Lather me with blather -- DRAFT thread 4

[hands11]

This years Odom was one of most versatile, if not THE most versatile bigs in the league. Almost 40% from deep, can legitimately play the SF position, can bring the ball up the court, a monster on the boards and holds the ball for 3 seconds tops before scoring or getting rid of it.

Dray is also very versatile. He can shoot, dribble, and slash, and when in shape, can actually defend, rebound, and block shots.

Dray handle probably isn't as tight as Odom's, but I've seen him bring the ball up the court plenty of times and take it coast-to-coast. And Dray has better size then Odom, and is a better post player.

I think Blatche can potentially be as good as Odom, if not better.

You will get those that are down on Dray. After a year of seeing him out of shape coming off injury, that is what some are focused on.

Others remember that he is young. That he had a 7DD summer before this injured one. They are the ones puling for him to rebound this summer and come into camp in shape and focused on his contribution to this new team of young and up and coming talent.

Last year he struggled to understanding his role but he finished the year before on a roll. The old guard was gone and I think he wanted to be the star. He saw this as his time to own the primary scoring roll. But he was injured and out of shape. To finish the year, he had settled into his roll as a teammate. He played a better all around game. He forced it less.

IF, he can come into camp in shape and not with a injured foot, I think Flip can get everyone on the same page to start the season. Dray will shoot more efficiently and have a better balanced game. He can start the year like he finished like we wanted to see this year given his year before finish.

This is not a stretch at all. All they need from him is the same numbers as last year with his career shooting average and rebounds. Or his shooting percentage from the previous three years. .475

http://espn.go.com/nba/player/stats/_/i ... ay-blatche

He is 24. It would be pretty stupid to get ride of him right now.

34 minutes 17 pts 8 rebounds, 2 ast, 3 fouls on .445 shooting. PER 17 at 24
And that was a bad year ? His shooting percentage was on the climb. I'll take these numbers again next year. Something like.

34 minutes 17-18 pts 8 rebounds, 2 ast, 3 fouls on .475 shooting. PER 19 at 25

When he came back after that last injury and was rested, blow up. Look at April. .507 %
http://espn.go.com/nba/player/gamelog/_ ... ay-blatche

Pretty sure I want to keep him around to see how he settles into year two of this rebuild. We can get more for him later if needed.

[Dark Faze]

You absolutely know what type of player you have on your hands after 4 years, arguably 3.

Blatche has shown us 6.

He has the potential to put numbers, but he is not a winning big.

We do want to win right?

The fact that people continue to hold Blatche and McGee on the "potential" pedestal really amazes me. There are dozens of examples of how player growth tends to work in this league, and given history and stats of other players who have come and gone, along with having actually WATCHED these players for a while now it should be obvious that they are both guys that are not very good basketball players. Giving them starting positions just delays the inevitable.

And it would be bad enough if they were just not that good. They are dumb. They create a negative image of our team. Teams thing that Wizards have the lowest IQ in the league...and they are right.

I say we drop both of these fools.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Marcus Morris is growing on me. How about this for a draft day scenario?

Trade #6 for #9 & 19.

Draft Marcus Morris #9

Draft Markieff Morris #18

Draft Vucevic #19

Draft Nolan Smith #34


IMO that is a big time influx of talent, IQ, and attitude.

Not likely, but not impossible!

[hands11]

Marcus Morris is growing on me. How about this for a draft day scenario?

Trade #6 for #9 & 19.

Draft Marcus Morris #9

Draft Markieff Morris #18

Draft Vucevic #19

Draft Nolan Smith #34


IMO that is a big time influx of talent, IQ, and attitude.

Not likely, but not impossible!

That would be interesting for sure.

Point is, not worth giving up a bunch for Williams. If anything trade down. But Brooks is also interesting alone with Harris. And Harper.

I'd also take Morris, Brooks and Harper as well. That my be the best blend of talent for this team if you want talent with lower bust risk. Brooks and Harper are long term plans to replace Lewis and Nick and Morris compliments Booker. As is, if we loose Nick or he gets injured, we have no pure shooting SG.

You go Tyler if you want a PF with a strong body but more of a project.
Go Harris over Morris if you want more of a Melo vs PP.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Nik ... evic-5828/
He definitely makes the cut also.

[TGW]

If we did that Bobcats trade, I would do Morris with the #9, Faried with the #18, and maybe Vucevic or Harper at #19. Or I try and trade 18 and 19 to move up and get Tristan Thompson.

[sfam]

Marcus Morris is growing on me. How about this for a draft day scenario?

Trade #6 for #9 & 19.

Draft Marcus Morris #9

Draft Markieff Morris #18

Draft Vucevic #19

Draft Nolan Smith #34


IMO that is a big time influx of talent, IQ, and attitude.

Not likely, but not impossible!

Assuming Kanter isn't available I'd be seriously OK with switching the #6 for the #9 and #19.

[closg00]

Some interesting stuff about Knight that could affect Utah's draft decision.

sources say the Kentucky point guard could be risking his chance to go third overall to Utah by refusing to work out against competition. Knight has an open invitation to join Connecticut's Kemba Walker, BYU's Jimmer Fredette and UCLA's Malcolm Lee in a June 15 workout with the Jazz, but sources close to both sides said he has yet to decide whether to take part.

What's more, there are rumblings that Utah is less than thrilled at the notion that Knight would even consider dictating the terms with the No. 3 pick (although Turkish center Enes Kanter already did just that in his Jazz workout in Chicago in which Toronto also took part). It's unclear whether the Jazz would take a hard-line stance and refuse to take Knight unless he worked out against other top-line competitors, but that appears to be a possibility.

http://hoopshype.com/rumors.htm

Obviously we would prefer that Utah take Knight.

[jivelikenice]

When in shape, Dray is an All-Star talent. I think he has the best combination of size, post moves, handles, and J of any big man in the NBA, even though he didn't show it this year.

This is a BOLD prediction, I think if healthy, Dray will be an All-Star next season. Yeah, I said it, but I'll be ready to eat crow if he has another bad season.

.
1. When he's in shape- first problem there
2. Post Moves- He doesn't have the strength to finish. Gets pushed off his base too easily and settles for the jumper to often.
3. Handles- LOL....That behind the back dribble he always tries when he drives to the hoop is the worst move in the NBA. He never converts on that move yet tries it over & over again. Its funny that as soon as he does that move the whole crowd at Verizon groans...
4. J- ????. His J when left alone is ok but inconsistent. He can't stretch to the 3 pt line and missed his J when he gets pushed off the block....

[sfam]

When in shape, Dray is an All-Star talent. I think he has the best combination of size, post moves, handles, and J of any big man in the NBA, even though he didn't show it this year.

This is a BOLD prediction, I think if healthy, Dray will be an All-Star next season. Yeah, I said it, but I'll be ready to eat crow if he has another bad season.

I think I'll stop pushing the Dray sucks thing. Its obvious the difference of opinion here (or homerism, perhaps?) is just too vast to really hash out. An All Star Talent?? When in shape????? Do those two statements seem completely problematic together to anyone else?

Seriously, Blatche is just not an all-star talent. Just to be clear, the forwards on the 2011 all star team included Lebron James, Amare Stoudemire (both starting), with Bosh, Garnett and Piece in reserve. Lets say we trade Blatche and he moves conferences - then he has Kevin Durant, Melo, Gasol, Griffin, Love and Nowitzki to deal with. Sorry to be the one to break it to you, but NOBODY is confusing Blatche with that cast next year.

BOLD prediction? Nope, just goofy.

[dangermouse]

If we can't move up and Kanter don't fall, I wouldnt mind trading down from #6 and drafting the Morris twins. I like their toughness and skill. Marcus seems like a bit of a DWill-lite, similar skillset but not as long, I think he may be a better defender though?

And its doubtful Markieff drops past the Sixers at #16.

[hands11]

When in shape, Dray is an All-Star talent. I think he has the best combination of size, post moves, handles, and J of any big man in the NBA, even though he didn't show it this year.

This is a BOLD prediction, I think if healthy, Dray will be an All-Star next season. Yeah, I said it, but I'll be ready to eat crow if he has another bad season.

I think I'll stop pushing the Dray sucks thing. Its obvious the difference of opinion here (or homerism, perhaps?) is just too vast to really hash out. An All Star Talent?? When in shape????? Do those two statements seem completely problematic together to anyone else?

Seriously, Blatche is just not an all-star talent. Just to be clear, the forwards on the 2011 all star team included Lebron James, Amare Stoudemire (both starting), with Bosh, Garnett and Piece in reserve. Lets say we trade Blatche and he moves conferences - then he has Kevin Durant, Melo, Gasol, Griffin, Love and Nowitzki to deal with. Sorry to be the one to break it to you, but NOBODY is confusing Blatche with that cast next year.

BOLD prediction? Nope, just goofy.

Yes, I think the person with the 7DD is maybe a bit of a homer. What a shock. So forget the All Star label. Who cares? Just look at the facts of the numbers and the situation he has been in.

34 minutes 17-18 pts 8 rebounds, 2 ast, 3 fouls on .475 shooting. PER 19 at 25

When he came back after that last injury and was rested, blow up. Look at April. .507 %
http://espn.go.com/nba/player/gamelog/_ ... ay-blatche

And while people like to talk about 6 years, his playing time/opportunities have been more like 3-4 years and that wasn't all his fault. He was also mostly at center, again, not his fault. That is what the team needed ( still kind of does ) and AJ was in front of him. I called for the team to make the switch to him at PF early on but it wasn't until AJ left that he got that chance.

Last year he was recovering from a foot injury and lots of other injuries all year and he still posted decent numbers. First year he was shot. Kid is lucky to be alive. 3-4 coaches with EFJ being one of them. The Gil thing. Blown up team. New owner.

What is so hard to understand ? Give the kid a second year under this new ownership and new group of young players with a new direction. Give him a chance to come into camp healthy. He fits this new team way better then he fit the old team.

34 minutes 17-18 pts 8 rebounds, 2 ast, 3 fouls on .475 shooting. PER 19 at 25

That is nothing to sneeze at. He is the starting PF for at least next season. Then re-evaluate. Let him compete with someone. If they can push he out, great. If he steps it up, also great.

There is zero reason for this team to sell low right now. And it makes no sense to create a void when you have a talented young player who has already shown he can start at that position. Just add more young talent and let them compete. This team is two years away anyway. They have to see how Wall, Booker, Seraphin, Hamady and Crawford progress. Add they have to see what they get in this draft and how that improves the team. They are likely to add 3 new rookies and rookies don't usually contribute consistently while they are learning the NBA.

Moving Dray now would be a poor decision. This is a conversation that should be considered next year, not now. Next year under teh new CBA and with hopefully lots of cheap FAs is when you consider mixing it up.

[Jay81]

i heard bismark is having a disaster workout...airballing layups...missing open jumpers. He should of been working out with other guys instead of just by himself

[sfam]

...Last year he was recovering from a foot injury and lots of other injuries all year and he still posted decent numbers. First year he was shot. Kid is lucky to be alive. 3-4 coaches with EFJ being one of them. The Gil thing. Blown up team. New owner.

What is so hard to understand ? Give the kid a second year under this new ownership and new group of young players with a new direction. Give him a chance to come into camp healthy. He fits this new team way better then he fit the old team.

I generally hate most republican talking points, but at some point personal responsibility has to come into the mix. I kinda think 6 years is more than long enough for that to occur.

...There is zero reason for this team to sell low right now. And it makes no sense to create a void when you have a talented young player who has already shown he can start at that position. Just add more young talent and let them compete. This team is two years away anyway.

That's a good point. It does assume that his value will increase though. It also assumes he won't disrupt the team learning - something I also have doubts about. If we're halfway through the year and Dray is still out of shape doing his thing (partying instead of preparing), I'd really hope they do their best to dump him before the trade deadline. I mean really, if you're right, this offseason should be a magical time of learning, and we should see the fruits of this early on.

Would you agree that we should know if Blatche has turned the corner by the trade deadline?

[sfam]

i heard bismark is having a disaster workout...airballing layups...missing open jumpers. He should of been working out with other guys instead of just by himself

Would love to see a link to that...

[closg00]

i heard bismark is having a disaster workout...airballing layups...missing open jumpers. He should of been working out with other guys instead of just by himself

Would love to see a link to that...

Jonathan Givony: Two minutes in and you can already tell that Bismack Biyombo is not a "workout guy". Looks very nervous, airballing layups.Really struggling

The rest of the tweets here.
http://hoopshype.com/twitter_media.html#ixzz1OyXBTFgp

[Induveca]

Hands,

You can't defend homerism (or any position) by spewing out mass quantities of redundant/irrelevant thoughts.

You like Blatche, that's fine......but after 6 years it's easy to sum a guy up. Despite his talent, he has a poor work ethic, and a low basketball (and real-life) IQ.

[closg00]

Ryan Feldman Tweet:

A source at the Wizards workout today said Jeremy Tyler was most impressive of the bigs but nobody really stood out.

More write-ups on Leonard

Kawhi Leonard continues his impressive rise up the draft board ranks, and his workout in Washington on Tuesday continued his ascent.
The 6-7 small forward out of San Diego State had a strong performance with the Wizards at the expense of Texas small forward Jordan Hamilton, this after playing well in his first workout in Charlotte on Sunday. He has scheduled workouts in Cleveland on Monday, Toronto (No. 5) on Wednesday, Sacramento on June 17 and Utah (No. 3 and No. 12) on June 19.
When Leonard was still undecided on his future during the Aztecs' run to the Sweet 16 in March, he was considered a mid- to late-first-round pick. His consistent shooting, ball handling and offensive awareness have helped his case, but it's his ability to defend multiple positions and rebound at a high level that has NBA executives deeming him one of the few prospects who could contribute immediately on most teams.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/w ... z1OyoA1Wtu

[Rafael122]

So by all accounts, Biyombo's workout was horrible. How do you airball a layup?

[7-Day Dray]

I might like Blatche more than others on this board, but I think I'm being realistic too.

For those who want to dump him, WHY? The guys is talented and we're not going to get better if we just dump him for a lesser player. While he had a poor season, he still put up good numbers. Why sell low at this point? Even if you want to trade him, why not wait until next year? I'm very confident, that if healthy, he will have a much better season than he had this year, so that means his trade value will be up. Even though his numbers were not bad, he doesn't have a lot of trade value. I've seen fans of other teams call him "talented but a knucklehead" and I've seen other people call his contract "toxic". So it's clear that his trade value is low. So if we trade him now, we basically guaranteed to get a lesser player than him.

But I think Dray will have a good season next year. Accorsing to his twitter, he's been working out a lot this offseason and he says he's trying to get better. And he knows that if he doesn't play up to his potential next season, he's likely gone. So he should be motivated.

But if we trade him, we WILL regret. If we trade him, he will blow up with his other team, and you guys are going to be calling for EG's head. Just watch.

[Illuminaire]

The people who want to dump Blatche mainly want to do it a) to sate their own wrath over his constant underachievement and b) because it's possible his lazy play hurts the effort level of other players (this seemed to happen with McGee on several occasions).

I'm in the rehab-and-ship-out-for-value camp myself, though I'm definitely open to Blatche changing my mind by caring more about the game and his teammates than clubbing.


Edit: If we're going to keep Blatche, btw, we MUST invest in a veteran big who will put him in his place, ala James Singleton.