Andray Blatche - Resurgence Thread ( Merged )

[Dat2U]

I still think it's hilarious how many people on this board think that Blatche can somehow reverse his trend of poor judgement, and effort.

6 years of evidence, and it just keeps mounting and mounting.

LOL, you really think Blatche is the only professional athlete to impregnate a groupie? Personally I could give a rats ass what Blatche does on his own time. As long as it's not illegal.

Yeah, I may have felt this way at some point, but not anymore. I feel like the right to avoid certain types of scrutiny is earned and lost. Blatche has repeatedly brought negative attention on himself and the organization -- Snatchgate, benching himself, brawling outside da club, lapdance Tuesdays, etc. In and of themselves do they hurt the team? Not really. But they're eblematic of a kid that clearly doesn't get it. At some point all this foolishness together with mediocre production tell the story of a kid who just can't focus on doing his job and helping his team -- which is why so many of us want to move on.

Oh come on! You and others in this thread need to get off your high horse. "Certain types of scrutiny"? We've got some nondescript rumor site dealing in spewing gossip about the lowest common denominator with a third hand report about Blatche having sex with a fluesy. This isn't even REAL news! It's not even a substantiated report and even if it was, this crap goes on all the time with professional athletes.

Should Orlando have dumped Dwight Howard years ago b/c he had a child with some loony broad?

Should the Celtics have cut ties with Larry Bird before there dynasty in the 80s because he had a child out of wedlock that he refused to even acknowledge?

Hell, you don't even have to be a highly payed athlete to screw the wrong chick. We do it all the time as normal men. It's not news. It's a part of life. It's not worthy of scrutiny and frankly it's not even worthy of discussion. Take a step out of your convent, take a deep breath and realize that the NBA isn't made up of basketball angels who spend 16 hours in the gym, take abstinence pledges and spend every other waking moment of their life praying on bended knee. Even two of the greatest and most dedicated players, MJ & Kobe have got ugly skeletons in their closets.

IMO unless it's illegal or it affect's his ability to play basketball, what Blatche or anyone does off the court isn't really any of our business.

[fishercob]

You're missing my stance. This isn't about morality at all. I have no interest in being the morality police or in judging what other people do behind closed doors (that said, I take a some umbrage to "we do it all the time as normal men" and find it to be a pretty weak cop out.)

And I'm not saying it's **my* business, and I'm not saying that it's true. But if it is indeed true, I do think it's the organization's business if it is a part of a pattern of repeatedly poor judgement. Ultimately they have to make a call on whether or not Dray is worth the investment/trouble and this has to factor in.

There a couple distinctions between Bird/Howard and Andray Blatche. One, obviously is that the former two are hall of famers, and Blatche is a mediocre player. So one group is worth the potential trouble, the other isn't. That's not fair, but it's reality. Life isn't fair.

The other difference is that Bird and Howard -- while also great players -- were/are great ambassadors of the NBA, beloved teammates, and adored by their fanbases. They built a ton of reputational capital. Blatche, not so much.

[Cramer]

Gotta go with Cob here. But, it isn't really up to us to judge him so much as the Wizards. If I own an organization and one of my leading and highest paid employees continued to show piss poor judgement, in the office or out, I have a right...a responsibility really...to pass judgement and make a decision on him, one way or the other. It's also a case where we're only seeing the results of his judgement based on what actually makes it the papers and internet. Kind makes you wonder what's going on the rest of the time, or it does me.

To say we should stay out of his personal life is to an extent accurate....he can do what he wants...but to say we (the Wiz) should stay out of by ignoring it or something is just idiotic, and if he screws up enough he'll pay the price, and it'll be his fault, not the fault of his employers making a judgement based on his actions.

[daSwami]

Gotta go with Cob here. But, it isn't really up to us to judge him so much as the Wizards. If I own an organization and one of my leading and highest paid employees continued to show piss poor judgement, in the office or out, I have a right...a responsibility really...to pass judgement and make a decision on him, one way or the other. It's also a case where we're only seeing the results of his judgement based on what actually makes it the papers and internet. Kind makes you wonder what's going on the rest of the time, or it does me.

To say we should stay out of his personal life is to an extent accurate....he can do what he wants...but to say we (the Wiz) should stay out of by ignoring it or something is just idiotic, and if he screws up enough he'll pay the price, and it'll be his fault, not the fault of his employers making a judgement based on his actions.

I fear that Blatche is a guy who may never "get it." He just strikes me that way. I do believe that every human should be given the opportunity to change but, with Blatche, I somehow doubt it will happen here in DC. I'm frankly surprised he's lasted this long here given Abe's penchant for sanctimony and capriciousness in dealing with players who get caught behaving in a manner unbecoming a Pollin employee.

I'd personally like to see the Wizards organization make some changes vis a vis how much freedom they give players. One could argue that the whole "finga gunz" debacle could have been avoided entirely had EG et al. felt more empowered to intervene and discipline players internally before the shenanigans get out of hand. Post-MJ, this organization has let the lunatics run the asylum. Gil was the ring-leader and, as the team's best and most marketable player, he was able to get away with a lot of insubordination that a GM like MJ (i.e., no B.S.) would have squashed with little more than a disapproving glare. Of course, the CBA undoubtedly limits the disciplinary action a team can take against its players. Maybe the new CBA will change things a bit.

[JonathanJoseph]

Gotta go with Cob here. But, it isn't really up to us to judge him so much as the Wizards. If I own an organization and one of my leading and highest paid employees continued to show piss poor judgement, in the office or out, I have a right...a responsibility really...to pass judgement and make a decision on him, one way or the other. It's also a case where we're only seeing the results of his judgement based on what actually makes it the papers and internet. Kind makes you wonder what's going on the rest of the time, or it does me.

To say we should stay out of his personal life is to an extent accurate....he can do what he wants...but to say we (the Wiz) should stay out of by ignoring it or something is just idiotic, and if he screws up enough he'll pay the price, and it'll be his fault, not the fault of his employers making a judgement based on his actions.

I fear that Blatche is a guy who may never "get it." He just strikes me that way. I do believe that every human should be given the opportunity to change but, with Blatche, I somehow doubt it will happen here in DC. I'm frankly surprised he's lasted this long here given Abe's penchant for sanctimony and capriciousness in dealing with players who get caught behaving in a manner unbecoming a Pollin employee.

I'd personally like to see the Wizards organization make some changes vis a vis how much freedom they give players. One could argue that the whole "finga gunz" debacle could have been avoided entirely had EG et al. felt more empowered to intervene and discipline players internally before the shenanigans get out of hand. Post-MJ, this organization has let the lunatics run the asylum. Gil was the ring-leader and, as the team's best and most marketable player, he was able to get away with a lot of insubordination that a GM like MJ (i.e., no B.S.) would have squashed with little more than a disapproving glare. Of course, the CBA undoubtedly limits the disciplinary action a team can take against its players. Maybe the new CBA will change things a bit.

I have an issue with everyone who is writing off a 24 year old as "never gonna get it". Personally, I was extremely immature at 24 and I managed to figure it out.

Yes, a change in the disciplinary culture with the Wizards would help too.

[NbdyBeatsTheWiz]

a list from Sports Illustrated of players put "on notice" by their team's draft:

http://nba-point-forward.si.com/2011/06/27/draft-puts-a-number-of-veterans-on-notice/?sct=hp_wr_a2&eref=sihp

Honestly I hope he shines after being pushed and borderline abused by the likes of Booker, Vesley, and Singleton in practice... and then we trade him while his value is high.

For now I'm semi-grateful we didn't ship him out for a bag of chips on draft night. But his time to be traded is coming.

[7-Day Dray]

http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/06/28/2 ... atche.html

Good to hear Dray helpin out for a good cause and working hard

[verbal8]

http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/06/28/2289848/washington-wizards-andray-blatche.html

Good to hear Dray helpin out for a good cause and working hard

It is good to hear some good news about Dray.

At least what is saying sounds pretty good:

“I’m still an up-and-coming player,” said Blatche, who bounced back from a broken foot to average 16.8 points and 8.2 rebounds last season. “I just want to be mean and tough in the paint, work on my jump shot and become more consistent. Work on my body. My goal is to be one of the best players in the league.”

[dangermouse]

Good stuff Dray, just hope he can back up those words whenever the season rolls around (i dont know what im going to do without a season... probably totally jones out and start watching baseball or something crazy like that).

[Black Eyed Sooz]

I am reminded of a friend of mine from school who - for his Mormon mission - had chosen to go, of all places, to the island of Jamaica.

Now that I think about it, the guy was very much a neo-Mormon version of 7-day Dray- super talented, but one of the laziest SOB's ever, and all about the boozin and floozin.

I do find that quote about Andray wanting to be "mean and tough in the paint" to be intriguing- I do not recall him ever aspiring publicly to meanness and toughness in the paint. Wasn't he last year responding to calls for him to be more physical by saying that, basically, Homey don't play that?

Baby steps. If not embryonic, microscopic, webbed-footed-tiptoes-through-amniotic-fluid steps.

[Nivek]

I am reminded of a friend of mine from school who - for his Mormon mission - had chosen to go, of all places, to the island of Jamaica.

You sure this was a Mormon mission? I ask because Mormon's don't choose where they go on their missions. They're assigned to specific locations. And...

Now that I think about it, the guy was very much a neo-Mormon version of 7-day Dray- super talented, but one of the laziest SOB's ever, and all about the boozin and floozin.

...he must have been a pretty good con man too. Had his church leadership known, he wouldn't have been sent on a mission. If he'd done that stuff on his mission, he'd have been sent home. And yes, they would have known about it because at least one of his companions (which change every few weeks) would have ratted him out.

[BigA]

<snip>And yes, they would have known about it because at least one of his companions (which change every few weeks) would have ratted him out.

Maybe that whole "stop snitchin'" thing has taken hold with the Mormons.

[Black Eyed Sooz]

I am reminded of a friend of mine from school who - for his Mormon mission - had chosen to go, of all places, to the island of Jamaica.

You sure this was a Mormon mission? I ask because Mormon's don't choose where they go on their missions. They're assigned to specific locations. And...

Now that I think about it, the guy was very much a neo-Mormon version of 7-day Dray- super talented, but one of the laziest SOB's ever, and all about the boozin and floozin.

...he must have been a pretty good con man too. Had his church leadership known, he wouldn't have been sent on a mission. If he'd done that stuff on his mission, he'd have been sent home. And yes, they would have known about it because at least one of his companions (which change every few weeks) would have ratted him out.

It was definitely a Mormon mission. According to him anyway. What I do not know is whether he had officially turned his back on the faith by the time we met him or not... we just kind of assumed that he had.

So when I say "neo-Mormon" I really mean "not-Mormon for all intents and purposes"... certainly didn't mean to imply or insinuate anything about the religion itself!

[hands11]

Not again is the proper response to your post. Accountability. It's not just for breakfast, anymore.

To be clear, I'm not excusing Blatche's season as anything less than disappointing and poor but I am for being patient with his maturity.

Accountability is right.

Focus the most on doing it this year. He will get the starting roll. But they are not going to wait forever to see if this is working or not. That is why I am putting more focus on this next year.

He closed the previous year by showing a lot of progress in expanding his game once he got the starting job and then countered by adjusting to everyone defending him as the main focus. This was in a year with lots of turnover. This was the first time Dray had been the lead dog and he expanded into the role.

Then he was injured over the summer. Again the team was reconstructed. He came into the year confused about this roll. Wall was added. Gil was still here. And even in this year, he played through the injuries and ended the year with improved scoring efficiency, scoring and rebounding.

Considering the injuries and all the team turnover, Dray has hardly failed. No he is not Tim Duncan but come on. He have shown a lot of promise with his skill. What worries people more is personality. He isn't Booker or Wall. Its the stripper parties.

But they need to know with more certainty what he will give and what is his commitment level. They have to see for sure will he step up and show strong signs of maturing. If not, he will become a back up player. Not because he doesn't have the skill or upside but because this team needs to start players who are going to be committed and more mature.

But look over this roster and the NBA. It is not so easy to find a 6-11 two way PF that can do all the things Dray can do. Leave out efficiency because that can improve as the talent around you improves. Dray is not Gil. He doesn't have to have the ball every play in order to have an impact. But that said, he will get plenty of chances next year. Dray, Wall, and Nick will be the primary starting scorer. And that is a nice combo. PG, SG and PF. And of them, I hope Nick is the Prime option #1 scorer. Wall would have no problem with Dray being #2 were he picks his spots and feed McGee for alley opps in-between his coast to coast fast breaks and spot ups when he is left open.

So given Wall, Nick and Dray, who is it best to play with them. Well once Singleton shows he is ready, I can see him at SF before Jan may be ready. Lewis is needed off the bench. Then you have center with we have few of. So there is McGee.

Wall
Nick
Singleton
Dray
McGee

But until Singleton proves he is ready, I think they play Booker there. He is more NBA ready and he provides that similar toughness.

[cdouglas]

http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/06/28/2289848/washington-wizards-andray-blatche.html

Good to hear Dray helpin out for a good cause and working hard

WAY TO GO BLATCHE!! Come back and play your best game and I'll be laughing when the Wizards who wants you traded eats CROW!

[7-Day Dray]

http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/06/28/2289848/washington-wizards-andray-blatche.html

Good to hear Dray helpin out for a good cause and working hard

WAY TO GO BLATCHE!! Come back and play your best game and I'll be laughing when the Wizards who wants you traded eats CROW!

[Zonkerbl]

A role is a part you play as part of a team. Lead tenor, diva, wing man, point guard, etc.

A roll is something you do in the hay.

[Illuminaire]

http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/06/28/2289848/washington-wizards-andray-blatche.html

Good to hear Dray helpin out for a good cause and working hard

WAY TO GO BLATCHE!! Come back and play your best game and I'll be laughing when the Wizards who wants you traded eats CROW!

The vast majority of posters who want Blatche traded now would prefer it if he wizened up and played up to his potential. Their ire is entirely because he's had six years to do so and has steadfastly refused to improve much in either character or production.

I can understand the position of those who want to give Blatche another chance. I can't understand, though, the desire to gloat, paint others as haters, etc... when defending 'Dray.

[JonathanJoseph]

The vast majority of posters who want Blatche traded now would prefer it if he wizened up and played up to his potential. Their ire is entirely because he's had six years to do so and has steadfastly refused to improve much in either character or production.

I can understand the position of those who want to give Blatche another chance. I can't understand, though, the desire to gloat, paint others as haters, etc... when defending 'Dray.

To be fair, that's not accurate. I think we would all agree that he hasn't improved ENOUGH in character or production, but he has improved both to some degree.

His knickname "7 Day Dray" came from what was considered by all an improved offseason effort and until this last injury-plagued season he's had a very steady and continual improvement across the statistical board each season in the NBA.

[hands11]

Washington Wizards 6-11 forward Andray Blatche is taking a break from a summer training session he believes will yield his first All-Star selection to assist school children in Jamaica.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/06/28/2 ... z1QhV08w7i

“It was mind blowing to see some of the conditions that these kids have to learn under,” Blatche said. “I saw it with my own eyes what little they have. For them to deal with those circumstances really impressed me. My family and I are trying to help out in whatever way we can.”

This is the kind of thing that helps a younger man mature.

Upon his return to Miami, Blatche will resume a workout regimen geared toward maximizing a tantalizing skill set that has teased Wizards coaches and fans for too long.

“I’m still an up-and-coming player,” said Blatche, who bounced back from a broken foot to average 16.8 points and 8.2 rebounds last season. “I just want to be mean and tough in the paint, work on my jump shot and become more consistent. Work on my body. My goal is to be one of the best players in the league.”

Now that is what I'm talking about. Thanks for posting this article. While this doesn't mean everything, it is good news to get. He is setting the right goals. If he reaches those goals, there will be more then an little crow to eat.

365DD

Like I said, the way they are building this team with players is more likely to pull Dray up then for Dray to pull them down. Besides, it isn't like he didn't put in a great summer the year before he got hurt. He has done this before. Well it is two years later and he is almost 25. He should know more know. This is the time for him to make a run and put it all together. 25-30 are his prime years. Now is the time to put it together.

You know someone is talented when you stop and think. If he puts in the work, could he pull it off. I think the clear answer for Dray is yes. You just don't trade that play at 24 years old considering who unstable this franchise has been while he has been here. Sorry, but anyone that supported that idea is just a short sighted. Not a very good quality for a GM.