the league and held a comfortable lead throughout most the 2nd half. I was starting to wonder if maybe Seraphin was still hurt and the team wasn’t being transparent about his injury but then he started the last game.

With the Lakers game being a back-to-back, I thought even though Seraphin didnt play much yesterday, maybe they hold him out. He doesnt play so I assume the injury is still playing a part but Wittman put him in with 6 seconds left in the game.

Then Otto plays just the last 5-6 seconds as well even though he had plenty of opportunities with the Lakers, well, being the Lakers and also Martell playing like crap (again). Harrington, also some crap, then plays 25 minutes compared to Booker’s 14 (I think Booker T had a solid 1st half).

Can anyone tell me what is Witless' plan for developing any of his players???

The Wizards track-record speaks for itself, either you have the talent to develop on your own (Wall), for the rest it's let the chips fall where they may.

[hands11]

OK - I just watched the DVR of the game and I have a serious question - What is Randy's plan?

We were playing one of the worst teams in the league and held a comfortable lead throughout most the 2nd half. I was starting to wonder if maybe Seraphin was still hurt and the team wasn’t being transparent about his injury but then he started the last game.

With the Lakers game being a back-to-back, I thought even though Seraphin didnt play much yesterday, maybe they hold him out. He doesnt play so I assume the injury is still playing a part but Wittman put him in with 6 seconds left in the game.

Then Otto plays just the last 5-6 seconds as well even though he had plenty of opportunities with the Lakers, well, being the Lakers and also Martell playing like crap (again). Harrington, also some crap, then plays 25 minutes compared to Booker’s 14 (I think Booker T had a solid 1st half).

Can anyone tell me what is Witless' plan for developing any of his players???

Its not only that, but those players could have actually helped. For me, right now Randy is the most frustrating part of this team. But at least he is in his last few months of his contract and the team is in a much better position to attract a better leader in the offseason.

[hands11]

Man, it a dark Monday as a Wizards fan.

Just went 1-3 on a West coast trip. Blow game one against SAC. Laid a turd against Denver watching Ves dunk on them and Wall with 8 TOs. Limping into the playoffs. Nene out. Randy as a lame duck coach heading into the playoffs where we all know he will get outcoached. Beal still shooting inefficiently from anywhere but spot up 3s and drives, yet that isn't what Randy has him focused on. Webster looking dinged up. Otto and Kevin getting CD-DNP. And not another game to wash off the stink until Wed and its against PHX

Tough times. Nates predictions of the remaining schedule W-L is playing out even worst then he predicted.

Its sad that heading into the playoffs which should be exciting. Instead, the thing that most has my interest is checking on team news in hopes that they fired the head coach. But I just don't see it happening from a PR stand point right now. They are over .500. If it worked and they go on a run, it would look great. If it failed, it would look terrible.

I don't know. What if they lose the next three and drop below .500 That could be Teds window to step in. They would be on a 3-8 run heading into the playoffs. They would be under performing per his goals. I think he could make the move then and have clean hands. A save the season move having decided Randy will not be back. Newman steps in. Firing EG right then isn't as important as getting a new interim coach but maybe he does both. An anything but Randy move is what most important. Then they close the season stronger. Nene returns. We get to be more excited about the playoffs again. Then we figure out all the bigger stuff in the offseason.

If this doesn't happen, its just going to be hard to get excited about the playoffs. Randy clearly is going to get out coached and they will under perform.

I hate rooting for loses but I just can't take anymore Randy. Man I would love to be a fly of Ted office wall. If there is a chance that 3 more loses gets Randy out, then I'm all for it.

[nate33]

I don't know. What if they lose the next three and drop below .500 That could be Teds window to step in. They would be on a 3-8 run heading into the playoffs. They would be under performing per his goals. I think he could make the move then and have clean hands. A save the season move having decided Randy will not be back. Newman steps in. Firing EG right then isn't as important as getting a new interim coach but maybe he does both. An anything but Randy move is what most important. Then they close the season stronger. Nene returns. We get to be more excited about the playoffs again. Then we figure out all the bigger stuff in the offseason.

There is absolutely no chance Randy is fired this season. Zero. Zip. Nada. You don't fire a coach 12 games before the playoffs.

The Wizards are going to win a bunch of games down the stretch against weak competition and everyone is going to forget this 1-3 road trip.

[Nivek]

Wittman isn't trying to "develop" players, he's playing the guys he thinks are most able to help the team win. The Wizards don't have sufficient talent at the top of their roster to build a lead sufficient to tolerate the pains of developmental minutes.

There are two primary reasons for this. First, the owner-established organizational goal of reaching the playoffs. Second, the mediocre roster provided by the GM.

I'm no fan of Randy Wittman. He wouldn't have been my choice to coach the team. If it was my call, I'd have replaced him long ago. But, he's a human being who wants to keep one of the most exclusive, lucrative jobs he'll ever have. And so, he's making rational lineup decisions based on the organizational goal (which was set by his boss's boss), and the personnel options provided by his (incompetent) boss.

[hands11]

I don't know. What if they lose the next three and drop below .500 That could be Teds window to step in. They would be on a 3-8 run heading into the playoffs. They would be under performing per his goals. I think he could make the move then and have clean hands. A save the season move having decided Randy will not be back. Newman steps in. Firing EG right then isn't as important as getting a new interim coach but maybe he does both. An anything but Randy move is what most important. Then they close the season stronger. Nene returns. We get to be more excited about the playoffs again. Then we figure out all the bigger stuff in the offseason.

There is absolutely no chance Randy is fired this season. Zero. Zip. Nada. You don't fire a coach 12 games before the playoffs.

The Wizards are going to win a bunch of games down the stretch against weak competition and everyone is going to forget this 1-3 road trip.

Why you want to try to steal my last glimmer of hope like that ?

No, I still think there is a very small chance it could happen and I'll hold onto that. Its going to make the next three game more bearable and that gets me through the end of the month. God I hate when this happens.

[hands11]

Wittman isn't trying to "develop" players, he's playing the guys he thinks are most able to help the team win. The Wizards don't have sufficient talent at the top of their roster to build a lead sufficient to tolerate the pains of developmental minutes.

There are two primary reasons for this. First, the owner-established organizational goal of reaching the playoffs. Second, the mediocre roster provided by the GM.

I'm no fan of Randy Wittman. He wouldn't have been my choice to coach the team. If it was my call, I'd have replaced him long ago. But, he's a human being who wants to keep one of the most exclusive, lucrative jobs he'll ever have. And so, he's making rational lineup decisions based on the organizational goal (which was set by his boss's boss), and the personnel options provided by his (incompetent) boss.

I can except that framing in general. I disagree that he didn't have opportunities to use his assets better so he could count on them more now, but that fine. We can put that aside.

My point was, if they go under .500, he wouldn't be reaching those goals. And with the season and playoff at hand, there would be a window where the owner could step in and say, enough is enough. We aren't wasting this opportunity. We already decided we are getting a new HC in the off season and we have lost confidence in what we think you can do with the remaining games and the playoffs. Thanks for everything Randy but Newman. That would send a jolt of new life into a sputtering team and refocus their attention and optimism that they can make a run. I don't think these players believe in Randy anymore. Not even Wall.

Not saying it will happen, but it would be pretty cool if it did.

[Nivek]

Wittman isn't trying to "develop" players, he's playing the guys he thinks are most able to help the team win. The Wizards don't have sufficient talent at the top of their roster to build a lead sufficient to tolerate the pains of developmental minutes.

There are two primary reasons for this. First, the owner-established organizational goal of reaching the playoffs. Second, the mediocre roster provided by the GM.

I'm no fan of Randy Wittman. He wouldn't have been my choice to coach the team. If it was my call, I'd have replaced him long ago. But, he's a human being who wants to keep one of the most exclusive, lucrative jobs he'll ever have. And so, he's making rational lineup decisions based on the organizational goal (which was set by his boss's boss), and the personnel options provided by his (incompetent) boss.

I can expect that framing in general. I disagree that he didn't have opportunities to use his assets better so he could count on them more now, but that fine. We can put that aside.

My point was, if they go under .500, he wouldn't be reaching those goals. And with the season and playoff at hand, there would be a window where the owner could step in and say, enough is enough. We aren't wasting this opportunity. We already decided we are getting a new HC in the off season and we have lost confidence in what we think you can do with the remaining games and the playoffs. Thanks for everything Randy but Newman. That would send a jolt of new life into a sputtering team and refocus their attention and optimism that they can make a run. I don't think these players believe in Randy anymore. Not even Wall.

Not saying it will happen, but it would be pretty cool if it did.

But why would it?

The owner said "make the playoffs." They're almost certainly going to make the playoffs, but they still need to win games to make sure.

The coach is close to achieving the goal the owner set. Why would the owner/GM suddenly move the goalpost and fire him?

As for "sputtering" -- not really. They just went through a tougher stretch of the schedule and did exactly as could be reasonably expected. They probably still have 7-8 wins left on the schedule.

[dckingsfan]

Wittman isn't trying to "develop" players, he's playing the guys he thinks are most able to help the team win. The Wizards don't have sufficient talent at the top of their roster to build a lead sufficient to tolerate the pains of developmental minutes.

There are two primary reasons for this. First, the owner-established organizational goal of reaching the playoffs. Second, the mediocre roster provided by the GM.

I'm no fan of Randy Wittman. He wouldn't have been my choice to coach the team. If it was my call, I'd have replaced him long ago. But, he's a human being who wants to keep one of the most exclusive, lucrative jobs he'll ever have. And so, he's making rational lineup decisions based on the organizational goal (which was set by his boss's boss), and the personnel options provided by his (incompetent) boss.

I can expect that framing in general. I disagree that he didn't have opportunities to use his assets better so he could count on them more now, but that fine. We can put that aside.

My point was, if they go under .500, he wouldn't be reaching those goals. And with the season and playoff at hand, there would be a window where the owner could step in and say, enough is enough. We aren't wasting this opportunity. We already decided we are getting a new HC in the off season and we have lost confidence in what we think you can do with the remaining games and the playoffs. Thanks for everything Randy but Newman. That would send a jolt of new life into a sputtering team and refocus their attention and optimism that they can make a run. I don't think these players believe in Randy anymore. Not even Wall.

Not saying it will happen, but it would be pretty cool if it did.

But why would it?

The owner said "make the playoffs." They're almost certainly going to make the playoffs, but they still need to win games to make sure.

The coach is close to achieving the goal the owner set. Why would the owner/GM suddenly move the goalpost and fire him?

As for "sputtering" -- not really. They just went through a tougher stretch of the schedule and did exactly as could be reasonably expected. They probably still have 7-8 wins left on the schedule.

Plus Wittman has a great excuse - Nene is hurt. They are playing over .500 ball since he has been out (8-6).

I am pretty sure both EG and Witt will be back next year. The ONLY chance that we have of Wittman not returning is if EG isn't extended. We pretty much have to hope/pray that Ted and EG get annoyed at each other while haggling over EGs contract. Ted hires a new GM who then hires a new coach.

That is all...

[Dat2U]

Randy as a lame duck coach heading into the playoffs where we all know he will get outcoached.

Lame duck??? LOL, Randy is in about as safe a position as he could be in.

Randy isn't getting canned, he's getting an extension... just like his boss. You can basically carve it into cement. Nothing short of season ending collapse would even bring his future into question. Only matter to be determined if Wittman is getting a 2yr or 3yr extension and how long he'll likely last under that new extension.

[TGW]

Randy as a lame duck coach heading into the playoffs where we all know he will get outcoached.

Lame duck??? LOL, Randy is in about as safe a position as he could be in.

Randy isn't getting canned, he's getting an extension... just like his boss. You can basically carve it into cement. Nothing short of season ending collapse would even bring his future into question. Only matter to be determined if Wittman is getting a 2yr or 3yr extension and how long he'll likely last under that new extension.

Exactly...it would be completely non-nonsensical to fire the coach, and not the GM. The coach executed the mission objectives the same way the GM did. The goal was to make the playoffs, and Whitman is going to do that.

There is no way Whitman is getting replaced, unless there's a complete meltdown between now and the playoffs. NONE.

[hands11]

Randy as a lame duck coach heading into the playoffs where we all know he will get outcoached.

Lame duck??? LOL, Randy is in about as safe a position as he could be in.

Randy isn't getting canned, he's getting an extension... just like his boss. You can basically carve it into cement. Nothing short of season ending collapse would even bring his future into question. Only matter to be determined if Wittman is getting a 2yr or 3yr extension and how long he'll likely last under that new extension.

Based on what ? Did he say if you make the playoffs I will extend you ?

http://isportsweb.com/2013/06/13/head-coach-please/

Playoff coaches get fired or not extended. 6 were let go last offseason.

Randy is in no way safe let alone carved in cement safe.

I have no idea what Ted will do. I guess we are about to learn more about what kind of owner of this team he is going to be. I don't have a good read on him yet. To me, Randy has not advanced enough as a head coach to get extended. Specially since they should be able to attract a lot more candidates this offseason. Given what I can see, Ted signed him for two years. My guess is that he believed they would be good enough after two years that he would be able to sign a better coach. He is about to get that opportunity.

He doesn't own Randy anything. Randy is lucky to be given the opportunity to write .500 win season and playoff appear on his resume. That would be the best thing on it. No one would look down on the organization for replacing him with someone better. Specially if Wall is souring on him. (not saying he is, but if)

Point is, Randy is not a lock. If anything, I would lean the other way and I think dipping below .500 this late in the season would test Ted's patience.

[dckingsfan]

Agreed that Randy has not advanced enough to keep his job. But neither has EG and they are both here.

hands, are you for or against keeping EG? Seems like you are blaming the Wizards woes on Randy alone - but I don't want to put words in your mouth. Where do you stand on EG?

[Dat2U]

Randy as a lame duck coach heading into the playoffs where we all know he will get outcoached.

Lame duck??? LOL, Randy is in about as safe a position as he could be in.

Randy isn't getting canned, he's getting an extension... just like his boss. You can basically carve it into cement. Nothing short of season ending collapse would even bring his future into question. Only matter to be determined if Wittman is getting a 2yr or 3yr extension and how long he'll likely last under that new extension.

Based on what ? Did he say if you make the playoffs I will extend you ?

http://isportsweb.com/2013/06/13/head-coach-please/

Playoff coaches get fired. 6 were let go last offseason.

Randy is in no way safe let alone carved in cement safe.

I have no idea what Ted will do. I guess we are about to learn more about what kind of owner of this team he is going to be. I don't have a good read on him yet. To me, Randy has not advanced enough as a head coach to get extended. Specially since they should be able to attract a lot more candidates this offseason. Give what I can see, Ted signed him for two year. My guess is that he believed they would be good enough after two years that he would be able to sign a better coach. He is about to get that opportunity.

For someone who claims to have so much insight into Ted's plan and the overall goal throughout the last few years, it's funny to claim that you have no idea what Ted will do with regards to Randy.

In my view, you tend align yourself with what you like to believe. Now that can change almost every day considering how much you like to flip flop but for the most part, if you support a move, or a direction, you'll fight like heck to back that point and provide "clarity" for those that disagree.

So in this case, you've basically supported Ted's direction, the keeping of Ernie and the overall job Ernie's done considering what Ted's asked of him. There has been significant debates back & forth regarding your opinion and you've held strong that Ernie has done what was asked of him. But when it comes to Randy, your personal opinion of him as a coach is quite negative. So this is where you break from the organization and where your opinion doesn't necessarily lineup with the organization's thinking... now all of the sudden you have "no idea what Ted will do".

Let me help you. You are in denial. Whether you like it or not, Randy will be back. Sorry to burst your bubble but the overall plan is still in place. The same one you've been supportive of. The only difference is the gm AND COACH are staying.

[mohammed10]

Just finished watching DVR of last night's game...quite maddening, really

My quick reaction - just get rid of Wittless already! Listen, I know that we can blame Wall and his turnovers (and he had more than a few last night). However, there have been way too many games where Wall has had 2-3 turnovers and we still lost in this excruciating manner to a team we were probably better than. The difference has to be in the little things…the preparation, the substitution pattern, the set plays, the coaching.

I am sorry, but there is no excuse for a .500 team in the East to offer this few minutes to a lottery pick in Otto Porter…something just isn’t right here. Do we not plan on ever developing Otto? Is there no coaching that can be done for Porter during the season?

[hands11]

Agreed that Randy has not advanced enough to keep his job. But neither has EG and they are both here.

hands, are you for or against keeping EG? Seems like you are blaming the Wizards woes on Randy alone - but I don't want to put words in your mouth. Where do you stand on EG?

I answered that recently but here it is again.

Its a combination of what I want and what I expect.

Its started with what I want most lol. I know I don't want Randy back and I can clearly evaluate game after game what he does that drives me nuts. Its in my face every game and he is ruining the happy I should be feeling going into the playoffs. I was fine with them signing him for two years. Even supported the idea at the time like Wall did. But Randy has let me down. I expected a lot more from him. More progress. I understand he hadn't been given a good opportunity like this before so I had some patience. But he didn't learn. He hasn't improved. Now I am sick of him. Drives me nuts he is still the HC. So I am clear I want him gone and that he is holding back the team. I also see that it is very doable to replace him. EG staying or not.

Check.

EG ? Well we are talking about that in the EG thread. He is an average GM. Does some good and some bad. Would I like a great GM? Hell yeah. Would I throw up if he gets extended two years? Not a full on throw up. Maybe something like that burp where you can taste the food you ate. Would I be upset to see him signed for 3 or more years. Yes. But if he get signed to two and finds a great HC, I can tolerate the bad things he does another couple years. Or maybe he gets moved up and they get a GM. I could deal with that as well.

[hands11]

Lame duck??? LOL, Randy is in about as safe a position as he could be in.

Randy isn't getting canned, he's getting an extension... just like his boss. You can basically carve it into cement. Nothing short of season ending collapse would even bring his future into question. Only matter to be determined if Wittman is getting a 2yr or 3yr extension and how long he'll likely last under that new extension.

Based on what ? Did he say if you make the playoffs I will extend you ?

http://isportsweb.com/2013/06/13/head-coach-please/

Playoff coaches get fired. 6 were let go last offseason.

Randy is in no way safe let alone carved in cement safe.

I have no idea what Ted will do. I guess we are about to learn more about what kind of owner of this team he is going to be. I don't have a good read on him yet. To me, Randy has not advanced enough as a head coach to get extended. Specially since they should be able to attract a lot more candidates this offseason. Give what I can see, Ted signed him for two year. My guess is that he believed they would be good enough after two years that he would be able to sign a better coach. He is about to get that opportunity.

For someone who claims to have so much insight into Ted's plan and the overall goal throughout the last few years, it's funny to claim that you have no idea what Ted will do with regards to Randy.

In my view, you tend align yourself with what you like to believe. Now that can change almost every day considering how much you like to flip flop but for the most part, if you support a move, or a direction, you'll fight like heck to back that point and provide "clarity" for those that disagree.

So in this case, you've basically supported Ted's direction, the keeping of Ernie and the overall job Ernie's done considering what Ted's asked of him. There has been significant debates back & forth regarding your opinion and you've held strong that Ernie has done what was asked of him. But when it comes to Randy, your personal opinion of him as a coach is quite negative. So this is where you break from the organization and where your opinion doesn't necessarily lineup with the organization's thinking... now all of the sudden you have "no idea what Ted will do".

Let me help you. You are in denial. Whether you like it or not, Randy will be back. Sorry to burst your bubble but the overall plan is still in place. The same one you've been supportive of. The only difference is the gm AND COACH are staying.

Not interesting in that style of debate DAT.

I think I have been clear in my positions and when it changes, I can explain why. I find no issue with someone changing their position from .. lets do something and see how it works out. Then getting more data and deciding what to do from there. I wanted to give Randy a chance. They did that. I said try him for two years, they did it. In my view he has not maximized the opportunity and I have more data on him now. I also predicted they would Ted signed him for two year. Two years is up. I also said he would sign EG for two years and people disagreed. He got two years. Then people started the count down to firing him the following year and I said they were fooling themselves. He was going to get the full two years. Then Ted would reevaluate. He did and here we are.

When I say I don't know what Ted will do, its because I'm being honest. When I think I can tell, I say so. Maybe someone has inside information knowing what he will do next, I don't. But from what I can see or guess from here. I would hope he replaces Randy. I won't be shocked if he does that. Sounds like other disagree. Just doesn't make sense from where I sit that he would keep him. The franchise image has improved. You can now pick from a better lot of coaches. Your existing coaches contract is expiring. You take that opportunity to get the best you can. I would like to think Ted is smart enough to do that. If he doesn't, I will be disappointed. What I do from there is unclear. Randy really makes watching the team less enjoyable to me.

And 0-4, 1-4 or even a 2-4 series makes replacing him pretty easy. Since I expect Randy will get out coached, I expect that kind of series more than anything better. Instead, I expect it more likely that Randy's game time coaching shortcoming will get exposed on a bigger stage. I expect the people reporting the games to point those things out. All that makes replacing him easier and more obvious to more people.

If he shocks me by getting them to 3-3 that makes things tougher. If he wins a series, that would make replacing him even tougher. At that point I would almost call it unlikely, unless they are deciding to replace the GM in which case it would be highly likely he is replaced.