rockymac52 wrote:Webster's comments do concern me, but at the same time, I think it was just his way of expressing his honest feelings about what had just happened in the draft. Obviously if you're a free agent SF and your team drafts 2 SFs, logically you have to understand they're likely moving in another direction. Martell's "I just want to be wanted" quote is the key, IMO. I think he genuinely means that. He'll accept less than the MLE, and he's happy to come off the bench, but only as long as the Wizards express to him that they want him. Drafting 2 SFs doesn't really express that to him.
HOWEVER, if you read Ernie and Randy's post-draft comments, they still remain adamant that the draft selections did not change their plans with Webster. They both keep emphasizing that several of our wings can play 2, maybe 3 positions. They clearly intend to play Ariza and maybe Porter at PF some stretches this season.
I think the Wizards will reach out to Webster today or very soon, and reassure him that he's still our priority, and that we want him to return and to be a big contributor. They'll tell him their plan to play him at SG some, as well as getting Ariza/Porter some minutes at PF to open up more playing time for Webster. We'll offer him the same deal we were always going to offer him, and hopefully Webster understands where we're coming from, and buys in.
I think all of that is what's going on, and I think he will still be re-signed, even if Ariza is not traded. I do admit that I am much more skeptical than I was in the past, and I'm worried that we might lose him. But I'm also cautiously optimistic.
Webster wants to be here. We want Webster to be here. We're going to pay him and he's going to get minutes. We just need to speak with him and reassure him that he's a big part of our future plans, and I suspect he'll be all in.
Exactly. The Wizards talk has been one of, we are adding basketball players. Thats what Otto is. For now, with team going small ball, Trevor A and Otto are SFs that can play some PF. Webster is a SF that can play some SG. Glen Rice is not a priority, he was a 2nd round pick SG/SF. If he works out, great. If not, they took a swing. I don't think he sees much time and when he does, its at SG. He replaced Martin.
Martin gone. Check that off the list of things to do.
I see the core minutes going
Wall
Beal/Webster
Webster/Otto/Trevor A
Trevor A/Otto/Nene
Nene/Okafor
Thats the core 7 for minutes.
With a battle for PF/C minutes between Ves and Kevin .. Thats your 8 and 9
Everything else is bench reserves. Temple, Price (or FA PG), Booker, Glen Rice
Wall wanted some S4. Well I think Trevor A and Otto will play that role.
Trevor A is the one who's is most likely not here at some point this year or next. Not Webster. I think he has a clear role and a home on this team. Its PF or center that needs worked out. I think PG, SG and SF look set and Webster is a key part of that.
