The RealGM Wizards Board Draft Thread 2008/2009

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Just curious about everyone's opinion of Louisville's Terrance Williams.

I hear a lot about Danny Green and Gerald Henderson as SG prospects, but I think Williams should be at least discussed based on his defense, his ability to distribute, and his ability to score.

[ZonkertheBrainless]

Man, the worse our record is, the less I want to see Brendan and Gil back. If we need to know what we have, EG can get a good look at them in practice and see how they're coming along. They don't need to be in the games.

Everyone's all doom and gloom at the beginning of the year each year, oh there's only one impact player. Now it looks if you're in the top five you can get a good quality starting PF in Griffin, Thabeet (I don't want Thabeet, but I'm willing to draft him and trade him for a good shooting guard and some expirings or something), everyone seems upbeat about hardon or whatever his name is, Jordan Hill seems acceptable. Yeah. Let's do this, let's put Brendan and Gil on the shelf until late April, and then only let them play for ten minutes a game so they don't risk helping us win any games.

Gil/Crit
SG to be named later/N1 (he has to not be on the court same time as Gil, they have the same role)
CB/McGuire
Jamison/Blatche
Brendan/Mcgee.

If we land Griffin then we have to make a trade for a starting quality two, or take our chances with N1 and Gil on the court at the same time, which I don't like. On the other hand it might be good to avoid having the two young and still figuring it out guys (McGee and N1) on the court at the same time. McGuire and Blatche and Crit I think I can trust to be out there now, especially with a new coach and a whole training camp of instruction. I'm really anxious to see what McGee will look like with an offseason to improve his bulk and his understanding of the game.

I think we've accumulated the depth to overcome our annual injury woes, as long as the law of averages comes back and we stop having these nut crunching injuries at the worst possible time. Having a strong bench should help that.

[closg00]

Watched about a half of the Arizona-Cal game, and Jordan Hill looks like the real deal. This guy can actually score inside the paint. None of those put backs or a bounce pass for a dunk, he can do that, but this guy actually has a low post presence. He has a sweet little hook that he has too.

If we don't get Griffin, I think the team would be satisfied with Hill.

I was gonna post pretty-much the same thing. Peeps are looking past Hill with all of the Griff-talk. So, if we don't land the #1 pick, picking Hill at #2 would be a very good day at the office for Ernie....or would Ernie look past Hill and take Harden? a possibility considering how-many "bigs' we have.

[Da HomeTeam]

A backcourt of Gil and Nick would give up 80 points a game. I'd stick with Dom - jumper be damned.

[Benjammin]

I think if the Wizards do not get the first pick, the scenario that has been discussed over and over of moving back in the draft to clean up our cap and perhaps have an upgrade of a veteran player is likely. What is important to remember is that the difference in salary between the 2nd pick and the 8th pick is 1.6 million dollars. That amount is doubled because of the luxury tax. So dumping a Stevenson or Songaila would save additional money. The Wizards would lose the chance to draft Hill or Harden, but could still draft G. Henderson, Teague, S. Curry, Willie Warren, or even Greg Monroe if he enters the draft and slips (both are unlikely).

I should add for the right veteran guy and some cap relief I'd be willing to trade our pick (as long as it's not number one) outright in the right deal as adding yet another young player to this mix is not ideal or optimal.

[spaceman_E]

i didn't see anything spectacular out of teague or aminu. Maryland lost the game more than Wake won. I will give prop to Wake's defense though. They were able to shut vasquez down. However in playing their zone, they let Dave freakin Neal drain 5 of 6 from three-land. I guess even Aminu's wingspan has limits. I thought it was weird that Wake went to zone after losing their center instead of sticking Aminu on Vaquez since Vas's play really make or breaks the game for Maryland.

Aminu was guarding Milbourne the whole game and he completely shut him down. It's hard to do much against a guy who is bigger, stronger, and quicker than you. Probably one of the only times that could be said for who was guarding Landon, just a tough matchup for the guy.

[Dat2U]

I think if the Wizards do not get the first pick, the scenario that has been discussed over and over of moving back in the draft to clean up our cap and perhaps have an upgrade of a veteran player is likely. What is important to remember is that the difference in salary between the 2nd pick and the 8th pick is 1.6 million dollars. That amount is doubled because of the luxury tax. So dumping a Stevenson or Songaila would save additional money. The Wizards would lose the chance to draft Hill or Harden, but could still draft G. Henderson, Teague, S. Curry, Willie Warren, or even Greg Monroe if he enters the draft and slips (both are unlikely).

I should add for the right veteran guy and some cap relief I'd be willing to trade our pick (as long as it's not number one) outright in the right deal as adding yet another young player to this mix is not ideal or optimal.

Ben I wouldn't be surprised one bit if this happens but honestly I see EG repeating what he did when he had the #5 pick a few years back. Draft a player for another team and swap him with some bad contracts for relatively productive veteran. What I'm afraid of is that the contracts were swapping aren't going to be Songaila or Stevenson, its more likely going to be Etan or Mike James. It appears to me that EG probably still thinks Songaila & Stevenson can be productive players regardless of their contracts.

Probably the main reason we weren't able to get anything done at the trade deadline was b/c EG was so intent on dumping Etan or Mike James for an expiring and no one was buying it.

Also I think (right or wrong) the front office may not want to add anymore young talent into the mix. Although I believe its more important to add the right kind of young talent as opposed to just paying attention to amount on young players on our roster. My guess is that the vets and the front office would prefer experience over upside at this stage.

The question is, what type of vet would EG trade for? I don't see us getting Bosh or Amare for our crap and like the 5th pick in the draft.

[doclinkin]

Ont he down-trade talk. The thinner the draft gets, the less likely a scenario it is. What we hope for most is Georgetown making a powerful run in the Big East tourney and making the NCAA's with a surging Monroe leading. Thabeet having a solid tournament, blasting shots out the air. And little Ricky arranging a better buy-out. Otherwise the urgency to trade up doesn't exist, especially commiting biggger money for rooks who may not instantly produce.

I'm accustoming myself to the idea that we end up taking Harden, for instance, then pretending like we got him with a mid-round pick. You get what you get.

[Ruzious]

Did Maryland score any points inside the entire game - other than on fast breaks? It wasn't just Aminu - it was the entire Wake front court - including Johnson - their 3 - who would be the 5 on MD. When they had Johnson, Aminu, and Woods in there, they were longer than most NBA frontcourts - including the Wiz' starting front court - by a good margin. Btw, Johnson is the guy that gets really overlooked there. He's playing the 3, because Aminu is much more comfortable inside than outside, but Johnson might be a 4 in the NBA. He reminds me of a young Al Harrington. He just needs to work on his jump shot. Aminu looks bigger to me now than he did at the beginning of the season. He'll be strictly a 4 in the NBA, imo. He'll be a special player, but he would really benefit from another year in college.

CCJ, I've mentioned Terrance Williams a few times - comparing him to a bigger Tony Allen. Great athlete who was kindofa late bloomer with his consistency. He played out of control when I saw him last year, but he seems much more in control this season. I'd like to get him and Green - and have them split the 2. They're both great defenders. Williams is more creative, but I want Green in there in crunch time - spreading the defense. Some say - Why get these guys if we have McGuire? Because this team needs more than 1 perimeter defender, and McGuire is a natural forward, anyway. You can play them together.

[fugop]

Just curious about everyone's opinion of Louisville's Terrance Williams.

I hear a lot about Danny Green and Gerald Henderson as SG prospects, but I think Williams should be at least discussed based on his defense, his ability to distribute, and his ability to score.

I've been to a half dozen Louisville games this year. I've moved from being a fan of Williams with reservations to an unreserved fan. I think he will end up the best swing man in this draft, better than Harden, Henderson, or any of the others. And I think he would be an incredible fit at the 2 alongside Gilbert.

Williams used to have a real problem with shot selection. His first three years, he would routinely heave three pointers at inopportune times, when he could barely hit a decent percentage at his best. He was a real liability on offense, and incapable of acting as a leader of any sort.

He just doesn't do that anymore. I can't recall a single ill-advised three in any of the games I've attended, and don't really recall any from the various games I've watched on TV. He's managed to get his perimeter shot selection issue completely under control. That's remarkable for two reasons: 1st, Pitino doesn't discipline shot selection very harshly; 2nd, the Cardinals have erratic decision makers at the guards, leaving Williams and Clark to run the offense.

He still has a problem capitalizing on his athleticism on the offensive end. It is painful to see him blow past somebody and put up a floater instead of dunking the ball. He is powerful taking the ball to the hole, when he wants to be. I'd guess that the weak shots materialize about 1/4 of the time. He has also improved on this over the year.

An outstanding rebounder. He's tenacious -- your first few times watching him, it's surprising that he pulls down some heavily contested rebounds. Now I'm surprised when he doesn't. He wants it more.

He's a great passer, but still has some room for improvement in his ball handling. He doesn't have problems bringing the ball up against pressure, nor on the break; most of his turnovers (which are low given his role in the offense) come from drives into traffic. He is solid at the drive-kick, and is usually a good finisher.

His outside shot is still suspect. He's improved, but I don't expect him to ever be reliable from 3 in the NBA. He's a little too fast-twitch, if yo know what I mean. That said, given the improvement in his game over the last year, I wouldn't be shocked. He obviously takes instruction well.

He's just a great defender. In college, he can guard four positions; at the next level he should have no problem guarding three. He's strong, fast, and explosive. He'll measure well at the pre-draft workout; he'll probably be in the top three for vertical. His reach won't be great, but it'll be good for a 2g.

He's probably most similar to Iguodala. I think that type of player fits well between Arenas and Butler.

He'll probably be drafted in the teens. He'd have gone in the single digits if he'd had this season last year. But he's a young senior, will turn 22 just after the draft.

Earl Clark is going to be a bust, by the way. I've said many times that the player he most resembles is a slightly shorter, slightly more explosive Andray Blatche. I stick by that -- he can't get his head in the game. I wouldn't be surprised to see Clark fall into the late teens, early twenties, and I expect that he'll disappoint.

[nate33]

Just curious about everyone's opinion of Louisville's Terrance Williams.

I hear a lot about Danny Green and Gerald Henderson as SG prospects, but I think Williams should be at least discussed based on his defense, his ability to distribute, and his ability to score.

I've been to a half dozen Louisville games this year. I've moved from being a fan of Williams with reservations to an unreserved fan. I think he will end up the best swing man in this draft, better than Harden, Henderson, or any of the others. And I think he would be an incredible fit at the 2 alongside Gilbert.

Williams used to have a real problem with shot selection. His first three years, he would routinely heave three pointers at inopportune times, when he could barely hit a decent percentage at his best. He was a real liability on offense, and incapable of acting as a leader of any sort.

He just doesn't do that anymore. I can't recall a single ill-advised three in any of the games I've attended, and don't really recall any from the various games I've watched on TV. He's managed to get his perimeter shot selection issue completely under control. That's remarkable for two reasons: 1st, Pitino doesn't discipline shot selection very harshly; 2nd, the Cardinals have erratic decision makers at the guards, leaving Williams and Clark to run the offense.

He still has a problem capitalizing on his athleticism on the offensive end. It is painful to see him blow past somebody and put up a floater instead of dunking the ball. He is powerful taking the ball to the hole, when he wants to be. I'd guess that the weak shots materialize about 1/4 of the time. He has also improved on this over the year.

An outstanding rebounder. He's tenacious -- your first few times watching him, it's surprising that he pulls down some heavily contested rebounds. Now I'm surprised when he doesn't. He wants it more.

He's a great passer, but still has some room for improvement in his ball handling. He doesn't have problems bringing the ball up against pressure, nor on the break; most of his turnovers (which are low given his role in the offense) come from drives into traffic. He is solid at the drive-kick, and is usually a good finisher.

His outside shot is still suspect. He's improved, but I don't expect him to ever be reliable from 3 in the NBA. He's a little too fast-twitch, if yo know what I mean. That said, given the improvement in his game over the last year, I wouldn't be shocked. He obviously takes instruction well.

He's just a great defender. In college, he can guard four positions; at the next level he should have no problem guarding three. He's strong, fast, and explosive. He'll measure well at the pre-draft workout; he'll probably be in the top three for vertical. His reach won't be great, but it'll be good for a 2g.

He's probably most similar to Iguodala. I think that type of player fits well between Arenas and Butler.

After looking at his numbers and reading his write-up in Draft Express, it sounds like he's more like Dominic McGuire than Andre Iguodala. He's shorter than McGuire but compensates by being a modestly better perimeter shooter. The bottom line is that 14 points per 40 minutes as a senior in college is a pretty lousy number. Even our own Mcguire managed 15.5 points per 40 in college, as a junior.

Don't get me wrong, his all-around game and defensive skills indicate that he may very well be a quality role player in the pro's. I just don't see how he's much of an upgrade over McGuire. If we somehow acquire a mid-round pick and he's still on the board, I agree that he might be a nice fit as a role player; but I don't think he's a long-term solution at starting SG any more than McGuire or Stevenson are.

[Ruzious]

Earl Clark is going to be a bust, by the way. I've said many times that the player he most resembles is a slightly shorter, slightly more explosive Andray Blatche. I stick by that -- he can't get his head in the game. I wouldn't be surprised to see Clark fall into the late teens, early twenties, and I expect that he'll disappoint.

I actually like Clark - but as a 3; not a 4. His problem is that he's just not strong and tough enough to play inside. If he continues to improve on his jump shot, he could be a very good all-around player. Otherwise, he'll end up being a Jared Jeffries type.

[Dat2U]

Ont he down-trade talk. The thinner the draft gets, the less likely a scenario it is. What we hope for most is Georgetown making a powerful run in the Big East tourney and making the NCAA's with a surging Monroe leading. Thabeet having a solid tournament, blasting shots out the air. And little Ricky arranging a better buy-out. Otherwise the urgency to trade up doesn't exist, especially commiting biggger money for rooks who may not instantly produce.

I'm accustoming myself to the idea that we end up taking Harden, for instance, then pretending like we got him with a mid-round pick. You get what you get.

I agree on the trade down scenario, so that's why I think its more likely that EG trades out of the draft altogether.

I'd also expect us to either sell our 2nd rounder or use it to stash a foreign player overseas like we did with Veermeenko.

As for taking Harden. It's not EG's MO. EG goes for high upside. Harden is a skilled undersized 2 with limited athleticism. I think Monroe, Thabeet, Hill or Rubio would get selected before Harden.

I also fully expect Harden's value to slip abit prior to the draft. Maybe more towards late lottery. I don't care what any mock draft site says. No GM in their right mind would take Harden with the #2 pick in the draft.

[Dat2U]

CCJ, I've mentioned Terrance Williams a few times - comparing him to a bigger Tony Allen. Great athlete who was kindofa late bloomer with his consistency. He played out of control when I saw him last year, but he seems much more in control this season. I'd like to get him and Green - and have them split the 2. They're both great defenders. Williams is more creative, but I want Green in there in crunch time - spreading the defense. Some say - Why get these guys if we have McGuire? Because this team needs more than 1 perimeter defender, and McGuire is a natural forward, anyway. You can play them together.

Tony Allen is a decent comparison to Williams. And you know what? I wouldn't want to waste a mid-first rounder on the next Tony Allen.

And I doubt you could effectively play McGuire & Williams together. You need at least one your wing guys on the perimeter to be able to hit a consistent jumper.

And just to follow up to my previous Danny Green bashing. I'd have no problem with him whatsoever as a 2nd round pick, I just don't have the same enthusiasm towards him as a major contributor in the NBA. Nor would I want either Green or Williams in a trade down scenario in the 1st round.

[doclinkin]

I also fully expect Harden's value to slip abit prior to the draft. Maybe more towards late lottery. I don't care what any mock draft site says. No GM in their right mind would take Harden with the #2 pick in the draft.

I agree, except we're in a logjam of teams with bottom-feeding records. And to sell next year's season ticket plans I expect we will see Gilbert and maybe Haywood before the season's end. Thus a few more wins, thus less certainty of that high lotto pick. The top 3 slots are assigned by the luck of the draw, we are only guaranteed 3 places below that. Wiz luck having been what it is, I'm looking at that 7th pick or thereabouts...

On Ernie's metier and habits, I agree he'll heavily shop the pick if we're not locked into a decent slot. But he also hates a bad bargain, and stands to lose more money by alienating fans than he does with crap contracts. In that respect, with his jaded fanbase, he can only sell the pick if he gets a good deal (equivalent to the 6MOY Jamison for the #6 pick plus a headcase chemistry wrecker).

Ernie makes safe moves, not bold moves, and prefers to build deals that look good to everybody. Doesn't propose stupid deals like Pau Gasol for a dishrag and a rind of used cheese. More's teh pity. He's a poker player, not a snake oil salesman. Wheeler dealer.

For this franchise giving fans some sizzle to cheer for (or at least to remain 'competitive') is the safe move. A name recognition veteran, maybe undervalued. Vince Carter for instance, that's been my guess. I don't see many marquee 2-guards with vet experience. Especially undervalued. Not many deals out there that fit the window of opportunity for our vets. Our new coach influences that too.

But If we keep the pick, depending on how thin the soup is, what's available mid-lotto may not be as delicious as anticipated. So in that respect I resign myself to picking up a solid player with whatever flaws, or picking an asset that a team later in the lotto might covet. I like Harden as a player, I'd love him in the 2nd round or mid 1st as a trade-down/swap bonus. And there are some solid teams that would love to add him even if he lacks top defense. (Though a smarter Gary Forbes --UMass-- is the player he resembles to me. Not quite athletic enough in the measurables, but definitely getting it done at the college level). Still he's got intangibles that fit some of our needs. Low ego, hardworker, good passer, hits an open shot, handles well, makes smart decisions even if he's less than top shelf in athletic potential.

But as far as selling tickets, hope is a key asset. If we can't sell a mid-lotto pick for a neon name, I don't see us adding yet another big. With our stable of Bigs, I don't see obvious upgrade with any likely mid-late Lotto picks. The Best Player at that point will be a more talented undersized player. And adding another project Big will piss off the fanbase and jeopardize ticket sales in a critical year. So, what I'm saying is, I'm resigning myself to a 'Best Player' mid-late in a backcourt position, since the pickin's start looking slimmer. Just managing expectations here.

Of course the tourney always helps refine and redefine the landscape. Somebody else will emerge to be coveted. Luke Harangody, something like that.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

I'd be thrilled with either Griffin or Jordan Hill. If we can't get either of them I'd look to deal the pick in a move for either Okafor or David Lee. Maybe deal Caron with the pick for either of those guys.

Then deal for a SG ... Jamal Crawford, Larry Hughes, Michael Redd, Rip Hamilton, Jason Richardson, Joe Johnson are players I'd be looking at for an assortment of Etan, Songaila, Stevenson, James, Pecherov, Veremeenko, and our 2nd round pick. Maybe include Nick Young.

[Ruzious]

CCJ, I've mentioned Terrance Williams a few times - comparing him to a bigger Tony Allen. Great athlete who was kindofa late bloomer with his consistency. He played out of control when I saw him last year, but he seems much more in control this season. I'd like to get him and Green - and have them split the 2. They're both great defenders. Williams is more creative, but I want Green in there in crunch time - spreading the defense. Some say - Why get these guys if we have McGuire? Because this team needs more than 1 perimeter defender, and McGuire is a natural forward, anyway. You can play them together.

Tony Allen is a decent comparison to Williams. And you know what? I wouldn't want to waste a mid-first rounder on the next Tony Allen.

And I doubt you could effectively play McGuire & Williams together. You need at least one your wing guys on the perimeter to be able to hit a consistent jumper.

And just to follow up to my previous Danny Green bashing. I'd have no problem with him whatsoever as a 2nd round pick, I just don't have the same enthusiasm towards him as a major contributor in the NBA. Nor would I want either Green or Williams in a trade down scenario in the 1st round.

Dat, I think you have some misconceptions about what I've been saying. To clarify, I've been talking about Green as a second round pick and as someone who would share the 2 position - be it with Young or whoever else. And I've never thought that Williams would be a mid 1st. I'd certainly take Henderson and Hill's teammate ahead of him. And as far as the Allen comparison, I said a bigger Tony Allen - because he's 2 inches taller than Tony Allen.

Your comment about McGuire and Williams never being able to play together is problematic. If McGuire never learns to hit jumpers with some consistency, then he'll never be effective with anyone. I think we're all assuming that he improves. Williams actually has been hitting 3's this year, and there's no reason he can't continue to improve. Look at Henderson - he's just a mid-range shooter, himself and has never been much of a 3 point threat. If Williams and McGuire improve their shooting, they'd fit beautifully together - as their both excellent passers and defenders, and Williams can create. But like I said, Green is the player that I really want, as he is a perfect fit - as a 20 - 25 minute a game role player. And yes, he'd fit really well with McGuire and pretty much anyone else on the roster.

[pancakes3]

I'd be thrilled with either Griffin or Jordan Hill. If we can't get either of them I'd look to deal the pick in a move for either Okafor or David Lee. Maybe deal Caron with the pick for either of those guys.

Then deal for a SG ... Jamal Crawford, Larry Hughes, Michael Redd, Rip Hamilton, Jason Richardson, Joe Johnson are players I'd be looking at for an assortment of Etan, Songaila, Stevenson, James, Pecherov, Veremeenko, and our 2nd round pick. Maybe include Nick Young.

griffin. hill. awesome players. not so awesome that either will play 10+mpg behind AJ and Blatche. If they are, then what do we do with Blatche? Bump him to C? What do we do with McGee? Bump him to SF? What do we do with DMac? Bump him to SG? How much burn would NY get? Play him at point some? Then how many mins does Critter get?

Adding a frontcourt player would disrupt a really good frontcourt rotation that we have. If we do want to keep Hill or Griffin, or even move for Okafor or David Lee, you have to dangle Blatche out there as tradebait.

Pick + Mike James + Etan for Jeffries and Q Richardson.

The Knicks turn JJ's contract into 2 expiring ones. Jeffries' 6 mil/year contract is good for us because that expires when we re-up Caron. yeah?

[nate33]

What's the matter with you people? Are you drunk?

Caron AND the lotto pick for Okafor or David Lee? I MIGHT trade Butler straight up for Okafor (but not for David Lee). It would be insanity to include the lotto pick.

James, Etan and the LOTTO PICK for freakin' Jeffries plus QRich? I wouldn't trade James + Etan straight up for Jeffries plus QRich. That move will cost Abe an additional $14M in salary in order to get us two guys who might play 10 minutes a night each. And you want to throw in the lotto pick?

WTF?

[Benjammin]

What's the matter with you people? Are you drunk?

Caron AND the lotto pick for Okafor or David Lee? I MIGHT trade Butler straight up for Okafor (but not for David Lee). It would be insanity to include the lotto pick.

James, Etan and the LOTTO PICK for freakin' Jeffries plus QRich? I wouldn't trade James + Etan straight up for Jeffries plus QRich. That move will cost Abe an additional $14M in salary in order to get us two guys who might play 10 minutes a night each. And you want to throw in the lotto pick?

WTF?

Yeah, those were some painful trades to read. I think even Wes Unseld found them unpalatable.