Brendan Haywood, the key to the CLE playoff series

[dobrojim]

Hey folks

Haywood is shooting 14/18 FG so far in this series
and is even hot from the FT line with 11/13

meanwhile Z is shooting 18/38 and has the same number
of FTAs as Brendan.

if we go on to beat CLE, Haywood is very likely to be a big
part of the reasons why. CLE would be well served to try to
limit Haywood's minutes if they can.

And I don't care what Nate or CCJ think either

[Donkey McDonkerton]

Haywood is soft and has no hands

**** THIS ****!

**** THAT ****!







i dont roll in green

[charlie32]

You wouldn't even know Haywood was on the floor last night based on the coverage in the Post -- not one mention of him in any of the articles, blogs etc. etc. He's been the most consistent player on the squad by far. And it shouldn't be that big a surprise because he played great ball in the playoffs 2 years ago when he was given minutes. Unlike some guys on the Wiz he actually plays better in the bigger games.

[yungal07]

Haywood is a key part of this team. Hopefully the team finds more ways to get him the ball in the post. The more touches he gets, the better he plays.

[nate33]

Haywood got a nice ovation when he left the game. I think the fans finally appreciate his efforts. He has been the Player of the Series for the Wizards as far as I'm concerned.

[bulletproof_32]

Next game I'd like to see EJ get creative with a big lineup of:

BH, BTH, B. Haywood, BH33,WoodShaq

Rotation Players:

BTH33, Haywood, B33, Wood

That

[Donkey McDonkerton]

Next game I'd like to see EJ get creative with a big lineup of:

BH, BTH, B. Haywood, BH33,WoodShaq

Rotation Players:

BTH33, Haywood, B33, Wood

That

[bulletproof_32]

On a serious note though, I do love what Wood's doing this series.

I'm so impressed by how much his offensive game has developed in the last year. No more turnaround fadeaways and plenty more of this:

[yungal07]

^^^That's an unblockable shot, considering the guy is 7 feet tall with a ridiculous wingspan. Even 7"3 Z has no chance of blocking that.

[bulletproof_32]

Yup, even Z knows there's no chance of blocking it. Dude didn't even bother to jump (assuming he still can).

[nate33]

He had a couple of sweeping hook shots in the first half that looked real nice. But that nifty little dropstep spin to the left he utilized in the 3rd quarter was about the prettiest Haywood move I've ever seen. The guy had true coordination on that move.

[NbdyBeatsTheWiz]

Yeah, Haywood has definitely become an integral part of this team's success, and the best part is we've got him for 5 mil the next 2 years as well. That contract extension in 2004 was a stroke of genius . I can't believe EG has been here as GM that long now... I'm getting old.

[charlie32]

He had a couple of sweeping hook shots in the first half that looked real nice. But that nifty little dropstep spin to the left he utilized in the 3rd quarter was about the prettiest Haywood move I've ever seen. The guy had true coordination on that move.

And he made it quickly -- it wasn't one of those moves he usually makes that you could time with an hourglass.

[miller31time]

It's times like these where the select few who have been on the Haywood bus for years finally appreciate just how great they really are.

[queridiculo]

It's times like these where the select few who have been on the Haywood bus for years finally appreciate just how great they really are.

Assuming we make this a series with a win on Sunday, I really hope some of the anti Haywood contigent finally starts giving the big fella the props he deserves.

He's definitely earned his 'N' this year and so far in the postseason.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Hey folks

Haywood is shooting 14/18 FG so far in this series
and is even hot from the FT line with 11/13

meanwhile Z is shooting 18/38 and has the same number
of FTAs as Brendan.

if we go on to beat CLE, Haywood is very likely to be a big
part of the reasons why. CLE would be well served to try to
limit Haywood's minutes if they can.

And I don't care what Nate or CCJ think either

As long as EJ's not the one limiting Haywood's minutes ....

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

He had a couple of sweeping hook shots in the first half that looked real nice. But that nifty little dropstep spin to the left he utilized in the 3rd quarter was about the prettiest Haywood move I've ever seen. The guy had true coordination on that move.

nate, as nice as the dropstep spin was I thought the catch and reverse layup he had at the other basket was an even more tremendous move.

He showed soft hands, used the basket to protect his shot from being blocked, avoided a charge, didn't travel, and best of all used a reverse-english spin to lay the ball in.

Haywood can ball.

[dobrojim]

funny or ironic thing

over on the gen board in the series thread you've got a number
of travelier fans calling Haywood dirty and a thug. This after years
of Haywood being mercilessly albeit sometimes deservedly described
as soft. It's amazing what one foul will do for your rep.

[Wizards2Lottery]

It's times like these where the select few who have been on the Haywood bus for years finally appreciate just how great they really are.

Dude plays every game like its his last. His intensity has never been a problem in my opinion. I think he was at times, made a scapegoat for no reason and the drop in minutes pissed him off. He wants to be on the court and he wants to produce.

[fugop]

That sounds like the Orlando fans accusing Haywood of being a flopper. He's one of the least floppy big men in the league; it demonstrates the potency of small samples, I suppose.