Wizards in the Media Thread

[20MexicanosIn1Van]

Is might just be me and my homerism, but it seems that whenever John Wall talks to reporters he is really being himself. It just doesn't seem like his answers are phony and engineered to maximize the appeal of his "brand". I like that. That's a guy I can cheer for.

[Wizardspride]

Is might just be me and my homerism, but it seems that whenever John Wall talks to reporters he is really being himself. It just doesn't seem like his answers are phony and engineered to maximize the appeal of his "brand". I like that. That's a guy I can cheer for.

It's not just your "homerism" speaking.

From everything I've seen/heard, Wall seems to be a well grounded kid who doesn't have to put on a front.

Unlike a certain member of the Miami Heat.

[AceDegenerate]

John Wall in NBA 2K11

[Wizardspride]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=17258

New followers of the NBA over the past three seasons are more than likely to identify Gilbert Arenas by his trendy suit collection and not as the prolific scoring guard that tore through the league from 2005-2007, averaging 27.7 points and taking no prisoners in the process.

Entering the 2011 season Arenas is no longer considered the face of the Wizards organization --- at least by the media. That distinction and the future of the franchise has now been placed on the lightning fast legs and electric playmaking ability of John Wall, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 Draft.

The descent from being referenced as one of the game's elite players to being mentioned in daily trade talk and branded as damaged goods has been swift and surprisingly widely accepted.

But the one impressive trait that lies in Arenas' past is his ability to turn once hardcore doubters and skeptics into believers. Arenas, the No. 30 overall pick in the 2001 draft, was passed by franchises that selected players such as Rodney White, Kedrick Brown, Kirk Haston, Joe Forte and Raul Lopez.

No one expected Arenas to emerge as a quality NBA starter let alone be in the conversation with the elite. But a strong work ethic transformed him from an unknown combo guard out of the University of Arizona into a three-time All-Star and All-NBA selection before turning 26 years old. This success led to the Wizards re-signing him to a six-year, $111 million contract at the end of the 2007 season even though he tore his MCL a few months prior.

Arenas played a combined 15 games during the 2008 and 2009 campaigns and often looked slow and sluggish, posting an 18.5 point scoring average. In 2010, he suited up for 32 contests before being suspended by NBA commissioner David Stern for a handgun infraction. Before the off-the-court setback Arenas was averaging a 22.6 points and a career-high 7.2 assists per game.

Although his timing still appeared to be off and his point production didn't match the pre-injury levels, his knee held up remarkably well, playing 36.5 minutes per night.

That's why writing off Arenas at this point is premature and dangerous.

The pressure will be on Wall from day one to prove his worth as a number one pick. Even if you don't think Wall has moved into Arenas' former slot as team leader, that transition is inevitable. But let's be clear: the play of Arenas will be the key factor that ultimately decides if the Wizards will be returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

The first question asked in regards to an Arenas / Wall backcourt is whether the two can exist. The follow up question usually posed is whether Arenas would accept relinquishing the primary ball handling duties to a 19-year-old rookie without a made-for-television drama ensuing.

Although Arenas is sometimes described as aloof he has demonstrated in the past he understands the big picture. Back in 2007, the Wizards originally offered him a max deal worth $127 million over six years before the star signed for $111 million --- leaving $16.5 million on the table.

"What can I do for my family with $127 million that I can't do with $111 million? I'm basically giving back $16 million. You see players take max deals and they financially bind their teams. I don't want to be one of those players and three years down the road your team is strapped and can't do anything about it," explained Arenas to The Washington Times after deciding to take less money.

Arenas' understanding and flowing with the big picture has helped numerous teammates in the past take their careers to the next level. Former teammate and current Dallas Maverick small forward Caron Butler stated the following during the 2007 season: "Everybody who plays alongside him has career years. Look at Larry Hughes. He had a career year playing with Gilbert. Antawn Jamison was selected for the all-star team."

Additionally, often lost in translation is the fact that Arenas was never a natural point guard. He's a volume scorer that rose to prominence due to his aggressive offensive repertoire. In fact, at the pro level Arenas has been a point guard in title only.

Moving over to shooting guard at this stage of his career would be an easy transition with little to no learning curve (Arenas played shooting guard at Arizona). With Wall operating as the team's floor general, the switch will allow him to concentrate fully on the strength that made him a star --- scoring points. According to Michael Lee of The Washington Post, Arenas reached out to Wall last month and talked to the rookie on a variety of subjects ranging from game preparation to physical conditioning.

It's just another reason why Arenas is poised for a strong bounce back is the looming reduction of workload.

No longer will Arenas be required to handle 85-90 percent of the ball handling duties with the expectation that he also provide 25-28 points in the process. The lesser role on the team in this instance should help Arenas get back into the groove quicker, especially with his undeniable court rust stemming from the major knee injury and off court troubles in recent years.

Sometimes physical rest is the best recipe for extending an athlete's career. During the 2005 and 2006 seasons, Arenas ranked third (40.9) and first (42.3) respectively in minutes per game.

Arenas trained in Chicago this summer under the watchful eyes of Tim Grover, whose best known for keeping Michael Jordan in prime physical conditioning. The reports surfacing from those who've witnessed the former All-Star on the comeback trail is that he has lost weight and has regained his explosiveness.

Once blessed with one of the quickest first steps off the dribble in the game, Arenas' knee problems limited his ability to attack the basket at will which effectively forced him to become more reliant on his perimeter game.

Wizards owner Ted Leonsis witnessed Arenas' play during a recent pickup game at the Verizon Center. Leonsis wrote the following analysis on his personal blog: "It was quite a show and quite a display of talent. Gilbert looked trim, fit and explosive. His shot was sweet and he did one left handed dunk that was something to see. It had everyone talking. I was impressed and am happy."

There's no doubt that Wall represents the future of pro basketball in the nation's capital, but the current success of the organization relies heavily on the surgically repaired knee of Arenas, who has been taking his offseason regimen seriously and showed the maturity of a true veteran by reaching out to Wall.

At 28, we must reiterate that Arenas averaged nearly 23 points last season when most felt his timing and quickness were subpar. Only ten other players averaged more points last year, a down year, which still puts him in rarified air. There's no reason a stronger bounce back isn't in store --- immediately.

[closg00]

http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/artic ... ts/3183614

[queridiculo]

Great **** premise that article has. Shouldn't that logic apply to just about every rookie candidate?

Jeez, like the course of the boulez isn't strong enough, now two bit publications have to jinx this team too.

[dobrojim]

I liked the hoopshype piece and while most of the Lee piece
that was printed in today's Post was reasonably good, I have to
disagree with this quote near the end,

"His fourth comeback will be underway in two weeks, but since the Wizards' fortunes no longer reside in Arenas's ability to play at an elite level, success will be measured mostly in his ability to conform. That still is a lot to expect of him."

I would argue that a great deal of the Wizards fortunes reside in Arenas'
ability to play at or near an all-nba (or at least allstar) level.

[Wizardspride]

Click on the link to read the rest.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/wizard ... rt-ii.html

Training camp concerns Part II: What will Andray Blatche do for an encore?

It took Andray Blatche five years to become an overnight sensation. Despite being 6-feet-11 with considerable athleticism and a unique skill set, Blatche was little more than a tease in his first few seasons in Washington. But the final 32 games of last season were an affirmation of the potential that Blatche's teammates and coaches privately said he always possessed.

Blatche made a number of changes before last season, but remained inconsistent through the first few months. But after the Wizards gutted the roster and shipped out Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison and Brendan Haywood before the trade deadline, Blatche went on to average 22.1 points on 48.5 percent shooting, with 8.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.5 steals and left opposing players and coaches praising his abilities along the way.

The 24-year-old Blatche had 12 double-doubles and scored in double figures in all but one game -- when he got into a spat with Coach Flip Saunders and was benched the final three quarters of a loss to Indiana after refusing to talk his coach in order to re-enter the game. That incident led to more questions about Blatche's maturity, while this summer led to more questions about his reliability. An offseason in which he was expected to build on his incredible finish was stalled when he broke the fifth metatarsal in his right foot last June.

The injury was a setback for Blatche, who made improving his physique his primary focus and still was able to maintain his weight despite limited mobility. He just wasn't able to work on improving and expanding his game.

After having his protective boot removed nearly three weeks ago, Blatche started running last week and hopes to be ready in time for training camp -- although the Wizards don't want to rush him. Saunders will likely encourage Blatche to take his time, so that Blatche can be healthy when it really counts.

[MF23]

Congratulations to the "young fella" Ralph Wesley on becoming the new PA announcer for the Wizards. I've liked him since he was programming the Doc Walker show.

[dlts20]

Some Wiz guys scrimmaging wit eachother. Seraphin has a beast looking body. I could see him being another Nene except Nene has the better O and he has the better D. Gil standing on the sidelines with the big beard & red shorts. I love the Hinrich signing but if NY proves to be the better player then I think he should get a real chance to be the 3rd guard over Kirk

http://www.nba.com/wizards/video/originals/

[verbal8]

Some Wiz guys scrimmaging wit eachother. Seraphin has a beast looking body. I could see him being another Nene except Nene has the better O and he has the better D. Gil standing on the sidelines with the big beard & red shorts. I love the Hinrich signing but if NY proves to be the better player then I think he should get a real chance to be the 3rd guard over Kirk

http://www.nba.com/wizards/video/originals/

I think the ideal would be to have Hinrich start the season as a steady back-up PG for when Wall has an off game. Hopefully by the trade deadline Wall has gotten established and Hinrich can be moved(even if only for an expiring).

[closg00]

Late posting this, I appreciated the effort from these guys.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=17285

[Wizardspride]

http://www.bulletsforever.com/2010/9/21 ... #storyjump

Wizards and Hamady N’Diaye are slowly making progress

The Wizards are less than 6 days 8 hours and 40 minutes from starting training camp - thanks to the team's countdown clock. As of this moment, they still have not signed their second-round pick Hamady N'Diaye. However, according to N'Diaye's agent, Keith Glass, there has been some "progress."

According to his agent, N'Diaye is currently in Washington working out with members of the team. The Wizards and Keith Glass are having, what he describes as, "amicable discussions." Glass said that the Wizards have sent through a one year agreement. It is believed that the agreement is at the league minimum. Glass feels that a one year agreement helps N'Diaye, as it can open up his options following the season.

Keith Glass expects Hamady N'Diaye to enter training camp with the Wizards next week. However, if for some unexpected reason an agreement is not reached with the Wizards, N'Diaye and Glass are open to opportunities in Europe. Ultimately, their highest priority is placing Hamady with a good team that will allow him to further his career, and as Glass said, "with a requisite salary. "

Bullets Forever reached out to the Wizards front office, but team policy prevents them from commenting on the situation.

[closg00]

http://www.bulletsforever.com/2010/9/21/1702377/wizards-and-hamady-ndiaye-are#storyjump

Wizards and Hamady N’Diaye are slowly making progress

The Wizards are less than 6 days 8 hours and 40 minutes from starting training camp - thanks to the team's countdown clock. As of this moment, they still have not signed their second-round pick Hamady N'Diaye. However, according to N'Diaye's agent, Keith Glass, there has been some "progress."

According to his agent, N'Diaye is currently in Washington working out with members of the team. The Wizards and Keith Glass are having, what he describes as, "amicable discussions." Glass said that the Wizards have sent through a one year agreement. It is believed that the agreement is at the league minimum. Glass feels that a one year agreement helps N'Diaye, as it can open up his options following the season.

Keith Glass expects Hamady N'Diaye to enter training camp with the Wizards next week. However, if for some unexpected reason an agreement is not reached with the Wizards, N'Diaye and Glass are open to opportunities in Europe. Ultimately, their highest priority is placing Hamady with a good team that will allow him to further his career, and as Glass said, "with a requisite salary. "

Bullets Forever reached out to the Wizards front office, but team policy prevents them from commenting on the situation.

Thx for the update. Obviously the Wiz would prefer that N'Diaye get an offer overseas so-as to take him off of our hands and move-forward with signing Sean Marks or Orberto. Having Hamady on the team ensures that JaVale and Seraphin will get most of the burn, this won't be the case if we O or Marks.

[JWizmentality]

Ugh...I can't believe our best option was Sean freakin Marks. Oh sweet jebus.

[dobrojim]

i'm surprised there have been no comments or even a thread on the report
in the Post this morning that Stern has put the clamps on any
further discussion of the infamous gun incident by Gil or the
Wizards.

I wonder if this prohibition precludes the long anticipated
apology to the fans for everything that happened.

[JWizmentality]

i'm surprised there have been no comments or even a thread on the report
in the Post this morning that Stern has put the clamps on any
further discussion of the infamous gun incident by Gil or the
Wizards.

I wonder if this prohibition precludes the long anticipated
apology to the fans for everything that happened.

viewtopic.php?f=35&t=1050416&start=120

[closg00]

"I tell people one of the best things that ever happened to me, was I got Kevin Garnett when he was young, so he hadn't picked up any bad habits, so whatever you teach him, he thinks that's the way it's supposed to be," Saunders said. "So he picked up, not only the habits, but also respect of the game. What you hope happens, you hope you can give these guys that opportunity and explain what it's all about."

Again with the KG references

[closg00]

An opposing team's scout sizes up the Wizards

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/b ... z13JJdzAwv

[Wizardspride]

Click on the link to read the rest.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... 02775.html

Cartier Martin, Lester Hudson, Hamady Ndiaye can breathe easier as 'cut day' nears for Wizards

Cartier Martin grabbed a seat near Lester Hudson in the locker room at Toledo's Huntington Center after the Washington Wizards concluded their preseason with a loss to the Detroit Pistons. The topic of conversation was the same one they'd addressed several times this month, in hotels, on the team bus or the team plane: whether they would survive.

"We just weren't sure," Martin said. "We didn't know which way they want to go."

Their uneasiness after the loss was understandable, with Hudson missing all five of his shots and committing two turnovers and Martin playing just 28 seconds. For two players on non-guaranteed contracts, those weren't the final impressions they wanted to leave with the Wizards.

"You're nervous," Hudson said. "We kind of joked about it. 'Cut day coming up.' "

Coach Flip Saunders gave the team the next day off, but there was still plenty of anxiety for both players - and rookie Hamady Ndiaye - until they arrived at practice on Thursday and received word that the Wizards had cut Adam Morrison and Sean Marks. And now Martin, Hudson and Ndiaye can rest a little easier because their names will be on the Wizards' 15-day opening day roster that will be submitted to the league office by 5 p.m. on Monday.