Wizards solutions and no fingerpointing or drama

[nate33]

Trade Jamison & Haywood for J.Oneal

Doesn't help short-term but may be better long-term with Oneal at the 5 and Blatche at the 4 as starters.

I love Jamison, but I think Blatche is the future at Power Forward for the Zards.

Haywood by himself is better than JO. He's younger, a better defender, a better rebounder, cheaper, and more durable.

[fugop]

Now post denver game, do you see why I've been saying we need an Artest type player?

Are you really going to use a game we played without Caron to argue that we need to upgrade the SF spot?

It happens that I agree we should focus on improving our backup SF spot. For some reason, I doubt Artest would work out in that role.

According to the latest lenovo stats on nba.com, even Blatche/Haywood isn't working well in +/- for the Wizards.

Those guys have seen a lot of court time together when Caron is out. Of course their numbers are going to drop.

And I don't think your solution -- starting Young -- is either unlikely or bad. Young and Stevenson should compliment each other well in the backcourt (especially if Young figures out how to drive and dish to the open shooter).

I am pretty high on Young still, and think he's an important part long-term of the team. The only personnel move I'd like to make is to deal Songaila
for a backup SF who can defend a bit and shoot a bit. Basically give the second unit a guy who can complement Young. I suggested Diawara in the trade thread.

As a general aside, there seem to be two types of defenders -- those with great athleticism but little "skill", and those with toughness and determination. By "skill," I basically mean that they can't shoot. They can usually dribble, drive, dunk, even pass. But they can't shoot. I suspect it's because they don't work as hard in practice (being physically gifted, and all).

On the athletic side of the ledger, you've got guys like Gerald Wallace, Iguodala, maybe Pietrus. On the "hard work" side, you've got Bowen, Battier, Anthony Parker, etc.

Stevenson is, I think, somewhat unusual in that he started off thinking he was "athletic," but at some point realized he needed to be a "hard worker." Hence his defensive improvement and his development of a reliable set shot. I hope McGuire follows the same course as Stevenson. Give up on the dribble drive, focus on rebounding, smart ball movement, shooting, and defense.

[yungal07]

Trade Jamison & Haywood for J.Oneal

Doesn't help short-term but may be better long-term with Oneal at the 5 and Blatche at the 4 as starters.

I love Jamison, but I think Blatche is the future at Power Forward for the Zards.

Get ready to get flamed...

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

And I don't think your solution -- starting Young -- is either unlikely or bad. Young and Stevenson should compliment each other well in the backcourt (especially if Young figures out how to drive and dish to the open shooter).

I am pretty high on Young still, and think he's an important part long-term of the team. The only personnel move I'd like to make is to deal Songaila for a backup SF who can defend a bit and shoot a bit. Basically give the second unit a guy who can complement Young. I suggested Diawara in the trade thread

fugop, the lenovo stats say Stevenson/Young has been a very effective 2-player combination in the backcourt for the Wizards.

You and I agree the Wizards need a swing player who's ready to contribute at both ends. I can't really think of one who anybody would part with and get Darius in return.

The Wizards could find what they need in players on minimum salary deals. IMO Bobby Jones might be as good or better than Shane Battier. He's a great defender and he' can do a little bit of everything. At the minimum salary this Wizard team could use an Awvee Storey/Tyronne Nesby type player. They aren't that hard to find.

I think the Wizards need to be bold, move Darius and AD (he's too frequently injured and not a defender) in order to move enough cap space to get a player like Cardinal along with a young talent like Warrick PLUS enough cap space to call up a Mike Wilks.

Washington should address their cap situation just as much as they need to add a backup PG and some help at SF.

[DCZards]

Ernie may need to take some additional small steps to continue to EJ proof the team (i.e. trading Songaila and eventually at some point, Etan).

Ernie needs to EJ-proof the team? Wasn't it EG who signed Etan to a long-term contract and brought in D Song? Maybe, we need to EG-proof the team.

[DCZards]

-= original quote snipped =-



It may be annoying to YOU but its just facts to ME.

I think we can do better regarding a HC. If you don't, that is fine. If somehow my voicing that makes it hard for YOU to read other good points I have to make, then I think that is something you may want to look at.

Sorry, hands, the belief that the Zards could do better with a different HC is your opinion, which you are entitled to. However, that doesn't make it a fact.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Fingerpointing and drama alert....

One could be of the OPINION that a different coach could be a solution and that would not incite unnecessary bickering.

[DCZards]

Now post denver game, do you see why I've been saying we need an Artest type player? I'm not saying the wiz will get him. All i'm saying is his issues are reflected in his price tag. Artest is what rasheed was. I feel if you put him in a good team his antics will be less. I'd be very surprised if we win anything when we connsistently have issues with big small forwards.

Big, big difference between the "antics" of Artest and Rasheed. Even when Rasheed was displayig his worse on-court behavior, he reportedly was a leader in the locker room (and continues to be) and someone that other players, including opponents, looked up to and respected.

I don't think the same has ever been said of Artest.

[hands11]

-= original quote snipped =-

Sorry, hands, the belief that the Zards could do better with a different HC is your opinion, which you are entitled to. However, that doesn't make it a fact.

Reading in fundamental.

I said - "facts to me." As in my opinion.

Sorry Zards, just because you read what you want to see doesn't mean that is what I wrote.

[hands11]

-= original quote snipped =-


It causes me.

I apologize if I I was out of line. At the time, I thought it needed to be said. But you're like the Andray Blatche here - talented but raw. Given time, Blatche is going to be very good.

LOL- Right. Well at least there is hope for me then.

In the mean time you'll just have to deal with my raw talent. By the way, I tend to play better as a starter.

[hands11]

-= original quote snipped =-

.

Somebody might not offer 12 Mil, but he's worth that.

Yeah, well Nats reply to my post was kind of off the wall. I can't respond to everything. AJ will easily get at least 10M his first year but more then that is possible. This just creates more of a challenge for EG.

EG hasn't had to make to many hard decision yet. This will be his most challenging off season since he got here.

[yungal07]

The Wizards solution:

Be patient. Wait for the all-stars to get back, and in the meanwhile play the young guns.

I actually approve of what EJ has done so far, although I still can't stand his rotation patterns at time. I'd still like to see him play play big lineups - that means no Songailia at center.

As of now, there are no quick fixes.

[hands11]

According to the latest lenovo stats on nba.com, even Blatche/Haywood isn't working well in +/- for the Wizards.

Washington doesn't have anybody who feeds the post well consistently. Blatche can't get a call. Andray blocks shots yet is actually not defending well. Seems every game he picks up an offensive foul on what would be a basket. Brendan's not had the same intensity level lately as he had to start the season. His individual +/- is still good, but he hasn't beasted anyone now that teams don't have to try and stop Caron. Washington's not good at playing big when there's nobody who can create on the court.

This being the solution thread, I propose an unlikely idea:

Start Nick Young with Daniels out. Stevenson, Young, Jamison, Blatche, and Haywood would give two young guys quality minutes with the starters. Just let Young take all the shots he wants because scoring is the only way that kid can help the team.

Let Young have the ball and accept the mistakes and shotjacking.

At least with Blatche and Haywood the Wizards can rebound.

I would like for the Wizards to rest Daniels and Butler til after the AS break, and have Young and Blatche start. Just have everybody play loose and the Wizards might steal a game or two.

I think Young must dominate in practice because in the games it looks like he expects every shot to go in. I think he can be a very good scorer.

Not a bad option but I think NY starting could run the possibility of limiting AB and BH effectiveness in starting.

I would bring NY in early which was my view even before AD went out, but I'm not sure I would start him.

What I see as the problem is that we could have a very effective post game but we don't work the ball there enough. This has been the case "forever" Even when Haywood and AB are using the other team you only see if for 2 or 3 plays and then players like AJ and DS start jacking 3's.

It's like winning because of a strong post game inst an option.

[doclinkin]

Solutions, no drama:

1. West? Coast....

With injured players the Wiz have an excuse and opportunity to accept a few losses and give extended minutes to the young pups, extended rest to the heavy-minute veterans. Pressure's off. Don't kill yourself now, take it as an opportunity to let up a little on the throttle. Don't take a loss personal, take what you can get from it. Rest a bit. Lay doggo. If you got to take an ass-kicking it's okay, they don't take your pride with it, just an honorable loss at a bad time.


2. Stretch marks and growing pains. And Role models:

We have a nasty schedule coming up, but with two all-stars out the expectations are lower. The coaches have a ton of teachable minutes available for the third-line young pups. And no choice but to play them.

So Players like Andray discover what it's like to have to take the game seriously from buzzer to buzzer-- no horsing around pre-game, no distractions, just focus since you know you're gonna play no matter what. And since there's no back-up, need to develop more awareness of the whistle, be judicious with the fouls, spend 'em intelligently. You got the toughest players in the league and your job is to stop them. Better act like you know it.

Lessons learned here carry over to when he fills a role off the bench. And when he has earned his permanent role int he starting line-up in the future. The focus is the same, just sustain it and keep your mind in the game at all times.

3. Pride. Develop backbone. Get pissed.

Focus? Ditto that and double it for Young Nick and Dmac. Here you're on the West Coast in front of all your peoples. You got no pride? You want to be embarrassed in front of the teams and players you watched your whole life? Your friends and family and peers at local college?

Here's a chance to grow up a bit. Maybe shine. You get your ass kicked by some all-stars, but somehow, don't die. And nobody kicks you off the team or tells you y'don't belong. So after one or two ass kickings, dunk on somebody. Block somebody, snatch a rebound. Knock a showboat on his ass for clowning you on national broadcast.

And save up a couple hard feelings for later. Because honestly, really, are you gonna let Carmelo get 50 on you again? Again? Save up the "no, never" for the offseason and get your ass better. Save up just a little bit of the competitive hate. Store it in your mainframe. Then do unto others what someone did to you. Learn to step on a throat the way the best of the best do.

4. Sneak on up.

So we slip a little. So we lose a few, catch a streak of bad ones. I'm alright, you?

The competition is dire with the West Coast teams. Ten teams with winning records are within 5 games of each other in the battle for the top spot. Every night is a playoff night for them. Fierce and tough competition. Don't expect them to take it easy, but if you stay close or even steal one, there's honor in that.

Compare and contrast with the Eastern competition. Here a team can afford to slip a little bit, suffer a mid-season lull, and still fight back into contention late. And in squeaking into the Playoffs, there's no one team that would scare you any more than the others. You think a healthy Wiz squad would be scared if they slid into the Playoffs in the 8th spot and had to face Boston in the first round?

5. Cavalry.

Battle down to the last man, and collect battle scars. But the key in all things is timing. You want to be peaking at the right time. Reference them New York Gints. World Champs over the unbeaten NE Pats. The Patriots were indomitable early, but struggled more and more for wins as the season went on. Win they did. But a team like New York, they had their struggles early, worked out the issues, then came on strong to win essentially the last 11 of their road games and ultimately kiss the trophy.

Here the Wiz get to get kicked around a little bit. Ribs bruised, knees aching. But all the while, when teams are getting confident we keep a quiet secret confidence that we're playing down two all-stars and keeping things close.

But what other team gets to hide two allstars on their roster then pull them out the pocket post all-star break. Rested, ready, and hungry to win. What other team has a top 5 scorer ---in a contract year-- pulled out for a year from the game he loves like life itself. Then unleashed on a league that's been sleeping. Saying bad things.

And all this time he's been watching. And all this time he's seen the team play with pride without him. And all this time he's seen defense and the system win games.

And the only thing-- the only thing -- that has held them back has been: a) injuries, and b) a few minutes a game when the scoring goes cold, nobody making a bucket. The _only_ thing missing has been a _little bit of scoring_ at the right time from a team that has been top-5 in the league in scoring efficiency for a few year's running. Think we can't get a bit of scoring back when that 29 ppg all-star gets his legs back knocks the rust off?

The only thing we have to hear is a couple more rounds of the 'better without' chorus, while the awkward phase passes and we regain a comfort zone. Remember who we are and what we do together.

6. What we do together.

That's us. DC. You and me -- us, the Chock'lit City. Most powerful city in the world, and honorary members of the underclass, all. If you a long time Bullets fan, you been through the wars. You're a battle scarred member of the warrior class. You survived, toguhed it out. You got here. Can we suffer a little adversity,we can. We thrive on it. Hell half of the players on this board in the stands, they ain't happy unless they got a thing to complain about. That's what it takes to stick with the team.

But when we're winning, together. The team and the Real Ball Fans. There's a pure joy that your weak late Kobe-loving laker fan can't understand. It's like a vindication. It's like a satisfying vengeance. When the team is winning, a different breed of fan makes it's way to the stands. Those who can't afford a ticket, find a way. Those who been there all along find more true fans in the stands. And the team feeds on the energy. Of us. DC. Diehards. There's a whole class of folks on the outside looking in. ten thousand dollar a plate dinners, and ride past in a limo talking Big Ideals of Founding Fathers, while the plate on that stretch says 'Taxation without...'. There's a whole mess of folks on the outside looking in.

But give a taste? A bit of winning, some piece of success, no looking back no letting go. We'll fight to keep it. That's the long-time Bullets fan, wherever you're from you're an Honorary underdog, about small 'd' democracy and the common man.

Fact is, the team plays best when backed into a corner and underestimated. That's when we get nasty. Tell us we can't win. Zero chance. Impossible. That's when we get behind them and roll. So. Me I'm not scared. Not bitching, not whining. We got a team. We got players. We got a chance. And it's been a long time when we never even had that. Sometimes hell, a chance is all you need.

Go Wiz.

[Wizards2Lottery]

We've seen what the team can do with two all stars. Lets get the third one back, make the playoffs and show the league whats up.

My only hope is that Gil has enough time in his return so that he can gel with what we're doing defensively this year and find his shot.

I find it hard to believe that outside of maybe Detroit, that we won't give any other team a fight till the end in the playoffs.

[omegatronic3]

i was optimistic about the bench coming into this year but Blache is the only guy playing somewhat consistent and who could be a force in the future. I don't think Andre is ever gonna be an elite player but he may be a solid starter maybe on par with someone like Kiralenko when hes on.

As for Young hes just a shot jacker whos not consistent and seems kind of immature and soft to me. If he toughens up and plays within the offense he could become decent but now hes no better than Arvis. I do like his mid range shot so I think he should concentrate on becoming like Rip instead of always looking to create. He could be the sg of the future but hes got a long way to go.

Pech and Mcguire are nowhere near ready and the best you can expect from Mason is a hot streak here and there...nothing consistent.

Songailla is a mid range spot up shooter and thats it.

So basically we still have on eof the weakest benches around and an injury prone star. Even with a healthy big three we are nowhere near contender and I would look for Arenas to walk this summer.
even if he doesnt will he ever be the same player?

May be time to think about a blockbuster trade.

[fishercob]

Solutions, no drama:

1. West? Coast....

With injured players the Wiz have an excuse and opportunity to accept a few losses and give extended minutes to the young pups, extended rest to the heavy-minute veterans. Pressure's off. Don't kill yourself now, take it as an opportunity to let up a little on the throttle. Don't take a loss personal, take what you can get from it. Rest a bit. Lay doggo. If you got to take an ass-kicking it's okay, they don't take your pride with it, just an honorable loss at a bad time.


2. Stretch marks and growing pains. And Role models:

We have a nasty schedule coming up, but with two all-stars out the expectations are lower. The coaches have a ton of teachable minutes available for the third-line young pups. And no choice but to play them.

So Players like Andray discover what it's like to have to take the game seriously from buzzer to buzzer-- no horsing around pre-game, no distractions, just focus since you know you're gonna play no matter what. And since there's no back-up, need to develop more awareness of the whistle, be judicious with the fouls, spend 'em intelligently. You got the toughest players in the league and your job is to stop them. Better act like you know it.

Lessons learned here carry over to when he fills a role off the bench. And when he has earned his permanent role int he starting line-up in the future. The focus is the same, just sustain it and keep your mind in the game at all times.

3. Pride. Develop backbone. Get pissed.

Focus? Ditto that and double it for Young Nick and Dmac. Here you're on the West Coast in front of all your peoples. You got no pride? You want to be embarrassed in front of the teams and players you watched your whole life? Your friends and family and peers at local college?

Here's a chance to grow up a bit. Maybe shine. You get your ass kicked by some all-stars, but somehow, don't die. And nobody kicks you off the team or tells you y'don't belong. So after one or two ass kickings, dunk on somebody. Block somebody, snatch a rebound. Knock a showboat on his ass for clowning you on national broadcast.

And save up a couple hard feelings for later. Because honestly, really, are you gonna let Carmelo get 50 on you again? Again? Save up the "no, never" for the offseason and get your ass better. Save up just a little bit of the competitive hate. Store it in your mainframe. Then do unto others what someone did to you. Learn to step on a throat the way the best of the best do.

4. Sneak on up.

So we slip a little. So we lose a few, catch a streak of bad ones. I'm alright, you?

The competition is dire with the West Coast teams. Ten teams with winning records are within 5 games of each other in the battle for the top spot. Every night is a playoff night for them. Fierce and tough competition. Don't expect them to take it easy, but if you stay close or even steal one, there's honor in that.

Compare and contrast with the Eastern competition. Here a team can afford to slip a little bit, suffer a mid-season lull, and still fight back into contention late. And in squeaking into the Playoffs, there's no one team that would scare you any more than the others. You think a healthy Wiz squad would be scared if they slid into the Playoffs in the 8th spot and had to face Boston in the first round?

5. Cavalry.

Battle down to the last man, and collect battle scars. But the key in all things is timing. You want to be peaking at the right time. Reference them New York Gints. World Champs over the unbeaten NE Pats. The Patriots were indomitable early, but struggled more and more for wins as the season went on. Win they did. But a team like New York, they had their struggles early, worked out the issues, then came on strong to win essentially the last 11 of their road games and ultimately kiss the trophy.

Here the Wiz get to get kicked around a little bit. Ribs bruised, knees aching. But all the while, when teams are getting confident we keep a quiet secret confidence that we're playing down two all-stars and keeping things close.

But what other team gets to hide two allstars on their roster then pull them out the pocket post all-star break. Rested, ready, and hungry to win. What other team has a top 5 scorer ---in a contract year-- pulled out for a year from the game he loves like life itself. Then unleashed on a league that's been sleeping. Saying bad things.

And all this time he's been watching. And all this time he's seen the team play with pride without him. And all this time he's seen defense and the system win games.

And the only thing-- the only thing -- that has held them back has been: a) injuries, and b) a few minutes a game when the scoring goes cold, nobody making a bucket. The _only_ thing missing has been a _little bit of scoring_ at the right time from a team that has been top-5 in the league in scoring efficiency for a few year's running. Think we can't get a bit of scoring back when that 29 ppg all-star gets his legs back knocks the rust off?

The only thing we have to hear is a couple more rounds of the 'better without' chorus, while the awkward phase passes and we regain a comfort zone. Remember who we are and what we do together.

6. What we do together.

That's us. DC. You and me -- us, the Chock'lit City. Most powerful city in the world, and honorary members of the underclass, all. If you a long time Bullets fan, you been through the wars. You're a battle scarred member of the warrior class. You survived, toguhed it out. You got here. Can we suffer a little adversity,we can. We thrive on it. Hell half of the players on this board in the stands, they ain't happy unless they got a thing to complain about. That's what it takes to stick with the team.

But when we're winning, together. The team and the Real Ball Fans. There's a pure joy that your weak late Kobe-loving laker fan can't understand. It's like a vindication. It's like a satisfying vengeance. When the team is winning, a different breed of fan makes it's way to the stands. Those who can't afford a ticket, find a way. Those who been there all along find more true fans in the stands. And the team feeds on the energy. Of us. DC. Diehards. There's a whole class of folks on the outside looking in. ten thousand dollar a plate dinners, and ride past in a limo talking Big Ideals of Founding Fathers, while the plate on that stretch says 'Taxation without...'. There's a whole mess of folks on the outside looking in.

But give a taste? A bit of winning, some piece of success, no looking back no letting go. We'll fight to keep it. That's the long-time Bullets fan, wherever you're from you're an Honorary underdog, about small 'd' democracy and the common man.

Fact is, the team plays best when backed into a corner and underestimated. That's when we get nasty. Tell us we can't win. Zero chance. Impossible. That's when we get behind them and roll. So. Me I'm not scared. Not bitching, not whining. We got a team. We got players. We got a chance. And it's been a long time when we never even had that. Sometimes hell, a chance is all you need.

Go Wiz.

The doc abides.

[BruceO]

lol is that a transposition of the dude abides. I have half a mind to watch the big lebowski right now. I'm had a really rough night and I don't like the f-ing eagles..I also didnt realize you're in tenleytown. I'm constantly in that neighbourhood.

Also btw someone mentioned that we can't judge a game without caron to decide we need an upgrade at the Sf spot. My thing is there was a game last year where carmelo destroyed us as well. Theres games where lebron single handedly led his team to beating us. I think those are huge concerns. I'm not saying trade caron. Far from that, I want to be able to play him out of the SG or SF spot. But for me to be able to play him at SG i'd need someone to take over at that spot. Those times when he plays the SG I don't want a Jamison or anyone else on our current squad playing the SF position. I'd rather it be someone like Battier. I only mention Artest because he has the addition of being able to contribute offensively and is relatively cheap. I agree he has off the court issues and some of his antics are more distracting than not. That would be the reason I might not want him on the team. It just depends on what hurts more, having lebron kill us in games or watching artests antics. The team losing in playoff series hurts me more. I think we are all on the same page. We all want the team to improve

[nate33]

BruceO, I agree with your argument that we should be looking to acquire an impact player on the cheap. Artest might indeed be one of those guys. I just don't think he is the right guy.

The simple fact is that we already have one of the best SF's in the league. If we're going to take a shot on a high risk/high reward player, I at least want that player to be a guy who can play 35 minutes at his natural position. Basically, he's got to be a shooting guard, or maybe a PF.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

What about a 3-way trade that would return Artest and Bibby to the Wizards?

If I were in Washington's position of having to negotiate with Gil coming off his injury and seeking a max deal, I would take Bibby and Artest for him.

Bibby, Artest, Butler, Jamison, and Haywood would beat Boston and Cleveland because Artest could guard Artest and the Wizards already have Boston's number.

The Wizards would have a fair shot against Detroit, too.