Glen Rice Jr.

[Soup's Uncle]

Hey, at least Ernie didn't do a draft and stash. 2nd rounders are more often miss than hit. If this dude has truly "grown up" a la Caron Butler, hell yeah. He could be instant offense off of the bench.

If he turns out to still be a thug, cut him. He was a 2nd rounder.

I like the move. Although I would have liked to have gotten a good backup point.

[payitforward]

...His dad was beating up his mom's BF around the same time Rice III was riding with a shooter.

This sentence gives me something to worry about -- it can be hard to ditch a family culture of violence. But...

...They passed over Muscala, Franklin, and others to get a potential gangster. Just great.

...you've got two things mixed together here. If you think "Muscala, Franklin, and others" (e.g. Wolters and maybe others too) are better players, better prospects, that's one thing. Please say which one you'd have picked. And if you think Kazemi is good enough that his availability at #54 seals the deal as a basketball mistake, say that too.

In fact, I agree w/ that pov. I was thrilled when we nabbed Wolters.

But calling Rice a "potential gangster" is a different matter altogether, CCJ. And I think it's going too far. Bad karma, if you know what I mean.

I'd rather see him as a kid w/ troubles and think about his "potential" as the idea of him getting over those troubles.

[rockymac52]

When these NBA GMs make their picks they don't get to pick four players. They pick one. It is easy to pick four players because your chances are 4 times higher that one of the four will work out. I think that all of you GM want to be should pick 1 player and let your reputation stand on that one selection.

So many of you throw out so many possibilities and when one or two of them hit you say that they were the ones that you would have picked. But, how about the other 8 that you mentioned who never did anything. Those are quickly forgotten and never mentioned again.

Thank you for expressing what I was trying to say in a much more concise manner.

It's so true, and I really hope my new thread idea catches on. You shouldn't be allowed to criticize our GM's moves if you aren't willing to publicly disclose your ONE pick at the time as well. CCJ has identified at least half the players in this draft as sleepers or future good players at one point in the last few weeks, it's kinda ridiculous.

[Dat2U]

The Wizards have once agains shown they don't understand good chemistry. They had good swing men in Webster and Ariza, but they draft swing men in Porter and Rice. Instead of looking to bring in a playmaker they pass. Instead of considering Noel to be a better prospect than Porteer, and one who fit a team need better, and one who would keep continuity they go for change.

Or, they plan on just keeping Porter because they don't wan't two rookies.

What a dumb FO. There's no way both Webster and Ariza come back. They still need a playmaker besides Wall. They passed over Muscala, Franklin, and others to get a potential gangster. Just great.

I'm not feeling the angst. They actually only had one SF on the roster, Ariza, and he's an expiring contract next season. Webster is a UFA and basing draft decisions off a guy that might not even be back next year doesn't make a ton of sense. Also I don't see the guys your talking about being demonstratively better than Rice. I think an argument could have been made for Franklin, but his broken jumper wouldn't really mesh well with Wall. Wolters is interesting but for the most part I think were talking about backups here. Choosing one backup over another isn't moving the needle for me. As long as Ernie got a solid player in the 2nd round, I would be happy, and in my opinion he did.

[sfam]

I don't think this has any impact on Webster. Ariza came off the bench and has the expiring deal; he's the trade piece here. I fully expect EG to re-sign Webster to start at the three, with Porter coming off the bench. Webster will play some backup SG as well, alongside Porter at the 3. Rice will be a deep-bench backup SG. But I don't see anyone getting substantial minutes at the 3 other than Webster and Porter.

Now *Singleton* should be looking at this draft as (a) his cue to bulk up to stretch 4 size, and/or (b) his walking papers.

I disagree. It no longer makes sense for us to resign Webster. We have other needs that need to be filled first, including a backup PG and a stretch 4. We should use the MLE and Biannual for those. With Porter, Beal, Rice and Ariza, we really don't need another wing player.

[tontoz]

The Wizards have once agains shown they don't understand good chemistry. They had good swing men in Webster and Ariza, but they draft swing men in Porter and Rice. Instead of looking to bring in a playmaker they pass. Instead of considering Noel to be a better prospect than Porteer, and one who fit a team need better, and one who would keep continuity they go for change.

Or, they plan on just keeping Porter because they don't wan't two rookies.

What a dumb FO. There's no way both Webster and Ariza come back. They still need a playmaker besides Wall. They passed over Muscala, Franklin, and others to get a potential gangster. Just great.

I'm not feeling the angst. They actually only had one SF on the roster, Ariza, and he's an expiring contract next season. Webster is a UFA and basing draft decisions off a guy that might not even be back next year doesn't make a ton of sense. Also I don't see the guys your talking about being demonstratively better than Rice. I think an argument could have been made for Franklin, but his broken jumper wouldn't really mesh well with Wall. Wolters is interesting but for the most part I think were talking about backups here. Choosing one backup over another isn't moving the needle for me. As long as Ernie got a solid player in the 2nd round, I would be happy, and in my opinion he did.

Exactly. I am fine with the pick. He shot well in the DLeague and hit the boards. He also tested fairly well at the combine.

[sfam]

Eh. I'm happy with GRJR.

This squad needed shooting in the worst way. And one thing you can say about GRJR's boy is that he's been involved in shooting in the worst way...

I hope you're here all week!

[lastemp3ror]

I really like this draft choice, especially since we are used to grabbing some euro who never even makes it on the roster. Picking up Rice may also tell us that Ariza is going to be a trade chip by the trade deadline, which I am happy about. I am also assuming that is what everyone wants right? For Ariza to be traded to fill out our roster?

For those of you arguing for other players, because there is better "talent" or better "pro-prospect" than Rice. I am going to have to disagree in the most part. Mainly because Rice played in the D-League, and faced stiffer competition than almost any NCAA hopeful. If Rice is putting up close to 30 points a game in the D-League playoffs (even stiffer competition) than I think I would rather take my chances with him, than anyone else in the late first round/early second round.

Everyone always says take the BPA. IMO....mission accomplished

[sfam]

Outside of Jamaal Franklin, Glen Rice Jr. was the highest player on my board. I have absolutely no problem with Ernie trading up for him. Sure, I would have had no problem staying at #38 and taking Pierre Jackson or even Jeff Withey, but I can't get upset regarding the choice Ernie made here.

Good pick, a potential steal. And as I've been saying since we landed the #3, it likely means Martell Webster isn't coming back. I think Rice is a 3/2. He can play some 2, but he's really a 3. I wouldn't be surprised to see some small bet sets where either Porter or Ariza slides to the 4 with Rice at the 3. Rice has a chance to immediately step in and contribute too. He's probably more ready than many of the prospects folks might have been disappointed we missed on.

Agreed. Ariza is our small ball 4 right now. He's the one that makes the most sense there, but perhaps Porter can do that as well, and perhaps play a bit of stretch 4 in a few years.

Webster was a terrific find, and in that sense its sad that the draft has negated his need to be here. But it would be worse if we signed him instead of another center or better PG.

EDIT: And getting rice in essence is saving us money if he works out, as we aren't paying an additional 4M/yr for a backup 2-3. We can use that for another position. Webster was great, but such is life. I really wish him well.

[Dat2U]

Webster was a terrific find, and in that sense its sad that the draft has negated his need to be here. But it would be worse if we signed him instead of another center or better PG.

Agreed. Look at this way, we now have the MLE to get either a 3rd guard or strengthen our depth on the front line. If the Wizards can move Ariza in a S&T deal for a PF or PG, then maybe even Webster comes back into the picture.

[rockymac52]

Webster was a terrific find, and in that sense its sad that the draft has negated his need to be here. But it would be worse if we signed him instead of another center or better PG.

Agreed. Look at this way, we now have the MLE to get either a 3rd guard or strengthen our depth on the front line. If the Wizards can move Ariza in a S&T deal for a PF or PG, then maybe even Webster comes back into the picture.

I understand what you guys are saying, and I think it has SOME merit, but I still disagree and want/expect us to re-sign Webster. Do you really consider Ariza a part of the future? If we don't re-sign Webster, and spend the MLE on a 3rd guard or big man instead, then what happens a year from now when Ariza expires? Does he even want to come back here? Do we even want him back? If we let Ariza walk next summer, then we'd be left with Beal and Porter as our primary wings (perfectly fine), but with only Rice as a backup. That's problematic, even if Rice turns out to be a quality player.

While the backup PG and big man spots need serious improvement, and we could theoretically do so with the MLE this summer, I don't think you necessarily need to go that route just because we CURRENTLY have Ariza on the roster for 1 more year. Webster will also come at a decent value, I believe. No more than $4 million a year, probably closer to $3 million a year, IMO.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Well in principle, I'm with CCJ on this ine. I don't understand why you bring in a guy with this questionable behavior after going through such great lengths to supposedly change the culture after a recent past including the likes of Arenas, Crittenden, Blatche, etc.

If I had the pick with a gun to my head, pun intended, I would of taken Colton Iverson. I also really liked Murphy & his 45% 3pt shot. Withey and Green would of been others worth consideration there over Rice.

[Ruzious]

Just wondering - is Rice the first ever player drafted FROM the D League?

[rockymac52]

Just wondering - is Rice the first ever player drafted FROM the D League?

Nope, I believe Mike Taylor and one other player whose name I didn't recognize when I read the article last night.

[Ruzious]

Just wondering - is Rice the first ever player drafted FROM the D League?

Nope, I believe Mike Taylor and one other player whose name I didn't recognize when I read the article last night.

Cool. It's an option for players who aren't really interested in college - or at least it should be.

[rockymac52]

Just wondering - is Rice the first ever player drafted FROM the D League?

Nope, I believe Mike Taylor and one other player whose name I didn't recognize when I read the article last night.

Cool. It's an option for players who aren't really interested in college - or at least it should be.

I think it's going to become a more popular option in the near future. You don't get paid much - I think you make only $500 a week, which is crazy. But there's plenty of benefits to going to the D-League instead of college.

1. You get paid, even if it's only a little bit
2. You don't have to go to class or spend any time focusing on school, meaning you can spend more time getting better at basketball
3. You play with the NBA 24 second shot clock and the NBA 3 point line instead of college's 35 seconds and closer 3 pointers
4. You are playing with and against grown men, all of whom were very good college players at the very least, so you're going to be a lot more prepared for the NBA

I think it's a real great option for guys who can't get cleared because of grades or SAT scores and the like. I'm sure you could go overseas and get paid a lot more money, but your development might be stunted as a result, and you'll be a much bigger mystery to a lot of teams than you would have been had you played in the D-League.

[Liverbird]

Webster was a terrific find, and in that sense its sad that the draft has negated his need to be here. But it would be worse if we signed him instead of another center or better PG.

Agreed. Look at this way, we now have the MLE to get either a 3rd guard or strengthen our depth on the front line. If the Wizards can move Ariza in a S&T deal for a PF or PG, then maybe even Webster comes back into the picture.

That's exactly right Dat. I think they're still looking to resign Webster with the difference now being that they can bargain from a position of strength and hopefully prohibit signing a contract for more than necessary. It seems logical that Ariza, along with one or more of Ernie's Kids, will be shipped out for backups at the PG/PF.

I was happy when we drafted Wolters - he would have been a great fit. He may even start over MCW in Philly. However, JR's ceiling is much higher than any other prospect left on the board IMO, including Wolters. I'm perfectly happy with EG this time around.

[Dat2U]

Well in principle, I'm with CCJ on this ine. I don't understand why you bring in a guy with this questionable behavior after going through such great lengths to supposedly change the culture after a recent past including the likes of Arenas, Crittenden, Blatche, etc.

If I had the pick with a gun to my head, pun intended, I would of taken Colton Iverson. I also really liked Murphy & his 45% 3pt shot. Withey and Green would of been others worth consideration there over Rice.

Just my opinion, but you mention Colton Iverson & Erik Murphy, I can't help but think that these guys might not even make an NBA roster. There's a laundry list of guard prospects that rebounded better than the 6-10 Erik Murphy. Iverson is a grunt who nobody even knew about until the NCAA tourney. Neither of these guys are likely NBA quality rotation players, I can't see being disappointed because we didn't get one of these guys.

[theboomking]

I don't think Rice affects our plan at SF. He has essentially the same standing reach and wingspan as John Wall. He is our backup SG.

I like Muscala and Wolters better as picks, but I guess we will see what happens. I'm not thrilled.

[sfam]

Well in principle, I'm with CCJ on this ine. I don't understand why you bring in a guy with this questionable behavior after going through such great lengths to supposedly change the culture after a recent past including the likes of Arenas, Crittenden, Blatche, etc.

If I had the pick with a gun to my head, pun intended, I would of taken Colton Iverson. I also really liked Murphy & his 45% 3pt shot. Withey and Green would of been others worth consideration there over Rice.

Its always a risk to find someone with talent in the second round - enough that they will stick. I would have been OK with Wolters, because he fills a position of need, and we probably will no longer keep Webster, who I thought was a great find. But as much as I hate taking risks on knuckleheads, by all accounts, Rice has been on the straight and narrow this past year. He may have taken a look at an abysmal future and changed his life. If, so he does at least look like he has NBA talent, and will probably contribute in a reserve role. If he works out, this would be a great outcome for a second round pick, especially with EG choosing.