Ted's been approved, it's official!

[barelyawake]

Nice post, hoops. And I'll admit that between the Jack and cokes (I've been either in Florida or on a cruise ship the last month -- sometimes my "job" has great perks) and my iPhone texting (which is god awful and I know it), I can sometimes be less than clear. I just really believe that lack of vision has been a problem in this org for decades -- and that includes the lack of vision involved in the hiring a quack medical staff.

So far, although I'm not certain of the results, I like the risks being taken under Ted (not the moves themselves, but the underlying mentality it demonstrates). They demonstrate a willingness to gamble to win it all with high risk/high reward options. Said options help twofold. If they work, we get more assets. If they don't, we get higher draft picks.

That said, I don't know about the wisdom of putting both the Nets and Chicago in position to get max free agents. If however, as was rumored, both teams had various options to clear cap anyway and someone was going to bite if it weren't us, then I understand.

[fishercob]

I think the two of you should get it over with and screw already.

[Hoopalotta]

I think the two of you should get it over with and screw already.

FIsher with that post was as inevitable as someone saying "I think Ernie did fairly well" and getting a from Rico.

Nice post, hoops. And I'll admit that between the Jack and cokes (I've been either in Florida or on a cruise ship the last month -- sometimes my "job" has great perks) and my iPhone texting (which is god awful and I know it), I can sometimes be less than clear. I just really believe that lack of vision has been a problem in this org for decades -- and that includes the lack of vision involved in the hiring a quack medical staff.

I certainly could have also increased the quality of the conversation if I had gone a different direction with my first post.

So far, although I'm not certain of the results, I like the risks being taken under Ted (not the moves themselves, but the underlying mentality it demonstrates). They demonstrate a willingness to gamble to win it all with high risk/high reward options. Said options help twofold. If they work, we get more assets. If they don't, we get higher draft picks.

Yeah, I feel like there were some risks taken which I like a good deal. We definitely paid for it as far as cap space, but the Seraphin pick looks to have loads more potential than anyone taken even a pick or two behind him. Suffice to say I'm not tantalized by the "Gosh, that guy could be a pretty good jump shooting guard" prospects like I am with Seraphin.

I'm also clearly sensing that Ted has done the opposite of putting some kind of "we need X number of wins next year if you want to keep your job" type mandate. Of course we all pretty well expected that, but it's good to see anyway (yes, Ernie could lose his job, but certainly not based on a "back in the playoffs next year or else!" type mandate).

As I was mentioning in the "Arenas for Carter" thread, the Hiney trade makes me think they are confident that they can move Gil for an expiring and with the Yi acquisition we're really going all in on the tank squadron. I mean, with that and the probability of Seraphin coming over, we might not even go with a single, "honest to goodness" veteran big man, which is a bit shocking to me. We well might have amongst the youngest collections of big men in the history of the league, so that says a lot as to next year's win total. I definitely did not see that one coming.

Much remains to be seen, but if things go as I suspect in July, I'd say we have a VERY clear direction going here.

I guess my one concern is it seems we've been a bit stingy as far as the priorities in the deals. We'll have to see what happens with the details on the Hinrich trade but I think if Ted had been willing to loosen the purse strings on some things, we could have gotten more assets.

For example, OKC had a better basic package to offer Miami for the 18th pick, but I bet if we kicked in $2 million or so (to offset the 35th instead of the 32nd pick being included), it could have gotten done. For me, I would have done it in addition to the Hiney deal. I don't think Ernie liked anyone at 18, but this brings us back to the future 1sts as it was traded to the Clippers (I'd have done that).

So then, suppose we're sitting at 30, we could have likely offered that and X numbers of dollars for the Memphis pick and beat the Dallas deal (suppose we sent $2 million; not a lot of team like the 30th pick due to the guaranteed salary, but I bet they could have sold it for $1.5 million at least). Ernie liked Pondexter (so says Wojo anyway), so he could have taken him at 25.

Then of course there is the Yi deal where we took back cash (not to mention we likely just took Yi to market Wall and the Wizards in China, but that's a whole 'nother thing). I don't think it's a huge stretch to say we could have gotten back some second rounders at least (and NJ has 2011 & 2012 seconds from GSW).

Now there has been a lot of second guessing by folks as to what we could have gotten, but I think the above is pretty realistic.

A lot of people have said Ernie screwed up, and I can see the argument that he didn't maximize value, but I think ownership's priorities are on display here too. Looking at the moves I laid out, maybe we could say I have increased expenditures by a larger quotient than I have talent (at least in the short term). But Ted being "all in on the OKC" would have overspent by whatever percentage to get those kind of assets, even if they were just a long-shot as being difference makers.

On the other hand, Ted might have the plan to improve the infrastructure behind the scenes first, see how Ernie does with the picks and then go all in fiscally later on a more robust foundation with greater confidence.

I'm not really sure on the behind the scenes reasoning, but I can't escape the idea that there were a few half measures by ownership taken thus far.

Hey, now we're back on topic! Everyone can join in again!

That said, I don't know about the wisdom of putting both the Nets and Chicago in position to get max free agents. If however, as was rumored, both teams had various options to clear cap anyway and someone was going to bite if it weren't us, then I understand.

Yeah, this one could really go in one of two directions with the possibility of a dynasty being formed, but also with the potential for our rivals sinking huge money into guys like Joe Johnson and Carlos Boozer. From a spending frenzy standpoint, it seems like Ernie poured a bit of blood in the water. It's concerning and interesting at the same time.

[closg00]

Wasn't really sure where to put this, but I'm starting to wonder about Leonsis. The Capitals have a clear window to win the cup right now and McPhee has stood pat so far this offseason after the team was bounced in the first round. They'd rather call up more youngsters than add veteran talent that can help push the team to the next level when it counts due to experience. To take from a poster from another board, the Capitals are looking like the 00's Eagles. Hopefully steps are taken to push the Caps over the edge, but if not, the Wizards might face the same future. It is early in the offseason, but it's worrisome that the Caps continue to stand pat after being humiliated in the first round last year.

I don't believe that Ted's "Tortoise" approach to franchise-building fits every sport, but it's his call to determine when the timing is right to tweak things.

I've been watching and reading coverage of Ted & the Wizards since he took ownership to see what (if any) changes he is making. The entire org remains the same with all of the previous decision-makers still in-place including: The medical staff, assistant coaches etc. albeit with a new mandate; to get younger and tougher through the draft. What other changes might Ted make?

With JaVale & Andray entering the final two years of their contracts, the window to demonstrate enough progress to keep Wall, McGee, & Blatche, interested in staying-on beyond their contracts, may be much shorter than tortoise plan will allow.

[MJ7]

That's awesome, Washington is coming back from the dead.

[mohammed10]

I don't believe that Ted's "Tortoise" approach to franchise-building fits every sport, but it's his call to determine when the timing is right to tweak things.

I've been watching and reading coverage of Ted & the Wizards since he took ownership to see what (if any) changes he is making. The entire org remains the same with all of the previous decision-makers still in-place including: The medical staff, assistant coaches etc. albeit with a new mandate; to get younger and tougher through the draft. What other changes might Ted make?

With JaVale & Andray entering the final two years of their contracts, the window to demonstrate enough progress to keep Wall, McGee, & Blatche, interested in staying-on beyond their contracts, may be much shorter than tortoise plan will allow.

Agree, closg.

Ted how slow 2025?

[hands11]

This thread should be sticky thinged because it all starts with Ted as owner.

This was our best off season move.

Nothing matters more.

Everything will get worked out so sit back and enjoy. Because you know what, nothing we post here is going to change anything.

If you trust in Ted long term, then enjoy the ride.

[fishercob]

A must-listen: http://1067thefandc.cbslocal.com/2010/0 ... 0-hour-12/

[hands11]

TED

A must listen. This answers it all. It's only a matter of time.

Points out that EG made the right move trading the 5th pick last year given the plan that was in place.

He wouldn't have allowed it because he would have had a different plan.

Sounds like he is saying is that the plan comes from the top and the GM executes that plan.

On Gilbert.
Gil will be a star and co star on the team.
Ted communicates all the time with Gil.
Gil is in shape. He is healthy and Gil is very very positive.

Ted thinks we will have one of the best back courts in the NBA with Wall, Gil and Kirk.

High on McGee. We will be a team that runs the floor. Wall will make everyone better.

Trust in Ted.

[Rafael122]

So Ted basically confirmed Ernie was ordered by Abe to do that trade?

[verbal8]

So Ted basically confirmed Ernie was ordered by Abe to do that trade?

Of course hindsight is 20/20, but it still seems like it was not the best move. Given that the pick had to be traded, it would have been better to acquire other players.

It would have been a lot better for both sides if the Wizards had traded for Amare, even if it cost both Jamison and Butler in addition to the pick. Butler and Jamison would have replaced a decent amount of Amare's production. It would have been great for the Suns to have an heir apparent to Steve Nash(if they picked Rubio). Of course you could argue that for this year, the best thing would have been to draft Curry and Blair. Jennings may have been as good as Curry, but was more of a risk.

On the other hand at least the wasted asset was only last years draft pick rather than future picks.

[Ji]

Abe Pollin traded Chris Webber, Ricky Rubio and Ben Wallace basically for Mitch Richmond,Foye,Mike Miller,Ike Austin and Otis Thorpe

[hands11]

Interesting how things work.

Had we drafted Ricky, would we had gone for wall. We would also of had Blair.. Or would could have gotten Curry. If we did, would Nick still be here or would be he auditioning for SF.

Would we have gone for Wes Johnson on a trade down this year ? I'm going to keep my eye peeled on this kid. I think in a few years he is going to be a star. Maybe a big one. He needs to work on this ball handling but I think everything else is there.

This gets to the point of having a great owner. You can't waste a 5th pick on a one year retail of two players. Under Ted, that would never happen.

[dangermouse]

High on McGee. We will be a team that runs the floor. Wall will make everyone better.

Well, on one end of the floor... I'd prefer a big man coach as well though. And a personal trainer. And a dietician (nothing but protein shakes and doughnuts).

[fishercob]

From Ted's blog last week:

Some Business News from the Washington Wizards
July 23rd, 2010

The Capitals have received recognition from the NHL and customer satisfaction survey as offering the best season ticket holder (STH) benefits in the NHL. Our mission is to make the Washington Wizards STH benefits and experience the NBA league leader.We are really trying to win back former Wizards season ticket holders and to bring in to the family new Wizards fans.

Season ticket sales are the life blood of our franchise. We need to book fans for all of our games in their seats in a loud and proud building. An exciting atmosphere helps our team to play better and helps us to be able to afford to pay the players. The building configuration for basketball is quite different for hockey and it has created some new ideas that we can pursue.

This virtuous cycle is what sports and sports marketing is all about. Thank you for all of your support to date and for considering the purchase of season tickets.

We have been very active and very successful in the last month in new sales. Last night we held an open house and we sold close to 100 new season tickets. We have been one of the top selling clubs in the NBA for the last month!

I just completed a mailing to former season ticket holders. I pleaded our case: We want you back.

Read more here: http://www.tedstake.com/

[montestewart]

Leonsis needs to do something about this:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/ ... oncessions

Verizon Center is the only professional sports venue on this map outside of Florida to have a >75% violation rates among food vendors, and it stands alone as the only venue with a 100% violation rates among food vendors.

So the $6 hot dog that's somehow burnt on the outside and cold on the inside, in a bun that's somehow both soggy and stale, is also served in a facility littered w/ mouse droppings. How pleasant.

[fishercob]

He will. How awful must it have been to have been in his shoes, known about the problems, and been powerless to do anything because he was merely a tenant in WS&E's building. I think they're going to invest so heavily in the VC that we won't recognize it in five years,

[hands11]

Ted is committed to making things better. Cup holder in the stalls is just the start. With all those people there ready to eat, no reason to no have good food and good services.


Actually, no reason to charge more than regular food prices. They are high enough to make good money.

[Rafael122]

Steps have been painted red at Verizon Center. Hopefully he changes the color of the seats but that may take awhile.

[sfam]

I feel lots better about getting stuffed at Fudruckers prior to going to games now. Every now and then I buy food there, but I think it will now be a lot less frequently, unless I hear something has been done to fix this.