Andray Blatche - Resurgence Thread ( Merged )

[Hoopalotta]

I guess the question is more if the sorts of 'character flaws' that Blatche 'exhibits' (we'll concede that point for the sake of discussion) are the sort that will affect his and his teams success level. Well?

I tell you what, there have been hall of famers who, if stranded on a remote island with 1000 tenth graders, would probably be discovered some five years later lording as tyrants from a throne built upon a pyramid of skulls. But, you know, the particular way in which they were screwed up just happened to win games.

Just the other day there was that near fight between the Bucks and the Clippers, which seemed to serve the the purposes of both clubs pretty well, but would have been an act not liable to serve constructive purposes if emulated by any of us at the water cooler. Maturity issues? The NBA thrives on maturity issues.

Some of the aforementioned Blatchetery would be doings I would just as soon have seen undone, but I'm not worried. A lot of it has either been sensationalized by scribes who've acquired target lock or things that are really of a peripheral nature.

I don't see Blatche as a guy who had some fantastic potential and just fell into everything. People knock his work ethic, but I think that has more to do with his historic disdain for conditioning. I wonder how some 'lazy guy' is just about the most skilled 'big' power forward around (by that I mean guys who can play center in a pinch, so no Boozer-Jamison types). In the whole league, how many guys his size can shoot off the dribble and handle the ball like he can? That's not developed through osmosis.

Not that he can't improve, but I actually think Blatche has gone a long way towards maximizing his potential as a player. To me, this shows a tangible sort of maturity that counts for a lot more than the rest of it.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

There's really no way to spin this into something positive or even non-negative.

Oh god shut the hell up.

I get so tired of the Cassandra complex that's clung to by many Wiz fans. Doom, persecution, always looking for the worm in the apple.

Spin it? No need to spin mfing 13 assists from a frontcourt player. That's outstanding. Hell I want Dray gunning for a triple double every gattamn game. If he'd pulled his first one and gotten accolades for it, gotten notice, it would encourage him to go for more. That's what you want is a player taking it personally. Many of the best rebounders in the game are selfish boardsmen. It's the attitude you need to rip them down -- to treat each one as if if were yours and you'd kill anyone who got in the territory. Really? I can't believe actual fans would be complaining about that shxt? Really? Hell Dray just had a game with a grand total of ONE frickin' rebound, but somehow it's a bad thing he was gunning for double digits?

Shaking my MFn head at some of you people. Look it's a positive thing when a player starts to get it, put in the effort. Kid is playing well, stringing them together, improving every game, fixing some of his problems as they come up.

Tell you what, at the very least save your complaints for the games he plays poorly and we lose, okay? Pretty sure you'll all have ample opportunity for griping if that's what satisfies you as a fan.

Cripes.

Agreed.

If he'd ever had a triple double before I could see some mild disdain for stat padding. However, I think it's fine if he wants his numbers. The guy's exceeding the production curve on his contract. He's a bargain for the Wizards. Gave them grief early on his rookie deal but now Andray represents Ernie's greatest return on investment (ROI).

Some might see him as a knucklehead. I see him as a 23-yr old with versatility, a feel for the game, who won't back down to Flip, and who is a good ROI.

So what if he wanted the stat? You can put his picture right next to Ricky Davis but do include a caption: "Which knucklehead is a serious baller?"

[Illuminaire]

+2

And for everyone feeling all doom-and-gloom about this "incident", please remember that 'Dray was already grinning with moments of his apparently selfish over-reaction. The kid was just happy to be freaking winning and having a good time going for the triple double... which, if you'll notice, he didn't give a crap about until they had locked up the fricking game.

[willbcocks]

I care much more about his awful posture, complete disregard for helping his teammates on defense (his defense on his own man is good enough), and lack of aggression rebounding most of the game.

Offensively, I have no gripes. He's only got two weaknesses on that side right now: too many turnovers and he's getting blocked way too much. I think he will be able to improve on both of these. The first he already has improved on greatly from last year. Lately most of his turnovers have been, not from hotdogging it plays, but from getting double or triple teamed and making the wrong decision. I watch and see him getting really good practice right now, and dumb as he often seems to be off the court, he seems to think about the game on the court. As far as getting blocked a lot--he has no ups at all. And while that's obviously not a plus, Blatche CAN adapt to it. That will require better fakes, more passing out when he gets offensive boards, and better using his body. Again, however, I think he'll be able to do it.

Solve those problems and offensively all the tools are there. The rest will be mental and on the defensive end, where honestly he is rivaling McGee right now in suckitude.

[Ruzious]

Guys, let's not get to the point where we can't criticise a player for being a knucklehead. Blatche was clearly being a knucklehead. His actions were embarrasing and unprofessional - in particular how he reacted to Cartier Martin doing his job. Now, does that mean, we need to trade him or give up on him in any way? No. There's no need to white-wash and no need to make it out to be the end of the world. Hopefully, it's yet another learning experience for Blatche and hopefully for the polarized posters on both sides.

[montestewart]

Guys, let's not get to the point where we can't criticise a player for being a knucklehead. Blatche was clearly being a knucklehead. His actions were embarrasing and unprofessional - in particular how he reacted to Cartier Martin doing his job. Now, does that mean, we need to trade him or give up on him in any way? No. There's no need to white-wash and no need to make it out to be the end of the world. Hopefully, it's yet another learning experience for Blatche and hopefully for the polarized posters on both sides.

Well said. I'm with the radical middle.

That rebound practically bounced into Martin's hands. What was he supposed to do? And yet he ends up apologizing to Blatche for responding to his own correct instincts and years of training. Should be a little embarrassing.

Regardless, Blatche says and does some things (see ErikChowbay023's post above) that tell me he's growing as a player and person. I just want him to fill out his role at PF, keep looking for his teammates on offense and defense, get stronger and move more aggressively to the basket on both ends, and try to adjust to the increased spotlight. I don't worry that he said he was underpaid. I say I'm underpaid all the time, and he's said it how many times? I've heard it once; it's not like he wears a t-shirt with that message or set up a website (morecashforBlatche.com).

My wife and I were sitting not far from the Wizards bench when Blatche "refused" to go back in. That was the most subtle tantrum I've ever seen, and the explosive argument between Blatche and the coaches was equally subtle. We thought Blatche must be injured, because we (and that includes fans sitting nearby that I asked) didn't see anything that indicated discord. I think the team has (big surprise) some communication issues.

Blatche can be smarter, on and off the court, and these issues are the kind that are questions in need of answers before he's signed to his next, much larger contract. Still, he seems far from that overused term, "cancer," and seems well-liked by his teammates. What he needs to do now is recognize that he's really in the spotlight (or cross hairs), so things like trying for that last rebound or arguing with the coach will have greater ramifications.

Comparing Blatche's behavior to that of past players is quite relevant. Great players and veterans establish precedents followed by younger players. Think of all the times you've seen players take themselves out of the game with 39 or 49 points (anyone that actually does and lists them is purposely ignoring the point). Just because Olajuwan did it, Jordan did, Chamberlain did it, doesn't make it right. Are you kidding? Leave that one out of your closing argument.

We need a unified theory of Blatche, incorporating his talent and foolishness, his progress and shortcomings, his brilliant hands and his knuckle head. We have so many questions Andray. Start that website.

[hands11]

+2

And for everyone feeling all doom-and-gloom about this "incident", please remember that 'Dray was already grinning with moments of his apparently selfish over-reaction. The kid was just happy to be freaking winning and having a good time going for the triple double... which, if you'll notice, he didn't give a crap about until they had locked up the fricking game.

So true. I was actually wondering why he wasn't trying harder a little earlier. Specially when it was a rebound that he needed. If it was pts and he was shot jacking that would be one thing. If it was an assist and he was making stupid passes that would be another.

But it was a rebound. Its real hard to play outside your game going for a rebound but he still wasn't forcing it by getting out of position. But we are talking about your PF/C. How out of position can he get looking for a rebound with 32 second left in a iced win ? And he did get the rebound but there was a bad call against him by the refs. Of course when he saw the ball coming his way a second time he felt he had it only to see his teammate behind him end up with it. Watch the video again. Dray never sees him teammate behind him as he is watching the ball the whole way. Same is true of Martin. He is watching the ball even though Dray is kind of in front of him and he should be aware of Dray situation give the play right before hand. Dray is just reaction on instinct when he is surprised to see the ball not in his hands not even knowing Martin was there. It looked like a gim me.

I have absolutely ZERO problem with Dray in that game and how he acted. He was laughing and getting excited going for - as was stated - HIS FIRST 3x 2x. with 10 ASSISTS

"I wanted it so bad," said Blatche. "But it happens. I'm not tripping."

"He said, 'My bad. My bad. My bad,' " Blatche said. "The most important thing for us, we got the win."

Some people just look for things to complain about. Amazing.

[miller31time]

Guys, let's not get to the point where we can't criticise a player for being a knucklehead. Blatche was clearly being a knucklehead. His actions were embarrasing and unprofessional - in particular how he reacted to Cartier Martin doing his job. Now, does that mean, we need to trade him or give up on him in any way? No. There's no need to white-wash and no need to make it out to be the end of the world. Hopefully, it's yet another learning experience for Blatche and hopefully for the polarized posters on both sides.

Agreed. But I hope people don't think I've taken the "other extreme" in this. I don't want Andray traded or think this is the end of the world or anything like that. I do have concerns about his character and ability to be a big part of this team's success but it has little to do with this isolated incident and more with his overall body of work. But to trade him would be to assume that he definitely will NOT mature and continue to be a knucklehead throughout his career. That's unwise.

[hands11]

I care much more about his awful posture, complete disregard for helping his teammates on defense (his defense on his own man is good enough), and lack of aggression rebounding most of the game.

Offensively, I have no gripes. He's only got two weaknesses on that side right now: too many turnovers and he's getting blocked way too much. I think he will be able to improve on both of these. The first he already has improved on greatly from last year. Lately most of his turnovers have been, not from hotdogging it plays, but from getting double or triple teamed and making the wrong decision. I watch and see him getting really good practice right now, and dumb as he often seems to be off the court, he seems to think about the game on the court. As far as getting blocked a lot--he has no ups at all. And while that's obviously not a plus, Blatche CAN adapt to it. That will require better fakes, more passing out when he gets offensive boards, and better using his body. Again, however, I think he'll be able to do it.

Solve those problems and offensively all the tools are there. The rest will be mental and on the defensive end, where honestly he is rivaling McGee right now in suckitude.

He had 9 rebounds and 13 assists.

As for better fakes.. We are talking about Dray right ?

And while we can all dream of a Dray with leaps, his lack of leaps is probably part of the reason he has developed the rest of his game. If he could jump out of the gym you would likely have something more similar to McGee who overly rely on his physical skills instead of developing the game Dray has.

Now if we could magically add leaps to Dray at this stage of the game, you may have one of the top 3 players in the league. As is, he is looking like top 20 which is saying a lot.

Some people are just never happy with what they have. Dray is doing great. Just be happy he plays for us and he is signed cheap for two more years.

[hands11]

He shown signs of maturity this year, and also showed signs of being a leader, and also someone willing to listen and improves on previous mistakes.

The comments after the Hou loss were a great example, of how he`s grown as a leader and a player. Especially considering how little and meaningless the game was.

If you dont remember this...

It's 16 & counting for Wiz after blowing another game in HOU. Andray Blatche scores 31 pts but shoulders the blame: http://bit.ly/bTKC7d

"I was thinking there was no way we could lose this game," Blatche said.

Blatche had 31 points at the time, having little trouble working around Rockets undersized center Chuck Hayes or anyone else thrown against him. And therein was the problem. Because as the game continued, Blatche refused to believe that the Rockets could stop him. But not only did the Rockets figure out how to keep Blatche silent the rest of the night, they also held the Wizards to just one meaningless field goal the rest of the game, resulting a disappointing 98-94 loss at Toyota Center.

Rockets reserve Chase Budinger broke a 92-all tie with a bank shot with 28.3 seconds remaining and later added two decisive free throws as the Wizards extended their franchise-record losing skid to 16 games. It was the fourth time during this streak that the Wizards (21-52) had lost a game decided by six points or fewer. They lost another game to Charlotte in overtime.



"We were there. We've been in games. That's the frustrating thing," Coach Flip Saunders said afterward. "But I told our guys. 'We don't have that trust factor.' The reason we did so well over the first 46 minutes is because we shared the ball. All of sudden we got down to the last few minutes and decided to play a different way -- stand and watch."

Saunders singled out Blatche, who had his fifth 30-point game since the all-star break. But after his three-point play gave the Wizards an 89-84 lead, he missed his final four shots -- including two in the final 61 seconds, when he admitted to ignoring open teammates. "I got to learn from it," said Blatche, who added 10 rebounds and three assists (all of his assists were in the first half). "I just want to say my teammates did what they was supposed to do. I take full responsibility for the loss. I don't know; I just got to grow from it. I have to show trust in my teammates, be more relaxed and take what's given."

Sounds like a young man maturing to me. Not sure what more people can realistically expect.

IMO, people are reacting to Drays past and framing what is currently going on in that light. I understand how that can happen but it is making them see things in a twisted truth.

Dray never said he wasn't going to play. He owed his part of the Flip thing and it wasn't all his fault.
The going for a 3x 2x ? There was nothing wrong there.

Short of Drays last one game suspension, he really hasn't done anything wrong this year.

Time to more forward and get off the kids back and support his growth. He is the best thing that happened to this team this year. Lets enjoy that because it's going to help us moving forward.

[willbcocks]

You jump on my back for pointing out, correctly, that Dre is constantly blocked in the low post and needs to find a way to improve on that part of his game? Even after I said I think he'll be able to do it? In the words of Dre "C'mon son!"

[yungal07]

Guys, let's not get to the point where we can't criticise a player for being a knucklehead. Blatche was clearly being a knucklehead. His actions were embarrasing and unprofessional - in particular how he reacted to Cartier Martin doing his job. Now, does that mean, we need to trade him or give up on him in any way? No. There's no need to white-wash and no need to make it out to be the end of the world. Hopefully, it's yet another learning experience for Blatche and hopefully for the polarized posters on both sides.

Thank you. 2 comments:

- Did Blatche actually learn anything from this? Probably not. The guy hasn't been punished for pretty much anything he's done this year, except for that one time this year when he was suspended for a game for conduct detrimental to team.

- I'm speaking for myself, but I would trade Blatche in a heartbeat if it was a clear upgrade. For example, I would trade Blatche for say, Chris Bosh if the opportunity was there. Bosh is Blatche without the stupidity.

[Hoopalotta]

I think a lot of Blatche's 'lack of ups' is just that his body isn't right to carry the load that he's under now. As a general rule, he can get up there fairly well in the 1st quarter and is just noticeably much less athletic as the game wears on.

He actually has gotten his shot blocked a lot more lately: before the 82 games update, he was @ 14% blocked on 'close' shots (non-dunks), but now he's up to 16%, which is a pretty quick uptick there.

[montestewart]

Guys, let's not get to the point where we can't criticise a player for being a knucklehead. Blatche was clearly being a knucklehead. His actions were embarrasing and unprofessional - in particular how he reacted to Cartier Martin doing his job. Now, does that mean, we need to trade him or give up on him in any way? No. There's no need to white-wash and no need to make it out to be the end of the world. Hopefully, it's yet another learning experience for Blatche and hopefully for the polarized posters on both sides.

Thank you. 2 comments:

- Did Blatche actually learn anything from this? Probably not. The guy hasn't been punished for pretty much anything he's done this year, except for that one time this year when he was suspended for a game for conduct detrimental to team.

- I'm speaking for myself, but I would trade Blatche in a heartbeat if it was a clear upgrade. For example, I would trade Blatche for say, Chris Bosh if the opportunity was there. Bosh is Blatche without the stupidity.

I'd trade anybody in a heartbeat for a clear upgrade. Talent-wise, Bosh is a clear upgrade, but considering the price, that would be a commitment to build around Bosh. Sure, the Wizards could make better choices than Toronto, but it hasn't worked in Toronto. I'd want to know more about the plan to surround Bosh with fast, tough, savvy, two-way players rather than soft, no-D jump shooters.

[cdouglas]

I can't believe some of you on this board went from wanting to trade Antawn and now want to trade Blachte!

[montestewart]

I can't believe some of you on this board went from wanting to trade Antawn and now want to trade Blachte!

I used to want Jamison traded, but I got past that.

[Dat2U]

Pretty sure there are 29 other teams who would be happy to have a player who would 'selfishly' work for a triple double. Personally I'm very happy with that sort of immaturity. Jeez, some people in this city pick more nits than a troop of baboons. Seriously.

+1

+2

[yungal07]

Just for **** and gigs, someone decided to start this thread on the player comparison board, and it sure as hell wasn't me:

viewtopic.php?f=64&t=1000791

But it's good to see you guys act like Mrs. Blatche anytime someone says anything negative about that guy.

[montestewart]

Just for **** and gigs, someone decided to start this thread on the player comparison board, and it sure as hell wasn't me:

viewtopic.php?f=64&t=1000791

But it's good to see you guys act like Mrs. Blatche anytime someone says anything negative about that guy.

Jesus, dude, watch what you say. Have you met Mrs. Blatche?

[Dat2U]

Guys, let's not get to the point where we can't criticise a player for being a knucklehead. Blatche was clearly being a knucklehead. His actions were embarrasing and unprofessional - in particular how he reacted to Cartier Martin doing his job. Now, does that mean, we need to trade him or give up on him in any way? No. There's no need to white-wash and no need to make it out to be the end of the world. Hopefully, it's yet another learning experience for Blatche and hopefully for the polarized posters on both sides.

Thank you. 2 comments:

- Did Blatche actually learn anything from this? Probably not. The guy hasn't been punished for pretty much anything he's done this year, except for that one time this year when he was suspended for a game for conduct detrimental to team.

- I'm speaking for myself, but I would trade Blatche in a heartbeat if it was a clear upgrade. For example, I would trade Blatche for say, Chris Bosh if the opportunity was there. Bosh is Blatche without the stupidity.

Bosh may be Blatche without the stupidity but he's also Blatche making $13 mil more per year!!! And its not like Bosh is the 2nd coming of Kevin Garnett in terms of leadership so I don't see a $13 million dollar difference there.

Common sense should tell you that's a lousy move from the Wizards standpoint.

Frankly the Wizards trading Blatche would be incredibly stupid. I have no problem dealing with his immaturity considering his production & salary.

Outside of the rookie deals, Blatche may have the best contract in the NBA. Why ur so anxious to dump a young & productive player I have no idea but I've come to realize that there's no pleasing some on here. I used to think I bitched endlessly but that all ended when Jamison got dealt.

The same logic your using is how C-Webb was dealt back in the day. We didn't want to deal with a immature 24 yr old. We got sick of his antics & the constant issues. So we send him to Siberia and bring some maturity in and look what it got us.