Why not us?

[barelyawake]

Obviously, nothing is written in stone. However, we better have a GM who is making those types of anticipatory mental leaps when crafting our future. It seems our greatest downfall for decades has been foresight -- which comprises envisioning what other teams will do; what the market will be; what free agents will become available three years out; what the draft looks like three years out; and what we want our roster to look like in five years.

[montestewart]

Obviously, nothing is written in stone. However, we better have a GM who is making those types of anticipatory mental leaps when crafting our future. It seems our greatest downfall for decades has been foresight -- which comprises envisioning what other teams will do; what the market will be; what free agents will become available three years out; what the draft looks like three years out; and what we want our roster to look like in five years.

Well put. I'd like the Wizards run as a team committed to competing for a championship as soon as possible and continuing to be run to that end with both the short and long view. Regardless of where James and Wade end up.

[Ruzious]

I think the perceived immaturity of 3 the young talented players other than Arenas - namely Blatche, McGee, and Young - make the Wiz a tough sell.

[Donkey McDonkerton]

To win a championship (ie Lakers and Celtics)

1. You need at least 1 all star/superstar caliber player that you can go to (Kobe, PP's, RA's)
2. Dominant big man (Gasol, KG prime)
3. Defense or defensive player that can make stops (celtics team, Artest, kobe, pp)

Currently the wizards have
1. Arenas and soon to be wall

Can Mcgee or Blatche turn into a dominate big man? Blatche could possibly turn into that constant 20/10 player....IF he does, we still need some type of D.

[closg00]

To win a championship (ie Lakers and Celtics)

1. You need at least 1 all star/superstar caliber player that you can go to (Kobe, PP's, RA's)
2. Dominant big man (Gasol, KG prime)
3. Defense or defensive player that can make stops (celtics team, Artest, kobe, pp)

Currently the wizards have
1. Arenas and soon to be wall

Can Mcgee or Blatche turn into a dominate big man? Blatche could possibly turn into that constant 20/10 player....IF he does, we still need some type of D.

Jarvis Varnado with 25 extra pounds

[pancakes3]

i don't buy the 2nd tier organization argument. NJ, NYK, and the freakin CLIPPERS are bottom tier organizations in terms of management.

the answer is simply DC is a boring city especially for a young millionaire. we don't have a south beach, or sunset strip.

[montestewart]

i don't buy the 2nd tier organization argument. NJ, NYK, and the freakin CLIPPERS are bottom tier organizations in terms of management.

the answer is simply DC is a boring city especially for a young millionaire. we don't have a south beach, or sunset strip.

But what about all the museums, and the chance to watch the federal government in action? I would think young millionaires would be climbing all over each other to get some of that action.

Chirp

Depending how you figure the metropolitan area, DC ranks as high as 4th in population for NBA markets, and probably ranks at or near the top in per capita income. A non-delusional owner can acknowledge that which DC lacks and play to the strengths. If the city's boring, Leonsis can't do too much about it, but he can work to make sure the Wizards have a top quality organization that fields a highly competitive team, and market a winner. He can't offer the attractions of NYC, LA, Miami, or a few other cities, but occasionally a few free agent might not care about that, and for the ones that do, the Wizards can at least try to make it a choice between a cool city with a lousy team going nowhere or a more strait laced city with a team that might win a championship. Worth a shot, eh?

[pancakes3]

i think gil's one of the few superstars that doesn't care for glitz/glamor. i think melo and dirk are some others, but as for the other big names - Lebron, Wade, Amare, JJ, and Bosh - they're going to be divvied between the LA, Chi, Mia, and NYC franchises.

[gesa2]

Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Indianapolis, Portland, Seattle, Detroit, Cleveland, Orlando. All cities with no more glamour to offer than DC, all have contended for a championship since we last did. Absolute top level stars like LeBron might want Madison Avenue or LA; everybody else wants money, wants to win, and wants stability. Our perception will change if we're getting to the 2nd round of the playoffs and the rep of our training staff and front office improves under Leonsis.

[pancakes3]

all with drafted talent, except for Detroit in their miracle run. maybe john wall will be OUR drafted franchise player.

[w dumseld]

CCJ isn't nuts, he's one of the few around here that gets it. The chintzy 3rd class wizards organization has the absolute worst medical staff in the NBA. No top free agent will come here until that is fixed. Its a disgrace and everyone is very aware of it league wide. Leonsis will have to flush the toilet on the whole lot of losers before anyone looks twice at us. Its not just the decades of cheapness when the Bullets rode on busses and others were on airplanes and then Wizards on commercial flights when others flew charter, or the crap facilities or the worst medical staff in the league. Its the whole pall of loserdom that hangs over the Wiz that screams 3rd rate. Hopefully and most probably, Ted will fix this. I believe the curse is now gone, but he's got to flush the toilet on the whole lot of them when he takes over and that includes Ernie Grundfeld. Just send him to wherever Randy Foye ends up. They deserve each other. Flip probably has to stay for now, but as was pointed out he's no big draw. But if Ted does clean house before July 1, then we do have a chance at some top FAs. But if the organization stays as is, then forget about it...

[Dat2U]

I'll say again, what do you think it would take to bring West out of retirement? I believe between West and Ted we could attract free agents. I just hope we don't half step on mid-range free agents (especially those who don't play defense). Either full tank or really go for it. I'll tell you one thing though, if Wade and LeBron team up, you can forget the next three seasons anyway. I just hope we have well constructed plans that envision the future (taking into account future drafts and free agents).

Yep, that's one of my biggest fears. Hell, if Chicago signs LeBron or Wade to go along with Rose & Noah it may be wrap. Even a Wade/Bosh combo down in Miami is something I don't want to see in our division.

That's why I wouldn't even consider helping either team by taking a contract off their hands.

NY & NJ I'm not really worried about. The Dolan run Knicks with D'Antoni is a joke. They don't even have a roster. I fully expect them to blow it big time this offseason. And NJ is two years away from doing anything. Especially considering that they'll be playing in Newark.

[hands11]

Why not a more descriptive Thread Title such as.. is it just me or is anyone else thinking ?

Sure was nice out today. Poooools open baby.

[verbal8]

NY & NJ I'm not really worried about. The Dolan run Knicks with D'Antoni is a joke. They don't even have a roster. I fully expect them to blow it big time this offseason.

I see Joe Johnson and Boozer teaming up in NY. Especially if LeBron stays and Bosh joins Wade in Miami.

And NJ is two years away from doing anything. Especially considering that they'll be playing in Newark.

I think the Nets hope is that the big FAs sign short deals. If they do have a 2 year dead window, they could be a competitor for BOYD deals. I could see them being interested in AK if it gets them a pick.

[willbcocks]

Who cares about the next 3 years anyway? Its not our window. I say do whatever we can do improve the team even if it strengthens our rivals. Playing against those rivals will toughen our team up for when we eventually are able to compete.

[Ruzious]

Who cares about the next 3 years anyway? Its not our window. I say do whatever we can do improve the team even if it strengthens our rivals. Playing against those rivals will toughen our team up for when we eventually are able to compete.

I concur with that philosophy. Do not limit your alternatives by worrying about your rivals. Taking away opportunities to improve yourself is like biting your nose off to spite your face.

[Hoopalotta]

The only thing is I wouldn't want to see two from amongst Bosh/Wade/Bron go to Chicago or all three end up in MyHammy or New York.

Just Bosh with one of the other two I could live with.