Wiz/Lakeshow. tanking unnecessary...

[nate33]

And while we're talking about it, let's take a look at Blatche's on/off numbers. They look positively Haywoodesque.

The Wizards are 7.6 points per 100 possessions better defensively when Blatche is in the game. Opponents shoot 1.3% worse from the floor. He improves the Wizards defensive rebounding percentage by a whopping 5.3% and their overall rebounding percentage by 3.7%. He even helps restrict opponents' free throw attempts by 4 per game.

And before you say that his good on/off numbers are attributable to lousy backups, note that Darius Songaila also has good defensive on/off numbers.

[Ed Wood]

And while we're talking about it, let's take a look at Blatche's on/off numbers. They look positively Haywoodesque.

The Wizards are 7.6 points per 100 possessions better defensively when Blatche is in the game. Opponents shoot 1.3% worse from the floor. He improves the Wizards defensive rebounding percentage by a whopping 5.3% and their overall rebounding percentage by 3.7%. He even helps restrict opponents' free throw attempts by 4 per game.

And before you say that his good on/off numbers are attributable to lousy backups, note that Darius Songaila also has good defensive on/off numbers.

So what you're really saying, Nate, is that if Etan Thomas had a mutant superpower it would be the ability to loose any basketball game in which he plays.

[nate33]

So what you're really saying, Nate, is that if Etan Thomas had a mutant superpower it would be the ability to loose any basketball game in which he plays.

Yes. Etan Thomas is an entire Justice League of suckitude.

[nate33]

I'll add that it probably is no coincidence that Haywood's defensive on/off differential last year was significantly less than in previous years. Last year, Blatche backed him up.

Blatche bashers need to put down the haterade and try to be more objective. Blatche is doing quite well for a 22-year-old big man.