How do you fix this team?

[fugop]

Here are the guys I would target in the offseason:

1. Patrick Patterson. High IQ, decent athleticism, has been playing well since joining Houston's rotation. Has been shooting lights out on jumpers, putting in decent defensive performances. I think he has David West potential on offense, with better defense. Not great on the boards, but reasonable. Personal connection with John Wall and DC native. I would trade McGee for him straight up; Houston has Hill and Scola on the depth chart in front of him.

2. Aaron Aflallo. Aflallo would be a great back court mate for Wall. He had ridiculous efficiency numbers while Melo was in Denver, when he was basically a catch and shoot guy. Efficiency has dropped some since the trade; that may be the new norm, or it may be an adjustment period. Smart, physical defender. I would consider a full MLE type deal, which may be too rich for Denver, considering that they have Chandler, JR Smith, Lawson and Felton in the backcourt.

Were we to get those two guys, we could draft a SF with our pick, and have a decent young rotation 1-4. We would have a hole at C that would need to be filled with Blatche and Seraphin unless we luck into a quality player somehow.

I'd like to S&T Young, but understand that it's improbable.

[nate33]

Here are the guys I would target in the offseason:

1. Patrick Patterson. High IQ, decent athleticism, has been playing well since joining Houston's rotation. Has been shooting lights out on jumpers, putting in decent defensive performances. I think he has David West potential on offense, with better defense. Not great on the boards, but reasonable. Personal connection with John Wall and DC native. I would trade McGee for him straight up; Houston has Hill and Scola on the depth chart in front of him.

2. Aaron Aflallo. Aflallo would be a great back court mate for Wall. He had ridiculous efficiency numbers while Melo was in Denver, when he was basically a catch and shoot guy. Efficiency has dropped some since the trade; that may be the new norm, or it may be an adjustment period. Smart, physical defender. I would consider a full MLE type deal, which may be too rich for Denver, considering that they have Chandler, JR Smith, Lawson and Felton in the backcourt.

I'm intrigued by that Patrick Patterson idea. I was just thinking about him yesterday while thinking of comparable players to Booker and I wondered how he was doing. FWIW, his pace-adjusted per-36 numbers for the season and the last 10 games are:

Code: Select all

Player            PTS  REB  AST  STL  BLK   TO  MIN eFG%  TS%  PER
patterson (seas) 12.6  7.4  1.7  1.0  1.6  1.4 14.2 .557 .570 16.3
patterson (L-10) 11.1  6.5  2.0  2.0  1.6  1.2 17.8 .529 .531 14.9

His rebounding is a concern, but I love his efficiency - particularly if he's doing that on mid-range jumpers.

I'm less excited about Afflalo. Assuming he and Young cost the same, I'd rather have Young. We dont' have enough scoring options on this team. If we somehow lucked into a top notch front court scorer, then maybe we consider trading Young's scoring for Afflalo's more well-rounded game. Or, if Young bolts for big money elsewhere, I wouldn't mind going after Afflalo as a consolation prize.

[eitanr]

McGee is so important to the future of the team. No way do you move him for Patterson and play exactly who at center long term?

I like Afflalo as well and wouldn't mind seeing him inked instead of Nick Young. Though I do think priority 1 is to use that cap space, if possible, to net another pick in that 8-12 range to net another SF. I'd use that 1st pick on hopefully Sullinger, but if not him than Derrick Williams IF I can get that other pick. Otherwise Perry Jones and Harrison Barnes would be my selections.

[DCZards]

I've really grown to like Affalo's game. He's extremely solid (and poised) on both ends of the floor and this season he has also proven to be very consistent. Affalo also has a high b'ball IQ, something the Zards could use more of.

Nick is a dynamic scorer who I would hate to lose but given the choice between him and Affalo, I'm taking Aaron.

[nate33]

I've really grown to like Affalo's game. He's extremely solid (and poised) on both ends of the floor and this season he has also proven to be very consistent. Affalo also has a high b'ball IQ, something the Zards could use more of.

Nick is a dynamic scorer who I would hate to lose but given the choice between him and Affalo, I'm taking Aaron.

What concerns me about Afflalo is that he has shown very little ability to get his own shot. The Wizards currently have the 2nd-worst offense in the league. That's going to drop even more if Young is replaced with Afflalo.

Afflalo is a very efficient shooter, but that's just because he has the luxury of taking just 9 shots a game. Young takes 16. If Young could turn down 7 of his most difficult shot attempts per game, I'm sure he'd improve his shooting percentage as well. The only problem is that it would lead to a bunch 24-second violations and/or bad shots from teammates.

A lot depends on who ends up playing SF for this ball club. If our small forward is a passive catch-and-shoot type of guy like Lewis (or Barnes if he pans out on the low end of his projection), then we'll need a SG who can really create his own shot. If we get a true scoring SF, then we can get away with a role-playing catch-and-shoot type like Afflalo.

It'll be interesting to see how the free agency market values each player.

[DCZards]

What concerns me about Afflalo is that he has shown very little ability to get his own shot. The Wizards currently have the 2nd-worst offense in the league. That's going to drop even more if Young is replaced with Afflalo.

Afflalo is a very efficient shooter, but that's just because he has the luxury of taking just 9 shots a game. Young takes 16. If Young could turn down 7 of his most difficult shot attempts per game, I'm sure he'd improve his shooting percentage as well. The only problem is that it would lead to a bunch 24-second violations and/or bad shots from teammates.

It'll be interesting to see how the free agency market values each player.

I see Crawford and Nick as essentially the same player, with Nick being the better pure shooter at this point and Crawford the better passer and slasher. Crawford is also capable of playing some PG. So rather than keeping both Nick and Crawford, I'd opt for Affalo who brings a different skill set and a high b'ball IQ, especially on the defensive end.

[FAH1223]

Crawford is a combo guard capable of scoring just as much as Nick and also being much more of a playmaker than Nick...they aren't the same player

[SUPERBALLMAN]

My Rebuild Plan:

1. Trade McGee/Blatche to Suns for R.Lopez/Childress + Late 1st round pick (from Orlando).

2. Draft SF (T.Jones or Barnes) with our top pick.

3. Draft an inside player w/ ATL pick (Markieff Morris).

4. Bolster backcout with PHX pick (Nolan Smith).

5. Perimeter D w/ 2nd rounder, Justin Holiday.


McGee's performance vs Bulls is fools gold, but games like that increase his value. High potential & good compliment to Gortat. Lopez more suited to fill Wiz need for starting low post center. PHX trying to deal Childress, previously coveted by Wiz. PHX deep at SF, can use PF. Wiz need new mix & new attitude.

Lopez, N'Diaye, Seraphin, Lewis, Morris(?), Booker, Childress, Barnes(?), Young, Holiday(?), Crawford, Smith(?), Wall

13 players, last spots from group of Yi, Evans, Howard, Martin, Shakur... if we do NOTHING in free agency.

[Bickerstaff]

My Rebuild Plan:

1. Trade McGee/Blatche to Suns for R.Lopez/Childress + Late 1st round pick (from Orlando).

That is HORRIBLE. You should be ashamed of yourself.

[LyricalRico]

^ I'd do it (of course). But if we could get Pietrus instead of Childress it would be a really good deal.

[tontoz]

What concerns me about Afflalo is that he has shown very little ability to get his own shot. The Wizards currently have the 2nd-worst offense in the league. That's going to drop even more if Young is replaced with Afflalo.

Afflalo is a very efficient shooter, but that's just because he has the luxury of taking just 9 shots a game. Young takes 16. If Young could turn down 7 of his most difficult shot attempts per game, I'm sure he'd improve his shooting percentage as well. The only problem is that it would lead to a bunch 24-second violations and/or bad shots from teammates.

It'll be interesting to see how the free agency market values each player.

I see Crawford and Nick as essentially the same player, with Nick being the better pure shooter at this point and Crawford the better passer and slasher. Crawford is also capable of playing some PG. So rather than keeping both Nick and Crawford, I'd opt for Affalo who brings a different skill set and a high b'ball IQ, especially on the defensive end.

I am confused as to how you can say they are basically the same player and then point out major differences in their games.

Denver gives up 3 ppg more when Afflalo is playing. Before this season his career best per was 10.8 and this season's 13.6 is still below Nick. Pass

[TGW]

^ I'd do it (of course). But if we could get Pietrus instead of Childress it would be a really good deal.

No it wouldn't.

[eitanr]

I'd say JaVale McGee is the 3rd most valuable piece on this team. One is Wall and Two is the upcoming top 5 pick. He may even be number 2.

A more sensible plan is simply to try and snag a second pick in the 8-12 range to hopefully use on a wing.

The following assets could be used in such a venture:
2nd Rd Pick, Atlanta Pick, Andray Blatche, willingness to absorb cap space.

My candidates for that 2nd pick (and the deals) are as follows (no particular order):
1. Andray Blatche to Memphis, OJ Mayo to Indiana, ATL Pick/IND Pick to one of Cleveland (via LAC), Milwuakee, Charlotte, Golden State...that 8-12 pick and Dahntay Jones to Washington.
2. Andray Blatche and 20th pick to Milwuakee for Drew Gooden and 9th pick
3. Andray Blatche and 20th pick to Charlotte for Boris Diaw, Matt Carroll, 10th pick
4. Andray Blatche, 20th pick, 2nd Rd Pick to Golden State for Louis Admuson, Charlie Bell, 11th pick
5. Andray Blatche, WAS 2nd Rd pick FOR DeSagana Diop, Matt Carroll, 10th pick

Basically I'd be okay with either absorbing a 2013 contract to get a 8-11 pick and a chance at one of those small forwards OR taking on a relativley bad deal if it could at least help my team in the short term (i.e. Gooden as a veteran backup 4/5 for the youth, OR Dahntay Jones as a nice hustle wing).

Then the plan would be to draft the best PF available with that first pick (Sullinger - P. Jones - D. Williams) and then with that second pick draft the best available SF (One of P. Jones, H. Barnes, T. Jones, or Jan Vesley should be available).

Then in the off-season regardless of what deal happens above I need to fill my starting 2-guard (I don't re-sign Nick Young) and my backup 2-guard (preferabley a combo guard).

In all of the above deals my ATL pick is gone, so I hope that with my 2nd rd pick, I could fill my backup combo guard hole. The following players could fall or should be available at around 34.

List 2nd Round: Nolan Smith, William Buford, Norris Cole, David Lighty, Malcolm Lee, Darius Morris, E'twan Moore

LIST A: I offer the following shooting guards 2-year, 5 mill per year deals (3rd year team option):
Teir 1: Aaron Afflalo, Mike Dunleavy JR, CJ Miles,

LIST B: If I can't get the above the following shooting guards would be offered 2 year 3 mill per year (2nd yr team option) or less:
Teir 2: Damien Wilkins, Tracy McGrady, James Jones, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Daequan Cook, Marquis Daniels, Luther Head, Julian Wright, Cartier Martin, Josh Howard

I retain Mustafa Shakur and Cartier Martin.

Power Forwards: Derrick Williams OR Jared Sullinger OR Perry Jones, Trevor Booker, Rashard Lewis, Kevin Seraphin (ADD Drew Gooden OR Boris Diaw if deal 2 or 3 are completed)
Small Forwards: Terrence Jones OR Harrison Barnes OR Jan Vesley, Rashard Lewis, Cartier Martin, Trevor Booker
Centers: JaVale McGee, Kevin Seraphin, Hamid Hadaye (ADD DeSagana Diop if deal 5 is done, Louis Admuson for deal 4), Trevor Booker
Shooting Guards: One of List A OR List B, Jordan Crawford, Cartier Martin (ADD Matt Carroll if deals 3 or 5 are done, Dahntay Jones if deal 1 is done, Charlie Bell if deal 4 is done)
Point Guards: John Wall, Mustafa Shakur, One of List 2nd Round (if deals 1-3 are done)

[nate33]

I dunno.

I have real problems with Blatche, but after seeing how dreadful the Wizards are without any scoring options in the front court, I'm no longer quite so anxious to deal him. At any rate, we won't be getting a lotto pick plus 2012 expirings for him so all those trade proposals are pretty much DOA. If we trade Blatche this summer, we'd really only be able to get 2012 expirings... and that's if we're lucky. With that the case, I think the best bet is to keep him, see how he plays after a healthy offseason (and a season-long dose of humility) and re-evaluate sometime next January.

I'd definitely trade McGee if a solid offer presented itself. I'd expect a pretty fair return though. I'm talking a late lotto pick or a legit starter age 25 or under.

[Dat2U]

I've given up hope on Blatche/McGee being the front line of the future, but my God, some of these deals are horrible.

I'm not rushing to trade either although I certainly think we should actively shopping both.

For Blatche, I want a useful rotation player (i.e. Varejao)

For McGee, I want at least a mid-lotto pick or a young starter to be a running mate with Wall.

I don't want a bad contract. Especially if it only nets us a middlin' pick. I don't see the point in making our financial situation worse to dump a young big. That's cutting off your nose to spite your face. When I hear names like Drew Gooden, DeSagana Diop or Josh Childress being lobbied about, it makes me cringe.

The worst thing we could do IMO is sell low. Or make a reactionary move simply b/c were frustrated with their progress. I wouldn't have a huge problem taking both Blatche & McGee into next year. But I'd make sure at least one of those two was coming off the bench.

[JonathanJoseph]

The worst thing we could do IMO is sell low. Or make a reactionary move simply b/c were frustrated with their progress. I wouldn't have a huge problem taking both Blatche & McGee into next year. But I'd make sure at least one of those two was coming off the bench.

This.

My personal level of disappointment in the play from both McGee and Blatche this year is far higher than I thought possible. But that doesn't mean you should sell low. The fact of the matter is, both players have tremendous upside (no matter how much less we think they'll reach it) and are under contract for a very reasonable amount.

For those of you statistically oriented, McGee still projects to be a very good NBA player and Blatche has proven he can do an awful lot of things in the NBA.

I want to see what happens to these two when someone puts a boot in their @ss. That someone is either going to be a new disciplinarian coach or John Wall who will grow into his role as the leader. It wasn't his genius idea to make a 19 year old rookie the team captain. In another year Wall won't put up with their cr@p.

We have already jettisoned Arenas, Jamison, Butler, Haywood, Stevenson (and Ilgauskas, Gooden and Bibby for that matter). At some point we have to acknowledge that it's not the players, it's the organization. And in this case, we are talking about two young players with coveted skill sets who are under contract. Don't hold your breath because I can just about guarantee that both will be Wizards next season.

[LyricalRico]

The worst thing we could do IMO is sell low. Or make a reactionary move simply b/c were frustrated with their progress. I wouldn't have a huge problem taking both Blatche & McGee into next year. But I'd make sure at least one of those two was coming off the bench.

If they don't care about playing well as starters, how do you think they will react to being benched? Especially when it would probably be for a less-experienced player? It won't be pretty, I can promise you that. What you consider "selling low' right now might look like a king's ransom by then.

The main problem I have with the "we know we need to get rid of Blatche and/or McGee, but let's wait until their value is higher" is that there's no real reason to believe that they will do anything to increase their value. By keeping them, all you're really doing is giving other teams more negative tape to look at when deciding what to give us in return. We'll hold onto them just long enough to get nothing for them (especially McGee since he will be an RFA after next season), and we'll be frustrating Wall in the process. Sorry, but I'm not interested in going down that road.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I had a post about how horrible these deals are that got deleted. Dat said it better, any way.

I think the best thing to do would simply be hire a new coach who is not married to Blatche/McGee as starting frontcourt, and who won't fancy Blatche as the next KG. Washington doesn't have to trade either player unless Flip stays, and the latter isn't viable.

I want a trade coach/GM thread.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I'd say JaVale McGee is the 3rd most valuable piece on this team. One is Wall and Two is the upcoming top 5 pick. He may even be number 2.

A more sensible plan is simply to try and snag a second pick in the 8-12 range to hopefully use on a wing.

The following assets could be used in such a venture:
2nd Rd Pick, Atlanta Pick, Andray Blatche, willingness to absorb cap space.

My candidates for that 2nd pick (and the deals) are as follows (no particular order):
1. Andray Blatche to Memphis, OJ Mayo to Indiana, ATL Pick/IND Pick to one of Cleveland (via LAC), Milwuakee, Charlotte, Golden State...that 8-12 pick and Dahntay Jones to Washington.
2. Andray Blatche and 20th pick to Milwuakee for Drew Gooden and 9th pick
3. Andray Blatche and 20th pick to Charlotte for Boris Diaw, Matt Carroll, 10th pick
4. Andray Blatche, 20th pick, 2nd Rd Pick to Golden State for Louis Admuson, Charlie Bell, 11th pick
5. Andray Blatche, WAS 2nd Rd pick FOR DeSagana Diop, Matt Carroll, 10th pick

Basically I'd be okay with either absorbing a 2013 contract to get a 8-11 pick and a chance at one of those small forwards OR taking on a relativley bad deal if it could at least help my team in the short term (i.e. Gooden as a veteran backup 4/5 for the youth, OR Dahntay Jones as a nice hustle wing).

Then the plan would be to draft the best PF available with that first pick (Sullinger - P. Jones - D. Williams) and then with that second pick draft the best available SF (One of P. Jones, H. Barnes, T. Jones, or Jan Vesley should be available).

Then in the off-season regardless of what deal happens above I need to fill my starting 2-guard (I don't re-sign Nick Young) and my backup 2-guard (preferabley a combo guard).

In all of the above deals my ATL pick is gone, so I hope that with my 2nd rd pick, I could fill my backup combo guard hole. The following players could fall or should be available at around 34.

List 2nd Round: Nolan Smith, William Buford, Norris Cole, David Lighty, Malcolm Lee, Darius Morris, E'twan Moore

LIST A: I offer the following shooting guards 2-year, 5 mill per year deals (3rd year team option):
Teir 1: Aaron Afflalo, Mike Dunleavy JR, CJ Miles,

LIST B: If I can't get the above the following shooting guards would be offered 2 year 3 mill per year (2nd yr team option) or less:
Teir 2: Damien Wilkins, Tracy McGrady, James Jones, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Daequan Cook, Marquis Daniels, Luther Head, Julian Wright, Cartier Martin, Josh Howard

I retain Mustafa Shakur and Cartier Martin.

Power Forwards: Derrick Williams OR Jared Sullinger OR Perry Jones, Trevor Booker, Rashard Lewis, Kevin Seraphin (ADD Drew Gooden OR Boris Diaw if deal 2 or 3 are completed)
Small Forwards: Terrence Jones OR Harrison Barnes OR Jan Vesley, Rashard Lewis, Cartier Martin, Trevor Booker
Centers: JaVale McGee, Kevin Seraphin, Hamid Hadaye (ADD DeSagana Diop if deal 5 is done, Louis Admuson for deal 4), Trevor Booker
Shooting Guards: One of List A OR List B, Jordan Crawford, Cartier Martin (ADD Matt Carroll if deals 3 or 5 are done, Dahntay Jones if deal 1 is done, Charlie Bell if deal 4 is done)
Point Guards: John Wall, Mustafa Shakur, One of List 2nd Round (if deals 1-3 are done)

This makes a ton of sense. Move forward with Wall and McGee. Draft a low post stud with the first pick. Parley Blatche (because the stud is taking major minutes at PF; and also, because team still needs a great wing) with the ATL pick into a stud wing.

That's getting two the OKC way.

I also think Shakur and Martin are solid.

[eitanr]

I'd say JaVale McGee is the 3rd most valuable piece on this team. One is Wall and Two is the upcoming top 5 pick. He may even be number 2.

A more sensible plan is simply to try and snag a second pick in the 8-12 range to hopefully use on a wing.

The following assets could be used in such a venture:
2nd Rd Pick, Atlanta Pick, Andray Blatche, willingness to absorb cap space.

My candidates for that 2nd pick (and the deals) are as follows (no particular order):
1. Andray Blatche to Memphis, OJ Mayo to Indiana, ATL Pick/IND Pick to one of Cleveland (via LAC), Milwuakee, Charlotte, Golden State...that 8-12 pick and Dahntay Jones to Washington.
2. Andray Blatche and 20th pick to Milwuakee for Drew Gooden and 9th pick
3. Andray Blatche and 20th pick to Charlotte for Boris Diaw, Matt Carroll, 10th pick
4. Andray Blatche, 20th pick, 2nd Rd Pick to Golden State for Louis Admuson, Charlie Bell, 11th pick
5. Andray Blatche, WAS 2nd Rd pick FOR DeSagana Diop, Matt Carroll, 10th pick

Basically I'd be okay with either absorbing a 2013 contract to get a 8-11 pick and a chance at one of those small forwards OR taking on a relativley bad deal if it could at least help my team in the short term (i.e. Gooden as a veteran backup 4/5 for the youth, OR Dahntay Jones as a nice hustle wing).

Then the plan would be to draft the best PF available with that first pick (Sullinger - P. Jones - D. Williams) and then with that second pick draft the best available SF (One of P. Jones, H. Barnes, T. Jones, or Jan Vesley should be available).

Then in the off-season regardless of what deal happens above I need to fill my starting 2-guard (I don't re-sign Nick Young) and my backup 2-guard (preferabley a combo guard).

In all of the above deals my ATL pick is gone, so I hope that with my 2nd rd pick, I could fill my backup combo guard hole. The following players could fall or should be available at around 34.

List 2nd Round: Nolan Smith, William Buford, Norris Cole, David Lighty, Malcolm Lee, Darius Morris, E'twan Moore

LIST A: I offer the following shooting guards 2-year, 5 mill per year deals (3rd year team option):
Teir 1: Aaron Afflalo, Mike Dunleavy JR, CJ Miles,

LIST B: If I can't get the above the following shooting guards would be offered 2 year 3 mill per year (2nd yr team option) or less:
Teir 2: Damien Wilkins, Tracy McGrady, James Jones, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Daequan Cook, Marquis Daniels, Luther Head, Julian Wright, Cartier Martin, Josh Howard

I retain Mustafa Shakur and Cartier Martin.

Power Forwards: Derrick Williams OR Jared Sullinger OR Perry Jones, Trevor Booker, Rashard Lewis, Kevin Seraphin (ADD Drew Gooden OR Boris Diaw if deal 2 or 3 are completed)
Small Forwards: Terrence Jones OR Harrison Barnes OR Jan Vesley, Rashard Lewis, Cartier Martin, Trevor Booker
Centers: JaVale McGee, Kevin Seraphin, Hamid Hadaye (ADD DeSagana Diop if deal 5 is done, Louis Admuson for deal 4), Trevor Booker
Shooting Guards: One of List A OR List B, Jordan Crawford, Cartier Martin (ADD Matt Carroll if deals 3 or 5 are done, Dahntay Jones if deal 1 is done, Charlie Bell if deal 4 is done)
Point Guards: John Wall, Mustafa Shakur, One of List 2nd Round (if deals 1-3 are done)

This makes a ton of sense. Move forward with Wall and McGee. Draft a low post stud with the first pick. Parley Blatche (because the stud is taking major minutes at PF; and also, because team still needs a great wing) with the ATL pick into a stud wing.

That's getting two the OKC way.

I also think Shakur and Martin are solid.

Thanks CCJ,

I honestly feel some of the above deals are plausible. Blatche still has positive value for a lot of teams in the league. For example Memphis may not be able to re-sign Randolph and will need insurance ta the 4/5. Insert Blatche. Or Milwuakee is another offensively deficient team and could use a better offensive minded PF. Insert Blatche. Washington would still at least need to take on some heftier contracts, but the team really needs to find away to make a play for one of those SFs at that 8-11 range along with the hopeful big they select in the top 5.

Yes, that is the OKC way or Chicago way...whichever you like.